 |
TRAVELS FROM |
 |
SPEAKING FEE RANGE ** Please note that while this speaker’s specific speaking fee falls within the range posted above (for Continental U.S. based events), fees are subject to change. For current fee information or international event fees (which are generally 50-75% more than U.S based event fees), please contact us. $25,000 to $30,000 |
 |
BOOK JOSH LINKNER speakers@coreagency.com |
VIDEO
TESTIMONIALS
PROGRAMS
SPEAKING
INTERVIEW |
TRAVELS FROM |
|
SPEAKING FEE RANGE* $25,000 to $30,000 |
|
Book Josh Linkner speakers@coreagency.com |
- Founder of the world’s largest digital engagement agency.
- Proponent of “creative disruption” and innovator of technological entrepreneurship.
- Integral in the creation and/or growth of over one hundred tech companies.
- Has helped to rebuild troubled urban areas.
Josh Linkner began his professional life as a jazz guitarist, and though he is no longer primarily a musician, he has carried his artistry into his current career as an entrepreneur. A strong believer in innovation, he has become one of the strongest proponents of creative disruption in the business world.
Linkner founded ePrize, a digital engagement agency specializing in mobile, social media, and web campaigns, in 1999, with the intended goal of assisting small businesses without access to the necessary resources for online marketing. ePrize, now known as HelloWorld, has since become the largest company of its type in the world.
Linkner is also the founder and CEO of four technology companies, which together have a combined value of over $200 million. The largest of these, Detroit Venture Partners, is a venture capital firm that helps rebuild urban areas by stimulating businesses in the tech sector. Linkner has also mentored many young entrepreneurs and been involved with the creation and growth of over a hundred other companies.
In 2014, Linkner stepped down as CEO of DVP in order to focus on other interests; in addition to his businesses, he is a published author, columnist, lecturer at the University of Michigan-Dearborn, and a highly respected keynote speaker.
 I provide a systematic approach, simple framework and a set of tools that can be used immediately to drive meaningful outcomes. | |
| |
 | What do you want people to learn / take away from your presentations? |
 | I want people to understand the mission-critical nature of prioritizing innovation. At the same time, I provide a systematic approach, simple framework and a set of tools that can be used immediately to drive meaningful outcomes. I work hard to strike the right balance between being highly energizing and motivating, while at the same time providing real depth and practical strategies so audiences leave both fired up and with a specific new way of approaching their work. |
| What kind of special prep work do you do prior to an event? How to you prepare for your speaking engagements? |
| I always have at least one kick-off call, sometimes many more. I do in-depth research on the organization, audience, industry, and competition. I've never given the same talk twice. Instead, I custom-craft my presentations to leave the biggest possible impact. I include fresh stories from the host's industry, as well as perspective from both my research and also experience as a tech entrepreneur. |
| Have you had any particularly memorable speaking engagements / unusual situations arise while on the road? |
| About 15% of the time, I incorporate live jazz in my events as a living metaphor for innovation. I began my career as a jazz guitarist, and whether or not you like listening to jazz, it is an incredible teaching ground for innovation and creativity. To bring this to life, I hire other jazz musicians from the local market where my speech is, and then invite the audience to become "honorary jazz musicians" for the session. Not only do they listen, but for the finale I invite the audience to compose as jazz song and then several audience members come join me on stage to perform it (I supply percussion instruments). The whole event is memorable, engaging, and energizing. I've done this in many places - from Las Vegas to Cali, Columbia to DesMoines, Iowa - with tremendous success. |
| What types of audiences would most benefit from your message? |
| The message of creative approaches to challenges of all sizes resonates with many audiences. I'd had wonderful feedback from large organizations such as IBM, Coke, J&J, and Ford as well as associations of all shapes and sizes.
Since I have extensive experience in working with entrepreneurs and hyper-growth companies, I always love working with emerging companies as well. While my message spans industries, the best fit for me are leaders that are serious about taking their results to the next level and who are not afraid to challenge the status quo. Those that want to coast are not the best fit, since I energize and arm audiences with a fresh, entrepreneurial, innovative approach to drive their companies and careers. |
| What inspired you to become a speaker? |
| I love making a difference. The real reward for me isn't the standing ovation (although, that is awesome and makes me feel good that I connected with an audience). The real reward is the emails I get six months later, telling me how I made a meaningful difference in people's lives. When I hear how an organization has enjoyed 20% growth from a specific perspective I shared, or how a person went on to try something new and is now flourishing with a new product or service... THAT is the real reward.
