Build a culture of sustainable innovation and unlock front-line ingenuity to drive results with manufacturing and automotive keynote speaker Josh Linkner.
Key trends and opportunities that Josh helps Automotive and Manufacturing leaders navigate
A lifetime Detroiter, Josh has deep roots in the automotive world. Growing up in the business (his grandfather was a lifetime General Motors engineer), he developed an early love of manufacturing innovation and design. Over his 30+ year career, he’s worked with senior leaders at some of the largest and most advanced manufacturers, suppliers, and logistics companies to help build a culture of sustainable innovation and unlock front-line ingenuity to drive results.
Sustainable Manufacturing Practices
Manufacturers are stepping up to the plate with a clear focus on sustainability.
They're not just making incremental changes; they're overhauling their processes to prioritize energy efficiency and strive for carbon neutrality. By harnessing renewable energy sources and implementing energy-efficient practices, they're leading a revolution in how we think about manufacturing.
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
In the realm of manufacturing, AI and machine learning are game-changers.
These technologies are streamlining production lines, making maintenance predictable, and enhancing quality control. This isn't just about doing things faster; it's about doing them smarter, with a keen eye on the future of manufacturing.
Additive Manufacturing and 3D Printing
This isn't just about tinkering with prototypes; it's a bold step towards mass customization, slashing waste, and opening the doors to an array of materials previously considered unprintable. As this technology advances, it's breaking barriers with new materials and redefining what's possible in manufacturing, one layer at a time.
Digitalization of the Customer Experience
By integrating digital technologies into the sales process and beyond, manufacturers are not just selling; they're crafting immersive experiences that connect with customers on a deeper level, making every interaction count.
The Rise of Digital Twins
This digital mirroring enables a level of analytics and real-time monitoring that can predict future failures, suggest improvements, and facilitate a seamless flow between design, production, and after-sales service. The practice provides insights not just on what is happening, but on what could happen, empowering manufacturers to make informed decisions before physical resources are committed.
In today’s fiercely competitive global marketplace the most important resource any business has is the creative thinking of its people.
Josh Linkner lays out a road map that will guide individuals, teams, and companies to higher levels of creativity. It is a journey that will lead to better ideas and breakthrough thinking."
Bill Ford
Executive Chairman, Ford Motor Company
Josh Linkner has laid out a comprehensive framework for reinvention and operational innovation.
He provides numerous inspirational examples and straight talk on what you can do to reinvent your company or team."
Tom Lasorda
Former CEO, Chrysler Group
Josh Linkner made a huge impact on our organization.
His message on creativity and innovation was spot-on and his work has had a lasting effect. His keynote was high-energy, interactive, and left us with specific tools and techniques to improve our creative output."
Juergen Rochert
CEO, Mercedes-Benz Financial Services Australia
Josh, Thanks for a simply magnificent job yesterday with our Cox Automotive leadership team.
You hit it outta the park. Folks were still talking about you last night. This was dynamic for all."
Juergen Rochert
CEO, Cox Automotive
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.
A lifetime Detroiter, Josh has deep roots in the automotive world. Growing up in the business (his grandfather was a lifetime General Motors engineer), he developed an early love of manufacturing innovation and design. Over his 30+ year career, he’s worked with senior leaders at some of the largest and most advanced manufacturers, suppliers, and logistics companies to help build a culture of sustainable innovation and unlock front-line ingenuity to drive results.
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 Automotive and Manufacturing 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.