Jonathan Kaufman

Born with Cerebral Palsy, Professor Jonathan Kaufman’s disability has been a profound part of his personal, academic, and professional lives. Today, Professor Kaufman is seen as one of the most innovative thinkers in the diversity and disability arena. As the former Policy Advisor to the White House on Diversity and Disability, an engaging professional speaker, anthropologist, clinician, entrepreneur, and policy architect, Professor Kaufman has a unique background that has allowed him the ability to work in a variety of capacities with corporations, governments, and nonprofits around the globe.

Professor Kaufman is a storyteller who shares his own personal journey of making his “wound into his bow” and passing this simple but powerful message along to others. From hiking in the Ecuadorian highlands with his family to being the first person with Cerebral Palsy to ski down a mountain to simply tying his own shoes with one hand, he has pushed the idea that anything is possible if given the will. Professor Kaufman has studied human behaviors globally from tribesman in South America to C-level executives in large Fortune 500 companies in order to master the image paradigm related to differences. Professor Kaufman challenges conventional wisdom while stimulating leaders to take full advantage of the business benefits that people with disabilities or diversities bring to their workplace, markets, and world. His company, J Kaufman Companies, provides innovative approaches to analyze and find solutions in areas ranging from leadership, change management, strategic thinking, and beyond.

Providing invaluable intellectual capital for Fortune 500 and 1000 companies, he has experience being a technical advisor for Hollywood productions in films such as Adam and HBO’s Temple Grandin to his role as Lead Disability Strategist for Wal-Mart Stores, Inc and his current role as Senior Strategist for The National Business and Disability Council. His mission is to take businesses to the next level by developing innovative solutions through the crossroads of human behavior and inclusive design to develop products and services that will enhance people’s quality of life.

Known as a dynamic speaker, Professor Kaufman has keynoted at diverse events, such as the United Nations Social and Economic Development Forum and AARP’s Diversity & Aging in the 21st Century Conference. He continues to lecture at a variety of academic institutions as well, including The City University of New York and The Darden School of Business. He is a sought after guest on television and radio, discussing a variety of diversity, disability, and aging issues that impact business, government, and personal lifestyle.