Chris Shipley stands at the forefront of technology-driven transformation, with a storied career spanning more than three decades across journalism, entrepreneurship, and leadership in the future of work. A prolific author and dynamic speaker, Shipley has co-authored two influential books—The Adaptation Advantage (2020) and The Empathy Advantage (2023)—that explore the intersection of technological disruption, personal resilience, and modern leadership. Her insights serve as a guide for organizations navigating the rapidly changing workforce landscape.

As Curator of Google News’ Newsgeist since 2013, Shipley has built a thriving global community of journalists, publishers, and innovators committed to addressing the challenges and opportunities of a transforming news industry. Her ability to unite diverse stakeholders and spark meaningful dialogue reflects her exceptional skill in fostering collaborative ecosystems.

Shipley’s operational acumen is evidenced by her tenure as Chief Operating Officer of Sparkt, a media and technology platform driving peer-to-peer volunteerism and measuring corporate social responsibility. Her leadership helped position Sparkt as a trailblazer in scalable social impact initiatives. At MIT, as Executive Producer of Solve, she laid the foundation for a vibrant platform addressing global challenges through technological innovation, attracting leading minds from around the world.

Her entrepreneurial spirit is most evident in her role as Co-founder and CEO of Guidewire Group, a company that revolutionized startup evaluation with the creation of G/Score™, a proprietary assessment tool supported by the National Science Foundation. Under Shipley’s leadership, Guidewire Group became a trusted resource for governments and businesses worldwide, catalyzing economic development and innovation.

From 1996 to 2009, as Executive Producer of The DEMO Conferences, Shipley identified and showcased groundbreaking technologies, launching industry giants such as Salesforce, VMWare, and WebEx. The combined market value of companies launched under her guidance exceeds $60 billion, underscoring her keen eye for innovation and her deep impact on the technology sector.

In addition to her professional achievements, Shipley is a dedicated advocate for fostering leadership in underrepresented groups. Her board roles, including with Rocket50, Watermark, and Alberta’s Research and Innovation Advisory Committee, highlight her commitment to empowering entrepreneurs, women leaders, and career changers in an evolving work environment.

Shipley’s teaching and advisory roles further reflect her passion for developing talent and sharing expertise. She has held teaching roles at prestigious institutions such as Northeastern University (Boston) and Deusto University (Bilbao, Spain), while also serving as an advisor to ventures in artificial intelligence, venture capital, and digital innovation. She was a Fellow at the Donald W. Reynolds Journalism Institute at the Missouri School of Journalism where she worked with students to establish best practices in social media reporting.

Her academic foundation, a B.A. in Communication Arts and Literature from Allegheny College, laid the groundwork for a career defined by curiosity, adaptability, and a drive to create meaningful impact.

Throughout her career, Chris Shipley has received numerous accolades, including the Visionary Award from SVForum and the San Jose Business Journal’s Business Woman of Distinction Award. These honors underscore her transformative influence across industries, reinforcing her reputation as a catalyst for innovation and a leader who empowers individuals and organizations to thrive in times of change.

Character: Chris Shipley demonstrates unwavering integrity, resilience, and a deep commitment to empowering others, consistently fostering environments of collaboration and trust throughout her career.

Knowledge: With unparalleled expertise in technology-driven innovation, entrepreneurship, and leadership in the future of work, Shipley combines academic insight with decades of hands-on experience to drive transformative outcomes.

Strategic: Shipley excels at devising forward-thinking strategies that align technological advancements with organizational goals, enabling sustainable growth and long-term success in dynamic industries.

Communication: A skilled communicator and storyteller, Shipley conveys complex ideas with clarity and impact, inspiring diverse audiences to embrace change and seize emerging opportunities.