Erik Qualman is a globally recognized keynote speaker on AI, digital leadership, focus, and the future of work. He is a 5x #1 bestselling author and has spoken in over 60 countries and reached more than 60 million people while earning a 4.9 rating out of 5 for motivating his audiences. Qualman helps organizations turn change into a competitive advantage.

He is known for helping leaders and teams future-proof themselves in an AI-powered world—focusing not just on technology, but on the human behaviors that drive success.

A former Silicon Valley executive and sitting professor at Harvard and MIT’s edX Labs, he earned an honorary doctorate for his groundbreaking work. Qualman currently teaches Digital Leadership & AI at Northwestern University. His work sits at the intersection of innovation, leadership, and emerging technology, with a practical focus on moving to action.

His high-energy, interactive keynotes move audiences to action—literally and figuratively. Attendees wear his signature green glasses as a reminder to focus on the future—thinking big versus busy—creating a memorable experience that blends insights with fun.

His work has been featured on 60 Minutes and in The Wall Street Journal, and 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. Qualman’s Socialnomics work has been deployed by Nordstrom to the National Guard to NASA. His commencement address on “Things Happen for You, Not to You” is one of the most-watched in the world on YouTube.