Wayne Beeson is a seasoned entrepreneur with over 40 years of experience in launching, expanding, and advising a diverse portfolio of businesses and humanitarian initiatives. Known for his deep commitment to innovation and social impact, Wayne has led or been pivotal in founding over two dozen enterprises across industries including finance, software, energy efficiency, and nonprofit refugee resettlement. His career reflects a unique blend of entrepreneurial vision, international business acumen, and a deep dedication to humanitarian causes, making him a transformative leader in both the corporate and nonprofit sectors.
Currently, Wayne serves as a co-founder and advisor for WelcomeNST, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the private sponsorship and resettlement of refugees from around the world, including Afghanistan and Ukraine. In partnership with the U.S. Department of State’s Welcome Corps, Wayne has helped WelcomeNST recruit, train, and mobilize over 3,000 volunteers, form 100+ support groups, and resettle 600+ refugees. His work with WelcomeNST reflects his commitment to leveraging private sector strategies for meaningful humanitarian outcomes, addressing urgent needs while creating sustainable support systems for refugees. In addition, Wayne has recently been invited to work with a group of business and technology leaders focused on facilitating the use of AI tools in startup organizations and the profound impact AI tools could have on business success and profitability.
In addition to his role with WelcomeNST, Wayne is the founder and owner of Geopolitical Watch, a consulting firm that offers geopolitical monitoring and analysis for a range of startups. His background in international relations and geopolitical risk analysis has enabled him to guide businesses in navigating complex global challenges. His expertise in this area is further reinforced by his certifications from the Luminae Group in Strategic Geopolitical Risk Analysis and Harvard Extension School in International Relations, as well as his fluency in Russian.
Wayne’s entrepreneurial career includes leadership roles in several high-profile startups, such as VMS Software, Inc., where he served as Director of Business Development and later Director of Services. There, he was instrumental in migrating clients from Hewlett-Packard to VMS Software and defining the company’s initial service offerings, which drove global client acquisition. His ability to adapt and develop strategic partnerships positioned VMS Software as a formidable player in the technology space, showcasing his strategic approach to business expansion.
A veteran of the Utah venture community, Wayne has provided business development consulting to numerous startups, including education technology companies and immigrant investor projects. His work in this space includes setting up TSA testing centers, promoting EB5 Visa programs, and consulting for the Thrivent Financial venture. This period of his career highlights his adaptability and his enthusiasm for fostering growth in emerging companies across a range of sectors.
Earlier in his career, Wayne held pivotal roles in Franklin Templeton Bank, where he was part of the startup team that launched one of the first online banks, and at Certiport, Inc., where he led international expansion efforts and established an office in Moscow. At Certiport, Wayne collaborated with the Gorbachev Foundation on digital literacy initiatives in Russian orphanages, an experience that deepened his appreciation for the intersection of technology, education, and social impact.
Wayne holds a Bachelor’s degree in International Studies from the University of Utah, where he focused on Eastern European and Middle Eastern history and political systems, and he completed graduate certifications from both Harvard Extension School and MIT Sloan Executive Education. His educational background in international relations, combined with executive education in management, IoT, blockchain, and AI from MIT, has equipped him with a holistic understanding of global business dynamics and emerging technologies.
His skills span across key areas, including business development, humanitarian assistance, strategic expansion, public speaking, and leadership training. Wayne’s extensive international exposure, including significant time spent in Eastern Europe and Central America, has enriched his global perspective, which he brings to each new venture and partnership. Known for his effective communication and ability to inspire through keynote speaking and workshops, he is often called upon to share his insights on entrepreneurship, leadership, and the power of private sponsorship for refugee resettlement.
Character:
Wayne Beeson is known for his resilience, empathy, and dedication to creating positive change through business and humanitarian efforts, consistently aligning his personal values with his professional pursuits. His work with refugee resettlement and international business demonstrates a deep commitment to impactful service and community empowerment, which has roots in his faith and his ten years of service as a Special Forces Officer with the 19th Special Forces Group.
Knowledge:
Wayne has a comprehensive understanding of global business operations, humanitarian issues, and emerging technologies, underpinned by formal education in international relations and executive training. His blend of theoretical knowledge and practical experience enables him to drive meaningful and innovative outcomes across industries.
Strategic:
Wayne’s strategic approach to business focuses on sustainable growth through partnerships, innovative solutions, and long-term planning. His experience in founding and scaling startups across diverse sectors reflects his expertise in building resilient, forward-looking business models.
Communication:
Wayne is a skilled communicator, known for his clarity and ability to inspire others through impactful public speaking and leadership workshops. His motivational style resonates with diverse audiences, making him an effective advisor, speaker, and leader in both corporate and nonprofit environments.
