Van Lai-DuMone is the founder of Worksmart Advantage, an organization dedicated to helping businesses transform the way they approach leadership, innovation, and team dynamics. She is passionate about combining creativity and curiosity to unlock human potential in the workplace. She believes that everyone has untapped potential that can be harnessed through exploration, connection, and a touch of playfulness in addressing challenges.
She is also the author of What if Pigs Can Fly? A Practical Guide to Follow Your Curiosities to Achieve Impractical Possibilities, where she shares a framework to help individuals recognize and bring their ideas to life.
Tell us about your life before the venture/leading up to your venture.
My journey started as a refugee from Vietnam to the United States. Growing up, I experienced the balancing act of embracing American culture while holding on to my heritage. I spent the early part of my career in corporate roles, where I noticed that creativity and human connection often took a backseat to metrics and systems. I knew there had to be a better way to inspire and engage people. That led me to develop a unique approach to leadership and innovation that integrates the arts, hands-on exercises, and tools like LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® to help people work smarter and more collaboratively.
Tell us something about your organization. What is it about, and how is it helpful for people?
Worksmart Advantage is all about empowering people and organizations to lead with creativity, curiosity, and purpose. Through our programs like Leadership Canvas™, Creative Innovation Workshops, and my interactive keynotes, we equip leaders and teams with tools to foster psychological safety, build resilience, and create environments where innovation can thrive. Our approach is unique because it’s hands-on, engaging, and rooted in real-world application—ensuring that people walk away with not just inspiration but actionable steps to create change.
What has been the response of the consumers towards your venture? (Please talk about your recognitions/achievements here.)
The response has been incredible. Leaders and teams tell us that our workshops and programs have transformed how they approach challenges, communicate, and collaborate. I’ve been honored to work with Fortune 500 companies, nonprofit organizations, and even educational institutions. Our work has been recognized in a variety of publications and has allowed me to deliver keynote speeches and training sessions across the country, including a TEDx Talk and presenting my book at the SXSW Conference. One of the most rewarding aspects is seeing participants leave a session not just with new skills but with a renewed sense of possibility.
How has your life changed because of your venture?
My business has completely reshaped my life. It’s given me the opportunity to merge my personal values with my professional goals, allowing me to do meaningful work every day. It’s also connected me with so many inspiring individuals and communities who are open to growth and change. On a personal level, it’s taught me resilience and the importance of leaning into discomfort, as that’s where the most growth happens—for myself and for the people I work with.
What are you working on right now?
I’m currently working on expanding our Leadership Canvas™ program into an 8-week cohort-style offering and developing a 12-module Innovation Training LMS that will launch later this year. These programs are designed to support leaders and teams in creating thriving, innovative cultures. Additionally, I’m working on new keynotes and workshops centered around curiosity as a driving force for both personal and professional success.
Give a motivational message for the audience/women who are reading this.
My message to you is: “Follow your curiosities, no matter how impractical they seem.” Every big breakthrough in my life started with a small spark of curiosity. Especially for women, it’s important to trust your instincts, take up space, and embrace the idea that your unique perspective is your greatest strength. Don’t wait for permission to chase what lights you up—your ideas, your voice, and your impact are needed in this world.
