Tom Stern's personal experience is the inspiration for CEO Dad. His
father was a powerful CEO and pioneer in the cable television
industry.As a child, Tom was a wise guy, the black sheep of the
family. His father was serious and very driven. Their power
struggles were terrific training for Tom's career as a standup
comedian.
After graduating from Sarah Lawrence College in 1978, Tom spent the
next 10 years making people laugh. He did so first as a performer,
next developing comedy programming for HBO, and finally as president
of film and television for Spotlite Enterprises, an agency for
comedians.
In 1989, eager to make his mark, Tom reinvented himself and began a
career as an executive recruiter. To his surprise, he achieved his
greatest success in the corporate world his father had inhabited.
Before he knew it, Tom was CEO of a leading search firm with clients
ranging from PriceWaterhouseCoopers to Sony Studios.
He spent the next 10 years raising a family and pushing himself to
the limit. Everything was about winning. Eventually, he realized his
attitude was becoming much like his father's.
CEO Dad is the creative expression of that epiphany, Tom's daily
reminder to keep a sense of humor and always remember what's truly
important. Or as he likes to say about the lesson it took him almost
50 years to learn: "Sometimes it's hard to read the writing when
you're banging your head against the wall."
For more information on how to book Tom Stern or ask about fees, please contact FIVE STAR Speakers & Trainers at 913.648.6480 or inthenews@fivestarspeakers.com.
