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About this guest

For those of you who do not know Lisa Morris, she …

1. Broadway Performer → Multi‑Million-Dollar Entrepreneur → Family Office Powerhouse – Lisa Morris is a Broadway touring performer turned entrepreneur; she founded and built Road Concierge, a multi‑million-dollar entertainment travel agency, before selling it to a multi‑billion‑dollar travel conglomerate (Internova, via ALTOUR), where she still leads the entertainment travel division and now serves as Managing Director at AKS Family Partners and Director of Philanthropic Services for FORCE Family Office.
2. From Schemes at a Hedge Fund to Savvy Founder – While touring as an actress, Lisa realized artists were poorly served by traditional travel agencies. She launched Road Concierge originally as a side hustle—but quickly turned that into a full-time business after booking travel for top touring productions, including: Prince, Carole King, John Mulaney, Les Miserables, Jersey Boys, Dear Evan Hansen and hundreds more.
3. Impact Investor & Philanthropy Advocate – Lisa’s influence extends well beyond entertainment: she now invests in theater and early-stage impact-driven startups such as Helfie AI, Box Media and Pirkx and serves on Advisory Boards with Coda, Carelink 360 and WITT. She also offers pitch coaching through NYSERDA/Columbia, is an Earthshot Prize nominator, and has held philanthropic roles with Mary Tyler Moore Foundation, Epic Foundation, and iis currently serving as Director of Philanthropic Services for FORCE Family Office, one of the largest networks of transaction focused family offices.

About this episode

What do Broadway, million-dollar exits, and dog-inspired philanthropy have in common? Lisa Morris.

In this electrifying episode of 9×90™, Adi Soozin interviews Lisa Morris—a Broadway touring performer turned powerhouse entrepreneur, who built and sold Road Concierge, a multi-million dollar entertainment travel agency now part of the multi-billion dollar Internova empire. After her exit, Lisa stepped into the world of high-stakes investing and family office leadership, where she now hunts down the next generation of world-changing founders.

From bartering her way to a luxury office suite to turning her late dog into a philanthropic legend (and a diamond!), Lisa shares the untold stories behind her rise—and the impact she’s making now across healthcare, arts education, and tech-for-good.

You’ll hear brilliant, bold, and sometimes hilarious tales of creative fundraising, how Broadway taught her to dominate the boardroom, and why authentic relationships are the most undervalued currency in business. If you care about legacy, want to raise capital the smart way, or dream of turning passion into empire—you’re going to be obsessed with this episode.

Connect with Lisa

LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-morris-

Website – https://lisamorrisimpact.com/

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Show Notes Generated by Gemini

These show notes were generated by AI

• Introduction to Lisa Morris Adi Soozin introduced Lisa Morris, a former Broadway performer who founded and sold the travel company Road Concierge before becoming an investor and family office executive. Adi Soozin highlighted Lisa Morris’s philanthropic work in healthcare, education, and tech (00:00:00). Lisa Morris expressed their pleasure at joining the podcast.
• Skills from Performing Arts Lisa Morris explained that their background in Broadway provided essential skills for business, such as comfort in their own skin, resilience to rejection, and strong communication abilities (00:00:00). They emphasized that understanding audience energy and the ability to pivot were also crucial. Lisa Morris’s experience as a touring artist gave them unique insights into the needs of travelers, allowing them to create a successful travel business by addressing those specific needs (00:01:12).
• Rapid Growth of Road Concierge Lisa Morris attributed the rapid growth of Road Concierge to knowing the client’s needs and thinking creatively. They detailed how they bartered for essential services like accounting and legal, and ingeniously secured a prestigious office by working as a receptionist for a hedge fund in exchange for benefits (00:02:13) (00:03:54). This resourcefulness allowed Lisa Morris to build the company without significant initial investment.
• Transition to Family Office Adi Soozin inquired about Lisa Morris’s role at AKS Family Partners. Lisa Morris explained that they act as a “truffle pig,” identifying promising founders, companies, and co-investors for the busy and private family office (00:06:17). Their entrepreneurial background is invaluable in recognizing talent and assessing the viability of ventures.
• Philanthropic Involvement Lisa Morris discussed their long-standing involvement in philanthropy, from volunteering to now managing substantial funds (00:07:13). They highlighted their work with a family foundation and Force Family Office to support various nonprofits and raise awareness for their causes (00:08:10). Lisa Morris expressed a particular interest in organizations that allow for direct connection and assistance to individuals in need (00:35:50).
• Importance of Relationships Lisa Morris emphasized the paramount importance of building genuine relationships in both business and philanthropy, advocating for an approach of “how can I help?” rather than a transactional mindset. They stressed that human capital is the most valuable asset and criticized superficial interactions (00:12:36). Adi Soozin echoed this sentiment, sharing an anecdote about the loyalty earned through authentic relationships (00:14:20).
• Power of Authentic Connections The conversation continued on the theme of authentic connections, with Lisa Morris sharing stories illustrating the value of genuine relationships over transactional ones (00:17:04). Adi Soozin recounted an experience where they advised caution against underestimating someone temporarily out of power, reinforcing the significance of long-term perspectives in relationships. Lisa Morris affirmed the importance of being a good human being and valuing connections with diverse individuals (00:18:47).
• Philanthropy in Honor of Pets Lisa Morris shared the story of Winston Jones, their dog, who inspired significant philanthropic endeavors (00:19:42). They established an animal rescue building in Winston’s name to house the pets of individuals in crisis, such as domestic violence survivors (00:20:35). Additionally, Lisa Morris funded the purchase of a movie theater, which was also named after Winston Jones, creating a lasting legacy. They suggested that others consider honoring their pets through philanthropy (00:21:27) (00:22:56).
• Eterniva Diamond Lisa Morris revealed that they had their deceased dog, Winston Jones, turned into a diamond through the company Eterniva (00:25:10). They praised the company’s personalized and empathetic approach to handling such a sensitive process (00:25:55). Adi Soozin expressed initial reservations about such a keepsake due to concerns about loss, but Lisa Morris explained that Eterniva keeps some material aside to create replacements if needed (00:26:38).
• Impact Investing Philosophy Lisa Morris explained that all of their personal investments are impact-focused, with a strong emphasis on social impact areas like theater, accessible technology, and healthcare equity (00:28:12). They shared examples of impactful investments, such as a play that helped prevent suicides and an AI avatar for instant sign language translation (00:29:03). Lisa Morris is passionate about investing in solutions that improve health, education, and access for underserved populations (00:31:42).
• Family Background and Inspirations Adi Soozin inquired about Lisa Morris’s family, and Lisa Morris described having a small immediate family but a large chosen family of friends (00:34:59). They recounted a childhood experience of using their allowance to sponsor a child through a charity, illustrating their lifelong commitment to helping others (00:35:50). Lisa Morris also mentioned their brother’s career as a bloodstock agent (00:33:19).
• Innovative Fundraising Strategies Lisa Morris shared creative and unconventional fundraising ideas, including partnering with a gentleman’s club to raise money for children’s cancer (00:40:30). They highlighted the importance of making fundraising events enjoyable and mutually beneficial. Lisa Morris also mentioned their participation in the Broadway Bets poker tournament as a fun way to support charitable causes (00:42:16).
• Contact Information and Areas of Interest Lisa Morris provided their email address, lisa@lisamorrisimpact.com, for those interested in reaching out. They expressed particular interest in connecting with individuals who want to invest in theater, support arts education for underprivileged children, or invest in healthcare solutions (00:43:59). Lisa Morris also welcomes connections with next-generation family offices seeking guidance on impact investing and families interested in co-investing in growth-stage ventures. They also mentioned their role as an Earthshot Prize nominator and their involvement in connecting family offices (00:45:59) (00:47:49).
• Travel Plans and Panel Speaking Lisa Morris mentioned upcoming travel to London for family office events and their enjoyment of participating in panel discussions (00:47:49). They offered their expertise as a panelist for future events, emphasizing their strong communication skills (00:48:36).
• Pitch Coaching and Sleep Habits Lisa Morris revealed that they work as a pitch coach for NAERTA, helping companies refine their presentations for fundraising or customer acquisition. In response to a question about sleep, Lisa Morris admitted to sleeping very little, typically around three and a half hours per night, and relying on coffee and string cheese for sustenance (00:49:16). Adi Soozin jokingly referred to Lisa Morris as a real-life “Iron Man” due to their high energy levels .
• Closing Remarks Adi Soozin thanked Lisa Morris for joining the podcast and expressed excitement for an upcoming event they would be participating in together . Lisa Morris reciprocated the thanks and stated that they had a great time during the conversation . Adi Soozin concluded the episode and bid farewell to the audience .

