Jan Muhlfeit, former Chairman of Microsoft Europe

Four Seasons Hotel Silicon Valley

Palo Alto, California

Mühlfeit is a global strategist, executive coach and mentor. He is the Former Chairman of Microsoft Europe, where he worked for 22 years. He is currently an ‘entrepreneur in residence’ at INSEAD and a coach for Exec MBA students at Cambridge University.

Mühlfeit is also a member of the Business Advisory Board at Imperial College London. His new book The Positive Leader examines how energy and happiness fuel top performing teams.

Jean Charles Boisset

'The James Bond of the Wine World'

Private Event

Jean Charles Boisset, proprietor of the Boisset Collection, is often called the James Bond of the wine world, a title he’s grown to love. “I take it as a compliment!” he says.

The flamboyant dresser loves a classic style. “I like doing things in style — which I assume is the Bond way,” he says. But there’s a style this Frenchman cannot stand and that’s boring clothes.

Jean-Charles will share compelling ideas and practical skills to take the stiffness out of wine and put the joie de vivre back in with an added touch of style and elegance. “To enjoy a glass of wine requires no prior knowledge, but with the right words we can express the magic of this elixir that elevates life’s precious moments and strengthens the bonds of love and humanity that connect us all!” said Jean-Charles.

Phil Hellmuth - World Poker Champion

Private Estate

Atherton, California

Phil Hellmuth Jr. is a New York Times Bestselling Author and 16-time winner of the World Series of Poker. His success isn’t a gamble—it’s the result of a daily practice of defining his goals and sticking to his personal code. 

In #POSITIVITY: You’re Always in the Right Place at the Right Time, Hellmuth teaches you how to shift from being bogged down by hate to playing life like the pro that you are. 

Abraham Verghese, MD, MACP, Professor, Author

The School of Medicine at Stanford University

Fogarty Vineyards

Woodside, California

Dr. Verghese is a best-selling author of 3 books and a physician with a reputation for his focus on healing in an era where technology often overwhelms the human side of medicine. In his writing and work, Abraham Verghese continues to emphasize the importance of bedside medicine and physical examination in an era of advanced medical technology. He contends that the patient in the bed often gets less attention than the patient data in the computer.

Tim Draper - Icon Venture Capital Investor

Private Home

Portola Valley, California

A scion of a Silicon Valley investing dynasty, Tim Draper is a founding partner of venture capital firm Draper Fisher Jurvetson and Draper University.   As an advocate for entrepreneurs and free markets, Tim is regularly featured as a keynote speaker in entrepreneurial conferences throughout the world, has been recognized as a leader in his field through numerous awards and honors, and has frequent TV, radio, and headline appearances. He was #52 on the list of the 100 most influential Harvard Alumni, and #7 on the Forbes Midas List. He was named Always-On #1 top venture capital deal maker.  He was awarded the Commonwealth Club’s Distinguished Citizen Award for achievements in green and sustainable energy.

After successful venture investments (Hotmail, Baidu, Skype, Tesla, Bitcoin, Twitch, Ring, Docusign, Robinhood, etc), Tim Draper sought to disrupt the broken California school system. He says 'I have to be the one to make sure it happens'.

Robert Lustig, MD, MSL - Professor of Endocrinology, UCSF

 Stanford University Faculty Club

Stanford, California

Dr. Lustig has fostered a global discussion of metabolic health and nutrition, exposing some of the leading myths that underlie the current pandemic of diet-related disease. He believes the food business, by pushing processed food loaded with sugar, has hacked our bodies and minds to pursue pleasure instead of happiness; fostering today’s epidemics of addiction and depression. Yet by focusing on real food, we can beat the odds against sugar, processed food, obesity, and disease.

John Dyson - Williams Selyem Winery

 Proprietor (now former)

Culinary Arts Center

Burlingame, California

In less than two decades, this winery achieved cult-status and garnered international acclaim for their Pinot Noirs, Chardonnays, and Zinfandels - John will recount his story from Politics to Pinot! As assistant governor to Rudi Guillani, he also was the man behind the famous I love New York iconic and much- imitated symbol.

