Beauty is the Strategy
Human leadership for
the more-than-human world
The author, curator, speaker, and advisor who helps individuals and organizations lead beautifully, and become fully alive, in an age of AI
The Case for Beauty in an Age of AI
As machines do everything more efficiently, the only work worth doing for us humans is the work that must be done beautifully. Beauty is no longer a soft value — it is the strategy. From The Business Romantic to the House of Beautiful Business, for more than a decade Tim has inspired audiences worldwide — and built a global movement — to shape a more humane, life-centered future.
With AI intensifying a crisis of meaning and belonging that was already deeply felt, Tim draws on the work of the House of Beautiful Business community, as well as insights from philosophy, the social sciences, and the arts, to present a comprehensive and unapologetically humanist playbook for thriving in a more-than-human world.
Author
Books and essays that “read” our times
The Books
The Business RomanticHow to Give Everything, Quantify Nothing, and Create Something Greater Than Yourself
The international bestseller — translated into ten languages — that named a movement. A playful, provocative case for bringing romance (mystery, intimacy, vulnerability, meaning) back into our working lives, and the origin of everything that followed.
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The Book of Beautiful Business
A curated anthology of more than forty voices — founders, artists, technologists, and thinkers — on the why, what, and how of beautiful business. Conceived, curated, and co-published by Tim, it captures a movement putting emotion, ethics, and aesthetics back at the heart of work.
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The End of WinningHow We Can Lose Without Being Losers
Tim’s second book — published in German as Gegen die Diktatur der Gewinner — turns from romance to resilience: a sharp cultural critique of the winner-takes-all mentality, and a case for why learning to lose well is essential to a humane society.
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Essays and Articles
Tim writes regularly for the Beauty Shot Substack, the House of Beautiful Business’s dispatch on business, technology, and the art of being human — field notes from the edge of the life-centered economy. He also publishes The Business Romantic Letter.
Tim’s essays and commentary have appeared in Harvard Business Review, Fast Company, Forbes, Fortune, Inc., Wired, Psychology Today, and Quartz, and in German outlets including ada, t3n, and the Süddeutsche Zeitung. You can find more of his regular writing on Medium and LinkedIn.
Subscribe to Beauty Shot →Select Writing
Select Articles, Interviews, and Podcasts about / with Tim
Speaker
Keynotes and conversations that change how you see the future
Signature Keynote
Beautiful Business:
The Human Advantage in the Age of AI
Everything that can be automated will be automated; everything that can be optimized will be optimized — by machines, better than we ever could. So what is left for us? Drawing on the work of the House of Beautiful Business community, as well as insights from philosophy, science, and the arts, Tim makes the bracing, hopeful case that being human is no longer a soft value but a hard advantage: the imagination, emotion, and beauty that machines can imitate but never originate are the last real source of meaning, loyalty, and value.
Your Superpower Is Curation
In a sneak peek at this upcoming book, Tim argues that curation — intentional and refined selection — is a vital skill for leaders who care. Tim believes that curation can help us recognize what truly matters when everything’s too much and algorithms dictate not only our aesthetic but also our moral choices. Drawing on his years of experience as a curator at the House of Beautiful Business, he illustrates the “curatorial mind” and ethos, catalogues the practice’s principles, and provides inspiring and actionable recommendations.
From Human-Centered to Life-Centered
For years, “human-centered” was the highest praise a business could earn. Tim argues it is no longer enough — and proposes a life-centered economy: a way of leading that honors many forms of intelligence and all forms of life, around us and within us. Category-defining for organizations ready to lead the next paradigm.
The Power of Emotional Diversity
Against the tyranny of relentless positivity, Tim makes the case for the full spectrum of human emotion at work — because a human workplace is not one that keeps us happy all the time, but one that allows us to be sad. A passionate case for culture, belonging, and the impact of letting people feel.
The End of Winning
We are trained from childhood to win — and terrified of what it means to lose. Drawing on his book, Tim takes apart the winner-takes-all mentality behind so much burnout and short-termism, and makes a provocative case that learning to lose well is a core competence of a humane, resilient society.
