Chad Foster

Thursday, June 12 | Main Stage

There’s a certain hush that falls over a room when a person without sight says they see the world in ways the rest of us cannot. In this unmissable session, you’ll meet the first blind executive to graduate from Harvard Business School – a man who led a $34 billion software acquisition no one else dared to imagine, built groundbreaking tech deemed “impossible” by Oracle, and then ventured onto the ski slopes and the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu mat to prove there’s no obstacle that grit and perseverance cannot conquer.

Now, he’s stepping onto the CCW Main Stage to reveal five “Blind Ambition” pillars that can remake the way customer contact leaders do business – turning roadblocks into springboards and adversity into advantage. With wit and candor, he blends unforgettable stories and hard-won insights that will leave you charged with possibility.

Discover what happens when we choose to see, not just with our eyes, but with our hearts, our minds, and our conviction that the best is still ahead.

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Chad Foster is a technology innovator, business leader, and bestselling author who lost his sight in his early twenties. Recognized as the first blind graduate of Harvard Business School’s Program for Leadership Development, Chad has directed high-impact initiatives for some of the world’s largest corporations. He notably helped create one of the first blind-accessible CRM solutions, opening up new professional frontiers for visually impaired users and inspiring broader discussions on inclusive design.

Throughout his career, Chad has spearheaded multimillion-dollar deals, guided cross-functional teams, and shown how resilience can drive business growth. His book, Blind Ambition, underscores his belief that challenges aren’t roadblocks — they’re catalysts for innovation. By merging personal experience with proven business strategies, Chad offers a unique perspective on how organizations can build stronger, more inclusive customer experiences.