Hi, I'm Louis Patler, Ph.D., a New York Times and Amazon best-selling author, speaker, and consultant. I serve as President of The B.I.T. Group, a strategic business consulting and training firm specializing in innovation, leadership, and organizational change.
I'm proud to say that two of my books on innovation were featured on Apple’s Steve Jobs' recommended reading list. Additionally, the J. Walter Thompson Agency recognized me as one of "The 20 Most Creative Minds in America." I was honored to be named Sociology Alumnus of the Year and Commencement Speaker at Wayne State University and had the privilege of serving as Author-in-Residence at the NASDAQ Entrepreneurial Center.
My innovation training program, Innovating for Results, is now offered globally, helping organizations drive creativity and success in the ever-evolving business landscape.
With over 100 published articles and five books, my writing covers everything from customer behavior to disruptive innovation. Some highlights include:
Make Your Own Waves: The Surfer’s Rules for Entrepreneurs and Innovators (2016), which draws parallels between elite big-wave surfers and the entrepreneurial spirit. It was named “Book of the Month” by NASDAQ and hit Amazon’s #1 spot.
The Consistent Consumer (2006 & 2013), offering fresh research on generational behavior and customer trends.
TrendSmart: The 21 Trends That Will Change the Way You Do Business (2002), a deep dive into macro business trends.
Don’t Compete, TILT the Field: Irreverent Lessons for Leading Innovation in the New Economy (1999), listed as a “Top 10 Business Book of the Year.”
If It Ain’t Broke... Break It! (1991), a New York Times bestseller translated into 17 languages, with over 28 million copies distributed worldwide.
My client list spans Fortune 500 companies like American Express, Dell, Bank of America, Barclays, and General Dynamics, to name a few. I've led international projects across South Africa, the UK, Mexico, Singapore, and the U.S.
A few personal career highlights include arranging the first historic meetings between U.S. and Chinese Supreme Court Justices, receiving multiple awards from the National Endowment for the Arts for my writing, and editing the prestigious American Trend Report. Additionally, I received funding from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation for initiatives focused on leadership and innovation in education.
I'm also deeply engaged in corporate governance, serving on three corporate and numerous nonprofit boards, while being a member of the National Association of Corporate Directors. My academic background includes a Ph.D. in Sociology, and I’ve held faculty positions at three universities, including lectures at Stanford, the University of San Francisco, and Notre Dame.
On a lighter note, I’m a former professional baseball prospect, and I continue to play on amateur teams that have won eight World Series Championships.
A must Read, Louis New Book, "MAKE YOUR OWN WAVES, The Surfer's Rules for Innovators and Entrepreneurs"
Always following an unconventional path to knowledge, after years of examining the mindset, skillset and toolset of Big Wave surfers, he offers entrepreneurs, innovators and companies a roadmap to success.
Order now at AMAZON!
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““You absolutely captivated our audience with your concepts, illustrations and humor. In my opinion, yours was one of the best programs that the Chapter has had in several years.”
—Paula Swanson, President
American Society of Training and Development (ASTD), Golden Gate Chapter
“Your presentation for our Professional Growth Weekend has quite quaked our complacency. Your message registered high on our personal Richter scales!”
—Joan Emerson, President
International Furnishing and Design Association
“Your presentation really set the tone for the entire symposium. I was quite pleased that many of the speakers referred to your concepts and ideas in their own presentations.”
—Thomas Costello
McLaren School of Business, University of San Francisco
“I have been coordinating seminars for the Chamber of Commerce for almost five years now and feel your presentation was definitely one of the best.”
—Janet Condron
Santa Rosa Chamber of Commerce”
““Louis Patler’s keynote address was the most riveting content of the entire day (which comprised Fortune 100 speakers, mind you). His ability to personalize the message that “innovation is everybody’s job/transform through simplicity” went across multiple industries in the convention hall – not an easy task when you have the world’s largest retailer, hundreds of consumer packaged good executives, education, banking, hospitality, and startups all listening in for relevancy. He will always be welcome to participate in this annual event!” ”
What Louis is thinking about...
What people are saying about Louis...
Dr. Patler was the keynote speaker for our recognition event for Baroswky Business School undergraduates. The themes he shared from his N.Y. Times bestselling book, "Make your own Waves," were extremely motivational, challenging and relevant for the students. We received lots of positive feedback on Dr. Patler's remarks from students and faculty, alike. I highly recommend Louis if you want someone who can connect with and inspire young professionals! - Nancy Rehkopf, Adjunct Faculty, Barowsky School of Business, Dominican University of California
"Louis Patler is immersed in the real world--he takes the time to understand, he rolls up his sleeves and becomes part of the solution." - Linda Parker Hudson, CEO Emeritus, BAE Systems
“Louis Patler’s keynote address was the most riveting content of the entire day (which comprised Fortune 100 speakers, mind you). His ability to personalize the message that “innovation is everybody’s job/transform through simplicity” went across multiple industries in the convention hall – not an easy task when you have the world’s largest retailer, hundreds of consumer packaged good executives, education, banking, hospitality, and startups all listening in for relevancy. He will always be welcome to participate in this annual event!” – Bill Akins, President NWA Tech Council
“Louis Patler’s keynote address was the most riveting content of the entire day (which comprised Fortune 100 speakers, mind you). His ability to personalize the message that “innovation is everybody’s job/transform through simplicity” went across multiple industries in the convention hall – not an easy task when you have the world’s largest retailer, hundreds of consumer packaged good executives, education, banking, hospitality, and startups all listening in for relevancy. He will always be welcome to participate in this annual event!” – Bill Akins, President NWA Tech Council
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More of What people are saying about Louis...
Dr. Patler was the keynote speaker for our recognition event for Baroswky Business School undergraduates. The themes he shared from his N.Y. Times bestselling book, "Make your own Waves," were extremely motivational, challenging and relevant for the students. We received lots of positive feedback on Dr. Patler's remarks from students and faculty, alike. I highly recommend Louis if you want someone who can connect with and inspire young professionals! - Nancy Rehkopf, Adjunct Faculty, Barowsky School of Business, Dominican University of California
"Louis Patler is immersed in the real world--he takes the time to understand, he rolls up his sleeves and becomes part of the solution." - Linda Parker Hudson, CEO Emeritus, BAE Systems
Louis Patler gives us strategies to let us change with the times and accomplish our goals" - Millie Hughes-Fulford, NASA astronaut
Louis Patler tells it like it will be, his ideas both a crystal ball and a magnifying glass. By focusing on the present, he writes a history of the future." - Jay Conrad Levinson
We Support...
The B.I.T. Group is the proud sponsor of the Tibetan Women's Soccer Team, first of its kind and training for the 2020 World Cup!