Michele Wucker

Strategist, popular TED speaker, and best-selling author Michele Wucker coined the term “gray rhino” to draw attention to obvious, probable, impactful dangers. Her framework helps decision makers to respond better to dynamic gray rhino risks, which get neglected surprisingly often. The metaphor has moved markets and shaped financial policies, particularly in China. It has made headlines around the world describing the ignored warnings that led to the COVID-19 pandemic. Ms. Wucker is the author of four books including the global bestseller THE GRAY RHINO; and the new sequel, YOU ARE WHAT YOU RISK: The New Art and Science of Navigating an Uncertain World. She is founder of the Chicago-based strategic advisory firm, Gray Rhino & Company, and a former media and think tank executive who wrote about emerging market finance early in her career. She speaks regularly to high-level audiences on risk management, the global economy, and decision-making. She has been recognized as a Young Global Leader of the World Economic Forum and a Guggenheim Fellow, among other honors.