Edward Scott is a tri-sector leader who has had distinguished careers in government, the private sector, and philanthropy. He founded BEA Systems, which was acquired by Oracle for $8.5 billion, and launched several influential non-profits. Scott believes those with means have an obligation to make a difference, and focuses on leveraging resources to create major change for developing countries. He integrates his skills across work, community, and self to have the greatest positive impact.

1. Leadership Bio: Edward Scott
Joseph Sinatra

2. Who is Edward Scott?
ACTOR? MUSICIAN? ADVISOR TO WORLD LEADERS?
A recent article said that he just might be “Silicon Valley’s most effective philanthropist…”

3. Who is Edward Scott?
3
A TRI-SECTOR LEADER
Ed Scott is a tri-sector leader who has used
his skills to make an impact in the
government, for-profit, and non-profit sectors:
• Awarded the “Presidential Rank Award of
Distinguished Executive” for his 17 years
of distinguished service in the federal
government.
• Founded BEA Systems Inc. which was the
12th largest software company in the
world before it sold it to Oracle for $8.5
billion.
• Launched numerous non-profits such as:
the Center for Global Development, DATA
(which has become the ONE Campaign),
and Friends of the Global Fight Against
AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.

4. A Critical Moment
HOW ONE GIFT STARTED HIS PHILANTHROPIC JOURNEY

5. Relevant quotes
ON SCOTT’S PASSION FOR PHILANTHROPY
I have a deep-seated conviction that people who
have the wherewithal to make a difference have
an obligation to do so.
“
”
All four of the outfits I’ve funded have the same
thing in common... They focus on the behavior of
rich countries in how they deal with poor
countries. So the whole concept is leverage—
trying to make major, major things happen.
“
”

6. The Four Circles
ED HAS USED HIS SKILLS AS AN ENTREPRENEUR TO ACHIEVE INTEGRATION ACROSS THE DOMAINS
Home
Work
Community
Self

7. Key Lessons
7
MY PERSONAL TAKEAWAYS
1. Live your values – It is important for leaders to continue to reflect upon and live
their values. This will influence what jobs you take and how you will perform in
them.
2. Develop portable skills – Scott was successful, in part, because he was a
seasoned executive with broadly applicable management skills and sales acumen.
Leaders should aim to develop deep competencies in a few skillsets that they can
then apply across sectors and industries.
3. Prepare financially – Having a financial cushion – even if it is just six-months – can
allow leaders the freedom to seize opportunities and make choices based on their
values.
4. Look for leverage – Leaders seek to have influence beyond themselves. This could
mean identifying trends early on, or recognizing opportunities where you can have
a unique impact because of your previous skills and experiences.
5. Embrace calculated risk – Sometimes you just have to take the plunge! We are all
biased toward the status quo. When opportunities arise to do something different,
embrace them!