Michele Wucker is a visionary global economic policy analyst and strategist renowned for her influential work in risk management and public policy. As a Distinguished Lecturer at the UV Centre for Public Safety and Justice and a Lecturer at the Harris School of Public Policy at the University of Chicago, her insights into risks have helped shape debates on global finance and decision‐making. A celebrated author of the “The Grey Rhino” and “You Are What You Risk”, she has pioneered the concept of recognising high-impact dangers. Moreover, as the founder and CEO of Grey Rhino & Company, Michele has dedicated her career to transforming formidable challenges into promising opportunities.
In her early career, Michele built a robust foundation in journalism and policy analysis. Beginning as a reporter for the Milwaukee Sentinel in 1990, she quickly advanced to roles such as Foreign Editor at Listin, USA, and later as a Senior Analyst at Thomson Financial. Her academic pursuits, which culminated in a Master of International Affairs from Columbia SIPA, further honed her analytical acumen and global perspective. Additionally, her work as a writer for Forbes and her tenure as Latin American Bureau Chief at International Financing Review established her as a keen observer of international affairs, laying the groundwork for a distinguished career in policy and economics.
In later years, Michele’s career evolved to encompass leadership, strategic advisory roles, and continued innovation. Recognised as a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum in 2009 and honoured with a Guggenheim Fellowship in 2007, she has since served as President of the World Policy Institute and Senior Advisor for initiatives like Preventable Surprises. Her roles as Strategic Advisor for Climastry and IRM India, alongside board positions at The DCRO Institute and APRI Armenia, underscore her expertise in navigating global risks. The introduction of the term “grey rhino” at the World Economic Forum demonstrates her ability to translate complex challenges into accessible concepts.
With decades of experience spanning journalism, academia, and strategic leadership, Michele is an ideal candidate for high performance speaking engagements. Her exceptional ability to distil intricate economic and policy issues into clear, actionable insights inspires audiences to adopt proactive decision-making strategies. Organisations looking to galvanise their teams with transformative ideas and motivational drive will undoubtedly benefit from Michele’s dynamic, thought-provoking approach.
