Michael J. Gelb is no ordinary thought leader. With a career spanning decades and a client list that reads like a Fortune 500 roll call, Gelb has redefined what it means to think creatively and lead authentically. As the world’s leading authority on the application of genius thinking to personal and organizational development, his work blends the timeless wisdom of da Vinci with modern insights into innovation, leadership, and connection. In this exclusive interview, Mystic Mag explores Gelb’s unique journey—from juggling to executive coaching—and uncover his vision for cultivating creativity, conscience, and compassion in today’s business world.
You’ve spent a lifetime studying and teaching how to “think like a genius.” In your view, what’s the single most underrated habit or mindset that helps people unlock their inner genius?
The single most important mindset of genius thinkers is insatiable curiosity. If you want to unlock your inner genius you’ll need to experience a renaissance of the curiosity that is your birthright.
Your books explore legendary figures like Leonardo da Vinci and Thomas Edison. What can modern leaders learn from these historical minds that still applies directly to today’s fast-paced, digital world?
Leonardo da Vinci is the supreme historical role model for the expression and fulfillment of human creative potential. Thomas Edison is history’s greatest practical inventor and innovator. Together they serve as role models for anyone who wants to create and innovate. There are 7 principles for thinking like Leonardo and 5 competencies for innovating like Edison. These principles and competencies are timeless and universally applicable. They’re becoming more important as change accelerates and technology advances.
What type of services do you offer?
In addition to inspiring keynote speeches I work with clients to craft their vision, purpose, values, mission, goals and strategies and then train and coach them in the skills needed to translate their ideals into reality.
In The Art of Connection, you emphasize relationship-building as a leadership superpower. In a hybrid or remote work world, how can leaders foster genuine connection across screens and time zones?
The principles of the Art of Connection are even more crucial in a hybrid or remote setting. Remembering to focus on the human connection, building rapport before “getting down to business” makes for much more enjoyable and productive interactions whatever the medium. The Art of Connection guides readers to develop the interpersonal intelligence needed for professional success and personal fulfillment.
Your approach weaves together neuroscience, philosophy, art, and business. How do you balance left-brain and right-brain thinking in your work with executives and organizations?
Left/Right balance is a wonderful metaphor for the universal principle of yin and yang. Many people have a bias toward one modality or the other. They’re either too linear and analytical or too diffuse and phantasmagorical. Geniuses bring together the best of logic and imagination and this is a skill that can be learned by studying Leonardo da Vinci and Thomas Edison!
