Clyde Calhoun, CEO & Founder of Root Idea, LLC

Clyde Calhoun is the Founder and CEO of Root Idea, a boutique consulting firm specializing in helping companies develop and deploy AI strategy.

Clyde’s distinguished career spans three decades, marked by his role as a pioneer, thought leader, and strategist in business. He boasts a solid track record of driving impactful business results, having led and advised on hundreds of projects, delivering over $65 million in value. As an inventor and patent holder, Clyde has been instrumental in technical innovation and business transformation across areas such as sourcing, supply chain, sales, and marketing.

His passion is transforming companies and empowering employees to adopt new ways of thinking and working. Through dynamic workshops, training, and presentations, Clyde has directly engaged over 750 professionals, with thousands more benefiting from the strategies he implemented.

Throughout his career, Clyde has led global teams for numerous Fortune 500 companies, operating in over 15 countries and collaborating with dozens of global brands. He has also actively contributed to diversity and inclusion initiatives, leading employee resource groups, HBCU recruiting and outreach, and supplier diversity programs. Furthermore, his commitment to community is evident through his involvement in organizations like Manna House, Habitat for Humanity, and Junior Achievement.

Clyde holds a BS in Ceramics Engineering from Clemson University, an MA in Sociology from the University of Tennessee, and an MBA from Carnegie Mellon University.

Clyde holds the following certifications:
Six Sigma Black Belt – certified by GE
Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt – certified by Owens Corning
Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) – certified by the Institute for Supply Management (ISM)

Beyond those certifications, Clyde has also led training sessions in the following areas…

Product Management
Negotiations
Supply Chain Management
Career Development and Personal Branding
Diversity and Inclusion Leadership