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Tommy Pham
Innovation Evangelist & Strategist
Professional Background
Tommy Pham is a distinguished strategic leader with a remarkable trajectory in commercial and intellectual property (IP) strategies. His expertise lies in transforming innovative concepts into market-ready products, showcasing his ability to navigate complex challenges in fast-paced business environments. His career is characterized by his role as an innovation catalyst—energizing teams and driving collaboration between executives and creators to unlock new opportunities for business growth at scale.
Currently, Tommy holds the position of Patent Technology Manager - Digital at Nike, where he employs his extensive knowledge of intellectual property to guide the development of cutting-edge technologies. In this role, he is instrumental in securing IP rights and establishing strategic partnerships that propel Nike’s innovation agenda forward. This position allows him to leverage his comprehensive understanding of technology entrepreneurship and product development, which he honed through his academic achievements and professional endeavors.
Before his tenure at Nike, Tommy distinguished himself as a Start-up Consultant & Storyteller at Now Next Wow, where he helped budding companies craft compelling narratives that resonate with their audiences. His ability to articulate complex ideas in an engaging manner has led to significant successes for numerous start-ups.
Tommy's passion for innovation is further evident in his involvement with the Children's Cancer Therapy Development Institute, where he co-founded and advised initiatives aimed at advancing therapeutic solutions for children battling cancer. This dedication to making a difference in the healthcare field illustrates his commitment to using his skills for greater societal impact.
Additionally, he has played pivotal roles at Nike, serving not only as a strategic planner but also as a Patent Liaison for Global Innovation. These roles have positioned him as a key player in driving Nike's technological advancements and ensuring that they remain at the forefront of the industry.
Throughout his career, Tommy has also placed significant emphasis on education and mentorship. As an adjunct faculty member in Design Thinking at the University of Portland, he shares his knowledge with the next generation of innovators. His mentorship at the Franz Center for Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Leadership further underscores his commitment to fostering innovation within academic environments.
Education and Achievements
Tommy Pham's educational background is as impressive as his professional journey. He earned his MBA in Technology Entrepreneurship from the University of Portland, where he developed a strong foundation in the entrepreneurial process, particularly in the context of technology-driven markets. His dual degree in Biology and Chemistry from the same institution showcases his solid scientific knowledge, providing a unique perspective on the intersection of technology and healthcare. This blend of education has not only equipped him with technical skills but has also imbued him with a strategic mindset necessary for navigating the complexities of modern business landscapes.
Some of Tommy's notable achievements include:
- Successfully managing and executing commercial strategies that have led to significant market innovations at Nike.
- Spearheading initiatives that resulted in successful partnerships with innovators and thought leaders in technology and healthcare.
- Guiding numerous start-ups by helping them articulate their vision and secure funding, thus facilitating product development.
- Contributions to children's healthcare through innovative solutions that address critical needs in cancer treatment.
Tommy’s extensive experience in both corporate and start-up environments illustrates his versatility and adaptability—qualities that are vital in today's rapidly evolving marketplace.
Achievements
Throughout his remarkable career, Tommy Pham has made substantial contributions across various organizations, showcasing his leadership and expertise in cultivating innovation and driving commercial success. His achievements include:
- Expansion of Innovation Pipelines: At Nike, he has been instrumental in developing and executing strategies that have expanded the innovation pipeline, ensuring that new products align with market demands and consumer needs.
- IP Strategy Development: Successfully established comprehensive IP strategies that have protected the company’s innovations, providing a distinct competitive edge within the industry.
- Strategic Collaborations: Leveraged his industry connections to create strategic partnerships that foster innovation and drive growth across multiple sectors.
- Educational Contributions: As an adjunct faculty member, he has inspired students through teachings in Design Thinking, thus nurturing the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs.
- Advocacy for Children’s Health: Co-founding the Children’s Cancer Therapy Development Institute demonstrates his deep commitment to leveraging innovation to improve health outcomes for children suffering from cancer.
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Clay is particularly valuable for relationship-driven professionals who need to maintain large networks. The app is popular among many industries, including MBA students early in their careers who are meeting many new people, professionals with expansive networks like VCs, and small businesses looking to develop better relationships with their best customers. Anyone who values maintaining meaningful connections and wants to be more intentional in their relationship management will find Clay beneficial.
Clay offers competitive pricing in the personal CRM market. Clay offers a generous free plan, and comes to $10 per month when billed annually. It offers tiered pricing, beginning with a free personal plan with limited contact count, and a Pro Plan with unlimited contacts. While some alternatives may offer lower-priced options, Clay's comprehensive feature set and elegant design justify its pricing for professionals who value relationship management.
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