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Sandy Lerner

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Sandy Lerner
Born1955 (age 68–69)
California, U.S.
Alma materCalifornia State University, Chico
Claremont Graduate School
Stanford University
Known forCo-Founder of Cisco Systems
Co-Founder of Urban Decay
SpouseLeonard Bosack (divorced)

Sandy Lerner (born 1955) is an American businesswoman, entrepreneur, and philanthropist best known as the co-founder of Cisco Systems and the cosmetics company Urban Decay. Her pioneering work in technology helped develop the first commercially successful routers, fundamentally shaping the infrastructure of the modern internet. Beyond technology, Lerner has made significant contributions to the beauty industry with her unconventional and inclusive approach to cosmetics. She is also recognized for her extensive philanthropic efforts in animal welfare, sustainable agriculture, and the preservation of literary history.

Early Life and Education

Sandy Lerner was born in 1955 and raised in northern California. She spent much of her childhood on her aunt’s ranch in the Sierra Nevada foothills, where she developed an early interest in entrepreneurship. At the age of nine, Lerner purchased her first steer, initiating a small cattle business that eventually expanded to over 30 heads. The profits from this venture helped finance her higher education.

Lerner completed her undergraduate studies at California State University, Chico, earning a bachelor’s degree in political science and international relations in just two years. She then pursued a master’s degree in econometrics at Claremont Graduate University (CGU), graduating in 1977. During her time at CGU, Lerner discovered a passion for computer technology while working as a computer lab manager, where she utilized quantitative data analysis for her research. This newfound interest led her to Stanford University, where she undertook doctoral studies in statistics and computer science.

Career

Cisco Systems

While at Stanford University, Lerner worked as the director of computer facilities for the Graduate School of Business. It was here that she met Leonard Bosack, the director of computer facilities for Stanford’s Computer Science Department, whom she would later marry. The couple identified a critical need for efficient communication between different computer systems across campus, leading them to develop a revolutionary networking solution.

In 1984, Lerner and Bosack co-founded Cisco Systems from their living room, creating one of the first multiprotocol routers capable of linking disparate computer networks. Their innovation allowed for seamless data exchange between computers, laying the groundwork for the widespread connectivity that defines today’s internet. Despite early financial challenges and skepticism from venture capitalists, Cisco secured its first significant contracts and began to grow rapidly.

In 1987, venture capitalist Don Valentine invested in Cisco, providing the resources needed for expansion. However, differing visions for the company’s future led to tensions between the founders and the new management. In 1990, shortly after Cisco’s successful initial public offering (IPO), Lerner and Bosack were forced out of the company. They sold their shares for $170 million, a fraction of Cisco’s future worth, and directed a substantial portion of their wealth towards philanthropic endeavors.

Urban Decay

Undeterred by her departure from Cisco, Lerner turned her entrepreneurial skills to the cosmetics industry. Noting the lack of diverse and unconventional makeup options in a market dominated by traditional color palettes, she co-founded Urban Decay in 1995 alongside business partner Wende Zomnir. The brand challenged beauty norms by offering bold, alternative colors inspired by urban landscapes, with product names like “Smog,” “Rust,” and “Acid Rain.”

Urban Decay also emphasized cruelty-free and ethical production practices, appealing to consumers seeking socially responsible products. The brand’s edgy aesthetic and innovative approach quickly gained popularity, attracting a diverse customer base and breaking gender stereotypes in cosmetics usage. In 2000, Urban Decay was acquired by Moet-Hennessy Louis Vuitton (LVMH), and later by other companies before becoming part of L’Oreal’s portfolio in 2012.

Philanthropy and Other Endeavors

Following her success in technology and cosmetics, Lerner dedicated much of her time and resources to various philanthropic and cultural projects.

Chawton House Library

In 1992, Lerner purchased Chawton House, a historic manor in Hampshire, England, once owned by the family of renowned novelist Jane Austen. She undertook a comprehensive restoration of the property and established the Chawton House Library, focusing on preserving and promoting literature written by women from the 1600s to the 1830s. The library houses an extensive collection of rare texts and serves as a research center and educational facility, hosting scholars and literary enthusiasts from around the world.

In 2011, under the pen name Ava Farmer, Lerner published “Second Impressions,” a sequel to Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice,” showcasing her passion for literature and dedication to continuing Austen’s legacy.

Ayrshire Farm and Sustainable Agriculture

In 1996, Lerner acquired Ayrshire Farm, a 800-acre estate in Upperville, Virginia. She transformed the property into a model of sustainable and humane agriculture, becoming the first farm in Virginia to earn both certified organic and certified humane status. Ayrshire Farm specializes in heritage breeds and promotes environmentally responsible farming practices. Lerner also opened the Hunter’s Head Tavern and Gentle Harvest, establishments that feature farm-to-table dining and retail experiences highlighting locally sourced, sustainable products.

