Topic: What Is the Cathedral You Want to Build?

Jane Chen

Jane Chen is a globally recognized entrepreneur and inventor who speaks about innovation, leadership and resilience. She is the CEO and co-founder of Embrace Innovations, which developed a groundbreaking infant incubator that has saved over 300,000 babies around the world. Jane’s journey over the last decade has taken her from sub-Saharan Africa across remote parts of Asia. By leading an interdisciplinary team through a powerful mission and design thinking, she was able to effectively address one of the most pressing global health crises. Jane’s many setbacks and triumphs through the course of her journey illustrate the power of resilience in changing the world.

Jane talks about innovation and key leadership lessons which are particularly relevant during the time of this pandemic. Jane explains how the Embrace incubator was created using design thinking, and the impact it has made in saving thousands of babies. Jane also speaks about the key leadership lessons she has learned throughout her journey, particularly while working in extreme conditions — lessons about resilience and optimism which are especially applicable during this time. These lessons can help inspire leaders to see the current situation as an opportunity for growth and positive social change, rather than as a crisis. You can find testimonials of Jane’s talks here.

Jane has been a TED speaker, and has been featured in global media including the New York Times, CNN, Newsweek, The Guardian, and ABC’s 20/20. She has been named Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum, and as one of Forbes’ Impact 30.  She has also been the recipient of The Economist Innovation Award and Fast Company Design Award. In 2013, the World Economic Forum recognized her as Social Entrepreneur of the Year. Most recently, she was named as one of Real Leaders’ Top 50 Keynote Speakers in the World in 2022. Jane received her MBA from Stanford Graduate School of Business, and her Masters in Public Administration from Harvard Kennedy School of Government.