Illuminating “The Michael Gelb” Effect
As the world’s leading authority on the intersection of genius thinking and personal and organizational development, Michael J. Gelb has contributed pioneering work in the realms of creative thinking, innovative leadership and executive coaching. His clients include DuPont, Emerson, Genentech, KPMG, Merck, Microsoft, Nike and YPO.
He is the author of 17 books including How to Think Like Leonardo Da Vinci, Discover Your Genius, Innovate Like Edison, and The Art of Connection: 7 Relationship Building Skills Every Leader Needs Now.
His books have been translated into 25 languages and have sold more than one million copies. Recent releases include The Healing Organization: Awakening the Conscience of Business to Help Save the World, co-authored with Prof. Raj Sisodia, and Mastering the Art of Public Speaking: 8 Secrets to Transform Fear and Supercharge Your Career.
Recently I had a chance to talk with Michael by phone from his home in Rhinebeck, New York about his thought-leadership journey and the impact his work has had over the years.
The book you are best known for “How To Think Like Leonardo Da Vinci” reached a major milestone by hitting its 25th anniversary this year. Can you share a bit about the book’s significance along with what your journey as a writer and thought leader has been like?
I’m often asked which of my 17 books is my favorite, and that’s like asking “Which of your children do you love the most?” I love them all because I’ve learned so much from the process of exploring each subject.
Leonardo was my childhood hero so there is a special delight in sharing his inspiration with the world. The most fulfilling element is the response the book continues to generate globally. I receive fan mail every week from people of all ages and nationalities sharing how it has changed their lives.
My favorite comment is:
“This book gave me everything I always wanted to teach my children but didn’t have the words to say.”
And, although external success has never been my primary motivation for writing, I confess that I’m pleased to have manifested a real international bestseller.
In what ways do you believe the book’s message is still relevant to present times?
The principles and practices in the book are universal and timeless because they are based on the universal, timeless wisdom of history’s greatest genius.
What 2-3 themes do you see emerging in the world of creativity and innovation amid the rapid global changes that are taking place?
Artificial Intelligence: AI can be a great blessing or a curse. It will probably be both. The danger is that humans will think they don’t need to develop their creative potential, but actually my sense is that AI will make real human creativity even more valuable. We created an interactive AI chatbot for my LdV online video program and it gives pretty good answers, but it’s not a substitute for reading the book and doing the practices.
Distraction: Another related theme is distraction and the decline in available, focused attention, but again, those who can command their minds will have an advantage.
Can you share a few kernels of advice for aspiring authors who are seeking to tackle a compelling topic or theme in today’s increasingly crowded book market?
Every aspiring author will experience going to a bookstore or searching online and feeling depressed that so much of what you were thinking about has already been written. As Nobel Laureate author Andre Gide commented: "Everything that needs to be said has already been said. But since no one was listening, everything must be said again.” And, it has never been said through the lens of your unique mind, so just write. If you wait to write you are not a writer, you’re a waiter.
Where are you currently investing your time, energy, and attention these days relative to new projects and book endeavors?
Besides celebrating the 25th anniversary of How to Think Like Leonardo I’m updating my 2017 release The Art of Connection.
I’m also working on a new book with my friend/colleague Bruce Fertman. It will focus on something very important that almost everyone does everyday, but usually takes for granted. It will be released next year around this time by the wonderful folks at New World Library.
