We are thrilled to make our first keynote announcement for Collabosphere 2016: Dr. Cal Newport!

Our theme this year is “collaboration with purpose” and Dr. Newport’s newest book, Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World, is a fascinating and instructive manifesto for those of us who feel that meaningful work is sometimes evading us as we wade across a raging river of external noise, social media ephemera, and inefficient processes in our workdays. It’s surely one of the best business and productivity books of the year, and we’re excited to bring him to the Collabosphere stage in Hollywood.

But don’t just take our word for us. Here’s Collabosphere 2015 keynote speaker Ben Casnocha: “Here lies a playbook for professionals of all stripes to achieve true differentiation in a crowded talent marketplace. Cal Newport’s latest shows why he is one of the most provocative thinkers on the future of work.”

Dr. Newport will also be covering his prior book, So Good They Can’t Ignore You: Why Skills Trump Passion in the Quest for Work You Love, in which he debunked popular platitudes about “following your passion.”

The official session details:

Thoughtful and often contrarian, computer scientist Dr. Cal Newport answers questions about purpose, passion and productivity with a combination of case studies and actionable advice. He proves why — for the majority of people — “follow your passion” is bad advice, why most serious professionals should avoid social media, and he offers “a wealth of concrete practices for the ambitious” (Wall Street Journal) to cultivate meaningful career skills and a “deep work” habit.

Register now and join us in September to re-think the way we work!