This month I have the honor of featuring someone I admire immensely, Daniel Lurie, the founder of Tipping Point Community. Philanthropy is a big part of my life and I admire Daniel and his mission to eradicate poverty in the Bay Area. Tipping Point raises money to support Bay Area nonprofits focused on improving the lives of those in poverty through employment, education, housing, and wellness initiatives. Since 2005, they have raised more than $80 million to support nearly 365,000 people in need. I love that Daniel saw a need for immediate action, and took it on with such passion and focus.
What do you believe to be your greatest accomplishment?
Marrying my wife, Becca Prowda. And starting Tipping Point Community in 2005.
If you could do anything other than what you currently do, what would it be?
With my work at Tipping Point and with the Super Bowl 50 Host committee, I have two great roles. I wouldn’t change it.
What do you like most about what you do for a living/career?
My job allows me to interact and learn from the best leaders in the non-profit and business world.
What’s the first thing you do when you wake up?
It’s not usually up to me. Either my four-year-old daughter has woken me up or I go to get my giggling one-year-old son from bed. It’s usually pretty cute, except when it’s really early.
What’s your favorite thing to do on a Friday night?
Hang with my wife at home and watch a movie.
What were you passionate about in your younger years growing up?
I always had the urge to want to make a difference, but I didn’t know how. And sports, I’ve always loved playing and watching sports. I still do.
What are you passionate about now?
The San Francisco Bay Area. We are living during a historical time. There is so much exciting innovation and progress happening, but there are still a million people here struggling just to survive. If we don’t take care of our neighbors I wonder how history will actually remember us. I am excited to help make this a time we look back on with pride.
What’s your favorite season and why?
I grew up in the San Francisco so I feel like that’s a tough one to answer. Probably fall because San Francisco’s weather is at its best!
If you were stuck on a deserted island, what three items would you want to have with you?
Honest answer: a cell phone with service to get me off the island. Otherwise, a great spy novel, some beers, and a surfboard. I am terrible surfer, so it would give me a chance to learn without anyone watching.
If you were a cocktail or a drink what would it be?
A good tequila on the rocks with a little lime juice.
What’s the #1 most played song on your iPod?
I listen to Murph and Mac on KNBR 680 religiously. And ever since Prince played a Tipping Point concert last year at The Fillmore, he’s been at the top of my list.
If you could have lunch with anyone, living or dead, who would it be?
Franklin D. Roosevelt. His leadership during this country’s most challenging time is without equal. I would have loved to see his optimism up close.
If your life was made into a movie, what would it be called?
I would go see any other movie (even Sharknado 3), before going to see my life story on the big screen.
Do you have any regrets?
I’ve been given so many opportunities and have taken advantage of them to the best of my abilities.
Define Freedom.
That everyone regardless of the zip code they are born into has an opportunity to have a great education, access to high-quality health care and the chance to chase their dreams.
What are your personal core values?
Service, respect, and humility.