Brendan Vaughan

Editor in Chief, Fast Company
The image shows Brendan Vaughan, seated in a relaxed yet professional pose against a plain white background. He is wearing a navy blazer, a white button-up shirt, and light gray pants.
  • Transformed major media brands, steering them through rapidly evolving landscape of digital content and business journalism
  • Insightful, forward-thinking leader who understands the needs of consumers today
  • Has interviewed and collaborated with business leaders from Netflix, Patagonia, Verizon, the Federal Trade Commission, and more

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As a seasoned leader in the media industry, Brendan Vaughan’s knowledge of business and technology, digital transformation, and audience engagement has informed the way companies innovate. He is a dynamic speaker who packs a powerful punch with his in-depth insights on future trends and forward-thinking strategies. With his ability to distill complex topics into relatable takeaways—and make connections between the best new ideas across industries—Vaughan shows audiences how to navigate the ever-changing innovation ecosystem. 

Exclusively represented by Leading Authorities speakers bureau, Brendan Vaughan has graced the stage and digital world as a moderator, podcast guest, expert voice, and keynote speaker. Business professionals often seek him for his wisdom on how AI will reshape the future, how to appeal to today’s consumer, and how to stay nimble in a fast-paced world.  

Before becoming Editor in Chief of Fast Company in July 2022, Vaughan held high-level editorial positions at Business Insider, GQ, The Atlantic, Medium, The Random House Publishing Group, Esquire, and Condé Nast Portfolio. During his tenure as Executive Editor at GQ, the magazine was a six-time finalist for the National Magazine Award for General Excellence, winning once. Brendan’s work has been recognized in several other categories in the National Magazine Awards, the James Beard Awards, and the Best American Writing anthology series. Known for his creative leadership and growth-oriented media strategy, Brendan has managed teams of diverse talents while emphasizing transparency, career development, and high-quality standards.  

Brendan Vaughan’s unparalleled expertise allows him to offer valuable insights on how companies can navigate change and drive growth in today's rapidly evolving landscape. Businesses seeking to inspire creativity, foster innovation, and stay ahead of the curve should seek Brendan to deliver actionable, forward-thinking solutions that can shape their future success.

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Setting the Stage

AI's Role In the Future of Hollywood | SXSW 2024

Driving Innovation Across Industries: Lessons from the Frontlines. Brendan Vaughan, having interviewed and collaborated with some of the most disruptive leaders in business, draws on these conversations to uncover the secrets behind staying ahead of the curve. His extensive experience across top editorial roles and digital platforms has given him powerful insights about how bold ideas and adaptive strategies can propel industries forward. By exploring what makes these leaders successful, Vaughan offers actionable advice on fostering a culture of innovation and continuous reinvention. His perspective challenges businesses to not just keep up with change, but to be the driving force behind it. 

The Evolution of Media: How Understanding Digital Trends Sparks Creative Success. With a career spanning high-level editorial roles at leading brands like GQ, The Atlantic, Business Insider, and Medium, Brendan Vaughan has witnessed firsthand how the digital landscape has transformed over the decades. By understanding the history of digital media—from the early days of print-to-digital transitions to the current AI revolution— Vaughan shows that a deep appreciation of past disruptions can drive fresh, innovative strategies today. His insights empower leaders to harness the lessons of digital evolution to fuel creativity, shake complacency, and ultimately achieve sustainable success in a fast-changing world. 

Facilitating Conversations: The Art of Hosting and Moderating. With years of experience interviewing top leaders across media, business, and technology, Brendan Vaughan brings unparalleled expertise to the role of host and emcee. His ability to craft compelling narratives and ask thought-provoking questions ensures every event is both engaging and insightful. Whether moderating panels or leading discussions, Vaughan’s dynamic presence and knack for connecting with diverse audiences create memorable experiences that resonate long after the event.  

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