Tim’s presentations move between business, philosophy, and personal story, and often include audio, video, and even live music. You will leave moved and inspired to think more deeply, rather than with a checklist.
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Upcoming Events
Testimonials
“It enabled our managers to move into a different emotional space, thinking through a different lens.”
Thank you for the one-of-a-kind experience you took us through. It was so insightful, inspiring, and opened up new perspectives. The experience of working together and your willingness to listen, share, learn, and adjust to our own needs was unique by itself and exemplified everything you preach.
Keren Kohn · Learning and Development, Microsoft
“He dug far deeper than the usual clichés, and uncovered sharp, relevant information that was very inspiring.”
Tim developed in-depth content to provide us with an overview of the Bay Area ecosystem. The strategic insights we gathered were extremely helpful, and we particularly appreciated that he listened closely to our requirements — instrumental in our ongoing digital transformation.
Raphael Gielgen · Head of Research and Trendscouting, Vitra
“What really sets Tim apart is the conversation that follows.”
We’ve invited Tim to open several of the leadership programs we deliver for Capgemini because he has a unique ability to set the tone for a learning journey centered on bringing more humanity into the workplace. His keynote broadens perspectives, challenges conventional thinking, and encourages leaders to reflect more deeply on how they show up at work. In the Q&A, he responds with authenticity, vulnerability, and genuine insight. Rather than offering polished answers, he engages with genuine curiosity and shares his thinking openly, creating conversations that stay with people long after the session. Our participants leave inspired, challenged, and with a deeper appreciation of what human leadership can look like.
Tan Ling Sian · Founder, Twyla
“Best talk I’ve seen in years. As food for thought it was the most incredible buffet.”
Mark Stevenson · Futurologist, Author, Advisor
“One attendee commented that listening to Tim made them feel like a better person.”
Tim is a joy to work with and an exceptional speaker. I’ve watched him captivate audiences on multiple occasions. He leaves a lasting impression, and his messages universally resonate with grads through to senior execs. He’s not anti AI or technology, just really pro humans. I highly recommend booking Tim to speak at your event.
Louise Cary · Sky
“You could see how people stopped checking their phones and started to pay attention.”
With an invitation-only audience of 600 CEOs, CTOs, and strategy directors from the digital industry, his talk was received as one of the best of the two-day event. Tim understands the art of storytelling — he presented his ideas about work and the changing relation between people and their work life, with historical quotes, personal anecdotes, and topical industry developments. He has a compelling stage presence and took the audience along in his tale.
Monique van Dusseldorp · Curator, NEXT Conference
“If you asked me to describe the impact he had on my conference attendees I would need only one word. Beautiful.”
I’d been a fan of Tim’s ideas for years and was thrilled beyond measure to work with him. Upon meeting I was immediately struck by his generosity. Not just with his time but with his presence. He is genuinely curious about people. As a keynote speaker, he was the consummate professional. His content was as poetic as it was practical. His intent, as infectious as it was insightful.
Mykel Dixon · Speaker, Author, Conference Curator
“A timely and much-needed antidote to current management thinking.”
I was blown away after hearing Tim speak at the TED conference in Vancouver — and thrilled when he accepted our invite to present at UPS. Tim is not only a captivating speaker, but his message is a timely and much-needed antidote to current management thinking. Tim realizes the degree to which the leadership-by-measurement movement has left a generation of workers disaffected, and offers ideas for bringing romance back to the office. I highly recommend you bring Tim in to speak at your organization.
Dean Foust · Former Director of Executive Communications, UPS
“Tim hit our nerve, expressing the deep felt desire of our colleagues to be part of more than a successful business.”
We will see what we end up calling it in our final version of our strategy for 2030, but surely we will be building an even more beautiful business and thanks to you become entirely unapologetic about that romantic touch!
Benjamin Dewilde · Group CEO, Westernacher Group
“The most common word when we asked the audience to reflect after two days of conferencing: romance.”
