My work helps leaders succeed at Grand Challenges – big, bold goals that take on problems that have gone unsolved. How do Grand Challenges solve problems? Through social movements. When everybody pitches in, the return is remarkable. Imagine having millions or even hundreds of millions of people working on behalf of your issue. That’s what […]
Starting a Social Movement Read More »
If you’re a basketball fan, you have no doubt heard of Nav Bhatia by now, pictured above. If, like me, you are marginally interested in sports, here’s a story worth hearing! In 1984 Bhatia left Delhi, India, because of the anti-Sikh riots. As a Sikh, his family’s safety was foremost on his mind. Even after
Keeping a Steady Eye on the Light Read More »
When it comes to moving members, partners, and the public to action, nothing has the power of a social movement. Thousands put in a little effort, and the ROI is staggering. What’s more, a movement succeeds where carrots and sticks fail. Learn what it takes to rally your constituents in ways they find compelling and
How to Create a Social Movement Read More »
When I go into the woods on retreat, it’s not all just kicking back and relaxing. I also go in to address the toughest challenges I am facing, alone and away from all distractions. I find the woods to be a place where I can clear my head and get into the essence of the
Making the World a Better Place Read More »
While at the World Bank, I worked on a project to build 120 global communities of practice. Through my work, I learned what it takes to bring groups of professionals together and guide their focus to the topics most important to their sectors. One advantage of working with a community of professionals is the opportunity
The Contribution of Associations Today Read More »
Around Mile Marker 20 on Skyline Drive is this small parking lot that opens to an old road no longer in use, except by park rangers. Just a ways down that road there is a flat spot on the left, perfect for a tent. That’s where I pitched mine last Thursday night to enjoy 24
Keyser Run Trailhead Read More »
One of the most important relationships within an association is between the CEO and the Board. The Board’s role is to envision and develop strategy, and the CEO is there to operationalize that strategy, and most often, serves as a strategic partner. The relationship between the CEO and the Board can make or break an
Building Your Relationship with Your Board Read More »
Four times in the last 2 weeks I have initiated or responded to a conversation in Hindi. Admittedly, although I understood what I said and I gleaned only a small fraction of what was said back to me. But, the thrill was there nonetheless! It was a big step for me on my journey to
One of my favorite books is The Developing Mind by Dan Siegel, the founder and leading thinker in interpersonal neurobiology. When Siegel talks about consciousness, he’s not just talking about the brain; he’s talking about the entire being. Siegel explains that every aspect of us has developed in response to our environment to make
Experiential Self-transformation Read More »
In the garden, in front of my house, I grow only two plants in significant quantities: cherry tomatoes and jalapeños. I grow the cherry tomatoes so they face the street and encourage passersby to help themselves when the fruit is ready. I like to have a wall of grape-like sweet tomatoes facing out. I grow
