Rahaf Harfoush is a renowned digital anthropologist, strategist, and author known for her deep insights into the intersections of technology, culture, and human behaviour. Her work focuses on how emerging technologies and digital environments are transforming work, creativity, and productivity. As the Executive Director of Red Thread, she is exploring the implications of the world’s first digital culture and how it facilitates behavioural shifts in organisations and individuals. Rahaf is now available to hire for events related to organisational behaviour, emerging technologies and digital culture.
Rahaf completed her BA in Business Administration and Management from the Ivey Business School and joined Nestle as a Purchasing & Marketing Associate. After holding a myriad of prominent positions across a variety of leading organisations, Rahaf assumed responsibility as the Associate Director of the World Economic Forum’s Technology Pioneers programme – where she was tasked with identifying and integrating global companies that design and develop new technologies. Rahaf is also an Adjunct Professor at the School of Management & Innovation at Sciences Po, teaching innovation and emerging business models. Additionally, since 2021, Rahaf is a Visiting Policy Fellow at the Oxford Internet Institute.
A prolific author, Rahaf has authored three influential books. Her New York Times Bestseller, “The Decoded Company: Know Your Talent Better Than You Know Your Customers” was the recipient of the 2015 Gold Axiom Award for best technology book – an incredible feat. Other titles written by Rahaf include “Hustle & Float” & “Yes We Did! An Insider’s Look at How Social Media Built the Obama Brand”. The latter uses Rahaf’s insights as a former member of President Barack Obama’s social media team. Rahaf also played an instrumental role as Member of France’s National Digital Council in 2021.
Rahaf’s contributions have been recognised in the form of numerous accolades over the years. She has been named one of the most innovative women in France by Les Napoleons, a Young Global Changer by G20 Global Think Tank Summit, and was shortlisted for the Thinkers50 Award. Her work is often featured in leading publications and platforms such as The Financial Times, Fast Company, The Globe, and Harvard Business Review. Rahaf has also been selected as Member of the UN Secretary-General’s High-Level Advisory Body on AI – a testament to her expertise in the field of technology and innovation. Rahaf’s TED Talk “How Burnout Makes Us Less Creative” and her keynote addresses at platforms such as 12th Annual WEBECS Summit, London Tech Week, and Thinkers50 Thinker-Fest exemplify why she is a highly sought after keynote speaker. She is now available to hire for events related to technology, workplace culture and innovation. Enquire today!
Social Media
Books
Yes We Did! An Inside Look How Social Media Built the Obama Brand
The Decoded Company: Know Your Talent Better Than You Know Your Customers
Hustle & Float: Reclaim Your Creativity and Thrive in a World Obsesses with Work
How to hire Rahaf Harfoush
Contact the Champions Speakers Agency to provisionally enquire about hiring Rahaf Harfoush 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.
Rahaf Harfoush's official speaker topics are listed below:
Innovating at AI Speed: The Role of Generative Tech in Shaping Tomorrow
Rahaf navigates these complexities, shedding light on the delicate balance between leveraging AI for innovation and maintaining the integrity of human-centric creation. Pushing past the hype to delve into the business models, consumer behaviours, and strategic insights that are underpinning this technological revolution, she highlights successful case studies and emerging trends to provide actionable insights for organisations looking to harness the power of AI while navigating its potential pitfalls.
Embracing the Storm: Anti-Fragility Leadership in Disruptive Times
In this keynote, Rahaf delves into the concept of anti-fragility from a digital culture and technology perspective, illustrating how leaders can navigate change, foster innovation, and build an organisation that is capable of quickly acting on the opportunities presented by technological disruption.
Unleashing Potential: Talent Management in a Post-Resilient Future
Rahaf outlines actionable steps for organisations to enhance their talent management practices in the digital age. Through practical examples and case studies, she illustrates how integrating technology with a deep understanding of digital culture can lead to a more satisfied, productive, and innovative workforce.
Digital Zen: Mastering Well-Being in a Constantly Connected World
Rahaf offers actionable insights for organisations to support their employees' digital well-being, including the implementation of policies that reduce digital overload, encourage digital detoxes, and foster environments conducive to focused work.
From Data to Decisions: How AI, Algorithms, and Automations are Transforming Industries
In this keynote, Rahaf dives into some of the ethical, cultural, and social questions that surround these technological advancements showing both the promise and peril of living in a constantly connected society.
Unlocking the Promise of Digital Culture: How Online Worlds Shape Future Trends and Markets
Rahaf explores how we might map intimacy and engagement across diverse digital communities. Moving from transparency and disruption in healthcare to digital leaks, cyber security, and social media activism in the world of politics, or from real-world risks and rewards of having an ‘e-identity’ to the potential for digital culture to revolutionize education, Rahaf is our plugged-in guide to how emerging technology is re-writing the rules of culture, and power.
Official Feedback from In-Person & Virtual Events
Feedback from In-Person Events:
“Had such great feedback on what you had to say; the partners really enjoyed it a took a lot away from your point of view.” — Christopher, Chief Innovation Officer & Partner, PwC
“You really set the tone of the day. I don’t think I ever received so many positive feedback about a speaker at one of our events.” — Edouard, Head of Media Partnerships, Facebook
- 2024 – Member of the UN Secretary-General’s High-Level Advisory Body on AI
- 2024 – Invited to speak at the Reimagine HR event for Gartner
- 2023 – Invited to speak at the Thinkers50 Thinker-Fest
- 2022 – Conducted a Fireside Chat at the 12th Annual WEBECS Summit
- 2022 – Launched a LinkedIn Learning course entitled “Humane Productivity”
- 2022 – Published an Article for Harvard Business Review
- 2021 – Member of France’s National Digital Council
- 2021 – Invited to speak at London Tech Week
- 2021 – Shortlisted for the Thinkers50 Award
- 2021 – Visiting Policy Fellow, Oxford Internet Institute
- 2019 – Author of “Hustle & Float: Reclaim Your Creativity and Thrive in a World Obsessed with Work”
- 2014 – Author of “The Decoded Company: Know Your Talent Better Than You Know Your Customers”
- 2014 – Adjunct Professor at School of Management & Innovation, Sciences Po
- 2012 – Executive Director, Red Thread
- 2009 – Author of “Yes We Did! An Inside Look How Social Media Built the Obama Brand”
- 2009 – Associate Director of the Technology Pioneers programme at the World Economic Forum
- 2007 – Project Manager, Hotspex
- 2006 – Research Analyst, Hotspex
- 2006 – Marketing/ Client Services Associate, New Paradigm Learning Corporation
- 2003 – Purchasing & Marketing Associate, Nestle
- Named a Young Global Changer by G20 Global Think Tank Summit