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Transcript

This transcription was generated by Gemini & edited by ChatGPT

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Adi Soozin:
Hello everyone, and welcome to another episode of 9×90™. Today, we have a very special guest with us. Thanks to Sarah Pustilnik, we’re joined by the incredible Lisa Morris.

Lisa is a Broadway touring performer turned entrepreneur, who went on to become an investor and family office executive after selling her multi-million dollar company, Road Concierge—an entertainment travel agency that’s now part of the multi-billion dollar travel group, Internova.

On top of all that, Lisa is also a philanthropist, with projects in healthcare, education, and tech. Lisa, thank you so much for joining us.

Lisa Morris:
It’s a pleasure to be here. Thank you so much for having me.

Adi Soozin:
Of course! So, you transitioned from being a Broadway performer to founding and scaling Road Concierge. What skills or experiences from your performing career helped you build a successful travel company?

Lisa Morris:
Broadway actually gives you amazing skills for almost any industry. First, you learn how to be comfortable in your own skin. You get used to rejection and learn how to keep going no matter what.

You also learn how to read a room, how to connect with an audience, and how to adjust when things aren’t going well. You gain confidence in public speaking, and you learn to walk into a room and command attention.

So many of those skills translate directly into being a strong communicator—which is essential for growing any business.

For my company specifically, I had been a touring artist myself. That gave me a unique perspective. I wasn’t a travel agent—I fell into travel by trying to fix what wasn’t working. I saw all the things that touring artists really needed and thought, I can do this better.

Adi Soozin:
Oh my gosh.

Lisa Morris:
Exactly. I understood what mattered—like whether the hotel bar was open late, because we didn’t finish work until 11 p.m. And paying $10 just to wash a pair of underwear? Not helpful! You want laundry access if you’re living on the road.

Lisa Morris:
That was key for me. And when I started meeting those needs, artists came flocking to me. I didn’t spend a single dollar on advertising or marketing.

Adi Soozin:
Well, of course not! If you’re delivering exactly what they need—wow. That’s amazing.

Lisa Morris:
Yeah.

Adi Soozin:
I’ve traveled through over 50 countries, and honestly, if you still had the company, I’d probably be asking, “Where do I go after my late meetings? Where can I do laundry?” And honestly, even beyond touring artists, consultants would benefit from that too.

Lisa Morris:
Anyone who lives on the road needs to be taken care of. Traveling can be stressful, but I love it.

Lisa Morris:
Travel has taken me all over the world, and I’ve been lucky to get paid for it. But when you have someone who truly has your back and helps you navigate the stress—it changes everything.

Adi Soozin:
Absolutely. That’s rare.

Lisa Morris:
I’ve done travel for everyone—from Prince to Carole King to Baby Shark! From children’s theater to A-list artists, everyone has different needs.

And understanding people’s needs—how they want to be treated, what makes them feel supported—that’s a huge part of the job.

Adi Soozin:
My kids love Baby Shark. I’m officially cool now for interviewing the person who worked with them.

