Joel Barker is an independent scholar and futurist. Because he was the first person to popularize the concept of paradigm shifts, he is known around the world as the "Paradigm Man."

He began his work in 1975 and pioneered the concept of paradigm shifts to explain profound change and the importance of vision to drive change within organizations. His book, "Future Edge," published in 1992, was listed as one of the most influential business books of that year by the prestigious Library Journal.

Most of us know Joel Barker from his extraordinary videos on the future. They have been translated into 16 languages and have been the #1 international best sellers for almost a decade.

His newest videos, "Wealth, Innovation & Diversity: Putting Our Differences to Work in the 21st Century", "Joel Barker's Leadershift: Five Lessons for Leaders in the 21st Century," and "Tactics of Innovation: How to Make It Easier for People to Accept New Ideas," are now on the best sellers lists, as well.

Joel Barker has worked with organizations, both for profit and not for profit, all over the world as well as with nations, including Singapore, Venezuela, Canada and Peru and, of course, the USA.

His honors include an Doctorate in Visionary Leadership from St. Mary's University and the Excellence in Education Award given to him by the international education association, Pi Lambda Theta for his part in supporting educational innovation.

Formerly director of the Futures Studies Department of the Science Museum of Minnesota from 1974 to 1978, Joel Barker has spoken to more than 1 million people around the world.

His two most quoted phrases:

"You can and should shape your own future; because if you don't someone else surely will."

And for leaders, "No one will thank you for taking care of the present if you have neglected the future."