How did a Babson kid with an accounting degree become the Chief Technology Executive at a dozen top tech companies? A rollicking and guaranteed humorous tour of how the software industry began in the 70’s, its wild adolescence in the 80’s, and the subsequent multiple reinventions that has characterized its journey from the ‘90’s all the way through to today -- all from a guy who’s witnessed it all by being there! Hear from John Landy, Babson Entrepreneur-in-Residence, about lessons learned, mistakes made, and successes enjoyed, all while working with some of the most interesting, most innovative, and most fun people on the planet and laughing all the way to the bank!

John’s talk will set the stage for the upcoming deeper dives in the Blank Center’s Technology Lunch and Learn series on how to innovate and build new tech-centric products and services, , find product-market fit, leverage new technologies, and finance your tech business.

Lunch will be provided!

About John Landry
John Landry has spent over 40 years as a serial software entrepreneur and innovator, a 12-time Chief Technology Officer in enterprises ranging from start-ups to the largest software companies, 20+ years as an passionate angel investor funding over 100 companies, and a Board Director of over 42 tech companies including 10 publicly traded.

John is currently Managing Director of Lead Dog Ventures which provides emerging technology enterprises access to a well-developed network of relationship, technology, and financial capital. He is also currently a Venture Partner and member of the Investment Committee at Boston VC firm Converge Ventures Partners.

Previously, John served as VP Technology Strategy at IBM where he led IBM's Internet Strategy Task Force working directly for then IBM CEO Lou Gerstner to design and develop IBM's Internet strategy across the corporation. Prior to IBM, John was CTO/SVP Development at Lotus Development Corporation responsible for all product management, engineering, and R&D. Prior to Lotus, John served in similar capacities as CTO/EVP Development at global software leaders Dun & Bradstreet Software, Cullinet Software, and McCormack & Dodge.

In addition, John was Co-founder/Exec Chairman/CTO of Agility Systems, Adjoin Solutions, and Adesso Systems and Exec Chairman/CTO of Distribution Management Systems, Narrative Communications, AnyDay.com, and Infostoria -- with ALL of these companies targets of successful acquisitions.

He has served as President of the American Software Association and as a long-time Trustee of both Babson College and the Massachusetts Technology Leadership Council (MassTLC). In 2018 he was awarded MassTLC’s Commonwealth Award, the organization’s highest honor, for a lifetime of commitment to technology innovation and inclusion. He holds a BA in Finance from Babson and currently serves as Entrepreneur in Residence at the college. John lives with his wife Ann on a working farm in Wayland, Mass, a location frequently and joyfully populated by his six grandchildren.

How 2 Make a Killing in Software