Lisa Morris:
It’s the little things!

Adi Soozin:
Finally, I’m cool in my three-year-old’s eyes. So, in just six years, you took Road Concierge from idea to successful exit. What were the key factors behind that rapid growth?

Lisa Morris:
As we discussed, knowing the client was a big part of it. But I think my biggest strength was thinking outside the box.

When I started the company, all I had was a laptop and a cell phone. No business plan, no background in business, no funding.

So I asked myself—How can I take care of the things I don’t know, like accounting or legal, without spending money? My answer: I bartered.

I gave voice lessons to people’s kids. I had a massage license, so I gave massages. I got people backstage passes in exchange for help.

I didn’t pay to incorporate my company. I didn’t pay for basic setup.

Lisa Morris:
One of the biggest wins was my office. About six months in, people told me I needed a New York address to be taken seriously. But this was before WeWork or co-working spaces.

So I made a deal with a hedge fund. I told them, “Let me use your office as mine. I’ll work at your front desk and accept food deliveries in exchange. Just give me health insurance and minimum wage.”

I ran my company from a prestigious Wall Street address. And within a year, I had my own office in Midtown.

The best part? One of the hedge fund guys I used to bring coffee to every morning—he ended up working for me.

Adi Soozin:
Oh my god. I love that so much.

Lisa Morris:
He never had to bring me coffee. But I always reminded him—Remember when I used to bring you coffee?

That hedge fund shut down after the 2008 crash, and when he lost his job, he came to work for me. It all worked out.

Adi Soozin:
That’s a lesson for everyone—treat the person bringing you coffee with respect. She might be your boss one day.

Lisa Morris:
Exactly!

Adi Soozin:
Now at AKS Family Partners, how do you use your entrepreneurial experience to guide philanthropic and investment decisions for high-net-worth families?

Lisa Morris:
The family office I work with is wonderful. I adore them. But they’re very busy and extremely private. They don’t go to events or conferences, so I represent them in those spaces.

I use my experience to find great founders, smart companies, and trustworthy co-investors.

Lisa Morris:
My official title is Managing Director, but I affectionately call myself the “truffle pig”—because I sniff out the good stuff. And avoid the fake stuff.

There are a lot of fake family offices out there, and I can usually spot them right away. Even some legitimate ones just aren’t aligned with our values.

We’re not a real estate family, for example—we mainly focus on venture investing. So I look for strong founders and companies that are mission-aligned.

On the philanthropic side, I’ve always been involved—even when I didn’t have money to give. I started as a volunteer. Now, I raise large amounts for causes I care about.

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Lisa Morris:
Working with a family that has a foundation is a real joy. We get to have meaningful conversations about how to best use that power—what they want to do, what I want to do, and how we can align on making an impact.

Also, through a company called Force Family Office, I was given a platform—similar to yours, actually—where I could feature different nonprofits and the work they’re doing.

Now, Force isn’t a family office itself; it’s a network of family offices. They have an audience that tunes in for webinars and educational events, and they allowed me to use that platform for philanthropy. I called it Force for Good, and we featured amazing nonprofits and helped them get attention and build new partnerships. It was really special.

Adi Soozin:
Do you know Rotary International?

Lisa Morris:
Yes, they’re very well known.

Adi Soozin:
Do you see that black award over there?

Lisa Morris:
Yes, in the background?

Adi Soozin:
That was given to my grandfather decades ago. He was an international director at Rotary and helped unite other nonprofits to work together to eradicate polio.

Lisa Morris:
That’s incredible. I’ll tell you, I’ve never cared about winning an Academy Award or any of the usual accolades. But if I were ever named a CNN Hero, I’d probably lose my mind. I watch that show and cry every time—it’s so inspiring.

Adi Soozin:
Yeah, I love it too. Do you know Stephanie Chick, the current president of Rotary International?

Lisa Morris:
I don’t know her personally, but of course I know Rotary.

Adi Soozin:
She’s one of my mentors. I told her, “If you write a story in my book, I’ll make you a bestselling author.” She said, “Okay, kid. Let’s see what you’ve got.” She wrote a story that I placed at the start of Chapter 12. Twenty days after the book launched, I said, “Hey, you’re a bestselling author now.”

Lisa Morris:
That’s amazing. It just shows the power of communication.

Adi Soozin:
Absolutely. She’s an incredible woman. She has a PhD in leadership. Before I went on a speaking tour in February—where I had to speak in a new city every 3 to 4 hours for seven days—I was freaking out. I told her I didn’t think I could do it, and she gave me a two-second pep talk that completely turned me around. I went from panicked to confident, just like that.

Lisa Morris:
That’s amazing. You never know where your mentors will come from. I had a mentor once, and I don’t even know her name.

I was performing on a cruise ship when I was 18, and there was this older woman in a wheelchair who lived on the ship full-time. I asked her why, and she said, “My husband and friends have passed. I need healthcare, and I don’t want to live alone. I have money, so I live here and meet new people.”

Then she said, “Here’s my advice to you: retire now.” I laughed and asked what she meant. She explained that she put off traveling until it was too late. Now she couldn’t do it anymore. So she told me to travel while I was young.

Because of her, I chose gigs all over the world. I moved to Germany to perform, traveled everywhere. I figured, I can get paid to travel now, and I can build a business later. And that’s exactly what I did. I never knew her name, but she changed my life.

Adi Soozin:
That’s amazing. I actually know a few cruise line executives, and they’ve told me that some older people choose to live on cruise ships. It’s often more affordable and luxurious than assisted living.

Lisa Morris:
Exactly. And you also get a constant stream of new people. Assisted living might be beautiful and high-end, but the people stay the same. On a cruise ship, every week brings a new group to socialize with. You can play Scrabble, make new friends—it’s like having a floating community. If you have the resources, it’s a wonderful option for older adults.