I am very passionate about the craft, and study it religiously. The only reason to give a speech is to change the world, so speaking is my vehicle to drive positive change in the world. |
| I use PREZI which makes captivating visual transitions, and I use gorgeous professional images, quick video clips, humor, story-telling, and big, memorable ideas to reinforce the message. Audiences are both educated and entertained. | |
| |
| Which of your keynote topics are the most popular? |
| While I list several topics on my site, I generally customize each talk for a specific audience. I love speaking about innovation, entrepreneurial fire, and innovation approaches to leadership.
My presentations are unique in that I never use a single bullet point. I use PREZI which makes captivating visual transitions, and I use gorgeous professional images, quick video clips, humor, story-telling, and big, memorable ideas to reinforce the message. Audiences are both educated and entertained. My talks are fast-moving, fun, interactive, energizing, and at the same time, rich with substance and real-world context. What I enjoy most is connecting with audiences at an emotional level and helping them shift their thinking about approaches to drive better outcomes. I love entertaining, but love results far more. Audiences are leaning forward and engaged the entire time, and also walk away with new tools, approaches, and frameworks to enable their success. Fun and energizing meets practical and productive. |
| What are some of the successes you've helped clients make? |
| Big jumps in top-line sales. New product/service launches. Transforming a culture from autocratic to progressive. Helping to streamline processes, improve morale, and even reduce error rates. Innovation is a powerful weapon that can be aimed at just about any business problem and, when focused, drive meaningful results. |
| What other projects are you currently working on? |
| I'm in the process of writing my third book. Also, I invest in tech startups in Detroit. I do this not only to make money, but more importantly to make a difference. By backing passionate entrepreneurs, we're driving real social change in our troubled city.
I've been involved in the launch and/or financing of over 100 startups over the last 20 years, and I love helping people create something out of nothing. I also just launched a new concept to disrupt the stale world of leadership development (http://www.FuelLeadership.com). I continue to write weekly for Forbes, the Detroit Free Press, and Inc. Magazine. Also, I truly love the craft of speaking and look forward to continuing to deliver 65-70 keynotes each year. |
“Josh Linkner, CEO of ePrize, is a tremendous business leader who has established a successful and sustainable company, as well as a culture that nurtures employees to help them maximize their potential.”
-Hon. Jennifer M. Granholm Governor, State of Michigan
“Thank you for today. It was inspirational, unrestricting, and energetic. It was one of the best days I’ve had out of the office. Your energy is contagious and my creative thinking was uninhibited.”
-David Riemer, Sr. Marketing Manager, Kmart
“Josh Linkner’s keynote presentation was truly inspiring and one of the main highlights of our conference.”
-Tel K. Ganesan, President, TiE Con
“Josh’s energy, enthusiasm and love for what he does really shines through. He also puts the right balance of simple, concise messages with humor. Yet at the same time you know he is serious by the examples of what he does with his own business. The presentation and content were both a ‘10’.”
-Lisa K Miller, VP Events, MEDC
“Josh’s presentation, was defiantly a 10: interesting, informative and deeply inspirational. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Many participants said that they left energized and motivated to make fun changes to improve creativity in their own lives and in their work place”
-Rob Pasick, Ph.D, Founder & CEO, LeadersConnect
“Josh’s presentation provided inspiration and a powerful reminder to our team that problems can be solved and good ideas made great through the use of creative thinking. We are incorporating his ideas into our daily activities and thoroughly enjoyed his use of humor to engage our team. Josh is an excellent presenter.”
-Karen Davis, Executive Director, Make-A-Wish Foundation
“Josh Linkner’s message – that creativity is the most important organizational competency in the 21st century – compels and informs at the same time. With an engaging mix of data, anecdotes, and field-tested techniques, Josh outlines the innovation landscape and then reveals proven techniques for building and sustaining a creative culture.”
-Samuel Gerace, Chief Executive Officer, Veritix
“I’ve attended so many speeches throughout the years, and found Josh’s presentation to be one of the best – if not the best – I’ve ever seen! Josh conveyed a serious message in a lighthearted and entertaining manner, with plenty of practical, useful information. His polished delivery and use of visuals, including laugh-out-loud video clips, gave the audience so much more than just “a talking head.” Great stuff!”
-Jonathan Liebman, Chairman/CEO, Specs Howard School of Media Arts, Inc.
“Josh’s presentation was one that made you watch, listen and learn and is a clear example of when you connect with people – they can gain insight and knowledge that will help open doors to new opportunities.”
