BIO

Tina Sharkey is an enlightened leader. She is an interdisciplinary innovator, renowned brand builder, seasoned board member, advisor, and educator. Known for coining the term "social media," she brings a human-centered approach and sharp insights to help organizations refine product-market fit, craft winning strategies, and navigate transformation.

Tina sparks innovation at the intersection of AI, brand, and human connection, guiding established leaders and next-gen innovators in navigating the rapidly transforming global business ecosystem. As a serial builder and incisive board member, she leverages her expertise to shape strategies that drive growth, foster loyalty, and build purpose-driven enterprises.

She has co-founded, scaled, and led iconic brands like iVillage, Brandless, AOL Networks, SesameStreet Digital, and BabyCenter and has served as a board member or advisor to investors, companies, and leaders across private growth, Fortune 500, and nonprofit organizations, including GAP Inc., PBS, Microsoft, Havenly, Clasp, Shell, VRBO, and IPSY.

As a Lecturer in Business Innovation, Director of the Innovation Quest, and Principal Investigator of a campus wide Gen AI & Society grant at the USC Iovine and Young Academy, Tina equips future innovators with the tools, resources, and experiences to build modern and AI-enabled brands and businesses and accelerate student led ventures. She also collaborates with corporations, startups, nonprofits, and academia to drive digital transformation, impact C-suite strategy, and create scalable playbooks for innovation.

Her contributions to business innovation and strategic leadership have earned her recognition as one of the Top 100 People Transforming Business by Business Insider, Top Women in Tech by Fast Company, one of the 50 Most Daring Entrepreneurs by Entrepreneur Magazine, Top Women in Retail by NRF, and receiving two-time recognition by Goldman Sachs as one of the 100 Most Intriguing Entrepreneurs.

Tina is a New York City native who now lives in Mill Valley, California, at the foothills of Mt.Tamalpais.