Shawn grew up surrounded by addiction and abuse. He didn't let that upbringing stop him.
With the help of others, he started his first company at 16, he became internationally recognized for courage, curiosity, humility, and growth mindset.
Today, he works to pass on the help that saved his life.
Today Shawn is an international speaker on technology, leadership, and transformation. Shawn inspires others to overcome & asks the question "How might we help others succeed?"
Shawn Riley has a proven record of transforming complex systems at massive scale, from saving governments hundreds of millions of dollars to building high-growth ventures that turn bold ideas into real impact. He delivers results where leadership, innovation, and courage intersect.
Shawn's driving factors are Empowering People, Improving Lives, and Inspiring Success
Impact
“Shawn embodies the term ‘transformational leader.’ The positive impacts of his leadership on innovation, technology and cybersecurity will be felt across our state for years to come. We are deeply grateful for his service ...”
Governor Doug Burgum
ABOUT SHAWN RILEY
Shawn grew up in small town USA to a broken, addicted, and abusive home. People in his community saved him from a life of addiction, criminality, and possibly death. Today he works to pass on that gift with his knowledge of business and technology. His personal story touches the heart and inspires people to reach out and help each other.
Today Shawn Riley is an international speaker with extensive experience on over 1,000 stages in his career. With a mission of helping others, he uses technology and capatilism to build communities and help people find personal dignity. Focusing on Cyber Security, Artificial Intelligence, Emerging Technologies, leadership, and overcoming adversity, he leaves audiences feeling inspired and excited about the future. Shawn has held various executive roles, including CEO, CIO, and IMO, managing multi-billion dollar teams. Shawn has been a gubernatorial cabinet member and has been appointed to Presidential committees.
As an inspirational speaker, Shawn's mission is to excite individuals and organizations to adapt to change, embrace innovation, and overcome challenges. His engaging storytelling and practical insights empower audiences to take action and achieve their full potential.
Recognition and Authoriy
Shawn's teams and organizations have led impressive change initiatives winning national recognitions
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Recipient of the CSO50 Award for the groundbreaking K20W cybersecurity education and workforce program, recognized as one of the top security initiatives in the nation.
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Named Cyber Futurist of the Year by the Cyber Future Foundation, honoring national impact on cybersecurity innovation and workforce transformation.
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Honored with the Secretary of Defense Patriot Award for exceptional support of service members and the National Guard.
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Recognized as a Top National Innovator by the Center for Digital Government for leadership in statewide technology modernization and cyber defense.
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Winner of multiple ADDY Awards (Gold & Silver) for the ND DEFEND cybersecurity campaign, celebrating creative excellence in national marketing and public education.
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Awarded 5 Governor’s Awards (with Shawn's teams earning 11 total) for excellence in leadership, innovation, and operational transformation in government.
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Led the nation’s first fully integrated K-12 Computer & Cyber Science Standards, establishing North Dakota as a national model in STEM and computer science education.
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Architect of one of the most efficient statewide security operations centers in America, defending 252,000 users daily with only 51 FTE and achieving more than $400M in cost savings.
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Invited to serve on the Council of State Governments National Task Force, selected by Governor Laura Kelly of Kansas for cross-state policy leadership and innovation.
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Twice named a winner of multi-state technology hackfests (Data Management and AI Chatbots), demonstrating national leadership in applied artificial intelligence and modern data systems.
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Co-Founder of the 2025 Venture Studio of the Year, BISBLOX
SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS
Discover the impactful speaking engagements of Shawn Riley, a nationally recognized leader in Cyber Security, Artificial Intelligence, Emerging Technologies, and organizational transformation. Drawing on a proven record of leading multi-billion-dollar operations and pioneering innovation, Shawn delivers powerful insights that help audiences navigate disruption with clarity and confidence. His talks blend hard-won expertise with an authentic story of resilience, overcoming adversity, redefining what’s possible, and rising to lead at the highest levels. Shawn’s message equips leaders, teams, and organizations to embrace change, accelerate innovation, and build courage-driven cultures that thrive in the face of uncertainty.
TRUSTED SPEAKER AT OVER 1,000 STAGES IN HIS CAREER
