Michele Wucker The Gray Rhino

Why do leaders and decision-makers keep failing to address obvious dangers before they spiral out of control?

A "gray rhino" is a highly probable, high impact yet neglected threat: kin to both the elephant in the room and the improbable and unforeseeable black swan. Gray rhinos are not random surprises but occur after a series of warnings and visible evidence. 

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 made headlines around the world. Michele’s recent TED Talk has attracted more than two million views. She is the author of three books, most recently 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. A former media and think tank executive, Michele is the founder of the Chicago-based strategy firm Gray Rhino & Company. She speaks regularly around the world on risk management, macro strategy, and decision-making, and is quoted often in leading media. She has been recognized as a Young Global Leader of the World Economic Forum and a Guggenheim Fellow, among other honors. 

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