Finding different perspectives
Given the opportunity to ask people questions about what matters, I lose total track of time because it is so much fun. I naturally collect and connect a wide range of people, organizations, resources and ideas. I love it when in the course of our exchange, people discover something new about themselves or their life’s work. I also love it when we laugh. Patterns are revealed, a light bulb goes off, and the obscure becomes obvious. Hopefully, we all emerge with a fresh perspective ready to navigate the world for the better.
Interviews
Eavesdrop on conversations with social innovators and trailblazers who are are redefining life in Silicon Valley every day.
Speaking + Moderating
Watch Lisa’s TEDx talk “The Joys of Otherhood”.
An engaging + experienced speaker/moderator with giant audiences + intimate gatherings alike, Lisa is comfortable delving into a wide range of subjects.
Topics include social entrepreneurship, impact investing, + how creativity + innovation can be applied in surprising ways for the common good.
A Few Past Talks
As Speaker
“Trust-Based Philanthropy: Why it matters and what it looks like in action” - Woman’s Club of Palo Alto, Palo Alto, CA (2021)
“Pecha Kucha: Building Belonging“ - Woman’s Club of Palo Alto, Palo Alto, CA (2021)
"The Great Nonprofit Pivot: Innovation in Silicon Valley Amidst COVID-19” - Palo Alto Club, Palo Alto, CA (2020)
“Social Enterprises & their Business Models in Silicon Valley” - Queens University, Belfast, Executive MBA program (2020)
“Social Enterprises & their Business Models in Silicon Valley” - San Jose State University (2019)
“The Joys of Otherhood” - TEDx at Gunn High School, Palo Alto (2017)
“Social Impact Careers for Computer Science Majors” - Stanford University, Stanford, CA (c. 2015)
As Interviewer/Moderator
Meet the Game Changers: 2021 PACF Dave Mitchell Impact Grantees - Palo Alto Community Fund (2020)
David Kelley, IDEO + Stanford d.School - Palo Alto Art Center Sapphire Celebration, Mountain View, CA (2017)
First Person Interview Series, Silicon Valley + Bay Area (2011 to 2018)
Other Talks
Additional talks, moderating, interviewing include:
Chinese university students from abroad and visiting international philanthropists (through Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors); and leadership talks including 12 Ingredients for Agile Leadership in Uncertain Times
Panel moderation at various conferences (Sustainatopia, Social Venture Partners International Leadership Conference, Chamber of Commerce) on a range of subjects, including impact investing, climate solutions, and the future of retail
Founder of IDEO & Stanford d.School
David Kelley talks with First Person host Lisa Van Dusen about his mission to help people regain their creative confidence, the universal applicability of human-centered design and the importance of play. He reflects on his summers growing up in the Midwest; his friendship with Italian architect and designer Ettore Sottsass; and his very early desire to become a school bus driver.