Optimistic Labs is a network of focused labs designed to help organizations and leaders create and scale communities that make their brands stronger, their growth stickier, and their strategy more human.
The case for community
Optimistic Labs was built on a simple observation: The organizations that thrive through recessions, trade wars, pandemics, and major technology shifts are the ones that build communities, not just brands.
When people feel connected to a mission, a network, or a shared purpose, something powerful happens. Loyalty deepens. Ideas move faster. Growth becomes more resilient.
But this trust doesn’t just appear on accident.
It requires the right strategy, the right tools, and the right people working together to cultivate purpose, knowledge, and curiosity.
How we work
We help organizations move beyond scattered tactics to build communities intentionally, connecting strategy, technology, and trusted networks to create ecosystems where people actually want to participate.
We work alongside leaders as strategic partners, clarifying goals, designing communities, and navigating how emerging technologies like AI can support smarter, more connected organizations.
Community building is not a static playbook. It evolves. Together, we test ideas, build prototypes, launch initiatives, and refine what works, turning strategy into real-world momentum.
When organizations need specialized support, we connect them with the right people from across our ecosystem of collaborators, operators, creators, and builders.
Meet the team
Seth believes there is tremendous power at the intersection of storytelling, community, and action. He brings more than 25 years across media, philanthropy, and civic leadership, most recently as Chief Impact Officer at Forbes, where he founded the Forbes Impact Lab, and before that at the Schusterman Family Philanthropies.
Liz believes strong communities depend on strong, easy-to-use systems. She designs the operational foundations that let communities grow, drawing on more than a decade across SaaS, emergency management, and GovTech, most recently as VP of Customer Success at Forerunner.
Lauren is a political theorist and Associate Dean of Academic Affairs at the Rochester Institute of Technology, and co-founder of the Excelsior Center for Civic Innovation. She advises Optimistic Labs on pluralism, narrative change, and civic capacity-building, drawing on nearly two decades of scholarship and two published books.
Aliza believes lasting communities are built on infrastructure, not just inspiration. She brings more than 20 years designing and scaling professional development programs in Jewish and Israel education, including 16 years as a senior leader at The iCenter for Israel Education, where she built two of the field's most recognized programs. She holds an MBA in Social Policy and Management and an MA in Jewish Professional Leadership from Brandeis University.
Plus a trusted network of fractional executives and specialists who support our clients across strategy, technology, content, and community operations.
The newsletter
Let's talk
Tell us what you're building, whether you want a community designed for your organization or a lab of your own. The best first step is usually a single conversation.