David Livermore Keynote Speaker

Thought leader in cultural intelligence (CQ) and global leadership
Founder of the Cultural Intelligence Center
Author of the book, “Digital, Diverse & Divided: How to talk to Racists, Compete with Robots, and overcome Polarization"

David Livermore's Biography

David Livermore, PhD (Michigan State University) is a thought leader in cultural intelligence (CQ) and global leadership and the author of several best-selling books, including Leading with Cultural Intelligence (now in its third edition), Driven by Difference: How Global Companies Fuel Innovation through Diversity, Serving with Eyes Wide Open, and Digital, Diverse & Divided: How to Talk to Racists, Compete with Robots, and Overcome Polarization. He’s a founder of the Cultural Intelligence Center in East Lansing, Michigan, and a research fellow at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore. David has done training and consulting with leaders in 100 countries across the Americas, Africa, Asia, Australia, and Europe.

David has authored several other award-winning books, including The Curious Traveler, The Cultural Intelligence Difference, What Can I Do? and Expand Your Borders.

David loves to make social science research accessible to practitioners. He has been interviewed and referenced by major news sources such as Atlantic Monthly, CBS News, South China Post, Christian Science Monitor, The Economist, Forbes, NBC, The New York Times, USA Today, The Wall Street Journal and The Washington Post.

David averages 35 international speaking engagements annually, addressing an average of over 7,500 leaders a year. He also serves on several non-profit boards. He lectures regularly to Fortune 500 companies including Google, Bank of America, and Coca-Cola and at universities including University of Michigan, Seoul National University, Harvard University, Stanford University, Northwestern University, and of course at his alma mater, Michigan State University.

Cultural intelligence (CQ®)

Today’s workplace requires everyone to work cross-culturally. Whether it’s collaborating with diverse teammates, attending Zoom meetings all hours of the day, negotiating deals with global customers, or creating a more equitable, inclusive workplace, cultural intelligence is directly linked to effectiveness. David Livermore, the world’s leading expert on cultural intelligence, will introduce you to CQ and share research-based strategies for applying CQ to trust-building, problem solving, innovation, and myriad other priorities for today’s complex, culturally diverse workplace.

Keywords: DEI, multicultural, global teams

Global Leadership

We’re in an age of massive global disruption. Technological advancements are challenging century-old business models, globalization is re-ordering supply chains, and people are expected to work with colleagues and customers from vastly different backgrounds. Add an unexpected global pandemic and worldwide protests about racial injustice and it becomes clear that organizations need leaders who have the ability to respond swiftly, deliberately, and thoughtfully. Learn how to adapt your leadership skills to fit today’s diverse, unpredictable world. Master the ability to lead authentically and flexibly. And gain strategies for how to communicate, inspire, and lead inclusive, innovative teams.

Keywords: influence, agile leadership, inclusive leadership

Overcoming Polarization (based on upcoming book Digital, Diverse & Divided, Sept 2022)

Learning how to get along is the first thing we’re taught in kindergarten and it’s a standing topic at corporate retreats and international diplomacy efforts. Yet no matter what the issue, the divides between us seem to be getting bigger—vaccines, education, abortion, healthcare, policing, race theories, who to cancel, etc. But cultural intelligence research can teach us how to bridge the most polarizing divides. Master the power of using common problems as a critical catalyst for overcoming polarization. And gain strategies to use our differences to come up with more innovative solutions. Dan Pink says, “Livermore shows us how we can do better—to talk with other rather than past each other and close the gaps that separate us.”

Keywords: politics, diversity, tribalism

Global Engagement

Traveling overseas and building cross-border friendships used to be reserved for high flying executives, military personnel, or missionaries. Today, there’s nothing very unique about vacationing internationally or doing a video call with friends on the other side of the world. Learn how to engage with the people, cultures, and issues you encounter internationally with curiosity, compassion, and respect. Develop strategies for supporting the global causes you encounter in ways that are helpful rather than destructive. And discover how to leverage your increased connectivity to expand your opportunities personally and professionally.

Keywords: study abroad, relief and development, short-term missions, globalization

“He brings global authority on cultural intelligence and leadership, grounded in decades of research and practice working with leaders across more than 100 countries.
He helps organisations turn diversity and difference into a competitive advantage, translating social science into practical tools that improve decision-making and collaboration.
He offers timely insight on leading through division and technological change, drawing on his bestselling books and forthcoming work on polarization, AI and global complexity.
He equips leaders to operate effectively across cultures, informed by extensive consulting with Fortune 500 companies and senior executives worldwide.
He engages audiences at scale with clarity and relevance, making complex research accessible through high-impact keynotes delivered to thousands of leaders each year.