Fred Dust

Fred Dust is the founder of Dust&Co. and author of Making Conversation: The Seven Essential Elements of Meaningful Conversation. Fred works at the intersection of business, society and creativity. As a designer, author, educator, consultant, trustee, and advisor to social and business leaders, he is one of the world’s most original thinkers, applying the craft and optimism of human-centered design to the intractable challenges we face today. Using the methodology in his book Making Conversation, he has been working as the Senior Dialogue Designer with The Rockefeller Foundation to explore the future of pressing global needs; and with The Einhorn Collaborative and other foundations to host constructive dialogue with leaders ranging from David Brooks, Reverend Jenn Bailey, and Vivek Murthy to rebuild human connection in a climate of widespread polarization, cynicism and disruption. He is also proud to be faculty at the Esalen Institute. As a former Global Managing Partner at the acclaimed international design firm IDEO, Fred worked with leaders and change agents to unlock the creative potential of business, government, education, and philanthropic organizations.