News & Events
Sep 30, 2024
In a standout fireside chat at Sway Minds 2024, Soledad O’Brien sat down with Howard Wright, Vice President of Startup Ecosystem at NVIDIA, for a conversation that traced an extraordinary arc—from NBA arenas to the frontlines of artificial intelligence.
Titled “From Court to Code,” the session wasn’t just about Wright’s personal evolution—it was a strategic deep dive into how NVIDIA is shaping the future of global innovation.
A Human Bridge to the Machine Age
Wright’s story is anything but linear. A former professional basketball player turned tech executive, startup CEO, and now a leader at one of the world’s most consequential technology companies, he brought both humility and clarity to the conversation.
“Adaptation is the throughline,” Wright said. “From sports to startups to semiconductors, the ability to pivot with purpose is everything.”
At NVIDIA, Wright helps lead a global effort to empower the next generation of founders building at the edge of AI, robotics, healthcare, and beyond. His team is the connective tissue between cutting-edge technology and early-stage ambition, enabling startups to scale faster with access to NVIDIA’s infrastructure, community, and go-to-market support.
Democratizing AI—One Founder at a Time
The conversation focused on NVIDIA’s long-term commitment to democratizing access to AI development, not just through GPUs and cloud compute, but by nurturing a global startup ecosystem that reflects both technical depth and mission-driven vision.
Wright unpacked:
How NVIDIA is building onramps for startup innovation across sectors and regions
The importance of developer-first culture in shaping platform adoption
Why founder mindset remains the most undervalued asset in a tech-driven future
“The most powerful AI breakthroughs don’t just come from scale,” he noted. “They come from the relentless curiosity of a founder who sees a better way.”
A Playbook for High-Impact Leadership
Wright also reflected on the leadership principles that have shaped his journey—from teamwork and resilience on the court to systems-level thinking in corporate strategy. He emphasized that in an AI-dominated future, emotional intelligence, agility, and intentionality will be as critical as technical skills.
Soledad O’Brien guided the conversation with characteristic insight, drawing out moments of humor, candor, and conviction. The result was a rare, multidimensional view into both NVIDIA’s macro vision and Wright’s personal philosophy: lead from wherever you are, but always aim to expand the game.
From Court to Code delivered more than just a snapshot of NVIDIA’s strategy—it was a masterclass in adaptive leadership, ecosystem design, and the compounding power of long-term conviction. As the AI era accelerates, voices like Howard Wright’s remind us that technology may scale exponentially—but it still moves at the speed of people.
Access Begins with an Invitation
Sway Minds is not your typical tech summit. It’s an invitation-only gathering of bold thinkers, category-defining founders, visionary investors, and cultural leaders—curated for those shaping what’s next. From private screenings and closed-door conversations to the after-hours connections that drive real momentum, Sway Minds 2025 is where access meets intention. If you're ready to be in the room where it happens—apply to join us.
