THRIVE DETROIT // SPEAKER LINE-UP
ERIC THOMAS
CHIEF STORYTELLER // CITY OF DETROIT
From college dropout to Chief Storyteller of Detroit, Eric Thomas has never followed a typical path. Appointed by the Mayor, Eric served as Detroit’s Chief Storyteller, overseeing content, digital strategy, and branding. A TEDx speaker, entrepreneur, narrative strategist, and Crain’s “20 in their 20s” awardee, Eric’s work blends cultural insight, historical context, and future-focused storytelling. Before his government role, he co-founded Saga, a storytelling agency that helped small businesses, nonprofits, museums, and municipalities connect to audiences and build their brands. This work taught him how strategic narratives can scale and sustain engagement. His writing has appeared in theFinancial Times,Detroit Free Press, andHour Magazine, and been cited byThe New York Times,AdWeek, andThe Economist. His LinkedIn blogs on media, marketing, and equity are among the platform’s most-read. Whether speaking at MIT, hosting a workshop, or consulting a Fortune 500, Eric’s mission remains clear: connect the big picture to the human experience. Once described as “Seth Godin meets Cornel West with a little P.T. Barnum,” his work always leaves audiences captivated and transformed.
CHELSEA KENTEBE
GROUP DIRECTOR, SOCIAL AND INFLUENCER // MCCANN WORLD GROUP
Chelsea Kentebe is a Group Director of Social & Influencer Marketing who has strategically led over 50 social and influencer campaigns across industries like automotive, tech, fashion, and finance blending data, creativity, and cultural insights to shape the future of brand storytelling. Chelsea began her advertising career as a 4A's MAIP Intern at Campbell Ewald and eagerly grew to build her expertise and influence in strategy, social media and new business across multiple agencies. Throughout her career Chelsea has shared her passion for inclusiveness and equity in and at her work.
MORE TO BE ANNOUNCED!