Our Founder

Marlin Williams is an entrepreneur, coach, and C-suite executive with over 25 years of experience at the intersection of economic development, technology, and organizational growth. As a recognized economic development leader, Marlin has coached thousands of entrepreneurs. Marlin’s “super power” is helping founders get out of their own way. As the inaugural Chief Program Officer at TechTown Detroit, she launched the city’s first tech accelerator focused on early-stage founders—now known as the award-winning Start Studio Discovery program.

Her corporate leadership spans roles as COO, CHRO, and Global DEI Officer, including serving as the inaugural DEI executive at two Fortune 500 companies and a tech unicorn. Marlin also served as Deputy CIO for the City of Detroit, where she helped lead the technology infrastructure for Super Bowl XL.

A sought-after speaker and author, Marlin has presented at SXSW, Microsoft, LinkedIn, Twitter, Google, TEDx, Black Enterprise, MSNBC, and more