Adi Soozin:
Totally agree. So, let’s shift a bit. You and I both emphasize the importance of communication in business and philanthropy. What strategies have you found most effective in engaging everyone—from investors to community partners?

Lisa Morris:
That’s a heavy question with a very simple answer: I always start by asking, How can I help? What do you need? I never begin relationships by thinking, What can I get out of this?

I don’t treat people as transactions. I’ve had people come up to me and say, “Hi, nice to meet you—will you invest in my company?” And I think, No. That’s not how trust is built.

Relationships come first. Human capital is more valuable than anything else in business.

Lisa Morris:
Anyone can book a hotel room—it’s not magic. But the service and experience you provide, or the trust you bring to an investment, that’s what matters.

So again, I always ask, How can I help you? I never make people feel like I’m just waiting for someone more important.

We’ve all been at a party where someone is clearly looking past us, scanning the room for someone “better.” It’s so insulting.

Adi Soozin:
I walk away when that happens.

Lisa Morris:
Exactly. At least be honest. Say, “I’m sorry, I’ve been trying to talk to that person all night—do you mind if I go catch them and come back?” That’s real. Pretending to engage while ignoring the person in front of you is the worst.

I use that moment to decide who’s here for a genuine connection, and who’s just looking for a short-term gain. Long-term, the real relationships are where the magic happens.

Adi Soozin:
Last year, some people tried to steal my contact list. They thought that having the same names would get them the same results. But after they reached out, they came back to me frustrated, saying, “Why are your contacts so loyal to you?”

Lisa Morris:
It’s simple. Your relationships are either win-win or based on helping others. And that kind of authenticity is powerful.

Adi Soozin:
Exactly.

Lisa Morris:
People respond to what’s real. Even if they don’t agree with you, they respect you if you’re being genuine. Everyone recoils—whether they realize it or not—from anything fake.

Adi Soozin:
Totally agree.

Lisa Morris:
Some people drop names or try to impress with flashy things, but I just smile and think, That’s great… but do those people actually like you?

Adi Soozin:
That’s such a New York mindset. I’ve been told it’s a “quirk,” but to me, it’s just common sense.

Lisa Morris:
Exactly. People can take your contacts, but they can’t fake your integrity or your relationships. If your network is resilient, you win either way.

Adi Soozin:
Yeah, if someone uses an intro I made and builds something cool—great. I look good for connecting them. If it doesn’t work, no harm done.

Lisa Morris:
This might sound like a bumper sticker, but I have a sign in my apartment that says, He who is rich in friends is poor in nothing.

I believe that deeply. You can make money, lose money, gain or lose status—but if you have real friends, you’ll always be okay.

Adi Soozin:
Yes! I had a friend from a family office go through a hard time. He asked me not to tell anyone. I said, “Of course not. That’s part of our alliance. People who want to know that information would use it to hurt you. If you fall, I lose a strategic ally. We protect each other.”

Lisa Morris:
I had a friend whose husband was very powerful. When he retired, suddenly the invitations stopped. She was devastated. I told her, “Now you know who your real friends are.”

Then a few months later, he went back into business and regained his influence—and those same people who dropped her came crawling back. She didn’t forget.

Adi Soozin:
Good. I had a friend who retired from a major bank and then came back as CEO of another one. I wonder if his wife experienced the same thing.

Lisa Morris:
You find out who’s genuine real quick. People are either authentic or opportunistic—and life has a way of showing you the difference.

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Adi Soozin:
I had an investor call me and ask, “What do you think about this person?” I said, “Why are you asking? Give me the context.” He said, “Well, I’ve heard this, this, and this.”

And I told him, “Keep in mind—she’s from a very powerful family. She may be going through something tough right now, but the second she gets it together and decides to rise again, she has the power to destroy half of those people with a single move. So I wouldn’t choose sides. I’d operate under the assumption that one day she’ll return to that space—and when she does, she’ll have the resources to completely own it.”

Lisa Morris:
Exactly. Also—just be a decent human being. If you don’t like someone, fine. Don’t spend time with them. But don’t use them for what they can do for you. That’s my general feeling about life.

Lisa Morris:
Life is too short. There are plenty of people you can work with and collaborate with.

I have friends who are living paycheck to paycheck, some who have had to sleep on my couch—and others who literally own their own islands. They’re all just people.

Adi Soozin:
Yeah. What matters is who’s going to be a positive influence in your life.

Lisa Morris:
Exactly.

Adi Soozin:
Tell us a little more about your theater rescue and the animal shelter sponsorship.

Lisa Morris:
Oh, yeah. My dog Winston Jones meant everything to me. I named him after Winston Churchill because Churchill once said, “We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.” That really resonates with me.

When Winston passed, I wanted to do something meaningful in his honor. There’s a local animal rescue we had already supported. And when I talked to them, I found out there was a serious issue in the town involving domestic violence.

Many women trying to escape abuse were returning to their abusers because the shelters wouldn’t allow them to bring their pets.

Adi Soozin:
Oh my god.

Lisa Morris:
Right? If you’re a dog mom, you get it. You can’t abandon your fur baby. It’s like how some veterans live on the street because shelters won’t take their dogs—dogs they served with in war.

So I said, “This is something I can fix.” I sponsored a building at the rescue in Winston’s name, and we use it specifically to house the pets of women fleeing domestic violence. That way, they know their animals are safe, and once they’re stable, they get them back.

Lisa Morris:
We do the same for people going into short-term mental health or rehab programs. If they need to be gone for a week or so, we’ll care for their animals while they get the help they need.

It was a way to help both women and animals at the same time.

Then there’s the theater story. When I first sold my company, I was driving through the Poconos. I stopped for gas and got lost heading back to the highway. I saw this little mom-and-pop movie theater, decided to stop for some caffeine, and ended up seeing a movie.