-Nathan Forbes, Managing Partner, The Forbes Company
“When Josh Linkner was presenting to our group you can just feel his talent and passion. The energy of the diverse audience was completely engaged as Josh clearly and thoughtfully delivered his message about creativity and innovation. Josh’s presentation was easily one of the best I have ever heard.”
-Danny Ferry, General Manager, Cleveland Cavaliers
“The message about creativity and innovation was excellent. It was clear, well researched, engaging and kept the attention of the audience. Your use of stories, facts and humor made the time fly by. I had several people come up to me afterword and thank me for having you come in and speak to the group. They were energized and excited to put the principles in play.”
-Bill Emerson, CEO, Quicken Loans
Unconventional wisdom states that conventional wisdom no longer applies: in life in general, and in business in particular. This is where Josh Linkner comes in. With extensive experience applying creativity to the marketplace, Linkner understands that innovation is the key to success, and you cannot be innovative without being creative.
Having founded four successful tech companies and nursed over a hundred others, Linkner’s strategies have been proven successful time and time again. And if that weren’t enough: not only do his keynotes provide practical advice, they are highly inspirational as well. He believes that every idea has potential, and that the road to success is paved with mistake after mistake; and he’ll make you believe it too.
Filled with his signature humor and energy, Linkner’s speeches provide concrete examples as well as more abstract philosophy, and both of these commingle to create a unique experience that is not only insightful but entertaining as well.
Available for speeches, workshops, consultations and coaching sessions, Josh Linkner can ignite your creativity and lead your business toward real results.
Josh is a dynamic and energizing speaker who uses insight, humor, stories, and a lot of caffeine to inspire audiences. He focuses on creative strategies to take your business (and your life) to the next level. On a limited basis, Josh is available for keynote speeches, consulting, workshops, and coaching. He helps businesses and leaders ignite their creativity while directing that energy toward tangible results. Specific business applications include:
Disciplined Dreaming:
A Five Step System for Business Creativity
Competitive advantage in the marketplace used to be defended with complex supply chains, high cost of entry, and technological advances. Now, your business can be supplanted overnight by someone with a broadband connection and an idea. How are you re-tooling your organization for creativity? In this interactive talk, Josh shows participants how to jump-start their creativity for business advantage. Attendees will learn specific techniques to protect themselves from the competition, create new products, and expand marketshare.
Building a Creative Culture
Building a culture that fosters creativity and innovation is mission critical in today’s ultra-competitive environment. In this high-energy and interactive keynote, you will learn how to tap your people’s hidden brainpower. Help your team get unstuck by breaking free from myths and barriers to unleash their true creative potential. Learn to establish an ongoing system to nurture and harvest your team’s best ideas.
Is Innovation the Cure for the Economic Downturn?
Most innovations fail because they are not truly innovative – they make an existing product slightly smaller, faster, or less expensive. Real innovations turn industries and marketplaces upside down – like the cell phone or the iPod. Can your company innovate it’s way to success even during difficult economic times? In this talk, Josh offers a road map for organizations to get to successful, game-changing innovations. Takeaways include how to trap the competition, how to increase your rate of innovation, and how to invent new products that cannot easily be copied in the marketplace.
Leadership in the Age of Creativity
Leaders today need to be able to understand the needs and dreams of a wildly diverse employee population, each with its own particular ways of working, deriving motivation from very different parts of the work experience. On top of that, the marketplace can shift at bewildering speed as a college kid in a dorm room can invent a new business that renders yours irrelevant in a matter of a few months. How do you guide an organization into such an uncertain future with such a varied crew? Josh’s talk explores the new rules of the road and shows leaders how to build a culture that enables maximum creative potential.
The Music of Business
Jazz musicians and business leaders are increasingly sharing more common ground. Both require spontaneous creativity and improvisation. Both require careful synchronization in group dynamics, while responding on the fly to changing market conditions. Both are real-time art forms that require high-quality performances under the bright lights of an audience. Adapted from the principles of jazz legends to the business world, you’ll learn how to use a specific framework and set of rules to maximize create output. Using the metaphor of a jazz combo, Josh helps audiences improve their creativity, risk tolerance, and adaptability in this highly engaging and unique presentation.
In this compelling interview, Josh discusses:
• Opportunities for building creative cultures.
• Creativity trends.
• Tips for fostering a culture of creativity.
WHAT CLIENTS ARE SAYING ABOUT CORE SPEAKERS
