Spark everyday innovation, strengthen member value, and build organizational agility with proven frameworks from association keynote speaker Josh Linkner.
Key trends and opportunities that Josh helps leaders navigate
Josh has extensive experience speaking to, advising, and participating as a member of associations. He’s delivered keynotes and led workshops for some of the leading trade and business associations, including ASAE, National Association of Realtors, American Bankers Association, American Petroleum Institute, NEMRA, FINRA, International Foodservice Distributors, NADA, National Retail Federation, American Dental Association, American Nurses Association, and the American Bus Association. Josh helps association leaders build cultures of innovation that drive member engagement, organizational relevance, and lasting competitive advantage—especially critical in an era where AI and disruption are reshaping every industry associations serve.
Digital Transformation and AI Integration
94% of members are comfortable with associations using AI—as long as it’s transparent and human-centered. The technology is welcome. What members really want is to feel that their association is innovative, forward-thinking, and deeply relevant. Building that reputation requires a culture of creativity that permeates the entire organization.
Collective Impact Through Sustainability
When associations lead on sustainability, they demonstrate relevance, strengthen member pride, and set gold standards that elevate their entire industry.
Trust as the Foundation of Membership
Yet 76% of associations still lack a formal AI policy—a gap that represents both a risk and an opportunity. The associations that proactively address data governance, AI ethics, and member privacy are building a fortress of credibility that deepens loyalty and differentiates them from peers who lag behind.
Lifelong Learning and Micro-Credentials
For associations, this is one of the most powerful ways to demonstrate ongoing value and drive retention—especially as AI reshapes the skills landscape across every industry.
Advocacy and Policy Influence
This evolution from convener to champion requires creative leadership and a willingness to innovate on how influence gets built and deployed. In a rapidly changing policy environment—especially around AI governance, data privacy, and sustainability—associations that lead with bold, creative advocacy are proving their indispensable value to members and strengthening their position as essential industry forces.
Josh, you were fantastic and an absolute delight to work with.
Wow – what can I say except a huge THANK YOU. Your presentation was so excellent and a wonderful way to kick off our Annual Meeting. I heard so many of our members making reference to your presentation throughout the Meeting. And, signing books for two hours was a true testimonial to how well your presentation resonated with our members. Plus, you were a pure delight to work with . . . very low maintenance."
Anne Blouin
Chief Learning Officer, ASAE
I can honestly say you are the most gracious speaker I’ve ever worked with.
I’ve heard nothing but rave reviews and positive feedback on your address, and I’ve been stopped multiple times by people wanting to thank us for having you speak. Thanks again for everything. It’s very much appreciated.
Michael Dzick
Conference Manager, American Society for Quality
Hi, I'm Josh.
Josh Linkner — a New York Times bestselling author — is a rare blend of business, art, and science.
On the business front, he’s been the founder and CEO of five tech companies, which created over 10,000 jobs and sold for a combined value of over $200 million.
He’s the co-founder and Managing Partner of Muditā Venture Partners - an early-stage venture capital firm investing in groundbreaking technologies.
Over the last 30 years, he’s helped over 100 startups launch and scale, creating over $1 billion in investor returns. He’s twice been named the EY Entrepreneur of The Year and is the recipient of the United States Presidential Champion of Change Award.
Josh has extensive experience speaking to, advising, and participating as a member of associations. He’s delivered keynotes to some of the leading trade and business associations including: ASAE, American Society for Quality, National Association of Realtors, American Bankers Association, American Petroleum Institute, Edison Electric Institute, NEMRA, CUNA, FINRA, International Foodservice Distributors, NADA, National Retail Federation, American Society of Anesthesiologists, American Dental Association, American Nurses Association, and the American Bus Association.
While proud of his business success, his roots are in the dangerous world of jazz music. He’s been playing guitar in smoky jazz clubs for 40 years, studied at the prestigious Berklee College of Music, and has performed over 1000 concerts around the world.
His experiences in both business and music led him to become one of the world’s foremost experts on innovation. Josh is the co-founder and Chairman of Platypus Labs, a global research, training, and consulting firm.
Today, he’s on a mission to help leaders Find A Way™ through creative problem-solving, inventive thinking, and ingenuity.
Keynote Topics
+ Outcomes
Find A WayTM
Every problem can be solved, and every opportunity can be seized. Through a proven innovative framework, you'll discover new paths to explosive growth, competitive advantage, and sustainable results.
Expand organization-wide capability for creative problem-solving and inventive thinking.
Big Little BreakthroughsTM
Instead of high-risk moonshots, the most innovative leaders cultivate a high volume of ‘micro-innovations’ and build a culture of everyday innovation.
Gain the tools to become an everyday innovator.
The Music of Business
What business leaders can learn about agility, collaboration, creativity, and performance under pressure from the mysterious world of jazz.
Inject artistry and agility into your business through an unforgettable, interactive experience.
*Please note this topic requires additional talent + gear. Accordingly, additional costs apply.
The Innovative Leader
Become an unstoppable force by unlocking your and your team's ingenuity, gaining confidence, and boosting results in times of dramatic uncertainty and disruption.
Elevate your capacity to lead and win in volatile times.
Disciplined DreamingTM
A proven system for driving breakthrough creativity. Learn how to balance raw imagination with business rigor to achieve profound and predictable results.
Boost creativity and rigor simultaneously to achieve better outcomes.
Rethink. Reboot.
Reinvent.
The business you’ll be running in five years will be dramatically different than today. Unlock the definitive playbook on reinvention, relevancy, and sustainable success.
Gain the confidence to venture into the unknown and thrive, no matter what the future brings.
Innovation in the Age of AI
A modern framework to unlock sustained profitable growth at the intersection of technology and human creativity.
Josh shows you how the path forward involves integrating human creativity with artificial intelligence to thrive amidst uncertainty, rapid change, and disruption.
For Associations Meeting Professionals
5 Ways Josh Turns Your Event Up To "11"
Sparks a mindset & movement.
His authentic, relatable, research-backed content - with real-world case studies and a high-energy delivery - will inspire your audience to uncover and activate new opportunities every day.
Moves your team into action.
Your audience will not only be energized, motivated, and inspired, they’ll become better equipped with specific tools, frameworks, and techniques to drive meaningful results in the months and years ahead.
Handcrafted, not canned.
Josh takes the time to listen deeply before custom-building a keynote experience just for you. This ensures that every minute is on-point, relevant, and targeted to your unique challenges and opportunities.
Real and accessible.
Josh applies Find A Way™ principles in his everyday work as a leader, venture capitalist, musician, and author. Leaders inspired by his keynote often reach out to him for help finding a way in their everyday work.
Impact - 11, Drama - 0.
Coming from a place of humility and service, Josh believes that a great keynote is about the audience, not the speaker. Meeting professionals often call Josh one of the best keynote speakers to work with.