Rod Martin
Just "a poor kid from Arkansas" turned Silicon Valley success story, Rod has a unique blend of southern gentleman and savvy business acumen that is sure to stimulate, educate, inspire and motivate any audience. Rod is a Cambridge-educated serial entrepreneur with big achievements with a knack for turning everything he touches into to success. Rod's technology career began at Silicon Valley legend PayPal, where he was a senior advisor to founder and CEO Peter Thiel during the company's startup phase, IPO, and multi-billion dollar sale to eBay. Later, he founded his own hedge fund and struck out on his own. In 2009, Rod and one of his partners led the takeover and turnaround of Galectin Therapeutics (NASDAQ: GALT), which is now developing a drug that, in early studies, has successfully reversed fibrosis and cirrhosis of the liver.
Just "a poor kid from Arkansas" turned Silicon Valley success story, Rod has a unique blend of southern gentleman and savvy business acumen that is sure to stimulate, educate, inspire and motivate any audience. Rod is a Cambridge-educated serial entrepreneur with big achievements with a knack for turning everything he touches into to success. Rod's technology career began at Silicon Valley legend PayPal, where he was a senior advisor to founder and CEO Peter Thiel during the company's startup phase, IPO, and multi-billion dollar sale to eBay. Later, he founded his own hedge fund and struck out on his own. In 2009, Rod and one of his partners led the takeover and turnaround of Galectin Therapeutics (NASDAQ: GALT), which is now developing a drug that, in early studies, has successfully reversed fibrosis and cirrhosis of the liver.
The Noblest Profession
Though sales and selling are constantly derided, salesmen move the world. Rod powerfully argues that salesmen and entrepreneurs work tirelessly benefiting others, and that all human progress depends upon them.
The Century Ahead
As one of America's leading futurists, business leaders and technologists, Rod charts out the next 50 to 100 years in spellbinding detail. He gives insights into how your unique audience can maximize success in the very different world unfolding before us. For college audiences, he gives particular attention to the career choices your students should consider.
The Imperative of Excellence
Rod will inspire your audience toward the levels of excellence exemplified by companies such as PayPal and Apple, and demonstrates that excellence should typify every area of their lives. Audience members will be inspired and motivated to exceed their own expectations and dreams, and to lead those around them into a better future.
