Megan Smith

Megan Smith is widely known as an award-winning entrepreneur at the helm of the technology industry. Having formerly worked for the likes of Google and the United States Government, Megan is an expert technical evangelist and is on a mission to raise awareness of the power of innovation and technology. Also passionate to provide solutions to pressing social, economical and environmental issues facing the world, Megan is a regular choice as a speaker for a range of corporate events. Having previously spoken at TED events, Megan is booked to speak on the topics of accelerating solutions to significant challenges, building high-impact workforces and transforming your organisation.

Throughout her career, Megan has been fortunate to work with many of the world’s top organisations. She is best known, however, as the former Chief Technical Officer for the United States of America. As CTO for the United States, Megan worked alongside the then President Barack Obama to create technical solutions for the nation of America and to make use of the capabilities of data and technological advances. Megan is also widely known as the former Vice President of New Business Development, where she spent 11 years of her career leading the pilot exploration of new technology.

Before forging a successful career at the helm of American politics, Megan studied in mechanical engineering and graduated from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. During her time at MIT, Megan developed an interest in technology and was part of the designing and building of solar cars which raced for 2000 miles in the Australian outback. Upon graduating from MIT, Megan began working for Apple in Tokyo and General Magic. With such companies, Megan worked in the development and design of new smartphone technologies, before going on to work with the LGBT media company Planet Out.

Megan has also acted as the COO and CEO of Planet Out and is currently the co-founder and CEO of Shift7. Inspired to create Shift7, Megan’s vision is to combat a variety of the world’s most pressing issues in regards to social, economic and environmental problems. In order to deliver such solutions, Megan is engaging with proven technological practises which drive direct impact. Outside of Shift7, Megan is also a board member for several organisations, such as Vital Voices, Thinkof-Us, the UN Solutions Summit and LA Olympics 2028. She is also a member of the Award Selection Committee for the Carroll L Wilson Award at MIT and is a member of the National Academy of Engineering.

Throughout her career, Megan has claimed various awards for her commitment to her industries. She has most recently been named as one of the 23 Most Powerful LGBTQ+ People in Tech 2019 by Business Insider and claimed the Charging Buffalo Award in 2015. She has also previously been named as the World Economic Forum Technology Pioneer in 2001 and 2002, one of the 50 Most Powerful LGBT People in the United States by Out Magazine and one of the Top 25 Women on the Web 2000. She has also been the recipient of the GLAAD Interactive Media Award for Internet Leadership and is one of Upside Magazine’s 100 Digital Elite.

Now a popular choice as a keynote speaker for a range of events, Megan was previously invited to speak at a TED event with the speech The Hidden History of Women in Tech. As a speaker, Megan is booked to cover her expertise and time in the US Government, talking on topics of solutions for significant challenges, transforming organisations and creating inclusive and high-impact workforces. A seasoned speaker with a plethora of experience, Megan Smith is the perfect keynote for a range of events.