William N. Thorndike is an American businessman, investor, and author. He is the founder and managing director of Housatonic Partners, a private equity firm based in Boston, Massachusetts. Thorndike is also the author of The Outsiders: Eight Unconventional CEOs and Their Radically Rational Blueprint for Success, a book that examines the success of eight CEOs who achieved extraordinary results by taking unconventional approaches to business. Thorndike has been a leader in the private equity industry for over 30 years. He has invested in a variety of industries, including healthcare, technology, and consumer products. He is a sought-after speaker and has been featured in numerous publications, including The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, and Forbes. Thorndike is a graduate of Harvard College and Harvard Business School. He is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and serves on the boards of several organizations, including the Boston Museum of Science and the Boston Ballet. He is also a trustee of the Boston Symphony Orchestra and a member of the Harvard Corporation. Thorndike is a philanthropist and has donated to numerous causes, including education, healthcare, and the arts. He is a passionate advocate for the power of education and has been a major supporter of the Harvard Business School. He is also a strong believer in the power of entrepreneurship and has been a mentor to many aspiring entrepreneurs.