Thinkers50 in 50 Seconds: Do you describe yourself as a thinker?

We have conducted several 50-second interviews with our thinkers. Here are their collected answers to one specific question: Do you describe yourself as a thinker?

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[testimonial author=”Whitney Johnson” image=”https://thinkers50.com/wp-content/uploads/Whitney-Johnson.jpg”]Yes, but only in the last few years. I needed to have a track record as a do-er before I could be a credible think-er.[/testimonial]
[testimonial author=”Dave Ulrich” image=”https://thinkers50.com/wp-content/uploads/dave-ulrich-banner-980×300-e1440268792159-200×200.jpg”]I probably would describe myself more as a learner than thinker. I like the tag line for our Organization Learning Capability book — “Ideas with impact” — which captures a passion for learning that delivers value.
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[testimonial author=”Lee Newman” image=”https://thinkers50.com/wp-content/uploads/Lee_Newman-294×300.jpg”]Not really. I’d prefer the description Idea Generator and Mobilizer.[/testimonial]

[testimonial author=”Nilofer Merchant” image=”https://thinkers50.com/wp-content/uploads/Nilofer_Merchant.jpg”]Doer and thinker used to be two distinct categories until I heard of the “pensée de la paix”, the French intellectuals (including Picasso) who helped create post ww2 frameworks for peace. They were both, as am I. And nowadays, especially for prosperity, we need both.[/testimonial]

[testimonial author=”Gianpiero Petriglieri” image=”https://thinkers50.com/wp-content/uploads/Gianpiero_Petriglieri.jpg”]
Not in isolation, no. I’m a professor. Thinking originally, writing, teaching are all part of what I aspire to do well.
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[testimonial author=”Tammy Erickson” image=”https://thinkers50.com/wp-content/uploads/TammyErickson-200×2001.jpg”]Sort of, although I’d probably never use that term. I say that I am good at pattern recognition – making sense out of disparate things.[/testimonial]

[testimonial author=”Alf Rehn” image=”https://thinkers50.com/wp-content/uploads/alf-rehn.jpg”]At times, yes, because it’s the one thing that ties together all that I do: being an academic, a strategic advisor, a writer, a speaker, a board professional and a (pop) culture vulture.[/testimonial]

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[testimonial author=”David Burkus” image=”https://thinkers50.com/wp-content/uploads/david-burkus.jpg”]I think the irony of the collection of thinkers in the Thinkers50 is that “questioner” might be the more appropriate moniker. Those assembled aren’t afraid to challenge the status quo, question current management norms, and offer new ideas for leadership.[/testimonial]

[testimonial author=”Peter Fisk” image=”https://thinkers50.com/wp-content/uploads/PeterFisk.jpg”]“Thinking” and “doing” are the yin and yang of a successful business. Some people are thinkers and doers, whilst others who are thinkers or doers need to connect with each other. The best way to develop new thinking is by doing, learning from the practical insights of making things happen in a practical way. The best way to develop new doing is by thinking, standing back and looking for smarter, better ways to make things happen. I try to be a thinker and doer.[/testimonial]

[testimonial author=”Rachel Botsman” image=”https://thinkers50.com/wp-content/uploads/rachel-botsman.jpg”]It’s funny, describing yourself as a ‘thinker’ or a ‘thought leader’ seems to make many people uncomfortable. They ask “what else do you do?” or “what organization do you belong to?”. It’s not a box that people seem to accept. And yet the world needs people who have the privilege of being given the time and space to think. So yes, I do use that term.[/testimonial]

[testimonial author=”Enrique Dans” image=”https://thinkers50.com/wp-content/uploads/enrique-dans.jpeg”]I rather think of myself as someone that challenges others to think.[/testimonial]

[testimonial author=”Vlatka Hlupic” image=”https://thinkers50.com/wp-content/uploads/35213286801656.zTdB9gof6Fx6VP495V0q_height640.png”]People refer to me as a thought leader. I would describe myself as an applied thinker as I endeavour to apply my thinking into practice to make a difference for individuals and organisations.[/testimonial]

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