Travels from New York, USA
Josh Klein's speaking fee falls within range: $15,000 to $20,000
Life-long expert on the use of hacking and innovation to create and solve social systems and industries, Josh Klein has served as a consultant on innovation and cyber security to the CIA, FBI, NSA, and the State Department, as well as Microsoft, Oracle, AT&T, and many others. He is also the celebrated author of Roo’d, Hacking Work: Breaking Stupid Rules for Smart Results and Reputation Economics: Why Who You Know Is Worth More Than What You Have.
Klein is a hacker—someone willing to take apart a system in order to create new opportunities. In the traditional engineering sense, a “hack” is a clever re-use or repurposing of technology or systems to achieve a new, superior result. So, he isn’t simply a hacker, he’s an innovator who likes to tinker with (and take apart) everything, reassembling the pieces into better, more effective constructions.
He does this with everything: from social systems, computer networks, institutions, and consumer hardware to animal behavior and beyond. Klein knows that the greatest innovations come from rethinking ordinary situations. Through re-imagining, repurposing, and re-engineering hackers can herald global improvements by being exactly who they are.
Josh Klein is the quintessential hacker – a cross-disciplinary, pattern recognizing polymath who takes his greatest joy from combining the unexpected and seeing the results work in new and better ways.
Josh Klein is a passionate hacker of all things. He examines systems, he takes them apart, and he puts different pieces together to produce something new and more effective. He hacks. Everything. His list includes social systems, computer networks, institutions, consumer hardware, animal behavior, and many more. Josh knows that the greatest innovations come from rethinking ordinary situations, or hacking; a do-it-yourself movement with roots inside the engineering community.
Josh started as a technology hacker in his parent’s basement and ended up working with leaders at the upper echelon of business, government, and internet security. Along the way it became clear that a tipping point in new technology was changing commerce as we knew it in a myriad of ways.
From black market economies to cryptocurrencies impact on Web 3.0, from the radical departures in exchange and marketing enabled by Big Data to the as-yet-unrealized impact of 3D printing and the Internet of Things, Josh has specialized in translating technology insights into actionable strategies for business leaders.
Josh’s TED Talk about the intelligence of crows is fascinating. He brings ten years worth of research together with examples of new, intelligent behavior from the crows in an educational, entertaining talk.
Josh began his research over ten years ago because, “I started noticing that we are very aware of all the species that are going extinct on the planet as a result of human habitation expansion. No one seems to be paying attention to all the species that are actually living- that are surviving. I’m talking specifically about synanthropic species, which are species that have adapted specifically for human ecologies, species like rats, cockroaches, and crows.”
“They’re learning from each other. And research bears this out. [Crow parents] seem to be teaching their young. They’ve learned from their peers, they’ve learned from their enemies. The point is that they’ve developed cultural adaptation, and that’s the Pandora’s Box that’s getting human beings in trouble.”
Josh Klein talks at Google about “Reputation Economics: Why Who You Know is Worth More Than What You Have.” He starts off by asking, “What is your mother worth? The reason I want you to ask yourself what it means to you is that I think it is going to determine your wealth for the next five to twenty years.”
He answers this odd opening question by saying that: “The first way that most people answer that question is to say ‘whatever people will pay for her.’ Now that sounds a little bit naughty, but if you think about it from a capitalist perspective, it’s pretty typical. If you are Hallmark, you’d say your mom is worth $1.50 because that’s what it costs for them to acquire her as a customer. If you run a retirement home, you might decide she’s worth quite a bit more because of the amount of money she’ll spend over her staying with you. So, breaking things down into cost is actually a pretty intuitive, normal way of valuing goods, services and people today.”
Josh Klein’s programs center on the concept of “hacking.” Josh is attempting to bring the term back from its long-time negative association (the execution of malicious computer attacks) to a more positive approach.
He emphasizes the unorthodox reworking of current systems for mutual benefit across multiple sectors of industry and society. His talks are engaging and informative to audiences everywhere, as they take facts and systems that are well known and turn them around to create new, innovative ideas.
INNOVATION IN PRACTICE
Buying a startup, hiring hot talent, or licensing a new technology doesn’t do you any good if you can’t incorporate it properly into your organization. Learn how world-changing technologies like E-Commerce, Mobile, and Big Data were used correctly... and badly. Real-world examples from the front lines of transformative technologies show you the pitfalls to avoid along with how they can be managed by organizations at any stage to produce significant new growth.
