Nancy Hensley

Executive in Residence

With a career spanning over two decades, Nancy has established herself as a venerated leader in the tech industry. Her journey has seen her at the helm of product and marketing for companies like Stats Perform and IBM, where she drove substantial growth and steered innovation, particularly through the integration of AI and machine learning. Nancy's strategic vision in product strategy and expertise in digital transformation have significantly enhanced customer experiences and propelled companies to industry leadership.

As the Chief Product and Marketing Officer, her tenure at Stats Perform was marked by a radical increase in product innovation, specifically in AI, along with several successful product launches across the large portfolio of products.  Additionally, Nancy led the company rebranding, and introduced new methods for go to market and product launches.  

In her two decades at IBM, Nancy held many leadership and executive roles in Product, Product Strategy and Product Marketing and GTM.  She was pivotal in introducing the concepts of product led growth and data driven strategies to transform products and growth.  As the Chief Digital Officer at IBM Data & AI, she significantly grew digital revenue and introduced cutting-edge methodologies for product performance and user engagement.  

In 2024, with an eye for innovation and a passion for fostering growth and equity in the dynamic world of tech and sports, Nancy Hensley stepped into the role of Advisor and Founding Member at Mercury/13, an early-stage multi-club ownership group with a spotlight on Women's Soccer. Leveraging her vast experience, Nancy has been an integral founding member in fundraising and establishing the early diligence processes, setting the stage for a future rich in success and transformative influence.

A board member, thought leader, and influential voice in the industry, Nancy's insights on product-led growth, and her prowess as a public speaker have made her a celebrated figure in tech and sports. Her strategies have not only increased sales and market presence but have also cultivated powerful partnerships and digital ecosystems, guiding companies to optimize operations and thrive in competitive landscapes.

Nancy has been a passionate advocate, supporter and mentor of women in tech, product and sports and uses her voice and platform to help create more equity for women. As an advisor and mentor with WIST (Women in Sports Tech), and through her guest lectures at institutions like Chicago Booth and Northwestern Medill, Nancy continues to impart her knowledge, inspiring the next wave of leaders.

Education

BA, Benedictine University

Reach out

If you have general inquiries or questions please reach out at