It was the cutest place—straight out of a Hallmark movie. There were handwritten signs everywhere like “Help us buy a butter machine.” It was so charming.

Adi Soozin:
Oh, I love those.

Lisa Morris:
They had a sign up for a jazz fundraiser, and I love jazz—but a fundraiser for a movie theater? Turns out, they’re a nonprofit. Their funding comes from memberships, not ticket sales.

I couldn’t stop thinking about the place. I took a flyer, bought a table at their gala even though I didn’t know anyone there.

They were smart—seated me with the executive director. And they pitched me hard. After a lot of wine and heartfelt conversations, I gave them a grant.

Adi Soozin:
Wow.

Lisa Morris:
The theater was about to go under. They needed money to buy the building. If they kept renting, they’d keep paying real estate taxes. But if they owned the building, they could apply for nonprofit tax exemptions.

So I gave them the money to buy it—and in return, they named the theater after Winston Jones.

So now, my dog has a movie theater.

Adi Soozin:
That is so cute.

Lisa Morris:
Right? I call him a “paw-tron” of the arts. There’s even an oil painting of him hanging there. When he passed, they put up a tribute that said, “Our paw-tron of the arts.” It was one of the greatest joys of my life.

Adi Soozin:
That’s so cute.

Lisa Morris:
I think everyone should do philanthropy in their pets’ names. It gives your pet a legacy.

Adi Soozin:
I have an urn—it used to be behind me, now it’s over to the side. I had a Belgian Groenendael.

Lisa Morris:
They’re beautiful dogs.

Adi Soozin:
When I modeled in Europe, I had stalkers. So my ex got her for me. In Italy, you can take dogs anywhere—on the train, into stores—so she became my bodyguard.

She looked like a wolf walking next to me. No one followed me home. Twice, people were dumb enough to try, and she didn’t even need training. I just opened the door and she launched herself into the air. If they hadn’t stepped back, she would have gone for their throats.

She was stunning, fluffy, cuddly—but also ferocious. I couldn’t let go. I brought her with me to Spain when I went to business school. She protected me for years.

Lisa Morris:
You can’t let go. That’s why I think philanthropy in a pet’s name is so meaningful.

My donor-advised fund is named after Winston Jones. Every time I make a donation, it’s through his name—not mine. So he gets the legacy.

I even get letters like, “Dear Mr. Jones, will you buy a table this year?” They have no idea they’re writing to a dog. It sounds like a law firm!

Adi Soozin:
Yeah. That’s a smart way to give anonymously too. Instead of checking the “anonymous donor” box, just donate under your pet’s name.

Lisa Morris:
Exactly. It protects your privacy and honors your pet.

Adi Soozin:
Did you get another dog after?

Lisa Morris:
No, I’m not ready. But I did do something special. You can’t see it, but the ring I’m wearing—it’s Winston.

There’s a company called Eterneva.

Adi Soozin:
Yep.

Lisa Morris:
You know it?

Adi Soozin:
Yeah. Mark Cuban invested in them, right?

Lisa Morris:
He did. I’m not affiliated with them at all, but I had Winston turned into a diamond. Now I wear him every day.

Adi Soozin:
They actually wanted to have the Eterneva CEO on this show right after my grandmother passed. I said, “Please don’t make me do an episode where I talk about death and try not to cry.” You’re the first person I’ve met who’s actually used their service.

Lisa Morris:
And I loved it. Again, this isn’t a commercial—but they were so kind and thoughtful. The person they assign you becomes your guide. Almost like a remote therapist. They understand that if you’re turning a loved one into a diamond, this is a big emotional experience.

They weren’t salesy at all. They approached it with empathy—how to help you through the transition. Very smart.

Adi Soozin:
That’s actually really interesting. I’d never thought about that. But my biggest fear with something like that is, most of my jewelry are replicas. So if I get mugged, I can hand it over and walk away.

But if it were my grandfather’s ashes? I couldn’t let go. I’d be devastated.

Lisa Morris:
I totally get that. But Eterneva actually keeps a small amount aside—just in case it’s ever lost or stolen. You can recreate the diamond. They think of everything.

Still, losing anything sentimental is awful. I got mugged once—of all places—in Boise, Idaho.

Adi Soozin:
I was just going to say, you’re in New York!

Lisa Morris:
I live in New York City and nothing’s ever happened. But in Boise? They stole my Sesame Street lunchbox from when I was a kid.

That lunchbox had all my little keepsakes—photos, memories. No money, no wallet. Just my childhood. It was horrible.

Adi Soozin:
Oh my god.

Lisa Morris:
So now I never travel with anything that important. That was back when your photos weren’t on your phone. If they stole a photo, it was the only copy. That stuff was irreplaceable.

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Lisa Morris:
Yeah.

Adi Soozin:
Yeah. I had a book I used to travel with because I traveled a lot. It had pictures of all my cousins—some from the mid-1800s—across five generations. Huge family. So I kept this little photo book of printed pictures. If someone had stolen that, I would’ve been devastated.

Lisa Morris:
Yeah. So don’t go on tour with that. That’s my advice—professional travel tip: never travel with a photo album that’s priceless.

Adi Soozin:
Yeah. Okay, let’s see. Just a couple questions left. What are some of your favorite impact investments and why?

Lisa Morris:
Oh wow, now that’s the question that lights me up.

Adi Soozin:
Okay!

Lisa Morris:
All of my personal investments are impact investments. And when I say impact, I’m focused mostly on social impact.

Most people immediately think ESG or climate—and I’ve done some of that—but the ones that matter most to me are more people-driven. For example, I invest in theater. I consider it a form of impact investing. The power of storytelling is massive.

Whether the show is a hit or a flop, it’s worth it because you’re part of a journey. I produced a show that didn’t do well financially, but we had kids write to the box office saying they were planning to end their lives—and because they saw the show, they didn’t. So what’s the return on that?

