Printable Biography of Sir Ken Robinson

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Your organization has to find new ways to succeed in a world that is changing faster than ever before. For all of us, long-term success will depend more and more on continuous creativity and consistent innovation. Sir Ken Robinson is a world-renowned speaker on how to make this happen. He is truly inspirational, with an unrivalled ability to convey powerful messages with extraordinary warmth, passion and wit. Before moving to the United States, he was voted Business Speaker of the Year by over 200 global and European companies. In June 2003, he was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II for his outstanding achievements as a leader in creativity, education and the arts.

In 1998, he led a national commission on creativity, education and the economy for the UK Government. His report, All Our Future: Creativity, Culture and Education (The Robinson Report) was published to huge acclaim. The London Times said: "This report raises some of the most important issues facing business in the 21st century. It should have every CEO and human resources director thumping the table and demanding action". He was the central figure in a strategy for creative and economic development as part of the Peace Process in Northern Ireland. Politicians from of all parties adopted his blueprint for change, Unlocking Creativity. He was one of four international advisors to the Singapore Government for its strategy to become the creative hub of South East Asia.

He speaks to audiences throughout the world on the creative challenges facing business and education in the new global economies. Sir Ken's core message is that the key to the future, for all organizations, lies in new approaches to developing the creative talents of all their people - and not just "the creatives". He identifies the major myths about creativity that hold organizations back and the proven strategies for innovation that drive the great ones forward. He teaches them how to unlock their creativity and to sustain innovation in a long term, systematic way.

In his inspiring, provocative and uniquely funny presentations, he draws from worldwide practical experience and cutting edge research in science, business and the arts. But each is tailored individually for each client and event. He reviews carefully the papers for each group and focuses directly on the specific issues and challenges they face. He is a skilled storyteller with a rare gift for insightful connections and for making the big picture easy to grasp. With great personal warmth, intellectual clarity, and the skills and timing of a stand up comedian, he delivers core ideas and techniques that will make innovation in your organization a habit rather than an accident, and take you to new levels of creative success. 

Programs:
Out of our Minds: Learning to be Creative

There is a paradox. Throughout the world, companies and organizations are trying to compete in a world of economic and technological change that is moving faster than ever. They urgently need people who are creative, innovative and flexible. Too often they can't find them. Why is this? What's the real problem - and what should be done about it? In this keynote address, Sir Ken Robinson addresses three vital questions for all organizations that have a serious strategic interest in creativity and innovation.

· Why is it essential to promote creativity? Governments, companies and organizations are concerned as never before with promoting creativity and innovation. Why is this so essential? What's the price of failure? · Why is it necessary to develop creativity? Why do so many adults think they're not creative (and not very intelligent)? Most children are buzzing with ideas. What happens to them as they grow up? · What should companies do? Is everyone creative or just a select few? Can creativity be developed? If so, how? What are the benefits of success?

Sir Ken will argue that organizations are trying to fix a downstream problem that originates in schools and universities. Most people leave education with no idea what their real abilities are. He will outline what businesses can do immediately to recover their creative resources. He will also argue for radical changes in how we think about intelligence and creativity and in how we educate people to meet the extraordinary challenges of living and working in the 21st century.

Creativity - The New Bottom Line: · The rate of change and the odds of survival · Understanding change: science, technology and shifting populations · Systemic creativity - what it is and why it's essential · The price of failure - the prize of success · The War for Talent - are creative leaders born or made? · The three myths of creativity · The three elements of corporate creativity

You're Smarter Than You Think - The Intelligence Of Creativity: · Why so many people think they're not creative · The legacies of education and how to overcome them · The myths of academic ability and IQ · Knowing your mind - the variety of intelligence · Assessing your creative capacities - and those you work with · Finding your medium · The skills of creativity

Unlocking The Genius Of Creative Groups: · The dynamics of creative groups · Why two minds are better than one · Why brainstorming isn't enough · The two modes of the creative process · Personality types and group dynamics · Unlocking the genius of groups

Leading The Creative Company: · The features of creative companies · Cultivating corporate creativity · Life cycle of innovative organizations - keep young and beautiful · Harnessing creative capacity · Rewarding the radicals · Sustaining the culture of creativity