Erik Wahl
Artist and Inspiring Speaker
Erik Wahl is an internationally recognized graffiti artist, author and entrepreneur, Erik redefines the term “keynote speaker.” Pulling from his history as both a businessman and an artist, he has grown to become one of the most sought-after corporate speakers available today.
Erik Wahl is an internationally recognized artist, TED speaker, and No. 1 bestselling author. His breakthrough experience as an artist and entrepreneur has translated into making him into one of the most sought-after corporate speakers on the circuit today.
On stage, Erik’s keynote experience creates a dynamic multidimensional metaphor for how to systematically embrace
innovation and risk. His message: disruption is the new normal and businesses must embrace creativity in a wholesale fashion, or risk being left behind. Erik’s presentation inspires organizations to be increasingly agile and outlines how to use disruption as a competitive advantage. Some companies will be disrupted others will choose to be the disruptor. Choose wisely.
His new book, The Spark and the Grind, activates the essential components of translating ideas into action. His breakthrough thinking has earned praise from the likes of top influencers in both art and business.
Erik’s previous book, a bestseller called Unthink was hailed by Forbes Magazine as "The blueprint to actionable creativity," and by Fast Company Magazine as “provocative with a purpose.”
The Warhol of Wall Street, the Renoir of ROI, The Picasso of Productivity, the Jobs of … Well, Jobs. Erik discovered an alarming truth early in his career as a partner in a corporate firm: organizations that encouraged the mental discipline of creativity did better than those that did not put innovation as a priority mission. So he set out to challenge companies to change their way of thinking.
In the meantime, inspired by street art, he became an acclaimed graffiti artist—though he has since stopped selling his works for personal gain, and instead uses his art to raise money for charities. His keynote is where his passion for business growth and art converge into a fascinating performance.
Erik’s list of clients includes AT&T, Disney, London School of Business, Microsoft, FedEx, Exxon Mobil, Ernst & Young, and XPrize.
The Spark and The Grind: The Discipline of Creativity
It’s one thing to understand the importance of creativity to the success of your business, but what most people don’t understand is to how to put a structure in place so that innovation can find its way. The paradox of creativity is that structure creates freedom. Even the wildest minds require extreme orderliness and attention to detail so that they have the space and discipline to create.
Consider:
- Beethoven sat down everyday at daybreak, regardless of season, and composed until 3:00pm.
- Kafka started writing at 11:30pm each night.
- Mozart taught lessons by day and composed only in the evenings.
- Picasso ate lunch each day with his family in silence and only allowed visitors one day per week.
- Mark Twain awoke at 5:30 am, ate a hearty breakfast, and wrote until 5:00 pm
This training covers:
- Why fanatical discipline is necessary to creativity and innovation
- How to tap your “beginner’s mind,” which is a way to harness a fresh perspective on an issue and map uncharted solutions
- How to overcome mental fatigue and mind blocks
- How to set up a structure and culture in your organization that fosters creative work
The Art Of Vision®
The best sustainable edge in business is the ability to differentiate yourself from your competition. Through this entertaining and highly practical program, we will uncover new ways to make your organization more creative, innovative and profitable, but more so, help your employees see the need to become better storytellers within and for your company and industry.
The Art of Leadership
As the business landscape continues to change, Leaders need to stay ahead of the game by fostering a steady stream of disruptive strategies and unexpected solutions to revive stagnant markets or completely reinvent the competitive dynamics of an industry. Disruptive thinking requires a culture of innovative leadership which can provide the framework and motivation to generate those strategies and execute those solutions. It is an essential skill for any business leader, from a small start-up to a global corporation, with the desire to transform organizational processes and behaviors
UNthink™
UNthink is the signature keynote experience from Erik’s bestselling book. It is dynamic multi media keynote experience specifically designed to challenge audiences to achieve superior levels of performance. It will inspire them to let go of their traditional thought patterns and better understand how to create disruptive strategies of innovation. Creativity is in all of us. We simply need to rediscover the keys that will unlock our untapped potential. UNthink will Unleash organizational excellence and help your audience better understand that they are all capable of so much more than they have been conditioned to believe.
I Am Artist™
This program is an innovative training experience featuring a short-film that challenges you to discover that no matter what you do, you are an Artist! By digging deeper into your own unique talents, you will be inspired to take the next steps to achieve breakthrough levels of success. Join Erik Wahl as he helps you redefine your art, equips you with the tools to become more productive and unleashes your creativity.
Thank you once again for an outstanding presentation at our National Sales Meeting in Orlando. We look forward to seeing you again at our Solutions meeting next month!
FEDEX
Erik's presentation very specifically and directly sparked an initiative that has already made Microsoft over $30 million dollars.
MICROSOFT
We continue to receive numerous emails, voicemails and handwritten notes in praise of you, your presentation, and, most importantly, your message!
DISNEY
Erik Wahl was the highlight of our entire conference. He captured everyone’s imagination with his creativity and added a whole new dimension to the usual motivational message. Not to mention his artistic finale was a complete knockout!
AT&T
The standing ovation you received was heartfelt and well warranted.
STATE FARM
Over the past 10 years, the Executive Officers Club has hired over 100 of the most respected speakers throughout corporate America. In all those years, I don’t recall any speaker ever receiving the incredible accolades that you did. Your message was right on target.
CHIEF OFFICERS CLUB