Cathie Wood Speaking Fee: $10,000 to $20,000

Cathie Wood is the visionary Founder, CEO, and Chief Investment Officer of ARK Invest, a firm she established in 2014 with the mission of democratizing investment in disruptive innovation. Born in Los Angeles, California, Wood's early passion for economics and finance led her to pursue a degree in economics from the University of Southern California, where she studied under the revered economist Arthur Laffer. Her formative years in Los Angeles, combined with her exceptional academic background, laid the foundation for a career defined by bold strategies and groundbreaking investments. Before founding ARK Invest, Cathie Wood spent over two decades making her mark in the investment world. She served in prominent roles at Jennison Associates, AllianceBernstein, and Capital Group. At AllianceBernstein, she was Chief Investment Officer of Global Thematic Strategies, where her innovative approaches began capturing industry attention. Her foresight and commitment to unearthing future technologies have made her a standout figure in a field often driven by tradition and caution. Wood's creation of ARK Invest marked a significant shift in investment focus, leveraging her keen insight into the potential of breakthrough technologies. ARK's offerings, particularly its exchange-traded funds (ETFs), target sectors such as genomics, artificial intelligence, robotics, energy storage, and blockchain technology. Her investment strategies often challenge conventional wisdom, yet consistently showcase her deep understanding of market dynamics and technological advancements. Cathie's natural curiosity and willingness to embrace risk have been instrumental in forecasting and capitalizing on technological trends. Her bold analysis and research-driven approach allowed her to recognize the potential of companies like Tesla and Square early on. As a result, ARK Invest's portfolios have consistently outperformed traditional benchmarks, earning her a reputation as a trailblazer in the investment community. This success has made Wood a sought-after speaker and thought leader, regularly sharing her insights at major financial conferences and media outlets. Beyond her professional achievements, Cathie Wood is committed to educating investors about the potential of emerging technologies. She is a fierce advocate for transparency and open communication, often sharing ARK Invest's research and insights with the broader public. Her dedication to fostering understanding and growth in disruptive innovation continues to inspire investors worldwide, validating her role as a transformative figure in modern finance.