You could think of Field Notes as my “blog” of observations. Periodically peek into my sketchbook, eavesdrop on my conversations, get a glimpse of my projects — and lens on life in Silicon Valley.
Filter by: Projects, Actually in Silicon Valley or Interviews
Camilla Olson: Odds Defier
Founder & CEO of Savitude
Camilla Olson defies the norms. She relishes taking on big challenges and has a proven record of overcoming them as a successful serial entrepreneur. Olson talks with Lisa Van Dusen about what motivates her: solving big, consequential problems, creating companies, building teams and championing women —- ideally all in combination.
Shilpa Yarlagadda: Peer Presenter
Founder of Club Academia
In this "First Person" interview, Lisa Van Dusen talks with Shilpa Yarlagadda, a 2014 graduate of Gunn High School in Palo Alto and founder of Club Academia, a video tutorial website that promotes "education of the students, by the students and for the students.
David Winsberg: Spicy Farmer
East Palo Alto Farmer
While he specializes in peppers -- especially the Padrone -- he also raises chickens and grows fraises des bois, watercress and some rhubarb, all sought after by select Bay Area restaurants and farmers market goers
Jim Fruchterman: Tech4Good Evangelist
Social of Entrepreneur and Founder of Benetech
Jim Fruchterman, rocket scientist-turned-social entrepreneur and Founder/CEO of Benetech, a Palo Alto-based nonprofit, develops technology to "truly help change the world.
Phil Jaber: Community Barista
Founder of Philz Coffee
Phil Jaber talks with Lisa Van Dusen—over a cup of coffee—at his downtown Palo Alto coffee shop at Forest Avenue and Alma Street.
Mary Lynn Fitton: Girl Guider
Founder of The Art of Yoga Project
Mary Lynn Fitton lives near Heritage Park in downtown Palo Alto where she spends much of her time helping teen girls in the criminal justice system develop self-control and self-esteem through yoga and the creative arts in The Art of Yoga Project.
Matt Severson: Scholarship Angel
Founder of The School Fund Nonprofit
Matt Severson, a 2007 Palo Alto High School graduate, started The School Fund, a nonprofit that connects donors with students in developing countries who need help with their annual school fees of about $150 per year.
Sal Khan: Extraordinary Explainer
Founder of Khan Academy
Sal Khan is revolutionizing education, one 10 minute YouTube video at a time. He has produced more than 2,700 segments covering everything from first grade addition to venture capital.
Michael Kieschnick: Progressive Powerhouse
Co-founder and President of Credo Mobile
Michael Kieschnick, Palo Alto resident and co-founder and president of CREDO Mobile, a San Francisco-based wireless company that donates a portion of its revenues to progressive groups world-wide, talks to Palo Alto Online about his work and life.