Michele Wucker

International #1 bestselling author, strategist, and policy expert Michele Wucker coined the term “gray rhino” to focus attention on leaders’ surprising vulnerability to obvious, probable, impactful risks. She is the author of four books including the influential global bestseller THE GRAY RHINO: How to Recognize and Act on the Obvious Dangers We Ignore (2016); and YOU ARE WHAT YOU RISK: The New Art and Science of Navigating an Uncertain World (2021). Her ideas have moved markets and influenced financial policies, and business strategies.

The gray rhino has made news around the world in 65+ countries and 35+ languages, especially as a frame for the ignored warnings that led to the COVID-19 pandemic. It has played a key role in China’s financial risk strategy. Michele’s 2019 TED Talk, which expanded the metaphor to personal issues, has attracted more than 2.5 million views. The gray rhino inspired a line of the mega-band BTS’s hit pop single “Blue & Grey” about depression as a gray rhino; a critically acclaimed choreography in Australia, a Japanese jazz song, and characters in a Japanese video game. It has been cited by many of the world’s leading thinkers and policy makers.

Drawing on three decades of experience in financial media and think tank management, turnarounds, and economic policy analysis, Michele founded the Chicago-based strategy firm Gray Rhino & Company. She speaks regularly to high-level audiences on risk management, the global economy, and decision-making; and has been recognized as a Young Global Leader of the World Economic Forum and a Guggenheim Fellow, among other honors. She has written for and been widely cited in leading global media including The Economist, The Washington Post, strategy+business, the BBC, National Public Radio, and multiple CNBC and MSNBC shows including Worldwide Exchange and Rachel Maddow. A versatile, experienced, and personable media guest, she has been widely interviewed and cited on both global and US topics from economic and social trends to leadership and decision-making.

Visit her websites at www.thegrayrhino.com or www.wucker.com

Follow her on twitter @wucker.

For full bio click HERE.

For recent media appearances click HERE.