Tayler Ava Friar
- Trusted Crisis Communications Advisor to Global Institutions Including the United Nations and World Bank
- Fulbright Scholar and First African American Woman to Earn a PhD in Art History from the University of Cape Town
- Author of the #1 International Bestselling Book “Radical Self Love: How to Ignite Your Light Through Creativity”
- Founder of ART|unknown and Visionary Thought Leader on the Intersection of Art, AI, Communications and Human Connection in Leadership
Tayler Ava Friar Speaker Biography
Dr. Tayler Ava Friar is a dynamic TEDx speaker, Fulbright scholar, global communications strategist, and international bestselling author who brings a unique perspective on art, leadership, and social impact from her groundbreaking work at Google, the United Nations, and the World Bank. As the first African American woman to earn a PhD in Art History from the University of Cape Town, she transforms complex cultural narratives into powerful insights for modern leaders.
At Google, Dr. Friar revolutionized Women in Technology Programs across the Middle East and Africa, driving unprecedented growth in female engineering representation. Her crisis management expertise was further honed at the United Nations, where she navigated high-stakes communications during Uganda’s volatile elections while maintaining critical humanitarian programs.
As founder of ART|unknown, Dr. Friar creates groundbreaking cultural experiences, including the first West African art installation at Burning Man 2023 and Mexico City’s largest exhibition for COP27. Her #1 international bestseller, “Radical Self Love: How to Ignite Your Light Through Creativity”, has inspired readers internationally, while her board leadership at the James Baldwin Foundation in Paris exemplifies her global influence.
A captivating storyteller featured in Vogue and Business Insider, Dr. Friar seamlessly weaves together art, technology, and leadership to deliver transformative keynotes on crisis management, cultural innovation, and authentic leadership. Her presentations empower organizations to navigate change, embrace diversity, and unlock creative potential in an increasingly complex world.
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Speech Topics
Leadership Under Fire: Mastering Crisis Communications in High-Stakes Environments
-Reveals proven strategies for maintaining team cohesion during political and social upheaval, drawing from her time as Communications Lead at UNDP Uganda.
-Reveals battle-tested strategies for maintaining clear communication channels during a crisis
-Demonstrates how to protect team cohesion and mission integrity under extreme pressure
Audience takeaway: Attendees will gain a crisis communication toolkit they can immediately implement, including decision-making frameworks and team management techniques that have been validated in genuine high-stakes situations.
The Human Touch in a Digital Age: Art, AI, and Authenticity
-Explores the evolving balance between artificial intelligence and human creativity
-Demonstrates how AI reshapes artistic value and cultural authenticity
-Offers strategies for preserving human connection in AI-enhanced processes
Audience takeaway: Participants will leave with practical frameworks to harness AI as a creative partner while maintaining their unique human perspective, allowing them to stay relevant and authentic in an increasingly automated world.
The Art of Disruption: Leading Change Through Creative Vision
-Examines the power of visual storytelling to drive organizational transformation.
-Teaches inclusive leadership through cultural intelligence
-Highlights the role of diversity as a catalyst for innovation
Audience takeaway: Leaders will walk away with concrete methods to communicate change visually, cultivate diverse thinking within their teams, and transform organizational resistance into creative momentum for meaningful innovation.
