Dobbin Bookman

Dobbin has recently been named Director of AI Initiatives at ICIC, where he is leading efforts to harness the transformative potential of artificial intelligence to drive inclusive economic prosperity for small businesses and under-resourced communities. Experienced as an entrepreneur, facilitator, and global advisor, Dobbin brings a wealth of knowledge and practical insights to leveraging technology for transformative business practices.

Over the past 18 years, Dobbin has developed innovative learning paths for managers and senior leaders, focusing on optimizing human capital capacity and aligning talent with organizational objectives. His guiding principle, “Don’t manage your people, manage the backdrop against which they work,” reflects his commitment to creating environments that foster peak performance.

At ICIC, Dobbin has been instrumental in conducting focus groups and research in partnership with Intuit, aiming to revolutionize small business operations through cutting-edge AI solutions. These initiatives empower entrepreneurs, particularly those from underrepresented communities, by equipping them with tools and education to thrive in an AI-driven economy.

Previously, Dobbin led Harvard Business School’s Owner/President Management Program portfolio and served as a Director in Executive Education. Outside of his collaboration with ICIC and Intuit, he advises executives, business owners, and their teams on strategies to optimize to achieve high(er) performance. His industry experience spans healthcare, finance, private equity/venture capital, energy, real estate, and franchised QSR.

Dobbin is a proud honors graduate of Xavier University of Louisiana and holds dual master’s degrees from Harvard University—an MBA from Harvard Business School and an MSc from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. His extensive experience and dedication position him as a leading figure at the intersection of AI, entrepreneurship, and inclusive economic development.