Mike Burns brings over two decades of technology innovation and leadership to the strategic planning landscape, with a robust educational background in Computer Science (BS) and Management Information Systems (MBA). His journey from being a transformative Chief Information Officer (CIO) at Benco Dental, a $1B industry leader. At Benco, Mike led a team of 100 technologists across the globe, achieving significant milestones that redefined corporate efficiency and growth – including leading the strategic planning process and OKR implementation globally.
Transitioning to entrepreneurship, Mike and his co-founder, Alan, launched their first AI product, StratSimple, onto the market in 2023, aiming to democratize strategic planning for non-profits and mid-sized businesses. StratSimple, a B2B AI-powered platform, introduces generative AI coaching to simplify and enhance the strategic planning process, making sophisticated planning and goal-setting accessible to organizations of all sizes.
An accomplished speaker, Mike shares his deep insights on integrating large language models and AI into business processes. His presentations on the operational impacts of AI, safety best practices, and adoption strategies resonate with executives globally, offering a pragmatic view on leveraging technology for strategic advantage.
Based in Northeast, PA, with his family, Mike’s passion for technology parallels his love for gaming—be it video games, board games, or disc golf. This enthusiasm for strategy and competition mirrors his professional drive to innovate and lead in the AI and strategic planning sectors.