Stephen Badger

Stephen has a deep passion for the power of coaching, having benefited from it in business as well as life and witnessed its transformative power with many individuals, in both a personal and professional capacity.

He attended Duke University, Reed College, and graduated from Union Institute in Cincinnati with a BA in Anthropology.   

Stephen was deeply involved as an investor and ultimately as the President of Seeds of Change, an organic seed and food company, from 1992-2004, before his appointment as the Global Director of Corporate Affairs for Mars, Incorporated.  In March of 2008, Stephen joined the Mars Board and became Chairman in 2011, completing his first three-year term. As Chairman, he oversaw the creation of Mars’ first ever 25 year Vision and significantly evolved the Board to be more strategic and intentional.  In March of 2017 he assumed the Chairmanship again (rotating off in March of 2020), having overseen the creation of the first Purpose for the company in its history: “The world we want tomorrow starts with the how we do business today.” Stephen also stewarded the creation of the Compass, a four quadrant model with the Purpose at its center that sets targets, which include non-financial metrics like positive social impact. 

Other board service includes The Association for Traditional Arts, the Muscle Shoals Music Foundation, the Economics of Mutuality Foundation, and Santa Fe Preparatory School.  Stephen’s advisor roles include Bruvi, Regeneration, and Drew’s Cookies.

Stephen also produced the documentary Muscle Shoals, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 2013 to a standing ovation.  The film was sold around the world, including to PBS’ premiere network ITVS in the United States. Stephen thrives on time in nature, whether that be hiking, skiing, or mountain biking–and loves doing all three with his son and friends.