Michael Ventura

Michael Ventura is an empathic leadership expert and facilitator, as well as an award-winning entrepreneur and author. He founded the renowned strategy and design consultancy Sub Rosa, where he has advised influential entities including the ACLU, Goldman Sachs, Google, Microsoft, and Nike, as well as respected institutions such as The United Nations and the Obama Administration. Ventura has also authored "Applied Empathy: The New Language of Leadership," published by Simon & Schuster in 2018, which delves into the practice of empathy for self and others, bridging his leadership insights with personal development.

In addition to leading Sub Rosa, Ventura maintains a private practice that offers support and mentorship to individuals. His advisory roles extend to various organizations; he has served on the boards of The Burning Man Project, The Smithsonian’s Cooper Hewitt National Design Museum, and the United Nations' Tribal Link Foundation. His educational contributions are notable as well, teaching at prestigious institutions including Princeton University, The University of Pennsylvania, The University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business, and the United States Military Academy at West Point. Ventura is highly regarded for his methods that promote curiosity and understanding, influencing leaders, teams, and corporate boards during critical periods of transformation and change.

Ventura is a sought-after speaker at significant conferences such as Adobe’s 99U, SxSW, and The TED Conference. His insights and methods have been featured in respected media outlets including Business Insider, Fast Company, Forbes, and PBS News Hour. Additionally, he offers keynote programs titled "Prioritizing Purpose," "Building Empathic Brands," "Discovering Your Empathic Frequency," and "Empathetic Leadership," contributing to his reputation as a pivotal figure in empathic leadership and organizational development.