Richard Edelman

“I want Edelman to remain a family business.”

“Instead of worrying about potential disruption, brands can be creative societal disruptors - because their consumers will be right there by their side as committed partners in a better life.”

“We have to improve our ability to deliver tangible results, namely sales, not simply awareness or change of attitude among opinion formers.”

“The lack of societal and institutional safeguards provides fertile ground for populist movements fueled by fear.”

“Edelman maintains a very conservative balance sheet. We do small acquisitions. This helps me sleep well at night.”

“We have been pushing forward on a new way of storytelling we call 'collaborative journalism' on behalf of a number of our clients.”

“In many cases, companies use the crisis moments to pivot to do better. We like to be part of that.”

“We like being private because when there is a downturn, as in 2001 and 2008, we do not reduce people. Also, we have flat decision-making. It's quick. We don't have to meet quarterly numbers, and it's all about excellence of work for the client.”

“Social lets consumers talk about the products. You may pay your way onto the Facebook feed, but after that, it's conversations by the users. That's not sufficient because it leaves out what is possible for employees to talk, for R&D to talk, or the CEO to talk.”

“People go to work at Wall Street firms to make a lot of money. They may not love what they are doing, but the punishing hours and travel are incredibly well-compensated. By contrast, the engineers at technology firms do believe that they can change how we all live.”

“I love what I do. I really do. I don't find myself administering. I just like to work on clients.”

“The media has to go local and go social.”

“The trust of the mass population can no longer be taken for granted, and any continuation of the 'grand illusion' is dangerous for leaders in today's world.”

“We have witnessed a stunning reversal of power between mainstream and social media: The ability to go direct to end users of information through social channels radically disrupted the mainstream news agenda.”

“Modern, effective leadership means moving beyond the 'grand illusion' to engage the mass population and to align business with societal goals.”

“The world has flipped upside-down. It used to be a pyramid of authority; now it's upside down. The influence actually rests with the mid-level people, who speak peer-to-peer. If they're for you, you win.”

“There's a lingering notion that elites continue to lead, and the masses will follow. This historic model of influence was predicated on the belief that elites have access to superior information and their interests are interconnected with those of the broader public.”

“My hike up the Snake Path at Masada was mystical. The fog rolled in, enveloping the entire mountain.”

“The tech industry should make bold commitments to address pressing societal issues.”