New and Exclusive to HWA:

Questlove

Oscar-Winning Film Director & Grammy-Winning Musician; Musical Director, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon; Acclaimed Drummer, Record Producer, DJ, and Filmmaker

Questlove is a cultural architect whose storytelling, creativity, and unmatched musical insight inspire audiences to reimagine the power of art, history, and innovation.

 

As musical director of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and the heartbeat of The Roots, Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson is a singular cultural force whose dynamic career as an Academy Award-winning filmmaker, six-time Grammy-winning musician, bestselling author, and thought-leading creative visionary makes him one of the most compelling public speakers of our time.

Questlove bridges art, history, and innovation in every endeavor. With a deep knowledge of music, storytelling, and Black history, and an uncanny ability to connect with audiences of all kinds, Questlove inspires conversations around creativity, equity, cultural preservation, and the power of artistic expression. Whether addressing leaders, students, or creatives, Questlove offers a rare blend of insight, humor, and authenticity that leaves a lasting impact.

Talks & Conversations

The Collaborative Edge: Lessons in Leadership from The Roots to The Tonight Show

In this behind-the-scenes talk, Questlove shares what he's learned about collaboration, trust, adaptability, and creative leadership from his experiences with The Roots and The Tonight Show, and how these lessons can apply to any high-performing team.

The Rhythm of Reinvention: Staying Relevant in a Rapidly Changing World

From DJing global events to directing award-winning films, Questlove has continually evolved his craft. In this forward-thinking talk, he explores how curiosity, flexibility, and lifelong learning are essential to staying relevant and how anyone can develop a rhythm of reinvention in the face of change.

Creativity as a Calling: How to Lead with Vision in a Noisy World

As a drummer, DJ, and award-winning filmmaker, Questlove has mastered the art of creating across disciplines. In this talk, he unpacks the habits, mindsets, and rituals that have fueled his lifelong creative journey by offering actionable insights on how individuals and organizations can lead with purpose, curiosity, and originality in an increasingly distracted world.

The Revolution Was Televised: Using Art to Unearth Untold Histories

With Summer of Soul, Questlove packed half a century's worth of progress into a few hours to revive the spirit of change. This moving and timely keynote explores the role of artists and archivists in reclaiming narratives, and how creative storytelling can confront injustice, spark dialogue, and preserve vital histories.

 

Watch Questlove Speak