Adi Soozin:
Oh my god.

Lisa Morris:
Right? I would happily do that exact same show again and again because of the impact we had. You never know how someone will be touched by a story that connects to their heart.

People say all the time, “I want to invest in mental health.” Well, theater is mental health in a lot of ways.

Right now, I’m on the advisory board of a female-founded company building an AI avatar that translates spoken words into sign language in real time. She’s making life more accessible—her parents were deaf, so she gets it. That’s why she started the company. It’s high impact, scalable, and actually useful.

I’m also an investor in a company called Healthy AI. It’s reshaping health equity. Their tech allows people to check vital health data using just a phone. And most people—even in rural areas—have phones.

Adi Soozin:
Yeah.

Lisa Morris:
They don’t need an expensive wearable or even a data plan. The scan costs 25 cents. So now imagine: if someone’s heart rate is elevated, the app asks them a series of AI-driven triage questions—just like a doctor would. And if necessary, it routes them to a telehealth provider or even the nearest hospital.

It becomes a personal health guide in your pocket. I’m extremely passionate about this one.

Adi Soozin:
My bachelor’s degree is in medicinal and biological chemistry. I can’t tell you how often friends call me with symptoms, asking what to do. And I’m like, “I’m not a doctor. I studied biochemistry two decades ago—but I’m still not a doctor.”

Lisa Morris:
Exactly. But having that data can make all the difference. Instead of just saying, “I feel weird,” you could measure your heart rate in real time. That’s what this app does.

It’ll reduce unnecessary hospital visits. I know I sound like a commercial, but this tech is game-changing.

I’m also working with a drug development company creating something like Narcan—but for acute alcohol poisoning. Imagine how many lives could be saved. Think of college kids who drink too much in a dorm—this could flush the alcohol out of their system and save their life. They wouldn’t have to die.

Lisa Morris:
So I invest in healthcare, education, wellness, and real inclusion—not just the buzzword version. True inclusion means: no matter who you are or where you are, we’ll find a way to serve you.

I’m involved with a company focused on the elderly. You mentioned assisted living—this product is like an anti-loneliness device. Most elderly people can’t handle modern tech. Zoom or FaceTime is too complicated.

Adi Soozin:
Yeah.

Lisa Morris:
So they built an ultra-simplified tool to help elderly users stay connected with friends and family. They don’t need to know anyone’s username or how to log in. It just works. It creates human connection again.

Across all of these, it comes down to one basic goal: I invest in companies trying to make something better in the world.

Lisa Morris:
Whether it’s health, education, access—those are the things that light me up. That’s where I want my money to go.

Adi Soozin:
Do you have siblings?

Lisa Morris:
I do—I have a brother.

Adi Soozin:
Older or younger?

Lisa Morris:
Older. He’s actually following his passion now—he’s a bloodstock agent. If you want to buy thoroughbred horses, he’s your guy.

He does something called “pinhooking.” Have you heard of it?

Adi Soozin:
No.

Lisa Morris:
You’ll love this. It’s like house flipping—but with horses. You buy a young horse, about a year old, one with good potential. You train it and then sell it as a two-year-old to someone who wants to race. That’s where the money is—buy low, sell high.

He recently sold a horse for $900,000 that he bought for $175,000. He’s doing what he loves.

When we were kids, I had Paul McCartney and Patrick Swayze on my wall—he had Seabiscuit.

Adi Soozin:
No way.

Lisa Morris:
He’s been obsessed with horses since birth. We don’t know why—it’s just in him. So yeah, if anyone wants to buy racehorses, call my brother, Seth Mars.

Adi Soozin:
Okay, okay. We should have him on the show to explain this more!

Lisa Morris:
Totally.

Adi Soozin:
That’s very cool. And it sounds like you grew up with a big family, given how much your life revolves around connection.

Lisa Morris:
Actually, no. I have a very small family. Just my brother and my parents—thankfully still alive.

I never really knew my grandparents. Both grandfathers died before I was born, and both grandmothers passed when I was five and eight. So I have faint memories of one, but not both.

Adi Soozin:
You’re the youngest?

Lisa Morris:
Yep, I’m the youngest. My brother has children now, but growing up, my parents each had one sibling—neither of whom married or had kids. So I have no aunts, no uncles, no cousins.

If my brother hadn’t had children, our family line would’ve ended with us. So yeah, it’s a small family—but I believe family is built, not born.

Adi Soozin:
That’s not boring—it’s beautiful.

Lisa Morris:
Thanks. My friends have always been my family. I’ve built a tribe around me, and that tribe is my family.

Lisa Morris:
I’ve always cared deeply about people and helping others. Even as a little kid. I remember being 11 and seeing one of those Sally Struthers commercials—you know, “feed a child for the price of a cup of coffee a day.”

Adi Soozin:
Yes.

Lisa Morris:
I told my parents I wanted my allowance to go toward that. So at 11, I had an adopted child.

Adi Soozin:
Oh wow.

Lisa Morris:
It just spoke to me. And it still does. I love those kinds of organizations. The ones that let you directly connect to a person in need and help them.

One organization I’m involved with is called We’re In This Together—wittforever.com. It’s for patients going through serious illness. It lets their friends and family know exactly what they need.

Lisa Morris:
So instead of sending a balloon or a casserole, you know what they actually need—like a ride to chemo, someone to watch their kids, or help with errands.

It’s like a wedding registry, but for care. Patients can post needs without having to ask anyone directly. Then friends can step in and check something off the list.

Adi Soozin:
Oh my god.

Lisa Morris:
Right? You could look at your friend’s list and say, “Okay, she needs a babysitter on Friday. I’ll cover that.” It’s so meaningful.

I got so excited when I first saw the platform. It was pitched to me as an investment, but I got so involved that I just wanted to be part of the company.

