CFP #34 – Rahaf Harfoush

Creative Forces with Guy Kilty

Rahaf Harfoush is a best-selling author who focuses on the impact of digital technologies on society and working life. Born in Syria, Rahaf grew up in Canada and became fascinated by digital technology as a teenager, particularly social media and blogging. Her first book, Yes We Did: An Insider’s Look at How Social Media Built the Obama Brand, chronicled her experiences as a member of Barack Obama’s digital media team during the 2008 Presidential election and explored how social networking revolutionised political campaign strategy. Her second book, Hustle and Float: Reclaim Your Creativity and Thrive in a World Obsessed with Work, looks at the ways the endless hustle of the digital world is affecting our mental and physical health and our creativity. In this interview hear how Rahaf felt scared at first when she moved to Canada and couldn’t understand what people were saying, what it was like working on the 2008 Obama campaign, and why she kicks off her day by watching comedy.