Sandy Lerner

Co-founder of Cisco and Founder of Urban Decay cosmetics

Travels From Travels From:
Upperville, VA, USA
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Sandy Lerner Biography

Sandra "Sandy" Lerner was a co-founder of Cisco Systems. After leaving Cisco, she founded Urban Decay cosmetics and is an advocate of animal welfare.

Lerner received her bachelor's degree in 1975 in political science from California State University, Chico, a master's degree in econometrics in 1977 from the Claremont Graduate School, and a master's degree in statistics and computer science in 1981 from Stanford University.

In 1984, she co-founded Cisco Systems with her then boyfriend, and now ex-husband, Len Bosack, while working as Director of Computer Facilities for the Stanford University Graduate School of Business.

Lerner and Bosack brought in John Morgridge to be the third CEO of Cisco in 1988. On August 28, 1990, Lerner was fired; upon hearing the news, Bosack resigned to show his support for her. The two sold all of their founder's stock and retired from Cisco.

Sandy placed a portion of her stock earnings into a start-up venture capital limited partnership called "& Capital Partners." Among the ventures funded was a new cosmetics company called Urban Decay Cosmetics, with the tag line "does pink make you puke?" The makeup line is cruelty-free. In February 2000, Moet-Hennessy Louis Vuitton (LVMH), the French luxury goods conglomerate acquired the firm. It was spun off from LVMH in December 2002.

Lerner is now involved in a number of high-tech and philanthropic activities. In 1992, through the foundation she shares with Leonard Bosack, she invested money into the restoration of the manor house owned by Jane Austen's brother, Edward Austen Knight, Chawton House, making it a center for the study of English women's writing.

She moved to Virginia and bought Ayrshire Farm, a 42-room Edwardian-style mansion built in 1912. Ayrshire Farm's mission is to farm sustainably and profitably, promoting the benefits of locally produced, humanely-raised meats and organic produce to the consumer, the community, and children through education, outreach and example. The farm sells its products online and locally.

In November 2011, she published a sequel to Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice" titled "Second Impressions" using the pen name of Ava Farmer (for A Virginia farmer); she plans to make it into a movie.

Lerner was featured in the documentary film "Something Ventured," which premiered in 2011.

Lerner received honorary doctorates from Washington and Jefferson College, Goucher College University of Southampton in England and Shenandoah University.

Sandy Lerner Videos

  • The Beauty Revolution | Wende Zomnir | TEDxSageHillSchool ...
    Wende Zomnir and Sandy Lerner unleased Urban Decay on the old-school cosmetics industry, filling the void with makeup in an insane range ...
  • Sandy Lerner Speaker | PDA Speakers - YouTube
    A trailblazer and true Renaissance woman, Sandy Lerner is a global revolutionary who has made an impact in diverse industries, from ...
  • How to decide if your great idea will make a business by Sandy Lerner
    Sandy talks generally on how to identify whether a perceived market opportunity is a "Business" or some other effort, such as "Tantrum," "Social ...

FAQs on booking Sandy Lerner

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  • What topics does Sandy Lerner speak about?

    Sandy Lerner is a keynote speaker and industry expert whose speaking topics include Animals & Wildlife, Entrepreneurship, Sustainability, Technology.
  • Where does Sandy Lerner travel from?

    Sandy Lerner generally travels from Upperville, VA, USA, but can be booked for private corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. For more details, please contact an AAE Booking agent.
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    AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully booked keynote speakers like Sandy Lerner for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book Sandy Lerner for your next private or corporate function.
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Sandy Lerner is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics . The estimated speaking fee range to book Sandy Lerner for your event is available upon request. Sandy Lerner generally travels from Upperville, VA, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Jasmine Crowe-Houston, Caterina Fake, Carol Bartz, Padmasree Warrior and Christopher Field. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Sandy Lerner for an upcoming live or virtual event.

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