Jim McKelvey

Jim McKelvey is a serial entrepreneur, inventor, philanthropist, artist, and author of "The Innovation Stack: Building an Unbeatable Business One Crazy Idea at a Time." He is the co-founder of Block, formerly known as Square, was chairman of its board until 2010, and still serves on the Board of Directors. McKelvey played a crucial role in the company's success, especially during its competitive struggles against Amazon. His iconic card reader design is part of the permanent collections at both the Museum of Modern Art in New York City and The Smithsonian in Washington DC.

In addition to his work in technology, McKelvey founded Invisibly, an initiative aimed at transforming the economics of online content; LaunchCode, a nonprofit that helps individuals learn programming and secure jobs in technology; and Third Degree Glass Factory, a studio and education center that promotes glass art. His written works include "The Art of Fire," the world’s most widely read text on glassblowing, and his latest book, "The Innovation Stack: Building an Unbeatable Business One Crazy Idea at a Time," which provides insights into Square's strategies and broader lessons on entrepreneurship.

In 2017, McKelvey was appointed as an Independent Director of the St. Louis Federal Reserve. He graduated from Washington University with degrees in Economics and Computer Science in 1987. McKelvey's commitment to innovation is evident in his advocacy for customer-driven solutions and his encouragement for individuals to experiment with technology, inspiring audiences with his diverse experiences and achievements.