A Profile in Synergy

I was watching a Shakira concert the other day, and while she was introducing one of her guest singers, Alejandro Sanz. She described meeting Mr. Sanz as a one of those cosmic gifts that one rarely has in life. Well, I think I received one of those cosmic gifts not too long ago. Thanks to a common acquaintance, I met on Monday a gentleman by the name of Scott Lazerson.

While enjoying a great plate of Gnocchi alla Pesto in my favorite Italian restaurant in Utah During his professional trajectory, Scott has been in leadership roles of many different philanthropic organizations like American Indian Services, The Larry King Cardiac Foundation, Friends of the Arts Foundation, The Rose Foundation, Women Beyond Cancer, etc.

His leadership role does not only reside in being a board member, I consider him a social entrepreneur, able to produce amazing results in his endeavors. In 2007, Scott created the International Philanthropic Summit, which according to him "brought [him] to a new level in the world of philanthropy". What did he mean by that? well, the results were an attendance of over 600 to hear leaders of the field speak about “The Globalization of Philanthropy”. Most importantly, five different charities were able to receive $250,000 of cash awards. He refers to these types of result as "fortuitous cooperation".


Above, Scott with one of his acquaintances, Eva Longoria


Fortuitous? Unlike the rest of us mortals, Scott's acquaintances range from the common student, to Hollywood celebrities, to world leaders. He possesses that demure that draws you in whatever good cause he might be involved with, because you know he not only believes in the cause he's involved with, he lives it. For him is not just another philanthropic cause, for him is a "crusade". He speaks passionately, but respectfully, you know you are not being manipulated, but invited to do good, and for the right reasons. This is the type of attribute (or gift maybe?) that I'd like to have, The Gift of Synergy. The gift of inviting different sectors of society, and put them to work in the best and most efficient causes.

In his latest venture, Scott leads The Interface Foundation which at no cost helps humanitarian causes to reach a greater projection and exposure. Interface (or "i:f") connects those who are making a difference in the world, with those with the leverage to help them make a greater impact. One of the most recent projects is with Stop Hunger Now, whose work is directly involved with the UN's Millennium Development Goals. Want to see synergy? Click on the video below.