Raleigh Entrepreneur included in the first 250 individuals named to inaugural ranking of entrepreneurs
RALEIGH, NC (March 18, 2021) – Triangle investor and entrepreneur Donald Thompson was recently named to the Forbes’ Next 1000 list in the first class of 250 standouts.
The Forbes Next 1000 list is a first-of-its-kind initiative designed to spotlight bold and inspiring entrepreneurs on their way to great success and who are redefining what it means to build and run a business today, especially in the ‘new normal.’ According to Forbes, by year’s end, the list will include 1,000 entrepreneurs that will have a running start to land on the cover of Forbes. The judges include a panel of A-list leaders from every sector including National Geographic Society Chairwoman Jean Case to entrepreneur and restaurateur Ayesha Curry, to LinkedIn Cofounder Reid Hoffman and baseball legend Alex Rodriguez among others.
“I am incredibly grateful to Forbes for recognizing not only myself but also The Diversity Movement with this award,” said Thomspon. “I know that a focus on diversity, equity and inclusion at work can change the conversation and drive sustainable business outcomes.”
As CEO of digital marketing firm Walk West, Donald leads strategy, partnerships, and business development. Under his leadership, Walk West has been recognized by Inc 5000 as the fastest growing marketing agency in North Carolina in 2018 and 2019. As a Certified Diversity Executive (CDE) and cofounder and CEO of The Diversity Movement, Donald takes pride in Walk West’s diversity and inclusion initiatives.. One of his key initiatives is to transform Walk West into a digital consultancy that provides strategic thinking to clients across the marketing landscape, while consistently providing measurable business outcomes for its clients.
Living by the philosophy of giving back, Thompson is passionate about advising, coaching and mentoring dream chasers. As a member of the National Speakers Association, he is a keynote speaker sharing actionable insights and strategies on business strategy, entrepreneurship, leadership development, and diversity and inclusion. In addition to his executive roles at Walk West and The Diversity Movement, Thompson serves on boards for several organizations in the fields of technology, healthcare, marketing, banking and sports and is an emeritus member of the NCSU computer science department strategic advisory board and a mentor for Google for Entrepreneurs Exchange.
About Walk West:
Walk West is a full-service, digital-first agency specializing in web design and development, social media, video production, media training, SEO, content marketing, as well as government and public affairs. To learn more visit, www.walkwest.com.
Media Contact: Amanda Clardy (for Walk West), (919) 439-8037, aclardy@walkwest.com
