Ted Souder is a former Google insider, former Vice-Chair of the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce, and current Board Director at 1871, one of the top-rated technology incubators in the world, as well as the Chicago Council on Global Affairs, a leading nonpartisan organization dedicated to increasing knowledge and engagement in global affairs.
One of Google’s earliest employees, Ted spent over 20 years helping write one of the greatest business stories of all time. From its origin as a fledgling Search engine trying to find its footing after the “dot com” crash in 2000 to becoming one of the largest and most important companies in the world, Google helped define an era. While at Google, Ted held many leadership positions in Chicago and Paris, ultimately leading to his dual roles as Founder of the Google CFO Forum and Head of Industry, Retail.
Now, Ted is bringing the principles of Modern Business Transformation to organizations worldwide via the THRIVE framework, helping them accelerate into a digital-first future. His approach leverages the latest digital tools and modern leadership essentials to drive innovation, efficiency, and growth.
In addition to his time at Google, Ted has held significant roles at early online pioneers America Online and Excite and the groundbreaking social music startup Echo Networks. He is also a co-owner of the Monthly Barometer, a content platform and advisory boutique based in Chamonix, France. The Monthly Barometer offers high-quality macro analysis and community gatherings at the intersection of Economics, geopolitics, Climate, Technology, and Society.
Ted lives in Chicago with his wife Lori, the founder of HTAT Journeys, LLC, a conservation-focused safari operator in Eastern and Southern Africa. A sought-after speaker, Ted addresses global audiences on the transformative power of digital transformation and its positive impact on business, community, and life.
