Mark C. Thompson

Mark C. Thompson is an accomplished executive and New York Times bestselling author specializing in executive leadership, business strategy, and innovation. Over his career spanning more than 25 years, he has been pivotal in leading teams and nurturing companies from inception to successful enterprises. He delivers actionable, valuable, and practical advice for leaders at various organizational levels.

Having been recognized by Forbes as one of America’s top venture investors with the ‘Midas Touch’, Thompson's notable contributions extend into his authorship with titles such as "ADMIRED: 21 Ways to Double Your Value," "Now Build a Great Business," and "Success Built to Last – Creating a Life that Matters." Additionally, his expertise in innovation leadership is showcased through his columns for Forbes.com, Inc.com, and FastCompany.com.

Thompson's significant roles include serving as the former Chief of Staff and Chief Customer Experience Officer at Charles Schwab, where he was also the Executive Producer of Schwab.com, managing assets exceeding $3 Trillion today. His entrepreneurial spirit is highlighted by his co-founding of Sir Richard Branson’s Entrepreneurship Centres and his advisory roles for Virgin Unite Entrepreneurs. At Stanford University, he contributed as a founding advisor of the Stanford Realtime Venture Design Lab, where he was a visiting scholar and later joined the faculty at international forums such as the World Economic Forum and World Business Forum.

In the investing field, Thompson has been a transformative figure, with early investments in leading companies like Facebook, Netflix, and eSurance, demonstrating his keen eye for potential. As a board member, he has influenced diverse sectors including technology, biotech, and retail through his roles at companies like Best Buy, Korn Ferry, and Interwoven (now owned by HP). Additionally, he served as the Chairman of the Board for Rioport before the era of the iPod.

Thompson's passion for the arts is evident through his engagement with Broadway as a producer, where his efforts have led to ten Tony nominations and five Tony Awards, affirming his impact in the entertainment industry. His role as a founding board member for Smule, a leading music app company, further underscores his diverse interests and contributions across different fields.