Phil Gilbert

Phil Gilbert is an accomplished author and former Head of Design at IBM, with a career spanning 45 years in startups and large corporations. After selling a third startup to IBM, Phil led a transformation project focused on Agile and Design Thinking, integrating formally-trained designers into the company and influencing broader organizational strategies. This initiative has been the subject of an HBS Case Study and gained media recognition. Phil's advocacy for diversity is reflected through leadership roles such as co-chair of the global Women’s Executive Council at IBM. After retiring from full-time duties in 2021, Phil now focuses on mentoring emerging entrepreneurs and leaders through Gilbert Workshop LLC and Ten X Labs LLC. His educational background includes graduating as a Pe-et from the University of Oklahoma in 1978, and Phil currently resides in Austin, Texas.