[quote style=”boxed”]It’s not who you know, but what you know about whom.[/quote]
Scott Lazerson is a connector. As a strategic relationship consultant, Scott repeatedly demonstrates that he is a catalyst for innovation and breakthrough. Unrestrained by convention and driven by a desire to bring the best minds and talents together, Scott embraces his passion for empowering individuals and organizations by taking them to the next level.
Having served as executive director of the Larry King Cardiac Foundation, chairman of the Board for Friends of the Arts, and as executive director of the Rose Foundation, Scott understands how to effectively navigate the worlds of celebrity, media and public relations. By bridging those worlds to the corporate and entrepreneurial community, Scott has fostered a diverse and impressive network of relationships.
With uncanny insight and timing, Scott leverages his extensive Rolodex to make invaluable connections for others. Living by the mantra, “It’s not only who you know, but also what you know about whom you know,” he opens doors and makes introductions to people you didn’t even know you needed to know.
As CEO and founder of the Interface Foundation, Scott brought business and celebrity together for the benefit of high-impact charities. Interface, in collaboration with the BBC, produced Lindsay Lohan’s Indian Journey, a documentary about the global child trafficking crisis.
Scott consults with Outfit7 (creators of the hit iPhone app Talking Tom), Liberty Tax Service, New York Times bestselling author Bill Phillips, NFL great Terrell Owens, Sarah Ferguson (the Duchess of York), and a variety of entrepreneurial start-ups. He has successfully placed clients in various media outlets, including Forbes, The Today Show, Harper’s Bazaar, Fox News, Bloomberg and others. Most recently, Scott was a judge at the 2011 Miss Universe Pageant in São Paulo, Brazil.
Scott, his wife Heidi, and their five children live in the scenic mountains of Orem, Utah.
What are you working on right now?
We have some amazing clients, everyone from an online pawn shop called Pawngo to Outfit7, the makers of the hit iPhone app Talking Tom. Helping them connect with the right people to accelerate their brand, and getting them the media exposure they deserve, keeps me very busy. On top of that I am writing my book, Super Connector, with Forbes writer Kiri Blakeley (very exciting stuff on the horizon).
What does your typical day look like?
There is no typical day. Things are constantly changing. However, the one consistent element in my schedule is me connecting people in one way or another! Some days I am connecting a client at the Country Music Awards or judging Miss Universe in Brazil or having lunch at the Beverly Hill’s Hotel with People Magazine. Of course there are always lots of phone calls and emails.
Three trends that excite you?
Social learning (social learning is learning with and from others, often—but not always—with social media tools), social media in general and social connectivity.
How do you bring ideas to life?
I always make sure two equally passionate people are introduced once someone has shown me their tenacity and passion!
What inspires you?
Nature–and living on the Sundance mountain. I’m also inspired by architecture and humanity.
What is one mistake you’ve made, and what did you learn from it?
Don’t jump the gun or believe everything someone tells you. I once introduced Larry King to a “producer,” who I brought over to his house before really knowing her. Bad idea.
What is one business idea that you’re willing to give away to our readers?
It’s not who you know, but what you know about whom.
What do you read every day? Why?
My Twitter feed; it gives me a quick snapshot of what is happening in the world and what’s going on with my friends and with people that interest me.
What is the one book that you recommend our community should read Why?
Healer Don Miguel Ruiz’ book, The Four Agreements, because it exposes self-limiting beliefs and presents a simple yet effective code of personal conduct (which Ruiz learned from his Toltec ancestors).
What is your favorite gadget, app or piece of software that helps you every day?
My iPhone.
Who would you love to see interviewed on IdeaMensch?
Sean Parker and Robin Wood from Bloomberg LINK.
What is your motto?
You win, I win.
Who are your heroes in real life?
Stephan Bognar (CEO of the Jolie-Pitt Foundation), Josh Ruxin (founder and director of Rwanda Works) and Julio Salazar.
Connect:
Scott Lazerson on Twitter: @scottlazerson
Scott Lazerson’s Website: www.scottlazerson.com
Mario Schulzke is the Founder of ideamensch, which he started a decade ago to learn from entrepreneurs and give them a platform for their ideas.