After years of high achievement at Northwestern University and Yale Law School, Daniel H. Pink changed his course. He spent just a few years as a White House aide and then speechwriter before striking out as a “free agent.” His decision evolved from the growing number of opportunities that he had observed beyond corporate America and the public sector.

Shortly, he set out to help others make the same choice in his highly acclaimed book “Free Agent Nation: The Future of Working for Yourself.” Besides writing self-help books, Pink writes a blog on his website. He also hosted a documentary reality show called “Crowd Control” for National Geographic.

This prolific author and innovator is far from done making his mark on the world. He has written a few recent New York Times best-sellers that have introduced intriguing science-based ideas. For example, “Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us” is changing the way employers think about workplace incentives.