2023 - Walter Isaacson

Walter Isaacson is widely considered to be the preeminent biographer of his generation. A New York Times best selling author, Mr. Isaacson has been granted unprecedented access into the lives of some of the most notable figures of our time.  His works include Kissinger: A Biography, Benjamin Franklin: An American Life, Einstein: His Life and Universe, Steve Jobs, Leonardo da Vinci, The Code Breaker : Jennifer Doudna, Gene Editing, and the Future of the Human Race.  He released his widely anticipated biography on business magnate and inventor Elon Musk just a few short weeks after speaking at the 2023 Speaker Series event. Mr. Isaacson himself has been selected as one of the Time 100, the magazine’s list of the most influential people in the world.

“A lot of the people I write about are square pegs in round holes. They are misfits”, says Isaacson. He points to the intersection of art and science that leads to the creativity demonstrated by those he’s profiled. When tracing the common characteristics of some of history’s greatest innovators, Mr. Isaacson demonstrated that raw intelligence was not among them. Rather, it is the ability to think differently. Other common traits include: curiosity, a willingness to experiment, passion, a sense of mission, and humility.  It was a privilege to host him as the speaker at the 2023 Speaker Series Event.