Animal Welfare and Conservation

Lerner has been an active advocate for animal welfare throughout her career. She founded the organization Farm Animals Reform Movement (FARM) and has supported various initiatives aimed at promoting humane treatment and ethical standards in agriculture and scientific research. Additionally, she has contributed to conservation efforts, supporting projects that protect natural habitats and promote biodiversity.

Personal Life

Sandy Lerner was married to Leonard Bosack, her co-founder at Cisco Systems. The couple collaborated on several business and philanthropic projects before their divorce. Lerner is known for her eclectic interests and dedication to social causes, seamlessly blending her entrepreneurial spirit with a commitment to making a positive impact across diverse fields.

Recognition

Lerner’s contributions to technology and business have been widely recognized. She has been featured in numerous publications and has received awards for her innovation and leadership. Her story serves as an inspiration for entrepreneurs and advocates committed to challenging norms and fostering positive change.

Legacy

Sandy Lerner’s multifaceted career spans groundbreaking advancements in technology, transformative ventures in the beauty industry, and impactful philanthropic efforts. Her work has left an indelible mark on multiple industries and continues to influence future generations of innovators and activists. Through her diverse endeavors, Lerner exemplifies the power of perseverance, creativity, and socially conscious entrepreneurship.

Early life and education

[edit]

Lerner is a northern California native.[1] She received her bachelor's degree in 1975 in international relations from California State University, Chico, a master's degree in econometrics in 1977 from the Claremont Graduate School, and a master's degree in statistics and computer science in 1981 from Stanford University.[2]

Cisco

[edit]

In 1984, while working as director of computer facilities for the Stanford University Graduate School of Business, Lerner co-founded Cisco Systems with her then-partner and now-former husband Len Bosack.[3][4] Lerner and Bosack worked with Stanford students and faculty on a project to better connect all of the school's computer systems.[4] They later adapted software used at Stanford into what would become the foundation for Cisco IOS.[4]

Lerner told the story of Cisco's startup on the podcast How I Built This in which Cisco's early days involved building routers in the living room, financing the business using credit cards. She emphasized the collaborative nature of the work and that despite communication protocols being public domain, developed largely from collaborative work at Stanford, Cisco was still able to produce products people wanted to buy.[5]

Lerner and Bosack brought in John Morgridge to be the second CEO of Cisco in 1988. On August 28, 1990, Lerner was fired; upon hearing the news, Bosack resigned in solidarity.[6] The two sold all of their stock for $170 million[1] and retired from Cisco. Lerner and Bosack divorced in the early 1990s.[7]

Other business projects

[edit]

In 1996, Lerner purchased Ayrshire Farm, a 600-acre (2.4 km2) estate in Upperville Virginia.[8] The circa-1912, 42-room Edwardian mansion of native fieldstone has since been restored and was used for a variety of social functions under Lerner's direction.[9] Ayrshire Farm's mission has been to farm sustainably and profitably, promoting the benefits of locally produced, humanely-raised meats and organic produce to the consumer, the community, and children through education, outreach and example. The farm was the first in Virginia to meet both Certified Humane and Certified Organic standards.[8]

Lerner placed a portion of her stock earnings into a start-up venture capital limited partnership called "& Capital Partners."[10] One of the companies it funded was Urban Decay Cosmetics, with the tag line "does pink make you puke?"[11][12] In February 2000, Moet-Hennessy Louis Vuitton (LVMH), the French luxury goods conglomerate, acquired the firm.[13] It was spun off from LVMH in December 2002. [14]

Lerner also owns Hunter's Head Tavern in Upperville, Virginia and Gentle Harvest in Marshall, Virginia.[15]

Artistic projects and philanthropy

[edit]

In 1992, through the foundation she shares with Leonard Bosack, Lerner invested money into the restoration of the Chawton House, which was once owned by Jane Austen's brother, Edward Austen Knight. In 2003, it opened as the Centre for the Study of Early Women's Writing, 1600–1830. In 2016, Lerner resigned from the board of trustees and withdrew the financial support of her foundation.[16]

In November 2011, Lerner published a sequel to Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice titled Second Impressions using the pen name of Ava Farmer (for "a Virginia farmer").[17] In August 2017, Lerner released Caticons, a book of art imitating cats.[18][19] Cat news website, The Purrington Post said that the book was a "Must have" for cat lovers.[20]

Awards and recognition

[edit]

Lerner was awarded an honorary degree in 2005 from Southampton University[21] and a Doctor of Sciences in 2012 from California State University, Chico.[22]

