If you’re working to address a social challenge, create positive change, and improve lives – and you’d like to do all those things in a more efficient and effective way – then you’ll want to hear what Ann Mei Chang has to say when she takes the stage this November in the Upswell  Public Square.

Ann Mei is executive director of Lean Impact at the Lean Start Co., co-founded by Eric Ries, author of the New York Times bestseller, “The Lean Startup,” and creator of The Lean Startup methodology.

Convinced that charitable sector organizations can benefit from the same innovative techniques that drove Silicon Valley’s tremendous success, Ann Mei penned the soon-to-be-released book, “LEAN IMPACT: How to Innovate for Radically Greater Social Good.” (October 2018). She’s a true believer that organizations tackling social challenges can use Lean Startup methodology to “reach audacious goals through customer insight, rapid experimentation and iteration, and a relentless pursuit of impact.”

Her convictions are rooted in a unique perspective that crosses all sectors. Before her social sector “pivot” – a familiar word for Lean enthusiasts – Ann Mei logged more than 20 years at leading Silicon Valley companies including Google, Apple, Intuit, and several startups. Most recently, she served as chief innovation officer and first executive director of the U.S. Global Development Lab at USAID, which leverages 21st century advances in technology and innovation to accelerate global development impact and scale.

Don’t miss Ann Mei Chang on Upswell’s Main Stage in November, and check her out as she discusses using innovation to drive dramatically greater social impact and scale.