From the sterile operating room to busy trading platforms, Philip Jayhawk Chan, President and CEO of Lightspeed Investing demonstrates an unconventional yet inspiring career trajectory in today’s economic landscape. Once an aspiring Surgeon with his sights set for high-stakes procedures, Philip has become a prominent figure in the world of finance and technology. Today, his firm continues to utilize their unparalleled expertise to help clients simplify and navigate the global financial markets. By combining medical ethics with proper prudence and unrelenting entrepreneurial savviness— Philip has emerged as one of The Most Iconic Business Leaders Reshaping Business in 2025.
The Surgeon’s Pivot
Philip Jayhawk Chan’s aspiration to become a surgeon stemmed from his upbringing as an athlete and his love for hands-on, intellectually challenging work. However, as he immersed himself in the requisite path, he realized it was changing his overall personality. The social isolation he felt while preparing for rigorous medical exams and the person he was becoming ultimately made him question if medicine was the right long term choice.
As someone who is naturally outgoing and extroverted, this realization pushed him to make critical adjustments and pivot. He pursued a Master’s in Applied Statistics & Data Science during his graduate years to self-reflect on the future and explore entrepreneurial options — the most relevant bridge to business within the medical school setting. During that time, Philip was determined to compress his learning curve by searching for the right mentors and hanging around successful entrepreneurs, either directly or indirectly.
This includes watching “Shark Tank,” studying influential figures like Mark Cuban, reading and listening to books written by fellow Billionaires, and networking in high-caliber rooms to garner opportunities to meet accomplished business owners.
Heavily influenced by his upbringing in Kansas, a championship state in both football and basketball, the idea of becoming an NBA team owner manifested itself during this critical self-reflection period, which required an abundance of freedom and wealth that a surgeon’s salary couldn’t provide.
“I knew that pivoting to business was my best chance to achieve my personal goals and aspirations.”
Looking back at this pursuit for clarity during young adulthood, Philip Jayhawk Chan attributes the main drivers to finding fulfillment, connecting with people that aspire for more, alongside daring to pursue big goals and big dreams—even if it means breaking away from conventional norms and traditional advice.
Championship Excellence from the Hardwood to the Boardroom
As a point guard responsible for running the team and being a floor general, Philip brings a unique leadership perspective centered on empowerment. Instead of undeniable dictatorship, he inspires his team to take ownership of their roles, encouraging them to grow into capable leaders individually. His philosophy of teamwork and proper empowerment stems heavily from his basketball background, alongside being trained as a John Maxwell Certified Leader. He believes that a positive attitude, strong work ethic and a resilient mindset are essential characteristics to bring to the table, even more so than technical expertise.
“I would much rather develop someone who is a novice, but enthusiastic and teachable, over someone who’s competent but difficult to work with. Any skill set, no matter how formidable, can be taught to an open mind with the right mentor. Success, no matter what industry, is generally 80% mindset and 20% skill sets. ”
By emphasizing a culture of growth and personal development, Philip aims to build a team of leaders who are passionate about the company’s mission. Philip Jayhawk Chan excels at balancing innovation with stability. With his decision-making approach rooted in a deep understanding of success principles, he combines his own knowledge with insights from his skilled executive team to leverage diverse perspectives. This ensures that every risk is calculated, accounted for and aligned with the company’s long-term vision—allowing for adaptable pivots and strategic foresight necessary to empower 10 million professionals and entrepreneurs.
Philip’s Approach to Talent and Mentorship
With a knack for spotting raw talent, Philip Jayhawk Chan has built a strong network of professionals from fields like medicine, business, IT & engineering, many of whom have become integral parts of his team. Beyond the opportunity to make an impact in the markets, what draws people to his firm is the chance to be part of something bigger.
Philip Jayhawk Chan applies a “mirror” philosophy in his leadership that is simple yet profound. He believes that to attract the best, you must embody the qualities you seek. Led by a culture of excellence, Lightspeed Investing has become a magnet for like-minded individuals who share the same passion and drive.
At Lightspeed Investing, personal growth and individualized mentorship is at the heart of its culture. Inspired by trading legends like John Arnold and James Simons, Lightspeed Investing provides rigorous training on the global financial markets, specifically between futures, commodities, and stock options. As a group of medical professionals now turned investment experts, this revolutionary firm emphasizes operations with a deep sense of prudence, professionalism, and ethics to provide tremendous value for clients beyond technical chart reading and scientific analysis.
“Lightspeed Investing nurtures a growth mindset, empowering individuals to reach their full potential and become the capable leaders of tomorrow.”
Leveraging Technology & Innovation for Global Success
In the trading industry, Lightspeed Investing is at the forefront of technological innovation. To break free from the constraints of physical exchanges, the firm embraces electronic trading systems. This digital transformation enables traders to work remotely and cater to the needs of a global clientele effectively and efficiently.
Inspired by the innovative work of James Simons, Lightspeed Investing also leverages advanced software strategies to further replicate its profound trading accuracy rates—boosting efficiency, duplicity and profitability. These technological advancements, in addition to intentional recruitment of high performers, have significantly enhanced the firm’s ability to provide a seamless trading experience for its clients worldwide.
As an innovative leader, Philip actively engages with key industry insiders and attends high-profile business events across the country. By cultivating strong relationships and staying informed about the latest market developments, Philip ensures that Lightspeed Investing remains at the forefront of the industry. This proactive approach has enabled him to adapt to changing market conditions as well as build strategic partnerships effectively to achieve success in his current role as President and CEO.
Ambitious Plans for Global Dominance
Philip Jayhawk Chan has an ambitious vision for the future of Lightspeed Investing. In the next decade, he aims to expand the company’s offerings beyond futures, commodities and stock options to include a diverse range of asset classes, such as capital advisory services, real estate, exotic cars and luxury timepieces. To achieve this goal, Philip plans to leverage a multi-pronged strategy that combines traditional networking with digital marketing.
By developing a strong online presence on platforms like LinkedIn, YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram, Lightspeed Investing aims to raise awareness about the strategic advantages of precision trading through futures, commodities and stock options. Through this comprehensive approach, Philip Jayhawk Chan is determined to transform Lightspeed Investing into a global leader in the financial industry.
