Megan Smith

Megan Smith is a trailblazing entrepreneur and a prominent figure in the technology and innovation sector. Renowned for her dynamic leadership and ability to drive change, Megan has held influential roles at Google and the United States Government, where she showcased her talent as a technical evangelist and advocate for technological innovation. Passionate about using technology as a force for good, Megan is committed to addressing global social, economic, and environmental challenges. Her thought-provoking speeches are in high demand for corporate events and leadership workshops, with past engagements at TED conferences where she shared her insights on topics such as accelerating solutions to major global challenges, transforming organisational culture, and building inclusive, high-impact workforces.

With a career spanning some of the world’s most prestigious organisations, Megan Smith is perhaps best known for her role as Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of the United States, where she worked directly with President Barack Obama. In this capacity, Megan spearheaded nationwide technical initiatives, harnessing data and technological advancements to drive social impact and modernise government operations. Before this, she served as Vice President of New Business Development at Google, where she spent over a decade leading the development of groundbreaking technological innovations. Her career is marked by a commitment to pioneering projects that have a tangible, lasting impact on society.

Megan’s passion for technology took root during her studies at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where she graduated with a degree in mechanical engineering. While at MIT, she collaborated on the design and creation of solar-powered cars, competing in endurance races across the Australian outback. Following her graduation, she joined industry giants such as Apple in Tokyo and General Magic, where she played a role in the development of early smartphone technology. Her career also saw her serving as COO and CEO of the LGBT media company Planet Out, championing inclusivity in the media sector before co-founding Shift7, where she continues to address global socio-economic and environmental issues through impact-driven technological solutions.

A celebrated leader, Megan has received numerous accolades for her contributions to the fields of technology, innovation, and social impact. She has been recognised as one of Business Insider’s 23 Most Powerful LGBTQ+ People in Tech (2019), awarded the Charging Buffalo Award (2015), and celebrated as a World Economic Forum Technology Pioneer in both 2001 and 2002. Her influence extends beyond her executive roles, with active participation as a board member for Vital Voices, Think of Us, the LA 2028 Olympic Committee, and as a member of the National Academy of Engineering. As a speaker, Megan captivates audiences with her powerful message of using technology for social good, and her personal story of leadership, resilience, and innovation is sure to inspire corporate teams, executive leaders, and industry professionals. Companies seeking an inspirational leadership speaker who can empower their workforce and spark change at events, conferences, and team-building workshops can now hire Megan Smith through the Inspirational Leadership Speakers Agency.