Ramona Pierson - Analytics-based learning platform

Private Home

Menlo Park, California

Ramona Pierson may be one of the closest things to Wonder Woman we have around. She was not only a math prodigy who joined the Marine Corps and wrote algorithms to find Russia’s nuclear silos and guide F-18 fighter missions, but she also survived a coma, built an analytics-based learning platform, and raised $5 million in seed funding from Peter Thiel to start Declara. Her story is remarkable!

Christopher Kostow - Three-Michelin-starred chef

South Beach Yacht Club

San Francisco, California

Chef Christopher Kostow, the three-Michelin-starred chef of The Restaurant at Meadowood.  His debut cookbook, ‘ A New Napa Cuisine’ discusses the transformative effect that The Napa Valley has had on his perception of cooking and craft. Through thoughtful essays, curated recipes and stunning photography, A New Napa Cuisine details the relationships and collaborations that exemplify a “new Napa”- one full of dynamism, youth and promise.

Ann Mahony - Fraud, Forgery & Graphology Expert

Oshman Family Jewish Community Center

Palo Alto, California

You worked a lifetime to save it; don’t lose it overnight! You might be surprised to learn that only 1% of forgeries are committed by professionals. 99% of culprits include family members, business associates, employees and others in your life. Since one in three of us will be a victim of fraud in our lifetime, it’s wise to learn the common scams and how to protect yourself. Whether your concern is your Will and Estate Planning, Medical & Insurance Records, Real Estate, Employment Law, Elder Abuse, Landlord/Tenant issues, or you just want to protect your own personal assets this information is for you. Learn how to bulletproof your signature.

 “More crime is committed at the end of a pen than the end of a gun.” FBI

Jessica Richman - uBIOME

Private Home

San Francisco, California

The world’s first Citizen Science project to sequence the human micro biome.Learn about your health and how you can help change the world.

Jessica Richman started and sold her first company after high school. Returning to formal education, she attended Stanford University, where she earned degrees in Economics and Science, Technology & Society (emphasis in computer science). Along the way, she worked for Google, McKinsey, Lehman Brothers, the Grameen Bank, and top-tier Silicon Valley venture firms. Currently a doctoral student at Oxford University, her academic interests include social networks, innovation, collective intelligence, and entrepreneurship.

Mike Robbins - The Power of Authenticity

Riggs Culinary Arts Center

Burlingame, California

Authenticity is fundamental to communication, relationships,  and success. Now more than ever, people, leaders, and groups must utilize the power of authenticity in order to build trust, resolve conflicts, and create cohesion. 

Although it can be counter-intuitive, some fascinating research in the fields of social psychology and emotional intelligence is proving that being real, honest, and even vulnerable are key elements to individual and group success and engagement. Mike Robbins is a sought-after keynote speaker who teaches people how to infuse their lives and businesses with authenticity and appreciation. In this presentation, which is based on the core principles of his book, Be Yourself, Everyone Else is Already Taken, Mike Robbins illustrates exactly how authenticity impacts relationships, trust, and productivity.

Tom Kelly- IDEO

Private Estate

Atherton, California

Tom Kelley, IDEO partner and the author of the best-seller ''The Art of Innovation, have written a powerful and compelling book on unleashing the creativity that lies within each and every one of us.

Too often, companies and individuals assume that creativity and innovation are the domain of the “creative types.” But one of the leading experts in innovation, design, and creativity on the planet, will discuss the creative potential within us.

Art Gallery

San Francisco, California

A Panel of Art Professionals including an Art Advisor, Collector, and Gallery Curator offered an evening of artful education.

Kiva Headquarters

San Francisco, California

Welcome - Britt Huber, VP Human Capital Kiva

Opening Remarks – Matt Flannery, CEO Kiva 

Kiva envisions a world where all people – even in the most remote areas of the globe – hold the power to create opportunity for everyone. Kiva is a nonprofit organization working to alleviate poverty by connecting people around the world through micro- lending.

Moderator: Lisa Hogen, Chief Development Officer, Kiva

Discussion panel: 

• Kim Vallejo, Global Business Development, Room To Read Catherine Berman, Senior VP Astia

• Kevin Jones, Founder, Good Capital

• Chase Adam, Co-Founder, Watsi