Gigi Brisson - Ocean Elders
BIO
Gigi Brisson is a tech investor with a background in finance, software, and venture capital. She was an early investor in Salesforce—both as a private and public company—and co-founded Attractor Investment Management Inc.. After attending the 2010 Mission Blue expedition to the Galapagos with marine biologist Dr. Sylvia Earle, Gigi recognized that while scientists understood the ocean's declining health, the broader public and leadership did not.
To bridge this gap, she founded Ocean Elders, a non-profit coalition that unifies powerful, influential voices—such as Dr. Sylvia Earle, Ted Turner, Sir Richard Branson, and Queen Noor—to advocate for ocean conservation, create marine protected areas, and tackle issues like commercial overfishing without competing with other entities for funding. Beyond ocean protection, Gigi is passionate about nature education for youth, wildlife preservation, and utilizing technologies like blockchain for conservation transparency.
Synopsis
In this episode, the host speaks with Gigi Brisson about her journey from Silicon Valley finance to leading a global advocacy network for ocean preservation. The conversation explores:
The Origin of Ocean Elders: How a trip to the Galapagos inspired Gigi to harness the influence, networks, and voices of world leaders to amplify scientists' data and drive high-level policy changes.
Technology & Conservation: How modern tools—such as blockchain for tracing supply chains (e.g., tuna fishing), satellite tracking, and nature-focused apps like iNaturalist and Merlin Bird—can be leveraged to protect marine ecosystems.
Integrating Compassion into Tech & AI: A deep discussion on why the tech sector, engineering programs, and emerging AI developments must explicitly incorporate human values and compassion to build a sustainable future for both humanity and nature.
Reconnecting with Nature: The vital importance of educating young people about ecosystems, supporting scientists on the front lines, and fostering local environmental engagement.
“Children walk around with a university in their pocket. That’s wonderful. We have advanced more in technology than in values.”
[44 min]
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Highlights from our conversation
Foundations of Ocean Elders [3 min]
The interview opens on Dr. Sylvia Earle's 89th birthday. Gigi shares the origins of Ocean Elders from a 2010 Galapagos expedition, addressing how marine degradation was ignored and how a non-monetary, influence-based coalition was created to give the ocean a "loud voice.”
The Power of Loose Coupling & Global Influence [6 min]
Gigi explains recruiting high-profile leaders like Ted Turner, Sir Richard Branson, and Queen Noor. She details how Ocean Elders focuses on high-level policy—such as Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and high seas governance—rather than competing for donor funds.
Silicon Valley Roots to Environmental Stewardship [6 min]
Gigi transitions into her venture capital background in tech/finance (including early Salesforce investments) and how her conservation efforts ran parallel as a "second job."
Infusing Compassion into Tech & AI Education [3 min]
Bridge to the host's core mission. Gigi and the host discuss how top engineering schools (like MIT, Carnegie Mellon, and Stanford) must integrate compassion and human values into technical education to avoid unintended systemic consequences.
Unifying Forces [6 min]
Gigi outlines Ocean Elders re-coupling administratively with Mission Blue to unify conservation efforts.
Blockchain & Tech for Nature Accountability [7 min]
Exploring technological applications in conservation. Gigi discusses utilizing blockchain for supply chain traceability in tuna fishing to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing and curb species extinction.
Beyond Zero-Sum, Ethics, and Values [7 min]
The host and Gigi reflect on how mercenaries operate without compassion, drawing parallels between the need for "Tech Elders" and intrinsic governance (ethics-by-design) over slow, force-based legal regulation.
Reconnecting Kids and Builders with Nature [3 min]
Actionable takeaways for listeners. Gigi highlights apps like iNaturalist and Merlin Bird, calling on tech founders, engineers, and families to step out into nature and protect what they love.