About Mike Steep | Stanford Faculty, Apple, Microsoft & Xerox PARC Executive

About Mike Steep

Technology innovator, Stanford faculty, and trusted advisor to C-suite executives navigating the future of disruptive technology.

Mike Steep

Michael J.T. Steep

Quick Facts

Work at Stanford
Founding Executive Director and Adjunct Professor, Disruptive Technology Program, Stanford School of Engineering
Work at Imperial College London
Former Adjunct Professor at Imperial College London in the school's innovation center.
Technology Operating Executive
He has been at the advent of every major digital transformation from the introduction of the IBM PC through the recent development of AI and Quantum Computing. He brings an operating executive's practical perspective to the discussion.
Speaking
In partnership with Leading Authorities, he has delivered 70+ keynotes globally. Option to book directly through Transform Innovation.
Published Works
3 bestselling books on technology & innovation
Education
University of Pennsylvania, Multinational Enterprise; University of Virginia MBA. Harvard Odyssey Program.

Biography

Mike Steep is a globally recognized expert on disruptive technology and innovation strategy. As the Founding Executive Director of Stanford University's Disruptive Technology Program at the School of Engineering, he has spent his entire career in technology at the intersection of cutting-edge technology development and strategic business transformation. The Stanford Program served as a bridge between early stage technology development and corporations seeking new forms of innovation. He served as Adjunct Professor of Engineering.

His career spans leadership roles at some of the world's most innovative technology companies, including HP, Apple, Microsoft, and Xerox PARC. This unique vantage point—from the laboratories where breakthrough technologies are invented to the boardrooms where strategic decisions are made— gives him unparalleled insight into how organizations can harness innovation for competitive advantage.

At Stanford, Mike directed a program that offered its corporate members the ability to access emerging technologies and develop practical business applications. His work focused on helping executives and organizations understand not just which technologies are coming, but how to prepare for and capitalize on them. His approach combines technical depth with strategic clarity, making complex technological trends accessible and actionable for business leaders.

As a speaker, Mike has delivered over 70 keynotes across 30+ countries, addressing audiences ranging from Fortune 500 C-suites to global industry conferences. His presentations are known for cutting through hype to deliver practical frameworks that leaders can immediately apply. Whether discussing artificial intelligence, digital transformation, or the future of work, his insights are grounded in real-world experience and backed by rigorous research.

Mike is the author of three bestselling books on technology and innovation, including his latest work, Critical Turning Point, which provides a practical guide for leaders navigating the AI revolution. His writing has been featured in leading business publications, and his frameworks are used by organizations worldwide to drive innovation and transformation.

Career Highlights

Decades at the forefront of technology innovation and business transformation

Stanford University logo

Stanford University

School of Engineering

Founding Executive Director, Disruptive Technology Program

Leading executive education and research on emerging technologies, AI strategy, and organizational transformation. Bridging the gap between technical innovation and existing business models.

Xerox PARC logo

Xerox PARC

Innovation Lab

SVP Commercial Operations

Executive running global commercial operations at the legendary research center responsible for inventing the graphical user interface, laser printing, and Ethernet. Gained deep expertise in technology invention and commercialization.

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Microsoft

Enterprise Division

Operating Executive

Drove strategic initiatives in cloud computing, enterprise software, and digital transformation. Advised C-suite on technology adoption and competitive positioning.

Kodak ENCAD logo

Kodak ENCAD

Corporate

President

Turned around an independent wide format imaging company returning revenue growth and profitability. Sold to Kodak Corporation.

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Lexmark (IBM)

Corporate

VP OEM Operations

Developed Lexmark's Asia operations launching business operations in Japan, China, and Korea. Crucial for growth and preparation for the company's successful IPO.

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Apple

Corporate

Senior Director

Contributed to product strategy and innovation initiatives during a transformative period. Launched industry's first digital camera. China, Japan, and Asia operations executive.

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Xerox Engineering Systems

Corporate

Senior Director Partner Channel

Developed partnerships with leading Asian, European, and American companies for the engineering division of Xerox Corporation.

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Software Publishing Corporation

Corporate

Director OEM and Partner Relationships

Launched the first software for the IBM PC Assistant Family Series.

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Hewlett Packard

Corporate

Business Development Manager

Recruited from MBA school to HP3000 minicomputer division starting my career in technology.

Transform Innovation logo

Transform Innovation

Present

Founder & Principal

Advising organizations on how to harness disruptive technologies to drive strategic growth, competitive advantage, and executive leadership transformation. Transform works with the top engineering school faculties including Stanford, UC Berkeley, MIT, CalTech, et al.

Areas of Expertise

Deep knowledge across technology, strategy, and organizational transformation

Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning

Strategic AI adoption, implementation frameworks, and organizational readiness for AI transformation.

Digital Transformation

End-to-end transformation strategies, change management, and technology-enabled business model innovation.

Innovation Strategy

Building innovation cultures, managing disruptive technologies, and creating sustainable competitive advantage.

Technology Leadership

Executive decision-making in technology, building high-performing teams, and driving adoption at scale.

Future of Work

Workforce transformation, automation impact, and preparing organizations for the evolving workplace.

Strategic Foresight

Technology trend analysis, scenario planning, and building organizational resilience for uncertainty.

Global Impact

Trusted by organizations worldwide to deliver insights that drive transformation

70+
Global Keynotes
25+
Industries
3
Bestselling Books
7,000+
Executive Attendees

Media & Press

Featured insights and commentary in leading business publications

Featured In

Harvard Business Review
Wall Street Journal
Forbes
MIT Technology Review
Stanford Business Magazine
TechCrunch

Media Kit

High-resolution photos, biography, and speaking topics available for press and event organizers.

Let's Work Together

Whether you're looking for a keynote speaker, workshop facilitator, or strategic advisor, let's discuss how we can help your organization navigate the future of technology.