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Trace Wax

Lecturer, Leading Disruptive Change, Machine Learning and AI; M.S. Technology Management

Trace Wax is a lifelong educator and learner, with decades of experience in software product management, design, engineering, and leadership. He’s worked with Microsoft, Apple, Boston Consulting Group Digital Ventures, and the like. He’s opened and led consulting offices for software studios such as thoughtbot and Artium. As a Lean Startup practitioner and enterprise intrapreneur, he’s guided nascent teams to achieve millions in USD revenue or impact in their initial year and $100m+ exits after several years, and has elevated the performance and creativity of existing teams by winning them over to consistently practice better ways of working.

At the core of his professional ethos is a mission dedicated to showing technologists how to create their future. He’s brought products to life in blockchain, space tech, VR, and Generative AI. He’s passionate about helping people identify and find their dream job, with a vast network of close relationships with technology leaders and high-profile executives who can help.

He is the co-author of "Design Sprint: A Practical Guidebook for Building Great Digital Products," published by O’Reilly. Beyond his affiliation with Columbia, he teaches Product Management with Mind the Product, organizes emerging technology conferences, and consults as a fractional CTO.