Michele Wucker coined the term “gray rhino” as a call to pay attention and act on the obvious, highly probable risks that are we are all too likely –but not condemned– to neglect despite their size and likelihood.
The gray rhino metaphor has moved markets, shaped financial policies, inspired lyrics of a global K-pop hit song by the mega-band BTS, made headlines around the world in more than 50 countries and over 30 languages, and shaped high-level debates from Davos to NATO to the Drucker Forum.
Michele’s 2019 TED Talk has attracted more than two million views. She is the author of four books including YOU ARE WHAT YOU RISK: The New Art and Science of Navigating an Uncertain World (April 2021). Her third book, the international bestseller THE GRAY RHINO: How to Recognize and Act on the Obvious Dangers We Ignore (St Martin’s Press, 2016), has been a #1 bestseller in China and a #1 amazon bestseller in financial risk management.
Drawing on three decades of experience in financial media and think tank management, turnarounds, and economic policy analysis, Michele founded the Chicago-based strategy firm Gray Rhino & Company to help decision makers better address gray rhino risks. She is a sought-after speaker who has delivered keynotes and workshops on five continents. Michele also has been honored as a Young Global Leader of the World Economic Forum and a Guggenheim Fellow.
Her first two books are LOCKOUT: Why America Keeps Getting Immigration Wrong When Our Prosperity Depends on Getting It Right (PublicAffairs, 2006/7) and WHY THE COCKS FIGHT: Dominicans, Haitians, and the Struggle for Hispaniola (Hill & Wang, 1999/2000).
Her previous positions include Vice President for Studies at The Chicago Council on Global Affairs; President of the World Policy Institute; and Latin America Bureau Chief at International Financing Review. She writes regularly for strategy+business magazine. Her writing has appeared in publications around the world including The Economist, The New York Times, The Washington Post, and The Wall Street Journal. She has been interviewed by many media including National Public Radio, CNN, CNBC, MSNBC, and Fox News.