Bio
Stuart Coulson is a lecturer at Stanford Graduate School of Business.
For 18 years, he taught and then led Design for Extreme Affordability. In this intensive, project-based program, multidisciplinary student teams designed products and services to tackle poverty in underserved communities around the world. Projects and startups that emerged from the program have touched the lives of more than 350 million people so far.
Coulson is an investor in and advisor to early-stage technology and social impact organizations in Silicon Valley and his native Ireland. He is a member of Trinity College Dublin’s Provost’s Council. He also grows old-vine Zinfandel grapes in California’s Russian River Valley and enjoys regularly quality-testing the resulting award-winning wines.
Coulson’s background is in software development, data communications, and travel reservations systems. His previous roles include senior leadership in some of the world’s largest travel technology companies and several startups. He co-founded Gradient Solutions, a pioneer in web-based travel e-commerce, acquired by Sabre.
Coulson holds a BA (Mod.) in Computer Science from Trinity College Dublin, an MBA from the University of Geneva, and an EMBA from the Tepper Business School, Carnegie Mellon University.
Academic Degrees
- EMBA, International Wealth Management, Carnegie Mellon University - Tepper School of Business, 2006
- MBA, International Wealth Management, University of Geneva, 2006
- BA, Computer Science, Trinity College Dublin, 1984
Academic Appointments
- Lecturer, Stanford GSB, 2017–present
- Adjunct Professor, Stanford d.school, 2009–2025
Service to the Profession
Trinity College Dublin
- Member of Provost's Council, 2016–present
- Member of Trinity Angels, 2013–present
Professional Experience
- Owner, Papera Ranch, 2007–present