Tomas Sedlacek

Tomáš Sedláček is a Czech economist, philosopher and educator who transforms how audiences understand the human dimensions of economic thought. Recognised by the Yale Economic Review as one of the five most influential minds in economics, he served as economic adviser to President Václav Havel and spent 16 years as Chief Macroeconomic Strategist at CSOB, one of the Czech Republic's largest banks. His internationally acclaimed book Economics of Good and Evil, published by Oxford University Press and translated into 22 languages, explores economics through mythology, religion, philosophy and popular culture. Since March 2025 he has directed the Václav Havel Library whilst developing three new books, equipping organisations with fresh perspectives that challenge conventional economic thinking and inspire meaningful strategic dialogue.

When Tomáš Sedláček published Economics of Good and Evil through Oxford University Press, he fundamentally challenged the assumptions underpinning modern economic thought. The book, now translated into 22 languages, explores economics not through equations and graphs but through the Epic of Gilgamesh, the Old Testament, and films like The Matrix and Fight Club. Recognised by the Yale Economic Review as one of the five most influential minds in economics, Sedláček has transformed how audiences worldwide understand the philosophical and ethical dimensions of financial decision-making. Since March 2025, he has directed the Václav Havel Library whilst developing three major new works that continue his exploration of economics as a deeply human discipline.

Sedláček's career combines rigorous academic thought with practical policy influence. He served as economic adviser to President Václav Havel and later to the Czech Minister of Finance, where he shaped fiscal reform, pension restructures, and tax policy whilst negotiating with the World Bank and OECD. For 16 years, he worked as Chief Macroeconomic Strategist at ČSOB, one of the Czech Republic's largest banks, and remains a longstanding member of the Czech National Economic Council. His expertise has taken him to the World Economic Forum in Davos, Harvard and Georgetown universities for collaborative case studies, and lecture halls across the globe. EuropaNova selected him among their 40 Under 40 European Young Leaders, whilst the World Economic Forum invited him to join their Programme Council for New Economic Thinking. He also hosts CzechMate, an English-language podcast that extends his reach to international audiences seeking fresh economic perspectives.

Sedláček equips organisations with the intellectual tools to question conventional wisdom and engage with economics as a story about human values, not just market mechanics. His forthcoming books, including The Spirit of Economics, The New Republic of the Internet, and The Spirit of Europe, promise to challenge audiences further on issues from digital governance to European identity. In keynote presentations, he weaves mythology, philosophy, and contemporary culture into economic analysis, making complex ideas accessible and memorable. Audiences leave his sessions not just informed but inspired to reconsider the beliefs that drive their strategic decisions. Whether addressing financial leaders, corporate boards, or academic institutions, Sedláček creates lasting impact by revealing the moral and philosophical questions hidden within every economic choice, fostering dialogue that extends far beyond the event itself.