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About Me

Jonathan Knowles is a senior advisor to the CEO and CTO at Autodesk, makers of software for designers, architects, engineers, filmmakers, game developers, and all who seek to imagine, design, and create a better world. He serves as the Director of Strategic Initiatives, providing thought leadership and insight on the intersection of emerging technology and social trends, the impact of discontinuous innovation, and beyond the horizon technologies.

Prior to joining Autodesk, Jonathan held senior strategy, marketing, and product management positions at Adobe and Apple.

Jonathan is a former faculty member of the Claremont Colleges, a lifelong learner from the University of California, Harvard, and Cornell, a faculty member and Design Track Chair at Singularity University, an X Prize Visioneer, a regular participant at TED and TEDGlobal, and the curator and organizer of TEDxLosGatos, and is an X Prize Visioneer.

Jonathan is regularly invited to deliver advisory briefings to Fortune Global 500 senior executives, government leaders, and tier-one academics around the world concerning the future of technology and its societal implications. As a primary spokesperson for Autodesk, he is a popular speaker at enterprise, government, education, press, and analyst events focusing on making the complex understandable. He has also been a featured speaker at conferences throughout North and South America, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.

Location:
United States, Los Gatos, CA
Current organization:
Autodesk, Inc.
Past organizations:
Adobe Systems Incorporated, Apple, Inc., Harvey Mudd College, Pomona College
Current role:
Director, Strategic Initiatives
Gender:
Male
Areas of expertise:
Futuring, Connecting the arts, science, and technology, connecting people and ideas, Creative thinking, Strategist, Technology & Society, Travel and Adventure, Non-profit Director, Arts & culture, Arts advocacy
I am:
Brainstormer, Change Agent, Concerned citizen, Connector, Idea generator, Technologist, World traveler
Associations:
American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), American Institute of Architects, Institute for Molecular Manufacturing, Royal Geographic Society, Geospatial Information Technology Association, Cartography and Geographical Information Society , Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association (AFCEA), National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA), National Military Intelligence Association, American Society for Gravitational and Space Biology
My website links:
Jonathan Knowles home, Autodesk biography, Autodesk Inc.
Universities:
Cornell University, Harvard Kennedy School, Singularity University
TED conferences attended:
TED2014, TEDGlobal 2013, TED2013, TEDGlobal 2012, TED2012, TEDGlobal 2011, TED2011, TEDGlobal 2010
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TEDCRED 500+ TED AttendeeTEDx Organizer

More About Me

I'm passionate about

People. Community. Wisdom. Learning. Helping. Fun.

An idea worth spreading

Komo mai kau mapuna hoe.

Talk to me about

Technology, Design, Big ideas, Grand Challenges, Tiki, Redwood trees

People don't know that I'm good at

Empathic accuracy.

My TED Story

A gathering of some of the most compelling, informed, and passionate people from the edge of technology, science, business, the humanities, and the arts? A collection of pretentious egotistical wannabes furthering the cult of celebrity?

Say what you will about TED and those who attend. One thing is certain. A community where ideas are exchanged and critical thought is encouraged is absolutely a step in the right direction. A community that democratizes knowledge and ideas which tackle some of our world's greatest challenges is something we need more of. The idea of a community focused on ideas worth spreading is a great idea.

I have been involved with TED on a number of levels for many years. I have watched countless TED Talks. I have experienced many amazing conversations with Tedsters. I believe I am a better person because of these experiences. I believe I am more effective at the good I do,and that I do more good, because of these experiences.

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