Gary Hirsch is an artist, creative leader and educator widely known for helping people and organizations communicate more authentically, collaborate more effectively and lead with integrity. He will be the featured speaker at Wilmington College’s 150th Commencement on May 9.
Over more than 25 years, he has designed and delivered learning experiences that span industries, cultures and disciplines — bringing creativity and human connection into spaces where they matter most. Co-founder of On Your Feet, Hirsch has led experiential learning and leadership development for a wide range of organizations, including such global brands as Uber, Nike, Intel and Disney, as well as nonprofits and educational institutions. His work has reached leaders — from executives to frontline teams — in helping them practice adaptability, empathy and presence.
WC President Corey Cockerill is thrilled that Hirsch accepted the College’s invitation to speak at the milestone sesquicentennial Commencement. She referenced his work numerous times when teaching as a member of WC’s faculty for 15 years, and Cockerill continues to gain valuable insight and inspiration from the “grounded, people-first perspective” of his work.
“Gary Hirsch’s work reflects values that resonate deeply with Wilmington College,” she said. “As our graduates go forth into the world, his message will encourage them to be brave leaders, grounded in values, attentive to others and committed to building a more compassionate and connected future.”
The president was introduced to his work by her sister, Erin, who lives in Portland, OR, and has followed his career for more than a decade. Erin gave Cockerill her first Joy Bot — a ‘Yes’ Bot — for Christmas. “After that, I was hooked. I began incorporating his ideas about collaboration into my marketing and communication classes,” she said. One year during WC’s Westheimer Peace Symposium, an activity featured making Peace Bots on campus — “something Gary encourages people to do.” Since then, for more than a decade now, Wilmington College students have engaged with his work. “It encourages participation and reminds students that creativity is something we build together,” she added. “I believe his message will resonate strongly with our graduates.”
Indeed, Hirsch is the creator of Botjoy, a global art movement centered on connection, delight and creative courage. Through thousands of hand-painted, domino-sized robots and large-scale interactive murals in cities throughout the world, Botjoy invites participation, sparks dialogue and builds community. Those ideas are further explored in his newly released book, Monster Transformations, which reflects on how we face fear, embrace change and grow with intention.