Dr. Lawrence "Larry" M Drake II
Co-Founder and Principal Consultant HOPE 360° Inc.
Dr. Lawrence Drake is a dynamic and focused, global leader, media psychologist, university president, academic trustee, corporate chief executive with more than four decades of impact across academic, business, and entrepreneurial sectors—both domestically and internationally. He is widely recognized for his ability to help individuals and organizations cast a clear vision, execute strategic direction, and deliver measurable results within complex organizations.
Education, patience, and discipline have been central to Dr. Drake’s success in navigating both achievement and adversity. Add to that faith, tenacity, energy, and an unwavering commitment to becoming the best version of himself, and you begin to understand how he rose from a Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania housing project to become one of the most accomplished African American executives in the U.S.—having served as a top leader in two Fortune 500 corporations and as president of two universities.
Dr. Drake has lived and or worked in over 60 countries, giving him a deep appreciation for cultural nuance, global strategy, and inclusive leadership. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated transformational leadership in start-ups, rapid-growth businesses, and large-scale academic institutions. He believes leadership is not a right but a privilege—anchored in accountability, discipline, and the power of lifelong learning. He is equally committed to mentoring others and building teams grounded in shared values and vision.
An expert in media-influenced human behavior, Dr. Drake’s research lies at the intersection of cognitive science, applied psychology, and media innovation. He has authored numerous scholarly articles and book chapters and has presented extensively on how media shapes human perception and behavior.
As a seasoned executive, he has successfully led cross-functional teams across finance, technology, operations, human resources, philanthropy, and public policy—driving innovation and cultivating high-performing, mission-driven cultures. He is an executive coach for corporate, academic and non-profit leaders throughout the US and globally.
Dr. Drake holds a B.A. in Elected Studies from Fisk University, a B.A. in Sociology from Georgia State University, an MBA from Rockhurst University, and both an M.S. and Ph.D. in Psychology from Fielding Graduate University.
He and his wife Janice are proud parents of five children and six grandchildren.
