Erik Qualman
Erik Qualman is a globally recognized AI keynote speaker, digital leadership expert, and 5x #1 bestselling author who has spoken in over 60 countries and reached more than 60 million people. He helps organizations turn rapid change into competitive advantage by focusing on what matters most—how humans and AI work better together.
Known for helping leaders future-proof themselves in an AI-powered world, Erik goes beyond the hype to deliver practical, actionable insights that move audiences from awareness to action.
A former Silicon Valley executive and professor at Harvard and MIT’s edX Labs, he currently teaches Digital Leadership & AI at Northwestern University. His work sits at the intersection of innovation, leadership, and emerging technology.
Erik’s high-energy, interactive keynotes are designed to move audiences to action—literally and figuratively. Attendees often wear his signature green glasses as a reminder to focus on the future and prioritize big over busy.
Featured on 60 Minutes and in The Wall Street Journal, his work has been used by organizations ranging from Google to the FBI. He was voted the 2nd Most Likely Author in the World behind the Harry Potter series, and his “Things Happen for You, Not to You” commencement address is one of the most watched in the world.
This isn’t a lecture—it’s an experience. Audiences wear his signature green glasses, laugh, engage, and leave with clarity on how to focus on big vs. busy.
Qualman’s insights have been featured on 60 Minutes and in The Wall Street Journal, and adopted by organizations including Google, NASA, and the FBI. Qualman’s viral commencement speech on “Things Happen for You, Not to You” continues to inspire millions worldwide.
Erik Qualman is a globally recognized AI keynote speaker, digital leadership expert, and 5x #1 bestselling author who has spoken in over 60 countries and reached more than 60 million people. He helps organizations turn rapid change into competitive advantage by focusing on what matters most—how humans and AI work better together.
Known for helping leaders future-proof themselves in an AI-powered world, Erik goes beyond the hype to deliver practical, actionable insights that move audiences from awareness to action.
A former Silicon Valley executive and professor at Harvard and MIT’s edX Labs, he currently teaches Digital Leadership & AI at Northwestern University. His work sits at the intersection of innovation, leadership, and emerging technology.
Erik’s high-energy, interactive keynotes are designed to move audiences to action—literally and figuratively. Attendees often wear his signature green glasses as a reminder to focus on the future and prioritize big over busy.
Featured on 60 Minutes and in The Wall Street Journal, his work has been used by organizations ranging from Google to the FBI. He was voted the 2nd Most Likely Author in the World behind the Harry Potter series, and his “Things Happen for You, Not to You” commencement address is one of the most watched in the world.
This isn’t a lecture—it’s an experience. Audiences wear his signature green glasses, laugh, engage, and leave with clarity on how to focus on big vs. busy.
Qualman’s insights have been featured on 60 Minutes and in The Wall Street Journal, and adopted by organizations including Google, NASA, and the FBI. Qualman’s viral commencement speech on “Things Happen for You, Not to You” continues to inspire millions worldwide.
Digital Leadership: Future Proofing You and Your Organization
Leaders this digital decade are made—not born. We don’t have a choice on whether we transform, the choice is how well we do it. The key is understanding & never forgetting the powerful harmony between the offline and online. While technology changes every second; human nature never does.
Based on profound and practical research, Qualman showcases the 5 Habits that drive success & happiness for employees, partners, and customers. Qualman reveals new...
How to Focus In An Unfocused World | Big vs. Busy
It seems impossible to focus in this unfocused world. Yet, the main difference between winners and losers in this era of quantum change and distraction is … Focus. Winners are constantly focusing on BIG things versus BUSY things. While it sounds simple, it’s not easy.
The #1 killer of promising careers, teams, and businesses is a lack of focus. We either try to do too much, get easily distracted, or put our time, treasures, and talent into the wrong...
Artificial Intelligence: Transforming Your Future… Today
We don't have a choice on whether we digitally transform via AI. The choice is how well we do it. As a leading futurist, professor, and author, Erik Qualman is at the forefront of the AI revolution and the impact it’s having across all sectors.
