“MR CREATIVITY”

- The Economist

“AN INNOVATION LEGEND”

- Open Innovation Lab of Norway

The Economist called me “Mr. Creativity” and a “serial innovator.” My professional identities have included Harvard Business School professor and MIT Media Lab lecturer, producer of feature films and theater, high tech entrepreneur, and keyboard player for Frank Zappa and the original Mothers of Invention.

I’ve explored what leaders can learn from jazz musicians in my book Jamming and what it takes for a country to innovate in Innovation Nation. And my greatest pleasure is working with principals of all kinds who are on the hot seat to deliver some form of meaningful innovation agenda.

·      Scroll down to find an archive of links and downloadable writings, tools and projects. Learn about my new competency framework for tumultuous times - the Six Intelligences. 

·      Learn more about my offerings - advisory services, executive jam sessions and keynote presentations.

"I'm a big fan of John Kao's."

- Quincy Jones

"John was terrific, absolutely excellent!"

SPX Corporation

“John Kao is a national treasure.”

Senior Executive Service, US Federal government

“Very impressed with your skillful moderation and ability to engage "

World Economic Forum at Davos, Switzerland

The fact that the working groups which followed were standing room only attests to your effectiveness.”

Business Week

"Our Tiffany Merchandising Conference was terrific. The group is still talking and thinking about the experience! "

Tiffany & Company

“You were Terrific.”

- Malcolm Forbes

“If Orson Welles and Peter Drucker were to mate, the resulting progeny might be Mr. Kao.”

The Economist

My Archives - Memories, Dreams and Reflections

Downloadable Content

The Six Intelligences White Paper

Selected Past Engagements