Ellen Petry Leanse

Author, Stanford instructor, and digital pioneer Ellen Petry Leanse has spent 35 years as an innovator at Apple and Google, as an entrepreneur, and advising dozens of Silicon Valley leaders. An alum of early Apple, she served on the Macintosh launch team and led the company’s groundbreaking 1985 debut as an online innovator. Her work since then has spanned entrepreneurship, investing, and leadership coaching – experiences she combines with deep knowledge of neuroscience, design, and wisdom practices. In her popular Stanford class, Ellen guides companies and individuals to “think different” about innovation, impact, and using business as a canvas for positive change. She’s been featured on CNN and the Today Show, and in Time Magazine, Vogue, Forbes, Inc., and Entrepreneur. Her bestselling book The Happiness Hack shares brain-aware paths to focus, connection, and life satisfaction. She frequently speaks on design, equality, neuroscience, and the future of innovation.