Tom Cochran
Executive Advisor + Speaker
“Credibility is not something you’re given. It’s something you earn by listening first, then leading.”
About Me
I’m an executive advisor working at the intersection of trust, technology, and transformation.
Over two decades, I’ve shifted from writing code to shaping strategy—holding senior roles at the White House, U.S. State Department, and The Atlantic. Whether briefing in the Situation Room or collaborating with founders, I help organizations navigate pivotal change with clarity and momentum.
Early in my career, I was the first engineer at a digital firm whose technology powered $1.2 billion in grassroots fundraising across two Obama presidential campaigns. Since then, I’ve served as a presidential appointee, led U.S. public diplomacy efforts abroad, and developed platforms that reached global audiences. My writing appears in Harvard Business Review, The Washington Post, and Entrepreneur, and I speak internationally on trust, leadership, and the role of technology in decision-making.
Today, I advise a small group of executive teams through periods of growth, risk, and transition—offering strategic insight, structured sessions, and steady support. If you’re exploring this kind of partnership, I’d be happy to talk.
Who I Work With
I help leaders in nonprofits, media, and mission-driven businesses grow their teams, simplify their systems, and lead with clarity when the stakes are high.
Founders
in Transition
Build trust by leading with humility.
I help leaders sharpen their structure, clarify direction, and align teams with purpose. Together, we bring structure and clarity to lead with confidence and integrity.
Executives
Under Pressure
Demonstrate the value of nuanced risk.
I help leaders steady their teams, separate urgency from noise, and act decisively. We cut through noise to focus, set priorities, and lead when it matters most.
Operators
Facing Complexity
Use technology to unlock potential.
I help leaders cut through clutter, streamline workflows, and adopt better tools. Together, we streamline systems so your team can focus on what matters most.
Where I’ve Worked
From managing a $40 million global diplomacy operation at the State Department to overseeing $20–25 million P&Ls in the private sector, I’ve helped institutions scale responsibly and built global digital platforms to engage millions.
Oversaw WhiteHouse.gov and co-created “We the People,” the petition site that helped millions engage with government.
Led a 140-person team and $40M digital effort to modernize U.S. diplomacy, expand outreach, and build global trust.
Led digital transformation as CTO of The Atlantic and Quartz, reshaping platforms, teams, and audience strategy.
Built the original tech stack enabling $1.2B in donations across major presidential campaigns.
Led a $25M business unit driving digital transformation for federal agencies, nonprofits, and global enterprises.
Oversaw $20M P&L and led integrated marketing ops to modernize client strategy, content, and communications.
Where I’ve Spoken
Over the past decade, I’ve spoken in more than 20 countries at events ranging from private briefings at the New Zealand Parliament to global stages like ad:tech Tokyo, the Dublin Tech Summit, and Estonia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. If you’re organizing a gathering and want to explore these themes, feel free to reach out.
Let’s Start a Conversation
I take on a limited number of advisory and speaking engagements each year. If you’re facing a key decision or preparing for change, feel free to reach out.