Jim McKelvey

Jim McKelvey is a serial entrepreneur, inventor, philanthropist, artist, and author of The Innovation Stack: Building an Unbeatable Business One Crazy Idea at a Time.

He is the co-founder of Block, Inc. (formerly known as Square), where he served as Chairman of the Board until 2010 and continues to serve on the Board of Directors. McKelvey played a crucial role in the company’s success, especially during competitive challenges, and his iconic card reader design is part of the permanent collections at both the Museum of Modern Art in New York City and the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C.

In addition to his work in technology, McKelvey founded Invisibly, an initiative aimed at transforming the economics of online content; LaunchCode, a nonprofit that helps individuals learn programming and secure jobs in technology; and Third Degree Glass Factory, a studio and education center that promotes glass art.

His written works also include The Art of Fire, the world’s most widely read text on glassblowing. His book The Innovation Stack provides insights into Square’s strategies and broader lessons on entrepreneurship.

In 2017, McKelvey was appointed as an Independent Director of the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis. He graduated in 1987 from Washington University in St. Louis with degrees in Economics and Computer Science.

McKelvey’s commitment to innovation is evident in his advocacy for customer-driven solutions and his encouragement for individuals to experiment with technology, inspiring audiences with his diverse experiences and achievements.