Let’s Talk Creativity
Allen has spoken at events such as SXSW, Inbound, IAEE, Digital East, TEDx, The Internet Summit, Collision, and dozens of others. He’ll show how you can be more creative using actionable recommendations from his research and writing. His talk topics include: The Timing Contradiction: The Surprising Way to Develop the Right Idea, At The Right time; Flashes of Genius: The Science and Practice of Encouraging Aha Moments; and a deep-dive Creativity Workshop that explains the myths and truths around the practice of creativity.
Practical Advice from Science
Allen has interviewed leading researchers in the field of creativity and talent development, ranging from Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi (the sociologist and bestselling author of Flow) to K. Anders Ericsson (the researcher who inspired Malcom Gladwell’s “10,000 hour rule”). Gannett busts the myths around creativity and explains what science reveals about the latent creative potential in all of us. More importantly, he walks through actionable practices to unlock that potential.
Insights from Interviews with Leading creators
For Allen’s book, he met with dozens of creative achievers ranging from Oscar and Tony winners Pasek and Paul, the co-creators of Dear Evan Hansen, La La Land, and The Greatest Showman; Nina Jacobson, the legendary producer of Crazy Rich Asians, The Hunger Games, and American Crime Story; to billionaires like David Rubenstein, the co-founder of Carlyle Group. He unearthed four principles of creative discipline from these interviews that anyone can use to improve their creativity.
(A Touch) Ridiculous
Pop culture references. Audience engagement. A few bad puns. Allen’s talks are known for waking people up (but, still, please don’t put him after lunch). Some call it awkwardly charming. His mom just calls it charming. If you’re looking for a boring keynote, definitely do not book him as your speaker.
"I look forward to having him back and would highly recommend him as a keynote speaker."
- Breanna Jacobs, VP Conference Production, Global Strategic Management Institute