Mark Schaefer is a globally-recognized keynote speaker, futurist, business consultant, and author. Mark has worked in global sales, PR, and marketing for more than 30 years and serves as Executive Director of Schaefer Marketing Solutions. Mark holds seven patents and is a faculty member of the graduate studies program at Rutgers University. His blog and podcast — The Marketing Companion — are at the top of the charts in the marketing field. His clients range from successful start-ups to global brands such as Adidas, Johnson & Johnson, Dell, Pfizer, the U.S. Air Force, and the UK Government. Mark is the bestselling author of 10 path-finding books, including the first book ever written on influence marketing. Mark’s books are used as textbooks at more than 50 universities, have been translated into 15 languages, and are available in more than 750 libraries worldwide. Mark is also a popular and entertaining commentator and has appeared on many national television shows and periodicals, including the Wall Street Journal, Wired, The New York Times, CNN, National Public Radio, CNBC, the BBC, and CBS NEWS. He is a contributing columnist to The Harvard Business Review and Entrepreneur Magazine.