Albert Read is an award-winning writer and speaker on creativity, leadership and the imagination. A former Managing Director of Condé Nast Britain and author of the acclaimed book ‘The Imagination Muscle’, Albert is recognised internationally for exploring how creativity powers progress in the age of technology. His book was listed among Bloomberg’s ‘Books of the Year’, The Economist’s ‘Five Essential Books on Creativity’ and JP Morgan’s NextList 2025, cementing his reputation as one of the leading voices on imagination in modern business.
Albert’s early path was shaped by a strong academic foundation and a fascination with culture and language. Educated at Ampleforth College before reading Classics at New College, Oxford, he went on to earn an MBA from INSEAD in 2000, which gave him a global perspective on business and innovation. He began his career as a journalist, contributing to publications including The Spectator, The Daily Mail and The Daily Telegraph. These formative experiences developed his ability to interpret ideas and trends, setting the stage for his transition from writing about creativity to leading creative enterprises.
Over the next two decades Albert held senior positions within Condé Nast, one of the world’s most influential media companies. He launchedWired UK as its Publishing Director, later becoming Deputy Managing Director and then Managing Director of Condé Nast Britain, overseeing titles such as Vogue, GQ and Condé Nast Traveller during a period of major transformation. Under his leadership, the company expanded its digital presence, built new conference and education divisions, and established operations in China, India and the UAE. Alongside this, Albert serves as a Senior Advisor to the Milken Institute and an External Advisor to Bain & Company, roles that highlight his ongoing influence in global business and thought leadership. His book ‘The Imagination Muscle’ explores the role of creativity as a skill that can be developed and strengthened, earning praise from The Times, Vogue and Bloomberg.
Organisations invite Albert to speak because he connects imagination with leadership in a way that is both practical and inspiring. His keynote talks explore how human creativity can thrive alongside artificial intelligence, how leaders can nurture original thinking in their teams, and why imagination remains essential to innovation and growth. He draws on examples from science, the arts and entrepreneurship to show how great ideas are formed and sustained.
Books
The Imagination Muscle: Where Good Ideas Come from and How to Have More of Them
Albert Read’s official speaker topics are listed below:
How to Have Ideas - Imagination and Leadership in the Age of AI
Albert’s talk is an inspiring exploration of creativity in the age of AI. Drawing on his book 'The Imagination Muscle' and his experience running Condé Nast, he reveals how to build a culture that sparks ideas and innovation. He unpacks what Nobel Prize winners share, how Bill Gates reads, and what links Uber to Hamilton. Albert shares practical tools for deep work, explains the four stages of creativity, and shows where technology helps or hinders. Combining lessons from science, the arts, and business, he makes a compelling case for why imagination remains the driving force behind success and growth.
Official Feedback from In-Person & Virtual Events
"An indispensable guide to fostering creativity complete with practical advice and time-proven examples." - JP Morgan
"An essential workout for the muscle that’s most defined human civilization." - Bloomberg
"Consistently entertaining." - The Times
"Amazing." - Chris, Virgin Radio
"This is how modern thinking should be served up, brightly and entertainingly." - Vogue
- 2024 - ‘The Imagination Muscle’ nominated by Bloomberg as ‘Best Book of the Year’
- 2017 - Appointed Managing Director of Condé Nast Britain
- 2009 - Launch Publishing Director of Wired UK
- 2000 - Earned MBA from INSEAD
- 1992 - Graduated with BA (Classics) from New College, Oxford
How to hire Albert Read
Contact the Champions Speakers Agency to provisionally enquire about hiring Albert Read for your next event, today. To get in touch, simply call an official booking agent on 0207 1010 553 or email us at [email protected] for more information.
** We do NOT accept requests for autographs, signed merchandise, fan mail, birthday messages or any other non-commercial contact with the speakers or acts. Each speaker on the website may not have necessarily worked with Champions in the past but are known to perform such engagements within the industry.
