Derek Thompson stands out as one of today’s most influential analysts of major societal, economic, technological, and political trends. A long-time Atlantic staff writer and bestselling author, Derek examines the data, reports from the ground, and forecasts the shifts shaping how we live, vote, work, and spend.
In his #1 New York Times bestselling book Abundance, co-authored with Ezra Klein, Derek delivers a powerful message: the modern world is facing artificial scarcity – from housing shortages to energy crises to slowed innovation. Yet, he offers a bold, practical roadmap for reversing these trends and building a future where affordable housing, abundant energy, and widespread progress are achievable realities.
In talks and writing, Derek challenges audiences to think differently about risk, ambition, and the possibilities ahead. His vision of a future filled with opportunity is clear, actionable, and deeply relevant to leaders, businesses, policymakers, and citizens across Europe and beyond. As he puts it, “Everything’s utopian until it’s reality.”
TOPICS
The Abundance Agenda – A Hopeful New Roadmap From Scarcity to Abundance
Why does it feel like we never have enough? Derek Thompson, #1 New York Times bestselling author and Atlantic staff writer, says that our current policies and cultural attitudes have created a world of scarcity—scarce housing, scarce energy, scarce innovation. But scarcity isn’t inevitable. In this inspiring and actionable talk, Derek shows how we can flip the script, embracing bold policies and risk-taking strategies to create a future of abundance.
Drawing on his book Abundance (co-written with Ezra Klein), Derek explores how we can unlock extraordinary growth, build more affordable housing, transform energy infrastructure, and spark a new era of technological breakthroughs. He shares specific examples of how businesses and governments alike can make progress in leaps and bounds—if we dare. For example, he shows how local governments can shift their focus to building instead of simply spending (“Less red tape, more ribbon cutting”) and how lawyers can adopt a new legal paradigm to help us build more.
Audiences leave with a renewed sense of hope, an excitement for the future, and a roadmap for taking meaningful action—whether at the policy level, in business, or as individuals—to create a world where there’s more than enough for everyone.
In the media:
Abundance by Ezra Klein and Derek Thompson review – make America build again
Derek Thompson is a celebrated staff writer at The Atlantic, known internationally for his insightful analysis of consumer behaviour, the global economy, and the shifting landscape of technology and culture. With a fresh, precise, and compelling voice, Derek expertly breaks down the most pressing economic, political, and technological trends, offering clear interpretations of what they mean for our collective future.
An award-winning journalist, Derek received the Best in Business Award for Columns and Commentary from the Society for Advancing Business Editing and Writing. His approach is simple yet powerful: “My job is to notice when I’m curious, and to notice when I’m confused, and to turn those noticings into words,” he says — words that resonate with readers across the US, Europe, and beyond.
Derek’s latest book, Abundance — co-authored with Ezra Klein — debuted at #1 on the New York Times bestseller list and quickly became a leading title in public policy and economics globally. Abundance addresses today’s widespread feeling of scarcity in housing, energy, innovation, and workforces, offering a hopeful, actionable vision for a future built on ambition and progress. Featured by The Atlantic, The New Yorker, and praised by the Financial Times as “a forceful, quick-moving broadside,” the book has sparked conversations across continents about what is possible when societies embrace opportunity.
Through his highly rated podcast Plain English, Derek demystifies major news stories, helping global audiences cut through misinformation. His newsletter Work in Progress continues to build an international readership eager to understand the future of work, technology, and problem-solving in a fast-changing world.
In his influential cover story “A World Without Work,” Derek explored the future of artificial intelligence and employment — a topic resonating strongly in Europe’s rapidly evolving labour markets. His earlier works, including On Work: Money, Meaning, Identity, and his acclaimed debut Hit Makers: The Science of Popularity in an Age of Distraction, have cemented his reputation as a leading thinker on labour, creativity, and innovation. Hit Makers was praised as “wonderful” (USA Today) and “thought-provoking” (Publishers Weekly), and is often referenced in discussions across Europe on the future of culture and success.
Derek is a regular contributor to major broadcasters including NPR, BBC, CBS, and MSNBC. His commentary has earned spots on Inc. and Forbes‘ “30 Under 30” lists, and Time magazine’s “140 Best Twitter Feeds.”
Today, Derek speaks to organisations, conferences, and public forums across Europe and worldwide, helping audiences apply forward-thinking strategies to their industries and prepare for the challenges and opportunities ahead.
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