Thoughtful and intellectual, yet provoking and relevant, Tim brings a perspective to business that is much needed today.
Martin Thörnkvist · Curator, The Conference
“We discussed the thought-provoking ideas Tim shared for days, weeks, and months after his talk. We still do.”
Tim’s conversation at IBM Studio was one of the most inspiring discussions, and certainly the most “romantic” presentation, our extended team of strategists, designers and engineers has hosted.
Reena Jana · Editor-in-Chief, THINK Leaders, IBM
“His passion, humor, and flawless delivery completely won over the seasoned audience.”
Tim Leberecht’s terrific presentation at Thinking Digital 2015 was a huge hit. Because of his track record Tim brings a ton of credibility as a marketer and businessperson.
Herb Kim · Curator, Thinking Digital
“His closing keynote was the best possible exclamation mark at the end of our program.”
Tim’s plea for more romance in business offered a fresh and inspiring perspective for our attendees and myself. We were indeed moved.
Ralf Heller · CEO, Virtual Identity; Founder & Curator, UBX Conference
“Fascinating, provocative, and impactful at once. A true delight.”
Tim is a speaker who understands the art of storytelling to perfection, and effortlessly plays with language, image, and sentiment in the audience.
Ronald ter Voert · Chief Editor, Emerce; Head of eDay Conference
“As a media trainer, I always seek out the best examples of great speaking — his is now top of the list.”
Listening, watching, and experiencing Tim’s romantic vision for organizations, groups and people is one of the most enlightening things I’ve seen.
Sonia Beldom · Media Trainer
“Everybody is looking for more meaning, and Tim inspired us all to think bigger.”
Tim is a very inspirational speaker, and he presented a humanistic approach to business that is mostly absent in today’s workplace and tech. It was reassuring for our attendees to hear Tim’s original ideas on what it means to be human in the 4th industrial revolution.
Carmen Boronat Badia · Former Curator, EmTech Europe
“Eloquent, knowledgeable, humorous and engaging — several attendees specifically cited Tim as a highlight of the event.”
Tim’s presentation at our client conference was nothing short of inspiring. His style and message were perfectly aligned to the theme of the conference. He brought a fresh perspective on embracing the future without letting go of humanity in the process.
Andrea Dean · CEO, Shirlaws Group
“Such a fantastic talk. The feedback was enthusiastic and inspired many conversations throughout the evening.”
Isabel Netzband · Director Government Relations & Public Policy, Fujitsu
“Tim inspired us and made us think. His wonderful talk resonated deeply.”
Brigitte Kommer · Manager, Marketing & Business Development Europe, NEC
“He shows us in an entertaining way that we can do all things in life with more emotion, depth, and meaning.”
Olaf Kolbrück · Editor-in-Chief, etailment
Curator
Tim doesn’t just talk about beautiful business — he builds it.
With the House of Beautiful Business and its 30,000-strong global community, he curates the visions, stories, and events that move organizations from where they are to where they need to be. For two decades he has been reinventing how people gather — from Davos to the dinner table — turning ideas into felt, shared experience.
Vision & Brand Sprints
Helping leadership teams find and articulate a more human strategy, story, and voice for the age of AI
Gatherings & Festivals
Flagship experiences, including the World Beautiful Business Forum, that convene leaders around the questions that matter most
Mainstage & Program Design
Shaping the arc, themes, and moments of others’ conferences, leadership summits, learning journeys, and retreats
Immersive Formats
Signature experiences such as the 15 Toasts dinners and curated salons that create space for real conversation on difficult things
“A look at business through the lens of beauty and love, the humanities, and the arts.”
Susan Cain · Author of Quiet and Bittersweet
“Like no other community I have ever experienced. The people are more diverse, interesting, intelligent, kind, and loving.”
Pa Sinyan · Managing Partner EMEA, Gallup
“I spend much of my professional life in rooms where people are expected to bring answers. In the House, what stayed with me was the quality of the questions, and the rare permission to sit with uncertainty in a room full of people who had, in their own way, chosen to do the same.”
