About Me.

Empathetic Leader, Tech Policy Innovator

Corey Ponder is a global senior leader and policy strategist with extensive experience driving strategic initiatives and building high-performing teams across the technology and government sectors. Beyond his professional leadership, he is a creative with a passion for music and poetry, demonstrating a unique balance of professional expertise and artistic pursuits.

Corey Ponder is a global senior leader and strategist with a strong background in policy, technology, and government. He has extensive experience in building high-performing teams, driving strategic company initiatives, and fostering innovation across diverse industries. As the Global Head of Policy and Product Partnerships within TikTok's Trust & Safety Outreach and Partnerships Management team, he leads a team of policy and issue experts who partner with NGOs to advance trust and safety.

Corey's leadership is further demonstrated by his experience at Google, where he led cross-functional teams in developing trust-focused answers for Google Assistant and advised on product privacy. His time at Meta included several key roles where he drove initiatives to expand digital programs, championed creator well-being and equity, and managed critical projects to address privacy vulnerabilities. He also previously led teams at the Central Intelligence Agency, using advanced data sets to develop new agency capabilities. Beyond his professional career, Corey is dedicated to community leadership, having served on the board of directors for Youth Speaks leading several strategic initiatives and as a VC in Residence for W Fund, offering strategic guidance and mentorship to portfolio companies. He has also dedicated time to his alma maters, serving on the alumni boards for both the University of California, Berkeley, and Vanderbilt University.

Outside of his professional work, Corey is a creative with a passion for music and poetry, having released two albums and one EP, as well as sharing several poems across his social media platforms and website.

Enneagram

First: Type 2 - The Helper

The Caring, Interpersonal Type

Second: Type 6 - The Loyalist

The Committed, Security-Oriented Type:

Third: Type 9 - The Peacemaker

The Easygoing, Self-Effacing Type

Strengthfinder

Context

I enjoy thinking about the past. I understand the present by researching its history.

Developer

I recognize and cultivate the potential in others. I spot the signs of each small improvement and derive satisfaction from evidence of progress.

Empathy

I can sense other people’s feelings by imagining myself in others’ lives or situations.

Strategic

I create alternative ways to proceed. Faced with any given scenario, I can quickly spot the relevant patterns and issues.

Positivity

I have contagious enthusiasm. I am upbeat and can get others excited about what they are going to do.

Standout

Stimulator

I am the host of other people’s emotions. I feel responsible for them, for turning them around, for elevating them.

Provider

I sense other people’s feelings and feel compelled to recognize them, give them a voice, and act on them.