Charlene Li

Charlene Li is an expert on digital transformation, disruptive leadership, customer experience, and the future of work. Li has spent three decades as an author, analyst, and entrepreneur, exploring and explaining the impact of emerging technologies such as the Internet and artificial intelligence on business and society.

With experience in newspapers during the 1990s, Li launched consumer events, trained advertising sales teams on internet advertising, and guided the transition from print to online publishing. She further developed her expertise as a research director and principal researcher at Forrester Research, focusing on digital transformation and technology strategy.

Li founded Altimeter Group, a competitor in the analyst firm sector, which was later acquired by Prophet. She also served as chief research officer at PA Consulting, leading the company’s thought leadership program. Li currently leads Quantum Networks Group. Throughout her career, she has worked with hundreds of companies, including Adobe and Southwest Airlines, and has advised 49 of the Fortune 100 companies on digital strategy and innovation.

Li is the New York Times bestselling author of six books, including "The Disruption Mindset," "Open Leadership," and "Groundswell." Her book "Winning with AI: The 90-Day Blueprint for Success" outlines strategies for artificial intelligence adoption. She has also co-authored titles such as "The Seven Success Factors of Social Business Strategy," focusing on aligning business strategies with social media.

Her writing bridges the gap between emerging technology and practical leadership, making complex concepts accessible to executives and organizations navigating rapid change.

Li has been recognized by Fast Company as one of the most creative people in business and named one of the Top 50 Leadership Innovators by Inc. She graduated magna cum laude from Harvard College and received an MBA from Harvard Business School. Li has also been recognized as a LinkedIn Top Voice on Culture.

She is frequently quoted in The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, USA Today, Reuters, and The Associated Press, and has shared her expertise on 60 Minutes, The McNeil NewsHour, ABC News, CNN, and CNBC.

An experienced speaker, Li has delivered keynote addresses at venues such as the World Economic Forum, TED, and South by Southwest. Whether guiding executives through AI strategy or helping organizations develop a disruption mindset, Li provides analytical rigor and entrepreneurial experience to audiences navigating digital transformation and innovation.