In a world where expectations often shape destinies, Rana Florida defied the conventional to embark on a journey in entrepreneurship, business and philanthropy. As the daughter of Jordanian immigrants in the Midwest, Rana found herself at the crossroads of familial expectations and personal aspirations. With the expectation to become a doctor or lawyer, she chose a different path, enrolling in business school without a clear vision of her future. This decision marked the beginning of her unique journey in the business world. We at CIO Global, are proud to introduce Rana Florida as one of the Promising Women in Business, 2024.
After earning her MBA in marketing and management, Rana landed a traditional corporate job for a Fortune 500. She had finally “arrived”, but was not happy. No sense of purpose, long commutes and no control over her time and schedule made her realize that the American Dream was not as expected. So one day when BMW called looking to do an ad campaign, the Ideas Class around her husband, Richard Florida’s theory of the Creative Class, she decided to leave the safety net and steady paycheck of the corporate world behind and launch their consulting company, The Creative Class Group.
Entrepreneurship became her compass, guiding her through the dynamic landscape of challenges. From managing clients around the world to putting together a dynamic team, she emphasizes the pivotal role of organizational skills in juggling diverse deliverables, the cornerstone of success in entrepreneurship.
After having two children and living between two countries, balancing personal life and professional commitments became status quo. Taking calls from Mayor’s offices on the playground, drafting proposals while watching her kids ice skate, and conducting Zoom meetings from the carpool lane have become seamless parts of her daily routine. The boundaries between work and life blur, creating a harmonious albeit hectic integration.
As a trailblazing CEO of the Creative Class Group, Rana is keenly aware of the gender disparities that persist in leadership roles. She encourages young women aspiring to make their mark in the business world to take a seat at the table, emphasizing the invaluable contribution they can make once they are there. With a nod to the enduring relevance of a business degree, Rana believes it provides a universal toolkit for navigating the intricate web of the professional world.
Her goals for the Creative Class Group reflect a commitment to collaboration and innovation. Working with pioneering brands like Converse and Meta, Rana aims to help them prosper by leveraging the proprietary research and expertise of her husband, urbanist Richard Florida. From targeting the entrepreneurial creative class for Converse’s brand Jack Purcell to quantifying the global economic impact of the Creator Economy for Meta, Rana feels privileged to work with the brightest minds on both sides of the client relationship.
“Diversity is not a buzzword; it’s integral to our success. We bring together diverse skills, experiences, and perspectives, creating a collective greater than the sum of its parts.” – Rana Florida
In a world characterized by rapid change, Rana stays ahead by fostering a mindset of curiosity and openness. She believes that continuous learning and adaptability are essential in staying relevant in a fast-evolving business landscape. What sets the Creative Class Group apart is its unique blend of research, expertise, and collaboration. Founded by world renowned Professor, the group’s approach draws on proprietary datasets to advise a diverse range of clients, from corporations to governments and non-profits. Their commitment to understanding the creative class, as outlined in Richard Florida’s seminal book, gives them a competitive edge that transcends borders. From advising BMW on its Ideas Class advertising campaign to collaborating with Art Basel Cities and assisting companies like Philips, Converse, and Kraft, the Creative Class Group’s impact is far-reaching. With a legacy of helping cities worldwide develop economic strategies, their journey continues to be one of inspiration, and contributing to a world where creativity, cities and business intersect seamlessly.
For Rana Florida, success is more than just profit margins and market share; it’s about making a tangible impact on cities and clients. The Creative Class Group’s success is measured through the lens of satisfied clients and the positive transformation of urban landscapes. By implementing smart and inclusive public policy strategies, the team at the Creative Class Group envision cities becoming better places to live, work, and create.
“Success is more than profit margins; it’s about making cities better places to live, work, and create.” – Rana Florida
Opportunities for growth and expansion naturally gravitate towards the Creative Class Group, often through incoming requests. Rana’s active participation in events and media amplifies their ideas, fostering public dialogue. The team’s adaptability and collaboration with clients globally, whether in Austin or Singapore, form the bedrock of their strategies. In the digital age, technology serves as a crucial ally for the Creative Class Group. The ability to work remotely and engage virtually has become a cornerstone, allowing the world’s leading thinkers and practitioners on their team to contribute from diverse locations, fostering global collaboration. Navigating risk and uncertainty is an inherent aspect of the business landscape. The Creative Class Group stays ahead by staying informed about geographic trends and regulatory developments. Flexibility and adaptability are their allies, enabling quick responses to changing circumstances and effective mitigation of potential challenges.
Rana Florida believes that a positive company culture begins with a giving back. That is why she is also heavily involved in philanthropy, she serves as Treasurer of the Board for Silver Art Projects, Larry Silverstein’s artists residency program at the World Trade Center. She also lends her time to The United Nations Global Network on Digital Technologies and Sustainable Urbanization for UN Habitat, The Olympics Committee, Canadian Freestyle Ski Association, The National Ballet of Canada, St. Mike’s Hospital Neo-natal Intensive Care Unit, Best Buddies Canada, Voices for Children (helping 1,600 foster children in Miami), Travel & Leisure Rebel Awards, Le Miami, The Design–Exchange, Isabella Blow Foundation, Girls E Mentorship, Toronto Symphony Orchestra, Airports Council International, Council for International Visitors, and The Founders Junior Council of the Detroit Institute of Arts.
Personal fulfillment starts with giving back and finding purpose. The journey into the future is not just about thriving in the industry; it’s about shaping the very fabric of the communities and cities we inhabit.
“In the digital age, technology’s biggest gift is the ability to collaborate globally. We leverage this to have the world’s leading thinkers contribute from anywhere, fostering innovation without borders.” – Rana Florida