The key is not only leveraging AI, social media, IoT, mobile, AI, and Blockchain, but more importantly, understanding how they work together to drive successful outcomes like winning customers, employee...
Innovation by Design: Being The Disruptor vs The Disrupted
To ensure you are the disruptor versus the disrupted, you must understand societal shifts and instill a culture of creativity around them. This session looks at key future trends and their impact on your organization. Qualman provides the roadmap for your organization’s continual transformation by fostering a culture of daily innovation. After all, most innovation is evolutionary versus revolutionary. Leap over the competition by landing on a foundation of progressive and practical...
Socialnomics: Winning Customers’ Hearts + Minds at Scale
Based on his #1 Bestseller, Qualman dives into the powerful concept of Socialnomics. Word of Mouth is on digital steroids and has transformed into World-of-Mouth. Organizations must learn the new rules of social, mobile, and beyond or they will miss this once-in-a-generation opportunity to earn customers’ loyalty and drive long-term success. Socialnomics is the key to winning customers’ hearts, minds, and wallets.
Erik’s supporting books: Socialnomics,...
17 recommend Erik
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GTDC
On-Site
A.S., Director, Planning & Operations, GTDC
We couldn't have been more pleased with choosing Erik Qualman as a Keynote for our 2018 Summit! His presentation and presence at the event was AMAZING!!! He has a wonderful energy and a presentation that truly resonates with the attendees. His interaction with conference participants during the book signing was also quite extraordinary for a speaker of his caliber. He personally connected with each and every person, and created an infectious positive buzz for our closing day!
STARBUCKS
On-Site
S., STARBUCKS
His depth of insight and breadth of examples have prompted us to shift our thinking on leadership
SONY PLAYSTATION
On-Site
S.P., SONY PLAYSTATION
Equalman raised the bar to a new high that few will be able to match. His presentation delivered a perfect mix of thought leadership, trends, and the building blocks required to thrive in this digital era
FBI
On-Site
F., FBI
Qualman was dynamic and inspiring. We appreciated that he tailored his presentation to suit our agency and office
Disney
On-Site
D., Disney
Wow!
NYU Stern
On-Site
., NYU Stern
Qualman is to digital leadership what Deming is to quality and Drucker is to management.
ADP
On-Site
., SVP of Sales, ADP
Equalman's presentation was the most important business presentation — in terms of immediate impact in how I approach my job in sales — that I have sat through in 10 years!
Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA)
On-Site
., Head of Events, Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA)
I have been planning meetings and conventions for over 20 years and Erik is by far one of my favorite speakers.
Coach
On-Site
., Coach
Qualman brought us up-to-the-minute knowledge of digital trends in an entertaining and inspirational way. He also helped us see the relevance of those trends to our current and future business.
Credit Suisse
On-Site
., Credit Suisse
We are looking forward to welcoming Qualman again.
Bertelsmann
On-Site
., Bertelsmann
Qualman was the perfect kick off - a motivating and entertaining speaker, our participants were thrilled by his engagement and insights on digital trends affecting business and society.
Eli Lilly
On-Site
., Eli Lilly
Qualman continues to advance strategic insight in a digital world. He helps us execute our jobs.
SMG
On-Site
., CEO, SMG
Qualman Rocked It!
Hyatt
On-Site
., Global VP Sales, Hyatt
In an hour, Erik took us through the fast and immediate world of digital communication while delivering an inspirational message on how to get noticed professionally, improve personal brand image and how to be “FLAWSOME!” through the new rules of reputation. Thank you for your time and personally interacting after your presentation with each of our customers. Your time spent with us was inspirational and valuable.
BlackRock
On-Site
., BlackRock
Qualman tailored his thoughts & ideas to our industry with thought provoking and clear views, outstanding delivery - we are thrilled to work with Erik in the future.
Whirlpool
On-Site
., Whirlpool
Our team can't stop talking about your remarks. They were inspiring, insightful, and engaging.
National Confectioners Association
On-Site
., National Confectioners Association
Wow! Oh wow, is he amazing!
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