"Dana-Lee Smirin is one of those rare people whose breadth of knowledge is matched by depth of judgment. She combines cross-disciplinary brilliance, strategic imagination, and persuasive leadership with a deeply rooted ethical and spiritual sensibility. She has the intellectual range of a national leader, the innovative instincts of a world-class entrepreneur, and an unwavering commitment to building trust and advancing work that is both principled and consequential.
I have had the privilege of partnering with Dana for more than three decades. Again and again, I have watched her elevate ideas, initiatives, and collaborations beyond their original horizons. She has an uncanny ability to see connections others miss, articulate possibilities others have not yet imagined, and help turn ambitious ideas into transformative action."
Michael P. Totten, CEO, AssetsforLife; author and speaker"Dana's passion, curiosity, intellect and values have enabled her to build an unparalleled understanding and network across the spectrum, globally. She is a great visionary and wonderful connector."
Colin Le Duc, Founding Partner, Generation Investment Management LLP"I have come to greatly appreciate Dana on multiple levels: her outstanding depth of multi-disciplinary insight, strong entrepreneurial orientation, and top-calibre global network. She brings considerable passion, high-spirited energy, cross-cultural agility, and a good dose of humor. It has been a pleasure working and strategizing with her."
Olaf J. Groth, PhD; Senior Practitioner, Cleantech and Sustainability Innovation, Strategies and Futures; Monitor GBN"Dana brought the skill of an excellent coach, the wisdom of a healer, and the care of a kindred spirit to our work together. From the first conversation, she got right to the heart of things, gently reframing my fear and resistance into something workable rather than something to be ashamed of. When I raised obstacles, she didn't just advise, she helped me see them as solvable, breaking a complex process into manageable first steps. She never postured as having all the answers; she was honest and present, which brought real lightness and trust into the work. This felt like a true co-creation. Her improvisational ability to weave story, vision, and practical know-how together, while putting me completely at ease, was a gift."
Steve Weinberg, Ikea Sustainability Leader, Transport & Logistics Decarbonization"This work has changed my life. It has reshaped my past and is transforming my future. I have done inner child work and trauma counselling before, but I had never truly connected with the adult version of myself like this. Now, I am building a new relationship with that part of me. I am recovering, uncovering, and discovering that my entire biography is worthy of care and attention. A new version of my life story has unfolded, creating a new present with utterly different possibilities. Dana showed me how to give myself back to myself."
Liesl Haasbroek, CEO of Infiniflow, writer