#INBOUND17: Adam Grant

Organizational psychologist and Wharton professor Adam Grant knows a thing or two about the many roadblocks to original, creative thoughts that tend to lurk within established organizations. He's aiming to change that culture, helping mavericks and organizations work together to create and innovate without falling back on the tried-and-true.

How can original thinkers present their new ideas in a way that resonates with decision-makers and convinces them to cast their doubts aside? How can managers encourage their teams to think creatively, without squashing ideas that are untested? Adam's literally an expert on all of this; he broke things down to their most basic levels, and demystified the ways in which we can all - bold thinkers and brand stalwarts alike - move forward with excitement.

#INBOUND17: Piera Gelardi

I love Refinery29. So I was super excited when their founder, Piera Gelardi - who is my age! - opened up the first full day of INBOUND17. The fierce red suit & matching lipstick only added to my feelings of connection with this brunette badass.

I never planned to grow my company. Silly, right? But I didn't. And now I do. So any lessons on leadership and growth at this conference were lapped up eagerly. Piera's office sounds unbelievably fun: she encourages them to think more creatively, gives them the pressure-free space to do so, and even fuels brainstorming sessions with candy and rose. But she's also running a company, so maintaining the feeling of that creative space has had to become a deliberate priority in the hustle and bustle of everyday business. Hearing her ideas - and the recurring theme of the conference talks, which all dealt with identity and connection - was refreshing and inspiring.