Take ten million trees, 3.9 million people, 180 languages and dialects, the 7th largest stock exchange, the longest street in the world, and a renowned film festival. Throw in universal healthcare, the 8th largest LGBTQ2 pride parade, and the most rollicking Caribbean street festival anywhere, and you have Toronto. North America’s fourth largest city might also be its least understood and, with a broad mix of cultures, the hardest to classify. At times, the scene here can seem disparate, caught between affected grunge and unsettling flash, complete with a campy cadre of overdressed socialites. But then again, part of this metropolis’s beauty lies in its ability to make most anyone feel at home.
As Chief Executive Officer of the Creative Class Group, Rana Florida manages new business development, marketing, consulting, research and global operations serving such diverse clients as BMW, Converse, IBM, Cirque du Soleil, Audi, Zappos, and Starwood Hotels – to name just a few.
What is your morning routine?
I usually get woken up with a karate chop blow to the face; sometimes coming at me from both directions by 1 and 2-year-old feet. I will then untangle my hair from a puppy or cat wrapped around my head for warmth before tiptoeing like a ninja out of bed at 6 am. I will then check and respond to a crazy amount of work emails, both from clients and my team. I’m OCD, so will make sure every bed is made in perfect military fashion, the house in order, and dog, cats, babies all fed and dressed. I’m trying to take 15 minutes each morning to learn to meditate and clear my head before starting the workday.
Interview with Rana Florida. As CEO of the Creative Class Group, Rana is one half of the visionary global advisory firm that has transformed how we define and encourage prosperous and healthy cities and communities.
Collative Spotlight interview with best selling author and entrepreneur Rana Florida.
LE Miami, The Rebels 2015 brought to you by Travel+Leisure and the Miami Beach Edition. This year’s shortlist will be drawn up by a group of creative class influencers, brought together by chairwoman, Rana Florida.
The CEO and founder of The Creative Class Group, Rana and Richard Florida, on the ongoing evolution of the creative consumer; rebellious leadership; and the future of travel.
Rana Florida profile. This globe-trotting innovator has many titles – CEO, Author, Editor, Cultural Curator – but one clear message: embrace risk and you will succeed.