Bill McDermott Speaking Fee: $75,000 to $100,000

Bill McDermott's journey from a small-town entrepreneur to a leading figure in the global tech industry is a testament to his vision and determination. Born on August 18, 1961, in New York City and raised in Amityville, Long Island, McDermott's early life was marked by entrepreneurial spirit. At just 16, he purchased the Amityville Country Delicatessen for $7,000, a venture that not only showcased his business acumen but also helped finance his education. McDermott earned a bachelor's degree in Business Management from Dowling College. He later pursued an MBA from Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management and completed the Executive Development Program at the Wharton School of Business. His professional career began with a 17-year tenure at Xerox, where he ascended from a sales role to become the company's youngest corporate officer and division president. McDermott then served as president of Gartner and held the position of Executive Vice President of Worldwide Sales and Operations at Siebel Systems. In 2002, McDermott joined SAP America as CEO, eventually becoming co-CEO of SAP AG in 2010 and the sole CEO in 2014—the first American to lead the company. Under his leadership, SAP's market value surged from $39 billion to $163 billion. His tenure was marked by a relentless focus on customer relationships and strategic growth. In November 2019, McDermott took the helm at ServiceNow as President, CEO, and a member of the Board of Directors. He also serves on the board of Zoom. His leadership continues to influence the tech industry, emphasizing innovation and customer-centric strategies. Beyond his corporate roles, McDermott is the author of the national bestseller "Winners Dream: A Journey from Corner Store to Corner Office," where he shares insights from his remarkable career. His story resonates as an inspiring narrative of ambition, resilience, and the pursuit of excellence.