John Foster is the Partner and COO at Fearless, a full stack digital services firm with a mission to create software with a soul and solutions that empower communities. Fearless has been recognized as one of GBC’s Bridging the Gap Achievement Awardees – awarded to minority and women-owned companies committed to nurturing other MBE companies in the Baltimore and Maryland communities. 

As one of Fearless’ first team members, John has been a driving force behind the company’s growth and impact. He has 15+ years of experience delivering digital services – and through culture change and capacity building – he helps customers, team members, partners and community partners alike get to real outcomes. Equity is the driving force behind his work. John’s aim is always to build a more inclusive, empathetic, and equitable world. 

At one point in his journey, John experienced an urge to assimilate in an effort to not stand out; thinking his own light and individuality could be a detriment to his company, himself, and to others. Through re-evaluating his own sense of Why and joy, he gained a deep reverence for interpersonal impact. That reverence motivates his impact work. John’s advice to any person, no matter industry or age, is to get clear on what brings them joy and to apply that construct to work and life. 

John graduated with a BS in Computer Science from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), and earned his MBA from Loyola University Maryland. He has earned awards recognizing his leadership and, notably, was one of BBJ’s 40 under 40. He also sits on the board for the National Small Business Association and others throughout the Baltimore-metro area. 

John currently lives in Arnold, Maryland with his wife Tiffany Foster (a Maryland Public School Principal) and two children, Aaron and Avery. In his spare time, he enjoys being on the paintball field, reading, sports, and spending time with his family. Leadership & Boards (Re