Benoît Racle · Global President, Premium Brands, Accor
“A space for the more difficult parts of our existence. For the questions of life, and loss, and humanity — in the main corridors, not just on the sides.”
Priya Parker · Author of The Art of Gathering and The Art of Fighting
Advisor
Private counsel for a select number of leaders
Alongside the stage and the page, Tim works privately with a small number of people each year: founders and CEOs, principals and investors, and individuals of significant means and influence who have achieved what they set out to achieve — and are now asking larger questions than their organizations, boards, or peers can hold. Questions about meaning, legacy, transition, and what it means to lead and live beautifully once winning is no longer the point.
This is not therapy, and not conventional executive coaching. It is closer to companionship of the mind: an ongoing, entirely confidential conversation with a thinker who has spent his career at the intersection of business, philosophy, and the arts — and who is unafraid of the questions that don’t fit on a slide. Tim helps you clarify your voice, your story, and your sense of what comes next.
Tim helps you clarify your voice, your story, and your sense of what comes next.
About
One of the world’s most compelling voices on the future of business and the human condition in the age of AI
Making the case for a life-centered economy that honors all kinds of intelligence and all forms of life.
Tim Leberecht is a German-American entrepreneur, author, curator, and speaker. He is the co-founder and co-CEO of the House of Beautiful Business, the global network for the life-centered economy. Previously, he served as the chief marketing officer of NBBJ, a global design and architecture firm. From 2006 to 2013, he was the chief marketing officer of product design and innovation consultancy Frog Design.
Tim has spoken at numerous conferences worldwide including DLD, HSM Expo, Online Marketing Rockstars, Re:publica, SXSW, The Economist Big Rethink, The Next Web, Unleash, WOBI, and the World Economic Forum. His TED Talks “3 Ways to (Usefully) Lose Control of Your Brand” and “4 Ways to Build a Human Company in the Age of Machines” have been viewed more than three million times to date.
Moreover, Tim has delivered keynotes and workshops for many leading global brands, including at high-profile senior executive forums for Adobe, Airbus, BCG, Capgemini, Daimler, Deloitte, Galp, Google, IBM, LinkedIn, Microsoft, Merck, Porsche, SAP, Siemens, Sky, UPS, and many others.
Tim served on the World Economic Forum’s Global Agenda Council on Values from 2013 to 2016. He is a BMW Foundation Responsible Leader.
He is the author of the book The Business Romantic (Harper Business, 2015), which has been translated into ten languages to date, and The End of Winning (Droemer, 2020). He is currently working on a new book about curation. His writing regularly appears in publications such as Entrepreneur, Fast Company, Forbes, Fortune, Harvard Business Review, Inc, Psychology Today, Quartz, and Wired.
He is the co-publisher of the Book of Beautiful Business (2019), the co-host of the Next Visions podcast (2022) with Porsche, the Masters of Business Arts podcast (2024), and the Tangier Memos podcast (2024), as well as the co-director of the short film Between the Two of Us (2024). He also co-founded the 15 Toasts dinner series with Priya Parker (author of The Art of Gathering) that creates safe spaces for people to have conversations on difficult topics.
Tim holds an M.A. in Cultural Studies from the University of Lüneburg and an M.A. in Communication Management from the University of Southern California’s Annenberg School for Communications.
In his earlier years, he dropped out of law school to pursue a music career as a singer/songwriter and guitarist, releasing two albums and touring Europe.
Tim lives between Athens, Greece, and Atlanta, USA.
Contact
Tell us what you have in mind, and we’ll be in touch.
Speaking inquiries
Invite Tim to keynote, host, or join a conversation. Please include your date, location, audience, and theme.
Curating & partnerships
Explore an experience, sprint, or program with Tim and the House of Beautiful Business.
Private counsel
Inquire about working with Tim one-to-one. A short, confidential note is all it takes to begin.
Press & media
For interviews, articles, and media requests
Rosenthaler Str. 72a
10119 Berlin, Germany
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