The New Normal: Resilience in Crisis Recovery
Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “Do not go where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” That sentiment has always applied to the LIVESTRONG Foundation, a cancer non-profit known for its entrepreneurial approach to philanthropy, but never more so than today. How do organizations successfully navigate through and, more importantly, beyond a pivotal crisis? How does a CEO steer his team through a painful experience with compassion and courage? What role does resilience play in the life of an organization? Doug Ulman discusses the LIVESTRONG Foundation’s handling of the controversy surrounding its founder Lance Armstrong, how the organization is moving on and putting the focus back on its mission: serving people and families affected by cancer.
Presenters
Doug Ulman
President and Chief Executive Officer
In his role as president and chief executive officer, Doug Ulman oversees the strategic vision and direction of the LIVESTRONG Foundation.
Doug is a three-time cancer survivor and globally recognized cancer advocate. After overcoming chondrosarcoma during his sophomore year of college and malignant melanoma twice since, Doug and his family founded the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting, educating and connecting young adults, their families and friends, who are affected by cancer. He served as executive director of the organization for four years before joining the LIVESTRONG Foundation in 2001 as director of survivorship.
During his time at the Foundation, Doug has helped transform the nonprofit into an internationally-known brand and leader in the global movement for people affected by cancer. Doug has earned a reputation as the “Most Savvy Health Care Leader in Social Media” for his innovative use of social media to spread awareness and knowledge around the world’s leading cause of death. His online community includes a Twitter following of more than one million.
Doug speaks frequently at some of the nation’s most acclaimed festivals and conferences including the Social Good Summit, the Inc. 500|5000 Conference, the Aspen Ideas Festival, the Clinton Global Initiative University, the RadioShack Business Summit, TedxAustin and SXSW Interactive.
Doug’s outstanding leadership has garnered him both local and national accolades. The Austin Business Journal recognized Doug with a Health Care Hero Award and he has twice been named to the Non-Profit Times’ Power and Influence Top 50, an honor bestowed to the top 50 nonprofit executives.
Doug currently holds numerous civic and charitable board positions for organizations such as the Union for International Cancer Control, the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults, the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids and C-Change. He also sits on the advisory board for Provectus Pharmaceuticals and is an active member of the Young Presidents’ Organization. Doug previously served for four years as the Chairman of the National Cancer Institute Director’s Consumer Liaison Group.
In his spare time, Doug enjoys traveling, reading, playing golf and running. He has participated in more than 13 marathons, including a 100-mile ultramarathon in the Himalayan Mountains. Most importantly, Doug enjoys spending time with his wife and daughter. Follow him on Twitter at @LIVESTRONGCEO.