In 2009, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Computer Society honored Sandra Lerner and Leonard Bosack with its Computer Entrepreneur Award "for founding Cisco Systems and pioneering and advancing the commercialization of routing technology and the profound changes this technology enabled in the computer industry."[23]

In 1998, Lerner was featured in part 2 of the PBS documentary Nerds 2.0.1.[24] Lerner was also featured in the documentary film Something Ventured (2011).[25]

In November 2014, Lerner was presented with the Pioneer Award for her work in the technology field by Women's Entrepreneurship Day.[26]

In 2015, Lerner was presented with an honorary OBE by the Lord Lieutenant of Hampshire, Nigel Atkinson, for her contributions to UK culture. The ceremony was held at the Chawton House.[27]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b Nicholls, Walter (June 22, 2005). "Two Starts and a Stir". Washington Post. Retrieved June 10, 2016.
  2. ^ "Honorary Doctorates To Be Awarded to Cisco Systems Co-founder Sandy Lerner and Political Analyst and Campaign Manager Ed Rollins - CSU, Chico News - CSU, Chico". www.csuchico.edu. August 28, 2015. Retrieved December 10, 2018.
  3. ^ "Router man". Networkworld.com. March 27, 2006. Archived from the original on April 5, 2006. Retrieved November 2, 2012.
  4. ^ a b c Pete Carey (January 12, 2001). "A start-up's true tale". Mercury News.
  5. ^ Guy Raz - How I Made This "Cisco Systems & Urban Decay: Sandy Lerner". NPR. Accessed October 15, 2018
  6. ^ Julie Bort. "Cisco Just Turned 30: This Is The Dramatic Story Of How The Founders Were Ousted". Business Insider. Retrieved December 12, 2014.
  7. ^ Savchuk, Katia. "Splitting Headaches: When Lovers-Turned-Cofounders Break Up". Forbes. Retrieved December 10, 2018.
  8. ^ a b Lerner, Michele (June 14, 2013). "Cisco co-founder says she's ready to say farewell to the farm". The Washington Post.
  9. ^ . The New York Times.
  10. ^ "Sandy Lerner Biography | Booking Info for Speaking Engagements". www.allamericanspeakers.com. Retrieved March 27, 2022.
  11. ^ Linden, Dana Wechsler (August 25, 1997). "Does pink make you puke?". Forbes. Archived from the original on June 21, 2011.
  12. ^ "Urban Decay history"
  13. ^ "World Business Briefing: Europe; Urban Decay for Lvmh". The New York Times. February 26, 2000. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved December 10, 2018.
  14. ^ "LVMH 20-F". www.sec.gov. Retrieved March 27, 2022.
  15. ^ Pipkin, Whitney (October 30, 2016). "Cisco co-founder Sandy Lerner's next big idea: Redefining road food". The Washington Post.
  16. ^ Flood, Alison (July 20, 2017). "Jane Austen's Great House launches urgent appeal to stay open". the Guardian. Retrieved March 22, 2018.
  17. ^ Julian Guthrie, "Cisco founder pens sequel to 'Pride and Prejudice'", San Francisco Chronicle, May 30, 2012 . Retrieved January 26, 2013.
  18. ^ Caticons website - 2017 President's Award Winner
  19. ^ 'Caticon,' a show of art about cats at SFO - SFChronicle.com". www.sfchronicle.com. July 26, 2018. Retrieved April 3, 2019.
  20. ^ Catworld, December 2017, Issue 477 - Page 27 Caitcons
  21. ^ "Graduation 2005 - the biggest ever | University of Southampton". www.southampton.ac.uk. Retrieved March 22, 2018.
  22. ^ "Honorary Doctorates To Be Awarded to Cisco Systems Co-founder Sandy Lerner and Political Analyst and Campaign Manager Ed Rollins - CSU, Chico News - CSU, Chico". www.csuchico.edu. August 28, 2015. Retrieved March 22, 2018.
  23. ^ "Computer Society Connection". Computer Society Digital Library. 43 (3): 77–80. March 2010. Retrieved March 22, 2018.
  24. ^ SISARIO, BEN (November 22, 1998). "SIGNOFF; For These Nerds, It's Beans to Billions". The New York Times.
  25. ^ Cieply, Michael (March 7, 2011). "'Something Ventured,' a Love Story About Capitalism". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved April 3, 2019.
  26. ^ Wendy Diamond. "Women's Entrepreneurship Day Organization Pioneer Awards 2014 Winners". WED. Retrieved July 5, 2018.
  27. ^ "Dr Sandy Lerner's OBE: A Special Day in Pictures ~ Chawton House". Chawton House. May 22, 2015. Retrieved March 22, 2018.

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