Rana Florida

As CEO of the Creative Class Group, Rana Florida manages new business development, marketing, consulting, research, and global operations serving diverse clients such as BMW, Converse, IBM, Cirque du Soleil, Audi, Zappos, and Starwood Hotels, among others. Florida leverages her expertise in corporate strategy, communications, and marketing, which is underscored by her roles directing global strategic communications for HMSHost, the world's largest airport developer, and executing marketing initiatives for premier brands like Disney and Starbucks.

Florida is widely recognized for her writing on business and leadership for Fast Company and the Huffington Post and has gained visibility as a TV personality. She has served as a guest business analyst on "The Today Show" and MSNBC’s "The Cycle", and has been a Fox News contributor, engaging a broad audience with her insights. Her media presence is extensive, featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, CNN, and other major outlets. Florida's high-profile interviews have spanned influential figures including President Bill Clinton and First Lady Michelle Obama. She is also known for her thought-provoking work as a chronicler of Creative Spaces for HGTV and the Huffington Post.

Her book, "Upgrade: Taking Your Work and Life from Ordinary to Extraordinary", achieved status as a Business Best Seller. Florida's educational background includes a Bachelor of Arts in communications and an MBA in marketing and management. Currently, she is involved in various roles including being an advisory board member for the online retailer Shop.ca, and serving as a juror for the Marketing Magazine Awards in Design. Her philanthropic efforts are extensive, involving support for organizations such as the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, The Olympics Committee, and the Canadian Freestyle Ski Association. Florida’s contribution extends to her direction of the FIU-Miami Creative City Initiative, highlighting her commitment to fostering creative and strategic urban development.