“Meditation has been wonderful for my life. It has helped me maintain perspective, reduce stress, better manage and organize work and my daily tasks. My meditation practice energizes and focuses me for the day. It also allows me to intimately connect with my innermost thoughts. Put simply, I am a better and more thoughtful person because of my practice.”

David Hubbard leads Verizon’s Consumer Marketing and Products legal team that supports Verizon’s portfolio of Consumer businesses including Verizon Wireless, Verizon Telecom, Verizon Consumer Markets, and Visible, among others. David previously led Verizon’s Intellectual Property and Digital media legal teams and served as the General Counsel for the Verizon Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Verizon. He serves as Chair of Verizon’s Public Policy, Legal, & Security Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council.

David is active in several community organizations such as Chair of the Board for the National Board of Directors for the Council of Better Business Bureaus and serves on the board for Brightpoint Care – a leading non-profit provider of medical, mental health care and social support services to people challenged by health disparities. He and his wife (Tamiko Hubbard) co-founded Sweet Reads, a literacy-based, non-profit organization providing books for children in underserved communities.

Tom Drury is a seasoned CEO with broad experience in early stage information technology company settings and has been a partner in a regional venture capital firm. He currently serves in a CEO / Founder mentoring and coaching role with multiple early stage information technology businesses. In 2006, after several years of study, Tom became a practicing Buddhist, completing his refuge vows under the direction of Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche. Over the past twelve years he has become deeply immersed in Buddhist teachings on life and spirituality and has proactively sought out ways to communicate compassion and loving kindness to those in need of spiritual support, particularly within a health care setting. Tom actively participated as a hospice volunteer and completed two years of formal education as an Associate Clinical Chaplain. He also teaches introductory courses on Buddhist spirituality and meditation.

“My Christian meditation practice has provided the silence and inspiration I have needed for many life decisions, large and small. These have included trusting in our ability to both start SJF and to raise successive funds with a stewardship and sustainability mission.”

SJF Ventures is a positive impact growth equity fund with $260 million under management.  The fund has invested in more than 65 companies in the clean energy, sustainable food, recycling and reuse, health and education sectors.

Dave practices centering or contemplative prayer and takes annual retreats at Mepkin Abbey, a Trappist monastery. He has been inspired by writings such as the ‘Cloud of Unknowing’ and books by Thomas Merton, Thomas Keating, and Teresa of Avila.’

“In years prior to meditation, I did not pause as much as I do now. I like the pause – the reset. The consistency of having meditation be a part of my daily life for a long time has been like having a strong rock to lean on. It also leads me to meet other likeminded and kind souls, new books, and new methods of practice.”

Leslie Wolfson’s energy and expertise in building relationships assist in her position as the Executive Director of the Association of Corporate Counsel’s New Jersey Chapter, part of a global bar association that promotes the common professional and business interests of in-house corporate counsel. The Chapter is a conduit of all resources ACC Global where the mission includes advocacy, education, charity, networking, and pro bono work. Leslie holds a Masters Degree in Economics and Finance and has authored and edited several economics textbooks as well as written a book combining her passion for photography and economic principles, where she shows and explains how economics dovetails life. Leslie taught Advanced Placement Economics and created and taught Financial Literacy curriculums for 18 years after starting her career in banking prior to joining the Association. Leslie believes sharing kindness and caring in this world is of great purpose, and she hopes her work with Meditation4leadership adds to her ability to continue her sharing at a greater level.