People I (Mostly) Admire 3. Kerwin Charles: “One Does Not Know Where an Insight Will Come From”
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Jan 17, 2026 
Kerwin Charles, the dean of Yale's School of Management, shares his fascinating journey from Buxton, Guyana, to academia. He discusses the impact of his parents’ encouragement on his education and early curiosity. The conversation delves into his research linking video games to labor-force trends and explores the complexities of racial identity in America. Charles also emphasizes the need for better educational access and wealth equity, while reflecting on the cultural misunderstandings rooted in segregation and his role as a proud father.
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Village Upbringing Shaped His Curiosity
- Kerwin Charles grew up in Buxton, Guyana, raised by loving parents and a village that taught him grit and curiosity.
- His mother encouraged openness to new experiences, shaping his habit of seeking helpful relationships and unexpected insights.
Slow Down To Speak Clearly
- Slow down when speaking publicly and plan a clear opening and closing point before you start.
- Speaking half a bit slower than you think improves clarity and flow.
TB Decline Was Not Mainly Medical
- Tuberculosis deaths fell dramatically in early 20th-century America despite few medical treatments.
- Charles suggests prior estimates overstated public-health interventions and other factors drove the decline.