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Barack Obama

Thought Leader

Barack Obama was the 44th President of the United States (2009–2017). With Michelle Obama he founded Higher Ground Productions in 2018, a film, television and audio company that signed a multiyear exclusive podcast deal with Spotify in 2019 and later moved its audio slate to Audible. He also leads the Obama Foundation.

Last updated Sep 27, 2026 by the ATDb Editorial Team · Connections updated Sep 28, 2026

In the news
Role
Former President of the United States
Company
Obama Foundation
Based
Washington, DC, United States
Boards
1
Connections
5

AI-drafted from public sources2 sources cited

Bio

Barack Obama was the 44th President of the United States (2009–2017). With Michelle Obama he founded Higher Ground Productions in 2018, a film, television and audio company that signed a multiyear exclusive podcast deal with Spotify in 2019 and later moved its audio slate to Audible. He also leads the Obama Foundation.

Expertise & education

Expertise

Political Digital AdvertisingData-Driven Campaign StrategyPublic PolicyCivic TechnologyDigital Audience Targeting (political context)

Education

  • J.D., Harvard Law School
  • B.A. Political Science, Columbia University

Speaking topics

Democracy and Civic EngagementLeadershipTechnology and SocietyClimate ChangeEconomic Inequality

Recognition

Notable achievements

  • First African American President of the United States
  • 2008 presidential campaign widely credited as a watershed moment for data-driven digital advertising and micro-targeting in politics
  • Nobel Peace Prize recipient (2009)
  • Signed legislation affecting digital commerce and consumer data privacy during his administration

Awards

Nobel Peace Prize (2009)Presidential Medal of Freedom (received and awarded)

Publications

  • A Promised Land (2020)
  • The Audacity of Hope (2006)
  • Dreams from My Father (1995)
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