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Lisa Morris:
I love everything that you’re doing.

Adi Soozin:
We can have them on the show.

Lisa Morris:
Oh, that would be amazing. Yeah. It was founded by a guy who went through cancer. When he had cancer, he said, “I never thought about how hard basic day-to-day tasks can be when you’re sick. I could always mow my own lawn, but now I need help mowing my lawn.”

So, he created something that allows people to pitch in and help—without the embarrassment or stigma of asking for help. Because people don’t always want to ask. It’s difficult.

Adi Soozin:
Yeah. You can’t see it, but all right here is stitches. I just had a big area of skin cancer removed.

Lisa Morris:
Oh…

Adi Soozin:
It’s like three, four inches of stitches across my ribs. I didn’t realize how painful breathing would be afterward.

Adi Soozin:
Everything’s a hot mess right now. Breathing was painful for a week—let alone moving around with the kids. But yeah, I get it. I can’t imagine…

Lisa Morris:
Yeah. But it’s also hard for people to ask for help. They don’t want to feel like a burden. And if they do ask and someone says no, they may never ask again. That’s why making it like a wedding registry is brilliant.

Adi Soozin:
Yeah.

Lisa Morris:
People can help if they’re able—but no one feels pressured. I love that. With something like GoFundMe, it’s great, but it’s just money. And the reality is, not everyone has extra money. It feels awful when a friend’s going through something and you can’t contribute financially.

But if you could help by cooking a meal or cleaning their house—that lets you be part of their journey too.

Lisa Morris:
Even if you can’t afford to donate online, you can still show up and support them in a real, meaningful way.

Adi Soozin:
Yeah, and time is money too. Someone might say, “I’ll pitch in $100,” and feel like they did something. But honestly, it might have been way more helpful if they had babysat a few times. Babysitting might not feel like a big deal to them—but it’s way more valuable than the $100.

Lisa Morris:
Exactly. And for someone who does have $100 to spare, that might be easier than babysitting. Either way, everyone has a way to help.

I’m really busy—running a family office and juggling a million things. I can’t always babysit. But I’m happy to pay for one.

Lisa Morris:
Here’s the money. You can use it to hire help. Or maybe I can’t drive you to chemo—but here’s $300 in Uber credits.

That’s how I can help. Someone else might not have the $300—but they can give the ride. It lets everyone contribute in their own way.

Adi Soozin:
Or even just booking the Uber for them.

Lisa Morris:
Exactly. Everyone in the world has something to give. A lot of people think they can’t help because they don’t have money. That’s just not true.

Adi Soozin:
Yeah. The two biggest resources are time and money—but often, time is far more valuable than the local currency.

Lisa Morris:
And talent.

Adi Soozin:
Yes.

Lisa Morris:
You might not have time, but you might have talent. You can come up with an idea—something creative and smart—that someone else can bring to life. And that can become something huge.

Adi Soozin:
Yeah.

Lisa Morris:
I once raised a bunch of money for a children’s cancer charity through a creative fundraiser. I didn’t run the entire event—but I had the idea, and it worked. People said, “No one else would have thought of that.”

So sometimes, it’s creativity. There are so many ways to help.

Adi Soozin:
The marketing strategy…

Lisa Morris:
Well, this wasn’t marketing—it was creative thinking. And I don’t know if you’ll include this, but here’s the story:

I was selling raffle tickets to raise money for kids’ cancer. The hedge fund guys I worked with wouldn’t buy raffle tickets—but I saw them spend $25,000 in one night at a gentleman’s club.

So I thought, “Okay, meet them where they are.”

I made a deal with the club. I asked, “What night are you usually slow?” And I said, “If I can bring 100 people on that night, will you donate the cover charge to the charity and split the bar? The dancers still get their normal pay.”

They said yes.

Then I went to the guys and said, “All you have to do is go to the club on a night you normally don’t.”

Adi Soozin:
Oh my god.

Lisa Morris:
That’s it.

Adi Soozin:
Oh my god. You are—wow. That is so strategic. So smart.

Lisa Morris:
It was for the kids! And it worked. The charity couldn’t officially be involved—they didn’t want their name on a strip club event—but I raised the money and gave it to them.

Lisa Morris:
Some guys even brought their wives and said, “Hey honey, want to come with me? It’s for children’s cancer.”

Adi Soozin:
It’ll be a cold day in hell before I walk into a gentleman’s club with my husband.

Lisa Morris:
Fair enough! The point is, everyone can support causes in their own way. There’s always a way to match people’s interests with opportunities to give back.

Not everyone wants to sit through a rubber-chicken dinner with long speeches and dress codes. That’s fine.

I think the more creative you get with fundraisers, the better. People have fun and raise money. It’s a win-win.

Lisa Morris:
One of my favorite events—it’s not mine, I just attend—is called Broadway Bets.

Adi Soozin:
Okay.

Lisa Morris:
It’s a poker tournament hosted at Sardi’s in NYC. You buy a table, so you’ve already donated—whether you win or lose.

You get chips, open bar, great food, fun people, Broadway celebrities—it’s a blast. You spend the evening playing poker, and it raises a ton of money.

I love events like that where people actually enjoy giving back.

Adi Soozin:
Yeah. Unconventional fundraisers.

Lisa Morris:
Exactly.

Adi Soozin:
There’s this local charity that always says, “Come enter to win a car!” And I’m like, “I don’t need another car.”

And then they say, “But you’re going to win!” And I’m like, “I don’t want to win. If I win, I have to pay the gift tax and the insurance. In Florida, that’s a nightmare. You’ve just handed me a $6,000 expense.”

Come up with something better.

But I really like the Broadway one.

Lisa Morris:
Yeah.

Adi Soozin:
Okay—so we talked about impact investing. If people want to get involved in what you’re doing, what’s the best way to reach out?

