David Sax

When you envision an entrepreneur, what do you see? The stereotypical idea of a modern entrepreneur has become equated with a young, tech-savvy, venture-capitalist funded Silicon Valley executive. In reality, the definition is much more diverse: whether they’re retirees starting a consultancy, someone selling produce at the side of the road, or immigrants finding a new way to serve their community—they’re all entrepreneurs. It’s time to look beyond startups to reclaim the soul of the entrepreneur.

There’s something that unites all entrepreneurs: it’s their personal purpose, that drives them with fiery passion; the core values that keep them strong when faced with challenges and that push them to persevere. Values like independence, ethical engagement, and community. It’s a motivation beyond money, a force beyond the desire for freedom—and successful entrepreneurs know harnessing this is just half the story. How do you stay driven, and keep the spirit of what you’re doing alive? And how can you empower yourself and your colleagues to think like entrepreneurs?  In this talk, David Sax will explore how to ignite an entrepreneurial mindset in your employees, and re-energize the work you already do. How can you adapt your structure and incentivize out-of-the-box thinking, and empower your team to feel more connected to their roles? Sax will share his years of expertise, stories of successful entrepreneurs he’s encountered, as well as personal examples of how beneficial injecting the entrepreneurial mindset is to reinvigorating your team and discovering new strengths. 

Everyone wants to get their hands on that shiny new idea, the one that solves a unique problem, moves a million units, and inspires a miniseries. The problem, says David Sax, is that if you’re chasing the last bright shiny thing, you’re likely going to miss the solution you really need. In this vibrant and creativity-sparking talk, Sax threads together his knowledge of analog technology, food trends, and the myths of entrepreneurship to deliver an intrepid survey of innovation—and how it can really be pursued. He will share stories (sans rules, tips, and tricks) of agile innovators who looked to the moment and the medium, developing new ideas based on those calculations. As Sax colorfully explains, there’s lots to learn from the past: from analog to food trends to the myths and mistakes of entrepreneurship, we can create a truly innovative new future. Your audience will experience an incredibly entertaining synthesis of Sax’s areas of expertise—all of which come together to illuminate a brilliant and original approach to innovation that only Sax, with his lightning-quick wit, can deliver. 

It’s now a cliché to announce that business and culture have moved to the digital realm. But while times have changed, the value of analog goods, ideas, and experiences has actually increased. With journalist David Sax, author of the critically acclaimed book The Revenge of Analog, you’ll discover why a return to analog might be a welcome shift—and best for business.

Vinyl records, notebooks, Polaroids, board games, and other seemingly obsolete products have seen robust growth in the last five years. Less efficient, more expensive goods are now coveted consumer items, largely sought out by millennials who want more than phones and apps, and are willing to pay for it. Analog goods offer tactility, authenticity, and emotional experiences that digital programs cannot; their inherent disadvantages are now their chief allure. But the revenge of analog also means we’re rediscovering the relationship between analog ideas and how we learn. Print publishing means better connections for readers, and a higher value for advertisers. Brick and Mortar retailers can deliver better profits than even the best ecommerce operations. Some of the most forward-thinking organizations embracing analog are actually based in digital technology—think Facebook, Google, Evernote, Yelp, and Pinterest, who’ve switched to paper, pen, whiteboards, and tech-free meetings to help employees retain information.

For students of culture, this talk explores the anthropological importance of analog experiences—how we’re also heading back for soulful, deeply human reasons beyond talk of sales. For analog-based companies, Sax’s message is a rallying call to rediscover their worth and potential. And for companies with a strong digital focus, this is a great opportunity to imagine new (and very old!) ways of embracing analog culture for hybridized success.