Author Pink Talks Outsourcing and Consumption

October 28, 2009

In keeping with the 2009-2010 campus theme of “consumption,” Denison brought noted author/editor Daniel Pink to campus this week for student sessions as well as a public lecture.

Pink began his Wednesday visit by interacting with studio art students in the recently renovated Bryant Arts Center. He roamed the hallways in the afternoon, moving from the senior art studio to the ceramics room, discussing various topics with students and reviewing their creations.

Carrie Pfeil ’11 of Rocky River, Ohio enjoyed her conversation with Pink. “My time with [him] was exciting. During our critique session, he was very insightful and had only constructive criticism and positive feedback.”

Later, Pink mingled with faculty, staff and students during an hour-long reception, also held at the Bryant Arts Center. 

Next stop was Herrick Auditorium, where at 8 p.m., Pink spoke about outsourcing, consumption, and technology. In his lecture titled “Abundance, Asia, and Automation,” he argued that consumption, outsourcing and technology are the primary forces that affect the future of our careers and economies. Pink claimed the keys to success in the Conceptual Age include developing and cultivating six senses: design, story, symphony, empathy, play, and meaning.  

“Pink continually stresses the importance of teamwork between both sides of the brain for the following generations' success in the world market,” explained Pfeil.

Erin Daly, a junior from Dayton, Ohio who met with Pink earlier in the day, found his lecture engaging. “Daniel's speaking style combined amusing anecdotes, surprising fact, and serious discussion to keep me interested and make me think about what he was really saying.”

A contributing editor at Wired magazine, Pink also has written articles and essays for the New York Times, Harvard Business Review, Salon, Slate, Fast Company and served as chief speechwriter for former vice-president Al Gore. 

Pink’s lecture was sponsored by the Denison Lecture Series, the Vail Series, Studio Art Department, Organizational Studies, Burton D. Morgan Program in Liberal Arts & Entrepreneurship Education and the Denison Campus Theme Series.

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