B-Boy B-School Podcast featuring Run the Jewels (Killer Mike & El-P)
City Winery NYC presents B-Boy B-School Podcast featuring Run the Jewels (Killer Mike & El-P) on July 31st at 1:00 PM!(opens in a new tab)
Guy “Optimus” Primus is a dynamic technology executive with over 20 years of experience fusing media, innovation, and Hip Hop culture to drive explosive growth for companies, from groundbreaking startups to Fortune 100 giants. Renowned for his strategic acumen and inventive mindset, Guy has consistently turned bold ideas into reality, all while expertly managing risk. He is the lead inventor on two patented AdTech innovations. Currently, Guy is the Managing Partner of Thrillerdome, a consulting firm that leverages the technology and popular culture to create innovative solutions for its clients. Thrillerdome is redefining traditional business, blending technology and media to help companies achieve unprecedented growth. Previously, Guy was the CEO of Valence, a trailblazing company dedicated to carving out new success pathways for Black professionals. Valence's vision was transformative: a future where its members spearhead monumental achievements in global business. Following Valence's acquisition by Greenwood Bank, Guy also served as a corporate VP, continuing his mission to empower and uplift.
Guy's influence extends beyond his CEO roles. He chairs the strategic planning committee for Southern California Public Radio and serves on LA-Tech.org's board. His leadership and vision have guided top ranked institutions like Georgia Tech’s School of Industrial Engineering, where he was a two-term advisory board chair, and served on the President’s Advisory Board and the College of Engineering Board.
An advisor to innovative startups, Guy's portfolio includes Black Girls Rock! Blacksmith, SimWin Sports, and SemiCab. Guy also served as an early advisor for MoviePass. His strategic insights were also sought by former Intel CEO Paul Otellini for President Obama's Council on Jobs and Competitiveness, and he co founded The Board Challenge to amplify Black representation in corporate boardrooms.
As CEO of The Virtual Reality Company (VRC), Guy orchestrated the smash-hit Jurassic World VR Expedition, propelling Dave & Buster’s to record-breaking success and boosting their stock by 59%. His collaboration with Apple on the Follow Me Dragon app showcased augmented reality's potential and earned a spot in Apple’s “Best of” list. Guy’s other visionary projects include the Starbucks/Apple “Pick of the Week” program and The Scenario for Sprite, which pioneered digital music as an advertising medium and introduced Kanye West, Beverly Bond, and D-Nice to MSN’s mainstream audience. At Tentpole Ventures, an early-stage investment vehicle with Will Smith, Guy backed revolutionary companies like Dollar Shave Club, Pinterest and Dropbox. He was also a founding member of Blue Flame Marketing, driving marketing strategy for Microsoft, New Era Cap Company, and Calvin Klein Cosmetics.
Recognized by Black Enterprise and Ebony magazines Guy is celebrated as one of the most influential Black tech leaders and has been a guest on CNBC, Bloomberg, and Black Enterprise, reflecting his ability to cros cultural boundaries. He has been honored as a Captain of Industry by the Institute of Industrial Engineers, and was named one of Georgia Tech’s Outstanding Young Engineering Alumni. Holding degrees from Georgia Tech and Harvard Business School, Guy’s global experience spans partners, clients, and customers across continents.
A native of Pittsburgh now residing in Los Angeles’ historic View Park with his wife, Heather, son, Grant, and daughter, Clarke, Guy embodies the spirit of innovation, leadership, and cultural impact, inspiring business-minded Hip Hop fans and beyond.