HUMAN CAPITAL... ISN’T
We’re all familiar with the hiring conundrum - top talent is impossible to find or keep and bad apples are impossible to remove. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Come learn what the rise of the gig economy and changing expectations from truly innovative employees can mean for your organization, from exploiting synchronies in cross-compatible currencies to aligning meaning and motivation.
PEOPLE VS ROBOTS - HOW BOTH WILL WIN
The question is... how? From the gig economy to fully automated luxury capitalism, society is only just starting to respond to the tidal wave of disruption new technologies represent. Dig into the impact AI, Robotics, and Biologicals will have on your job and the work of your employees, and learn how to get ahead of the risk - and your competition - in maximizing the under-considered opportunities the shift to hyper-human skilling represents.
META VS GOEBBLES: HOW DOES TECH CONTROL US?
We know we’re more predictable than we suspect, but what does the scale and scope of data about us – as employees and consumers – mean for the evolution of business? Learn about the responsibilities this will entail, the risks of getting it wrong, and how to positively bring the impending era of hyper personalized modeling to bear on your existing (and future) markets.
THE INTERNET OF THINGS + AI
Distributed sensor networks (i.e., the IoT + AI) are changing how people live, what they buy, and how they relate. But nobody is closely examining what happens when you mix them together. This talk explores the two main sociopolitical directions that are taking off in exploiting the impossibly powerful mix of real-time, where-you-are algorithmic intelligence - and what it means for your business.
THE HUMAN SIDE OF AI
AI is revolutionizing businesses worldwide since ChatGPT's emergence in November 2022, and its impact is just beginning. This thought-provoking presentation offers practical insights on how AI is reshaping industries, transforming markets, and creating new imperatives for leaders. Real-world examples will illustrate the tangible benefits of AI, including increased efficiency, cost reduction, and enhanced productivity. We will also address ethical considerations, job displacement concerns, and biases, highlighting the importance of a responsible, human-centered approach to AI implementation.
Come explore how AI disrupts traditional markets, compelling leaders to adapt to stay competitive. Attendees will gain insights into fostering a culture of continuous learning and upskilling, empowering employees in an AI-driven world. Furthermore, we will emphasize the critical role of leaders in driving innovation, fostering collaboration between humans and AI systems, and inspiring purpose amidst technological change.
CYBERSECURITY: THE HUMAN VECTOR
Cybersecurity has evolved from lone wolves duking it out in sparse online forums to massively parallel cyber industrial complexes manned by nation states. As our attack surfaces shifted from individual servers to cloud infrastructures, from zero-day one-offs to massively sophisticated media ecologies, corporations became the sacrificial lambs.
The reason for this is people. Because the arms race between state actors has driven the speed and scale of cyberattacks to unprecedented new heights, increasingly the easiest way "in" is the soft squishy middle - the human element.
Come learn how evolving AI and analytical engines are producing insights into human manipulation at an incredible new level. Josh Klein walks you through the frightening - and myriad - ways in which corporations, countries, and common thieves are exploiting your very nature to change your behavior and steal your stuff.
Forewarned is forearmed - don't miss the chance to get ahead of potential attackers (and competitors) in using emerging technologies both defensively and ethically.
THE END OF THE GREAT STAGNATION
In 2011 economist Tyler Cowen published "The Great Stagnation," arguing that the American economy had reached a historical technological plateau which contributed to stagnation in the median American wage since 1973. In 2020 he argued that it was over. In the last year alone we have seen world-changing advances in technologies as diverse as AI and medicine and from drones to data analytics. The dynamism and disruption caused by these new capabilities hasn't even begun to be felt as, unseen by most behind the screen of the pandemic, fast-moving new companies are taking these technologies and running with them.
Drawing on his personal experiences on the front lines of E-Commerce, Mobile, and Cloud Computing as they emerged, Josh Klein walks your audience through key identifiers of transformative tech. By providing a framework for spotting trends, identifying opportunity, and shaping strategy, listeners will emerge vastly better prepared to make astute choices around emerging technology going forward.
The disruptions we've seen technology produce in the past had harbingers which mostly happened linearly. They happened, ironically, in a period of innovation draught. Now we're facing more cumulative opportunity and risks, with bigger impact and faster onset, and we're looking at them happening all at once. Hang on to your hats and bring a notepad - this is going to be a wild ride!
