Van Lai-DuMone, founder of worksmart Advantage, is a dynamic force redefining how teams harness creativity and curiosity in the workplace through her groundbreaking Creative Integration™ method. With 20+ years of experience spanning startups to industry giants like Google and LinkedIn, she designs transformative learning experiences that drive innovation from the inside out. A TEDx speaker and author of What If Pigs Can Fly?, Van draws deep inspiration from her mother—a Vietnamese refugee who became one of the first licensed Vietnamese manicurists in the U.S., igniting an $8.3 billion industry. Van’s work is a bold invitation to reimagine what’s possible when curiosity leads the way.

 📣QUOTE:  “Curiosity is the most powerful thing we own 🔑. It’s an invitation to ask, ‘What if?’ and reimagine what’s possible.” - Van Lai-Dumone
 

Fergie’s Top 5+ Knowledge Nuggets and Take-Aways:

1. One small skill can spark an empire 💅. What untapped talents could you develop into something world-changing?
2. Infuse creativity and curiosity 🎨 into your work to unlock innovation and stand out as a leader.
3. Even with massive achievements, like speaking for TEDx and advising Google 🌐, prioritize real human connection—it’s where fulfillment lives ❤️
4. You don’t have to build the biggest empire 🏛️ to inspire others—you just need to lead by example.
5. Strive to be remembered for how you helped others 👐—not just what you achieved.
6. Engage your hands and mind together 🖐️🧠. Simple tools like LEGO can unlock complex breakthroughs.

🔹 Valuable Time-Stamps🔹

🕒 [00:03:00] Van shares her family’s dramatic escape during the fall of Saigon 🇻🇳

🕒 [00:05:00] How Tippi Hedren sparked an $8.3B nail industry 💅

🕒 [00:13:00] The turning point that led Van to launch WorkSmart Advantage 🚀

🕒 [00:19:00] Using LEGO and creativity to unlock leadership potential 🧱

🕒 [00:27:00] Van’s advice to her younger self about overcoming self-doubt ✨ 

 🛠️ Recommended Resources:  

Visit Work Smart Advantage

Pick Up Van’s Book: What if Pigs Can Fly

Leadership Canvas Cohort

Worksmart Shop

Van’s Linked IN

Van’s Facebook

Van’s Instagram

Van’s Youtube  

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Music Courtesy of: fight by urmymuse (c) copyright 2018 Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license. http://dig.ccmixter.org/files/urmymuse/58696 Ft: Stefan Kartenberg, Kara Square

Artwork courtesy of Dylan Allen