Lisa Morris:
They can email me: lisa@lisamorrisimpact.com. Pretty easy to remember—it’s just my name.

Adi Soozin:
Yep.

Lisa Morris:
I’d love to hear from people—especially if they include context. I get a lot of email, so it helps to know what someone’s reaching out about.

If you’re interested in investing in Broadway, that would be fantastic. Or if you want to support arts education—amazing.

One group I work with helps underprivileged kids see their first Broadway show. It’s incredibly rewarding, and not expensive at all.

Adi Soozin:
Yeah.

Lisa Morris:
I’d also love to connect with people interested in healthcare—investing in therapeutic drugs, patient-focused tech, real solutions.

Just to be clear, I mean therapeutic drugs. Not… anything else.

Adi Soozin:
Not the other kind.

Lisa Morris:
Exactly.

So yeah, anyone who has a genuine desire—and the resources—to make a difference, I’d love to hear what you’re passionate about.

I can’t personally fund every ask, so I can’t take on hundreds of donation requests—but I’d love to hear great ideas and see how we can connect the right people to the right causes.

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Lisa Morris:
I would love to connect with people who want to invest impactfully but don’t necessarily know how. I work with a lot of next-gen family offices, helping them communicate with other generations about impact as an asset class. It’s not always about concessionary returns—there’s a false narrative around that.

For me, I’d love to speak with people who have resources but need help understanding the value of putting those resources to work, or guidance on where to put them. They might say, “I care about cancer, but I don’t know what to do.” Or, “I care about climate, but I don’t know where the right investments are.”

I’m an amazing source of deal flow because I get so much inbound traffic.

Adi Soozin:
Hey, me too.

Lisa Morris:
I’m an Earthshot Prize nominator.

Adi Soozin:
What’s the Earthshot Prize?

Lisa Morris:
It’s Prince William’s prize—kind of like the XPRIZE—but for climate innovation. Whether it’s ocean, air, or energy, thousands of companies apply and five win every year.

I’m a nominator, so my job is to find companies and put them forward for consideration. I get to see lots of interesting ideas and great talent.

For the family office I work with, we’re always looking for good co-investors interested in venture.

Adi Soozin:
What kind of venture?

Lisa Morris:
We do growth-stage venture and are sector-agnostic. We invest in tech, deep tech, healthcare, biotech—anything we think can exit within about two years. We’re really strategic about that.

We’re always interested in active family offices wanting to connect with others.

Lisa Morris:
That’s definitely my sweet spot.

Adi Soozin:
Yeah.

Lisa Morris:
I’m a massive connector of families, so that’s incredibly useful.

And if anyone needs travel help—even though it’s not my day-to-day—I’m a great resource to point you to the right companies for travel assistance.

But really, it’s about people who want to do something special with their resources.

Adi Soozin:
Did Sarah tell you we’re doing a road trip to Rhode Island in July?

Lisa Morris:
No, but that sounds like Sarah. You’re going to Opal in Newport?

Adi Soozin:
Yeah, I have to double-check with my contact because I forgot to register.

Lisa Morris:
Yeah.

Adi Soozin:
Yeah.

Lisa Morris:
No, it’s a blast. I’m not going this year because I’ll be in London for the whole summer.

Adi Soozin:
You are?

Lisa Morris:
I won’t be in America in July.

Adi Soozin:
I love London.

Lisa Morris:
You guys have a great time. I’m so excited for London, but my first five days there I have five family office events in five days. I can’t give myself a day off. I’m speaking at four of the five.

Adi Soozin:
Oh my god.

Lisa Morris:
I give good panels. If anyone needs a good panelist—

Adi Soozin:
Yeah.

Lisa Morris:
I enjoy it. I really enjoy talking to people.

Adi Soozin:
I like panels. Keynotes take so long to prepare for.

Lisa Morris:
That’s my wheelhouse.

I’m also a pitch coach. I work with NYSERDA—the New York State Energy Research Development Authority. When their companies are ready to raise capital or find customers, they get free sessions with me to work on how to present and pitch.

That’s another thing I love doing.

Adi Soozin:
When do you sleep?

Lisa Morris:
I don’t. My health data shows I sleep three hours and 52 minutes a night—almost every night. Sometimes less, sometimes more. But I don’t sleep much.

Adi Soozin:
Are you on the Uberman sleep cycle?

Lisa Morris:
I don’t know what that is.

Adi Soozin:
It’s a cycle where you sleep four hours at night, then take a 15-minute nap every four hours during the day.

Lisa Morris:
Nope, I never nap. If I nap, I’m out cold. I can’t wake up after 15 minutes refreshed. I feel worse. Power naps don’t work for me. God bless the people it works for, but not me.

If I go to sleep, I’m out until I get my three hours. I’m not waking up after 20 minutes. So I’m not Uberman.

Adi Soozin:
Uberman sleep cycle.

Lisa Morris:
Nope. I don’t nap. I have a lot of energy. I run on Dunkin. I drink 12 cups of Dunkin Donuts coffee every day and eat two string cheeses daily. That’s how I survive—coffee and string cheese.

Adi Soozin:
I have so many biomedical questions running through my head, but I won’t ask them on a live show. I’ll save them for later.

But anyway, ladies and gentlemen, we have now met a machine. Iron Man is real—and she’s a woman.

Thank you so much for joining us. I’ll see you on the 24th.

Lisa Morris:
Me too. Me too.

Adi Soozin:
Alright, take care. Bye everyone. See you back online.

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All opinions expressed by the guests are their own. 9×90™ and its affiliates do not endorse or guarantee any specific outcomes discussed in this episode. This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or investment advice. Listeners should conduct their own due diligence and consult with professional advisors before making any investment or business decisions. Nothing discussed in this episode constitutes an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any securities. Any such offer or solicitation will be made only through official offering documents and to qualified, accredited investors, in accordance with applicable securities laws. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or 9×90™.

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