When trying to institute systemic change – organizational or nationwide – it’s easy to feel like it’s impossible. It’s challenging to change the way an entire group thinks or behaves, especially when being attacked by multiple dimensions simultaneously. Creating change through compliance is equally tricky. People are passionate about their freedoms and are good at […]
Real Change Relies on Social Movements Read More »
Here in the USA Memorial Day is a holiday reserved for honoring those who gave their lives in service to our country while serving in the military. Did you know that the first Memorial Day service was held less than a month after the end of the Civil War by Blacks just freed from enslavement?
 I’ve had the good fortune to work on five Grand Challenges – big, bold issues that attack socially intractable problems by bringing together alliances of organizations and activists. Today, I share with you a framework that has been extremely important in the success of these Grand Challenges. Based on the work of Dr. Christina
Creating a Social Movement: 10 Key Elements Read More »
The picture above is my son, Gabriel, his back to the camera, walking across the stage to accept his undergraduate degree from Hampshire College in their first live commencement since the pandemic. It was taken Saturday and a personal great joy for me to see him acknowledged for the work he did in college,
It’s my pleasure to bring you this issue of Visionary Talk. Here, I document what I’m learning as I work with clients to address Grand Challenge – big, bold initiatives that take on some of the wickedest problems that society is facing. I work with organizations that have chosen to become the backbone organization of
Grand Challenge Learning with Seth Kahan Read More »
Mental health is in the news right now. It’s on the front page of the Wall Street Journal, the New York Times, and the Washington Post every week if not more often. The topic is a wide one covering everything from schizophrenia to substance use disorders, from mild depression and anxiety to suicidal ideation. It
I know that the word is out that watching cat movies on YouTube is a total waste of time and one of the fruitless occupations of the 21st century. However, I have an application! Actually, I don’t watch cat movies, but I do watch dog movies – and far be it from me to hold
Watching Silly Videos Read More »
Coming back from a recent business trip I felt pretty low, and so upon entering my house before I could hug my wife and daughter I made a dash for the Covid test. There it was, a second solid line bold as could be indicating that I had the dreaded coronavirus. Fortunately, I have been
Preparing for a Challenge Read More »
When I was a kid Crackerjack had a surprise inside each box. It was something little and insignificant, but it was so much fun to find! I have adopted the attitude that life is filled with surprises each day. If you’re religious you might ascribe this to divine intervention. If you’re not, then it’s serendipitous.
We find ourselves at a unique time. Mental health is at the forefront of discussion in every sector of society—workplaces, schools, lawmakers, media, and community leaders. In addition, philanthropists are stepping up to align their names and giving with mental health. We are in a window of tremendous opportunity. And that’s why I am in
Mental Health Anti-Stigma Grand Challenge Read More »
