one man's journey to come to grips with his past.
in hotel goodbyes,
Stephen Jon Thompson bravely shares his story of growing up as a Black child in the 1970s, enduring the harsh realities of poverty, neglect, and abandonment. From the harrowing moment his mother left him and his siblings in a Reno motel to navigating the challenges of foster care and juvenile detention, Stephen’s story is one of incredible resilience. Through the unwavering support of his adoptive family and his own determination, Stephen defied expectations, forging a path to success in both his personal and professional life, while coming to terms with his complex family history.
"my success is a symptom of my community. I would never have dreamed this is where I would be. without them, i wouldn't."
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those who meet stephen jon thompson,
a successful executive at companies like Apple, Google, Amazon, and Nike, are left with one lingering impression: his infectious smile. But few know that smile hides a wrenching childhood. Now for the first time, in Hotel Goodbyes, Stephen tells his story. Stephen’s mother did her best, a single Black woman living on the fringes of poverty in the American West in the 1970s. But the persistent cycle of drug abuse and unplanned pregnancies took their toll, especially on Stephen and his four younger siblings. Eventually, his mother said goodbye, this time for good, in a motel room in Reno, Nevada in January 1980. But Stephen’s story is not just one of abandonment and despair. It is one of hope, dreams, and family, and how even under the worst circumstances, one can prevail.
"my success is a symptom of my community."
now available for pre-order on Audible
Left with a gift
Abandoned by his mother at just nine years old, Stephen Jon Thompson went on to graduate from the University of San Diego (USD). Since then, he has been a successful professional in the software and technology industry with companies like Google, Apple, LinkedIn, Amazon, Nike, and now Docusign. Active in philanthropic endeavors, Stephen is a member of the board of directors for Save the Bay, a nonprofit organization dedicated to cleaning up the San Francisco Bay. Stephen was also a board member of Students Rising Above, which supports the education of first-generation college students who have overcome unbelievable obstacles like his own. Stephen lives in San Jose, California, with his wife, Penelope, and two sons, Carson and Quincy.
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Stephen is a global bestselling author, speaker, podcast host of In Community, Father, and technology executive focusing on finding elite talent, leading innovation, elevating excellence, fostering global connections and nurturing community growth.
