If you follow my work, you know I love Grand Challenges, and one of the greatest joys of my life is to help leaders develop and execute their own. A Grand Challenge is a bold goal that tackles an intractable problem, one that no one else has been able to solve. The grand challenges I […]
Today I will explore the lynchpin that holds everything together: The Common Agenda. Last week, I shared a video summarizing the 5 Conditions for a Collective Impact Initiative. Collective Impact is a model that harnesses the power of multiple organizations and activists toward a single cause. Collective Impact is particularly helpful for modern day systemic
The Common Agenda – Condition 1 for a Successful Collective Impact Initiative Read More »
I will be wearing an American flag on my lapel to open up conversations with others about our country. I intend to diffuse polarization with the people I can have conversations with, by listening and expressing empathy regardless of whether or not we agree. I want to hear from others what they want, aspire to,
Honoring Differences Read More »
Collective impact is a powerful approach arisen out of the social action arena where it is widely believed that a single organization is incapable of bringing about systemic change. Multiple organizations and activists who represent multiple points of view should work collectively toward change. For this to happen five conditions must be met: 1. Common
Nobody can call me a musician, but I do love to listen. As my beautiful wife, Laura Baron is an accomplished artist I consider myself her complement in one very important way: I am an appreciative music listener. I love to go to her shows. I have other favorite artists. Two of my longtime beloved
Goldmine of Enjoyment Read More »
Mandating change is no longer sufficient. Today, much change is generated from social movements that create real impact. Based on research by social activist and Tufts University professor, Christina Economos, I’ve created a plan that facilitates change. Whether you’re trying to create change within your organization, your community, or your country, these 10 elements will be
10 Elements of a Social Movement Read More »
Yes, I know the top of my head is cut off in the picture above. But, it’s the only record I have of going out for burgers with my daughter, Ruchi, in our pajamas. Laura was dropping our son off at college and it seemed like a fun thing to do. It was! Ever do
While in the Pacific Northwest this last week, my son and I were surrounded by the smoke from wildfires on all sides. Seattle and Portland exceeded industrial China’s pollution levels. We traveled north across the border into Canada where the smoke was less but still palpable. When we brought up Canadian maps that portrayed the
We are all Interconnected Read More »
One of my greatest joys is the opportunity to meet face-to-face with great luminaries, ordinary people who have succeeded at extraordinary efforts. Recently, I had a chance to sit down and talk with a true visionary CEO, Susan Neely. I met with Susan toward the end of her tenure as CEO with the American Beverage
Susan Neely, Visionary CEO Read More »
As I write this Gabe and I are on our 17th annual father-son trip, starting with Seattle, Vancouver, and now, Whistler, home to some of the 2010 Winter Olympics. We had a tremendous time in Seattle with our good friend, the extraordinary writer, Libby Wagner. She took us to indie bookstores (our favorite kind), coffee shops,
Dispatch from the Pacific Northwest Read More »
