Michele Wucker coined the term “gray rhino” to draw attention to the obvious risks that are neglected despite – indeed, often because of- their size and likelihood. The metaphor has moved markets, shaped financial policies, and headlines around the world. Michele’s 2019 TED Talk has attracted more than two million views.

She is the author of three books including the international bestseller THE GRAY RHINO: How to Recognize and Act on the Obvious Dangers We Ignore, which China’s leadership has used to frame and communicate its crackdown on financial risk. Her other books are LOCKOUT: Why America Keeps Getting Immigration Wrong When Our Prosperity Depends on Getting It Right and WHY THE COCKS FIGHT: Dominicans, Haitians, and the Struggle for Hispaniola.

Michele is founder of the Chicago-based strategy firm Gray Rhino & Company. She has been honored as a 2009 Young Global Leader of the World Economic Forum and a 2007 Guggenheim Fellow.

Her previous positions include Vice President for Studies at The Chicago Council on Global Affairs; President of the World Policy Institute; and Latin America Bureau Chief at International Financing Review. Her writing has appeared in publications around the world including CNN.com, The New York Times, The Washington Post, and The Wall Street Journal. She has been interviewed by many media including National Public Radio, CNN, CNBC, MSNBC, and Fox News.