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Caleb Gardner

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Caleb Gardner is a speaker, author, entrepreneur, and global expert in technology, politics, and change management, who helps leaders navigate disruption and lead through uncertainty. After leading digital strategy for President Barack Obama—growing the @BarackObama Twitter account to the most followed worldwide—Caleb co-founded 18 Coffees, a strategy and transformation consulting firm. As managing partner, Caleb uses his 20+ years of experience with global clients like Comcast, Bose Corporation, Sirius XM, and United Way Worldwide to help leaders worldwide transform their companies in the face of uncertainty and change. Companies come to Caleb paralyzed by uncertainty and desperate for change. Their audiences leave inspired, uplifted, and ready to lead with confidence. Caleb works hard to make each keynote accessible and meaningful to everyone in the audience, no matter their title. His book, No Point B: Rules for Leading Change in the New Hyper-Connected, Radically Conscious Economy, has been called "a roadmap and a reckoning," and “a vital and engaging recipe for embracing change.”

Speaking Topics

Leadership In The Age Of Constant Disruption: Lessons From Barack Obama’s Digital Director

From political turmoil to economic instability and technological shifts, it feels like every day brings a new wave of change. In this fast-paced world, how can business leaders stay ahead and respond in a chaotic and unpredictable environment?

Drawing on his vast experience in leadership and digital strategy, including his work in digital strategy for U.S. President Barack Obama—Caleb offers valuable insights for the road ahead.  He shares key leadership lessons from his book, No Point B, to make a compelling case for why change leadership is a competitive advantage in an age of accelerating disruption.


Key Insights

  • The pace of change is accelerating; what used to be normal is now a thing of the past.
  • Adaptability is the new currency; organizations that fail to evolve risk falling behind.
  • In a world where traditional structures are crumbling, executives must redefine their approach to politics and social dynamics. 


Who’s this for:  CEOs, C-Suite executives, and up-and-coming leaders.


Navigating The New Normal: Strategies For Leading Amidst Uncertainty

Ever feel like you’re juggling a dozen different transformations at once? The CEO wants everyone back in the office, while the CTO is pushing for AI training or else. And the CMO? They need more support to navigate the ever-changing social and political landscape. But when will things finally settle down?


In this insightful keynote, Caleb draws from his rich background in leadership, digital transformation, and political activism, including his time crafting digital strategy for President Obama. He delves into the core principles outlined in his book, No Point B, to show why embracing change is vital in today’s fast-paced, interconnected world. 


Key Insights

  • Stagnation spells doom in a world that’s constantly in flux.
  • Change isn’t a one-time fix – it’s an ongoing skill set essential for staying ahead.
  • Effective communication and engagement with the organization are paramount to steer everyone in the right direction amidst change. 


Who’s this for: CHROs and HR leaders, Transformational leaders, Organizational Development, and L&D leaders.

Communicating Through Chaos: Insights On How To Navigate Disruptive Tech And A Broken Information Ecosystem

We live in an era where truth seems elusive, and the online landscape resembles a chaotic mess; The internet has become a garbage fire. Social media platforms are shifting, and misinformation is rampant making it tougher than ever for marketing, communications, and PR leaders to cut through the noise.


Join Caleb as he draws from his experience managing one of the world’s largest digital programs, reaching millions through Obama’s social media channels. He’ll dive into strategies for leading teams through uncertainty, navigating disruptive technology, and repairing our fractured information ecosystem. You’ll learn why we all have a role in fixing it.


Key Insights

  • Understanding how algorithms shape our news consumption—and why some are disengaging from traditional media.
  • The importance of proactive planning and aligning with company values to avert crises.
  • Essential operational shifts for running an effective marketing team in today’s complex landscape. 


Who’s This For: CMOs, marketing leaders, and brand executives, Communications and PR leaders.


Caleb Gardner's Experiences

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Testimonials

"Caleb was a pleasure to work with at our recent global conference. He provided customized content and relevant examples for our industry. He went above and beyond, interacting with our attendees during breaks and providing them with additional takeaways that they could implement at their firm. I highly recommend Caleb for any event."

"Caleb spoke at the New Media Academy's inaugural anchor professional development program and his session was crisp, clear, informative, enlightening , and engaging. Our students loved him, and alumni regularly tell their friends to not miss his sessions. After working together on multiple projects, I can without a doubt vouch for his knowledge, passion, commitment and professional demeanor. I'm planning to work together in some form for many years to come."

"Caleb is a phenomenal speaker. He is down to earth, and extremely intelligent. He really connected with the audience and took time to answer questions."

  • What is your favorite quote? "Only to the extent that we expose ourselves over and over to annihilation can that which is indestructible be found in us." - Pema Chödrön
  • Are there any moments that stand out as having a significant impact on your career? Having President Barack Obama tell me I was a better Barack Obama than he was. :)
  • Outside of your profession do you have any hobbies/interests? I minored in music! I sing and play guitar, and used to write songs.
  • Who do you look up to as a mentor and why? Adam Grant's insights on organizational psychology are always inspiring and insightful to me.
  • Is there anything else we should know about you? I'm a father of three amazing kids who keep me incredibly humble. When I'm not consulting with world leaders, I'm making school lunches and helping with math homework.
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