SPEAKING.COM: What do you want people to learn / take away from your presentations?
KLEIN: There are always event and industry-specific takeaways, or points relevant to particular technologies salient to the audience. On a broader note, I really want people to leave the room excited about the potential they have in their grasp to change the world. All of us have access to more technology, education, and communities of interest than at any time in human history. It’s tremendously exciting, and a massive opportunity.
SPEAKING.COM: What kind of special prep work do you do prior to an event? How to you prepare for your speaking engagements?
KLEIN: I have a bunch of bot services that dig up information about everyone attending, any past events, related content, and what’s trending by the participants on social media. This ensures I know what people are talking about before I get on stage. The most important thing I do though, is work with the organizers to make sure the presentation is rock-solid in terms of integrating with the event. My biggest goal is to make sure I present valuable content we both believe the participants will take home with them.
Otherwise, my favorite secret ninja presenter trick is to get to the event early enough to walk around and talk with folks as a participant. Getting a visceral feel for where people are in an event’s agenda, what topics or speakers have had a lingering impact, and what issues are *actually* buzzing around that day are all absolute gold for a presenter to work into his speech, and they make it immediate and tangible in a way nothing else can.
SPEAKING.COM: Have you had any particularly memorable speaking engagements / unusual situations arise while on the road?
KLEIN: I once taught a high-school soccer team how to snarf the network traffic on the on-board wifi network on a plane to Dallas, but I had to cut it short when the stewardesses started getting twitchy.
Otherwise, I’d say that speaking at the WEF’s Davos conference was definitely memorable, as was TED. There’s something about walking off a stage and having Peter Schwartz and Robin Williams competing to congratulate you that makes an impression.
SPEAKING.COM: What types of audiences would most benefit from your message?
KLEIN: Anyone who wants to improve their utilization of new and emerging technology. I’ve spoken to small-scale startups, nonprofits, schools, and rooms that were packed with Fortune 200 senior executives. My biggest impact comes when I get to pull back the curtain on emerging tech to people who sincerely want to change how they run their business.
SPEAKING.COM: Which of your keynote speaking topics are your favorites and why?
KLEIN: It sounds silly, but I don’t have one; the targets change too fast, and I customize my content too much to pick a single topic. I will say that I have favorite *audiences*, however. Those that consist of people who want to engage, who are going to ask thoughtful questions afterwards, and who seriously want to learn are always more fun.
SPEAKING.COM: What inspired you to start doing speaking engagements?
KLEIN: My first real speaking gig was on the TED main stage. I realized afterwards that I have a genetically mutation that allows me not to be bothered by speaking in public, plus it’s a whole lot of fun! After doing it for a few large-scale engagements, I discovered that it could also be a very effective way to move the needle on how people participate in and manage their businesses, something that I found hugely compelling.
SPEAKING.COM: How much do case studies, personal stories and/or humor factor into your keynote speech content?
KLEIN: Hugely!! Narrative is how human beings remember and make sense of the world, so it’s the first tool you need to use in making an effective presentation. Case studies are important to substantiate your case so people have a reference for each point. Humor is always helpful when talking about how technology will destroy people’s safety, business, and way of life.
Plus, having worked with some of the most powerful governments and corporations in the world, as well as with some of the most talented criminals, I have many fun and surprising stories to share. 🙂
SPEAKING.COM: What are some of the successes you’ve helped clients make?
KLEIN: Getting early-stage startups their first major round of funding is always a blast, as is working with a big company to create their first rapidly iterated internal startup effort.
Some of the most important successes are the most personal, however. I did a small event in Montreal once, shortly after the release of my second book, Hacking Work. Afterwards an older gentleman waited until everyone who had gathered for follow-up questions or book signings had left, and then quietly explained that he had to tell me that he thought I was “completely full of shit”. He’d said he’d worked for the same company for 24-and-a-half years, and what I was espousing was complete anarchy. He felt that he took care of his company, and his company took care of him.
A few months later he emailed me and explained who he was. He’d been three weeks from retiring and collecting his pension when we met, he said, and a week later he’d been fired under spurious pretensions so the company wouldn’t have to pay it. At first he’d despaired, but eventually he recalled my presentation, bought my book, and put it into action. When he emailed me he’d just finished his first couple weeks at a new job doing work he’d always wanted to do but never got around to trying for because of fear of losing his secure job.
