Frances West is a globally recognized thought leader, trusted advisor, and former IBM executive with over three decades of experience driving business results through inclusive innovation and human-first leadership. As IBM’s first Chief Accessibility Officer, she transformed the company’s approach to digital inclusion, set global IT accessibility standards, and influenced government policy worldwide. Building on this legacy, Frances founded FrancesWest&Co, an advisory firm that helps Fortune 500 companies, startups, and nonprofits develop sustainable strategies and impact that fuel product differentiation, market expansion, and talent acquisition. She is also the creator of Authentic Inclusion™ and the 6E Framework, proprietary approaches that reframe inclusion as a catalyst for innovation, resilience, and growth, while also guiding boards on the rising imperative of AI governance. An award-winning author of Authentic Inclusion™ Drives Disruptive Innovation, Frances is a sought-after speaker and moderator on leadership, inclusion, AI, and the future of work. She has delivered keynotes and moderated executive conversations on the world’s most influential stages — including the United Nations, World Bank, CES, SXSW, and Mobile World Congress. Her unique perspective — shaped by global business expertise and her journey as a first-generation immigrant — makes her a trusted advisor to leaders navigating the opportunities and risks of AI, digital disruption, and demographic change.