The Power of Human Connection in the Digital Age

A master communicator and storyteller, Platon has photographed a unique mix of subjects across the globe—ranging from the world’s most powerful to everyday people.

During FICP’s opening keynote, Platon will explore the poignant and riveting stories behind his renowned portraits, showcasing his extraordinary ability to penetrate the barriers of his sometimes-weary subjects. He reveals the lessons in leadership and compassion that he’s learnt from some of the world’s most prominent figures — like George Clooney, Condoleezza Rice, Adele, Nicole Kidman, Muhammad Ali, Edward Snowden, Stephen Hawking, heads of state and government, U.S. military heroes and human rights champions — and how they can be applied to our everyday interactions.

Having recently worked with Donald Trump, Platon shares a rare and unique insight into the U.S. President’s current mindset and character. Platon also reflects on his personal encounters with Vladimir Putin, Benjamin Netanyahu, and tech titans Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg. Against an ever-changing political, cultural, and technological landscape, Platon calls for constructive optimism and unity.

“Something is fundamentally shifting in the values of our society,” says Platon. “As we learn to navigate the forces of AI and respond to global disruption and uncertainty, we must remind ourselves that genuine human connection and real emotional intelligence bind our society together. It’s time to celebrate a new set of cultural heroes: those who inspire us with their courage, their curiosity and their compassion.”

Memorable and soul-stirring, Platon’s one of a kind emotional presentation promises to bring the FICP community together to embrace new perspectives, bridge divides, and create a stronger sense of belonging.

Platon is one of world’s most renowned portrait photographers, having photographed more world leaders than anyone else in history, including six American presidents. He has photographed over 30 covers for TIME Magazine, including their 2008 Vladimir Putin Person of The Year cover, which was awarded 1st prize at the World Press Photo Contest, and most recently, their 2024 Donald Trump Person of The Year.

In 2008, Platon signed on as staff photographer to the New Yorker, winning a Peabody Award and two National Magazine Awards for his photo essays. He has published four books with subjects ranging from the power of world leaders to the dignity of those who serve in the US Military.

In 2013, Platon founded The People’s Portfolio, a non-profit foundation dedicated to celebrating emerging leaders of human rights and civil rights around the world. The People’s Portfolio creates a visual language that breaks barriers, uplifts dignity, fights discrimination, and enlists the public to support human rights around the world. Platon is currently on the board for Arts and Culture at the World Economic Forum.

Platon’s life’s work is the subject of a Netflix documentary, Abstract: The Art of Design. His first film, My Body Is Not A Weapon, features survivors of wartime sexual violence and 2018 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Dr. Denis Mukwege. Platon’s archive of prominent African American civil rights leaders and cultural leaders was acquired by the Smithsonian in 2020. Platon headlined at TED Vancouver in 2022, promoting curiosity over judgment. Platon’s second film, Portrait of a Stranger, was made in partnership with the United Nations, honoring the voices of refugees from around the world. Platon’s new book, The Defenders, was made in collaboration with The People’s Portfolio and celebrates human rights activists from around the world, published May 2024.

Unreasonable Hospitality: How Giving People More Than They Expect Can Get You to #1

Will Guidara took Eleven Madison Park from a middling Brasserie to the best restaurant in the world when he realized something revolutionary – in a restaurant, the food, the service, and the design are simply ingredients in the recipe of human connection. When Will encouraged his team to be present with their guests, take what they do seriously without taking themselves too seriously, and employ a “one size fits one” strategy, magic happened. In this talk, Will shares why these lessons took EMP to #1, and how an unreasonable approach to the pursuit of human connection can help you win – and give people an experience they’ll remember forever.

Mindset With Magie: Unlocking Inner Strength for Collective Success

Great leaders think outside the box and can shift their mindset in the face of obstacles. If something is not working, they persevere and change their approach until they achieve their ultimate outcomes.

In this signature keynote, Magie will take the FICP community on an inspirational journey through stories of how her mindset played an essential role in overcoming personal obstacles and in creating her multimillion-dollar salsa company.

When leaders adopt these practices, it leads to increased team trust, more creative thinking, and a higher capacity for dealing with change.

• Illustrate researched-backed examples of how mindset can make or break success
• Describe techniques for creating a mindset shift when times get tough, including breaking down self-imposed barriers and reframing differences as assets
• Explore ways to take greater ownership of your performance, both professionally and personally

Magie Cook is a visionary entrepreneur, internationally recognized speaker, and expert in business and personal development. She founded her company with just $800, later selling it alongside Garden Fresh to Campbell’s Soup for $231 million. Now, she is dedicated to helping leaders overcome adversity, unlock their future identity, and create a lasting impact in the world.

Having spent the first 18 years of her life in an orphanage, Magie developed her groundbreaking 3R Framework, which enabled her to turn adversity into an advantage. With over 30 years of experience, she equips others with the tools and strategies to accelerate their success and unleash their full potential.Her expertise has been featured on Daystar TV, Bloomberg TV’s The American Dream, and numerous other major publications, magazines, and networks. She is the recipient of multiple prestigious awards, including induction into the University of Charleston’s Hall of Fame and the Nobel Entrepreneur Prize in Mexico. Magie collaborates with Fortune 100 and 500 companies, working alongside top executives, professional athletes, influencers, and thought leaders to drive transformation and success at the highest level.