I can’t claim credit for the work this man did nor for his amazing bravery in bootstrapping himself out of a horrible situation, but being able to be a part of his story has compelled me to work harder and reach farther with my own work than almost anything else I’ve done.
“Josh is a smart, captivating speaker who offers more than his thoughts on technology – he offers real accounts of his lived ′experiences hacking computers, cellphones, and even crows.′” – Douglas Rushkoff, Media Theorist
“My brain is still splattered against the wall from our meeting this morning.” – Nikole Yinger, Producer, Bloomberg TV
“Josh Klein will be one of the most exciting cultural players to watch in the coming decade; his personal fluidity between disciplines and movement of ideas across worlds both real and virtual, technological and creative, allows him to be a guide for those of us who are interested in being the architects of our own identity.” – Aimee Mullins, Speaker, Athlete, Actress
“I hack everything now. When I have an assignment, I think to myself ‘how can I hack this?’… It [the concept of hacking] has changed my life. Now when I do anything I ask myself – how can I hack this?” – Manleen Kaur , Student at Baruch College
“Normally I’m not captured by many keynotes but your presentation was awesome… and very scary. My attendees LOVED it! You were the talk of the conference. Thank you! ” – Steven Stout, Organizer, HITEC
“Josh Klein takes you on a journey that helps you escape the confines of traditional thinking and explore new ways of doing things that help you achieve results quicker and smarter.” – Marilyn Williams, Partnership Development Manager, Best Buy
“Josh Klein is a natural born storyteller with a real knack for capturing — and keeping — an audience engaged. Authentic and irreverent, it’s always a pleasure to see Josh on stage.” – Melissa Withers, Executive Director, Business Innovation Factory
“Josh is not only a hacker of work; he’s a hacker of speaking. He ignores conventions that suck energy out of a room and turn listeners to zombies. He opens eyes. He boggles minds. He doesn’t just tippy toe up to the edge, he hits it going 100 miles an hour. Hire this deviant to speak to your group. I dare you.” – Jim Ericson, founder, The Masters Forum
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Reputation Economics: Why Who You Know Is Worth More Than What You Have
As the internet has increasingly become more social, the value of individual reputations has risen, and a new currency based on reputation has been created. This means that not only are companies tracking what an individual is tweeting and what sites they spend the most time on, but they’re using this knowledge to predict the consumer’s future behavior. And a world in which Target knows that a woman is pregnant before she does, or where a person gets a job (or loses one) based on his high school hijinx is a scary one indeed.
Joshua Klein’s Reputation Economics asks these crucial questions: But what if there were a way to harness the power of these new technologies to empower the individual and entrepreneur? What if it turned out that David was actually better suited to navigate this new realm of reputation than Goliath? And what if he ushered in a new age of business in which reputation, rather than money, was the strongest currency of all? This is all currently happening online already.
Welcome to the age of Reputation Economics:
The value of individual reputation is already radically changing the way business is done.
Hacking Work: Breaking Stupid Rules for Smart Results
Why work harder than you have to? One manager kept his senior execs happy by secretly hacking into the company′s database to give them the reports they needed in one third of the time. Hacking is a powerful solution to every stupid procedure, tool, rule, and process we are forced to endure at the office. Benevolent hackers are saving business from itself.
It would be so much easier to do great work if not for lingering bureaucracies, outdated technologies, and deeply irrational rules and procedures. These things are killing us.
Frustrating? Hell, yes. But take heart-there′s an army of heroes coming to the rescue.
Today′s top performers are taking matters into their own hands: bypassing sacred structures, using forbidden tools, and ignoring silly corporate edicts. In other words, they are hacking work to increase their efficiency and job satisfaction. Consultant Bill Jensen teamed up with hacker Josh Klein to expose the cheat codes that enable people to work smarter instead of harder. Once employees learn how to hack their work, they accomplish more in less time. They cut through red tape and circumvent stupid rules.
For instance, Elizabeth′s bosses wouldn′t sign off on her plan to improve customer service. So she made videotapes of customers complaining about what needed fixing and posted them on YouTube. Within days, public outcry forced senior management to reverse its decision.
Hacking Work reveals powerful technological and social hacks and shows readers how to apply them to sidestep bureaucratic boundaries and busywork. It′s about making the system work for you, not the other way around, so you can take control of your workload, increase your productivity, and help your company succeed-in spite of itself.
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