Ted Souder was one of Google’s earliest employees and is a global expert on Modern Business Transformation. With a twenty year tenure with the tech giant, Ted has a wealth of experience helping organisations accelerate their digital capabilities. Now a dynamic and sought-after speaker, Ted helps organisations build AI centred strategies and future-ready cultures. His personalised talks are guaranteed to leave your audiences inspired for action.
Ted’s career is built on a strong academic foundation, Ted received his BSBA in Business from the University of Denver and began his career working in advertising and marketing. In 1995, Ted became an Account Executive at the Denver Business Journal before becoming an Account Executive at AOL. In 1995, Ted joined the National Football League working in Game Day Operations and Marketing. He also took on leadership roles at Echo Networks as the Director of Advertising, and at Excite@Home as a Marketing Manager. In 2001, Ted joined Google as a Client Service Specialist and so began his twenty year tenure at the tech giant that saw him take on esteemed positions such as Head of Industry Travel, Head of International Strategic Sales and Operations. While at the company, Ted founded Google’s CFO Forum where he brought together CFO’s from Google’s major partners to share insights on digital transformation.
Since leaving the company in 2022, Ted has been sharing his expertise as a board member and advisor for companies, he served on the boards of the Economic Club of Chicago, the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce and Portico by Exclusive Resorts. Currently he is a board director of 1871 – a global tech incubator, and serves on the board of the Chicago Council on Global Affairs, a geopolitical thinktank. Ted also leads classes on AI business strategy on the Section platform, a testament to his belief that great education should be available to everyone.
Ted has delivered a number of talks, both virtually and in person all over the world, covering topics from Building High-Performing Teams and Cultures of Innovation and Harnessing AI for Business Excellence. Harnessing expertise garnered from 25 years in the digital space, Ted’s engaging talks will inspire audiences to embrace the changing digital landscape and drive change.
Ted Souder's official speaking topics are listed below:
Modern Business Transformation with THRIVE
In today’s digital-first world, businesses must evolve to stay competitive. The THRIVE framework—Transform Mindset, Harness Insights, Realign Strategy, Integrate Partnerships, Value Metrics, Evolve Continuously—integrates cutting-edge technology with leadership excellence. This structured, actionable approach ensures organizations not only survive but thrive, driving innovation, enhancing competitiveness, and achieving long-term success in the modern business landscape.
Building an Entrepreneurial Ecosystem
Unleash the power of entrepreneurship by creating and supporting strong entrepreneurial ecosystems. Discover the vital components and strategies to foster a thriving environment for startups, investors, and innovators. Learn how to cultivate collaboration, attract talent, and drive economic growth by creating vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystems in your community.
Building High-Performing Teams & Cultures of Innovation
Discover the keys to building high-performing teams and creating a culture of innovation within your organization. Learn how to enhance collaboration, inspire creativity, and empower your employees to reach new heights of success. Explore practical strategies to nurture a dynamic work environment that embraces innovation, adaptability, and continuous improvement.
Harnessing AI for Business Excellence
Unlock the potential of AI to transform your business from friction to fluidity. In this session, you'll explore how AI can enhance your operations and customer interactions using generative AI. Gain practical insights on integrating AI to drive efficiency, streamline processes, and elevate the customer experience. Walk away with a clear framework to shift your mindset and lead your team in leveraging AI for real business impact.
OKRs: Your Secret Weapon for Success in a Rapidly Changing World
Discover the power of Objectives and Key Results (OKRs) and how they can drive exceptional performance. Learn how OKRs can align your organization, boost productivity, and foster a culture of accountability. Gain practical techniques to set ambitious goals, track progress, and empower your teams to achieve outstanding results in a constantly changing environment.
Official Feedback From In-Person & Virtual Events
"Ted, was truly an amazing presentation you delivered. Your presence was so important in providing credibility to our organisation and the RECON event. All positive comments from our delegates on your content and your delivery." - David, CEO, MECS+R
"You are incredibly well spoken and brought impactful insights to our invite only conference of industry leaders. We were thrilled with your session, and so were the attendees. One participant even let us know that the Innovation in Chicago panel made her "fall in love with her home again," so that is a major WIN! We can't wait to connect in the future." - Grace, Decasonic
- 2024 – Council Member at NUS Medicine International Council
- 2023 – Founder of Wiggs Holding
- 2023 – Professor at Section
- 2023 – Member of the Board of Directors at Chicago Council on Global Affairs
- 2022 – Advisor at Superfiliate
- 2018 – Partner at HTAT Journeys
- 2018 – Advisor at Revolution
- 2016 – Founder of Google CFO Forum
- 2014 – Member of the Board of Directors, at 1871
- 2012 – Head of Industry, Retail at Google
- 2012 – Member of the Board of Directors, Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce
- 2010 – Head of International Strategic Sales and Operations, Google
- 2005 – Head of Industry, Travel at Google
- 2003 – Midwest Client Service Manager, Google
- 2001 – Client Service Specialist, Google
- 2000 – Director of Advertising, Echo Networks 1
- 999 – Marketing Manager, Excite@Home
- 1998 – National Account Manager, Excite@Home
- 1996 – Account Executive, AOL
- 1995 – Game Day Operations/Marketing, National Football League
- 1995 – Account Executive, Denver Business Journal
How to hire Ted Souder
Contact the Champions Speakers Agency to provisionally enquire about hiring Ted Souder for your next event, today. To get in touch, simply call an official booking agent on 0207 1010 553 or email us at [email protected] for more information.
** We do NOT accept requests for autographs, signed merchandise, fan mail, birthday messages or any other non-commercial contact with the speakers or acts. Each speaker on the website may not have necessarily worked with Champions in the past but are known to perform such engagements within the industry.
