#48 | TEDx Event at the US-Mexico Border (with Mark Lovett)
Sep 19, 2023
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The podcast discusses the challenges of organizing a TEDx event at the US-Mexico border, including the lack of amenities and obtaining permission from border patrol. It explores the significance of storytelling in fostering global connections. Mark shares his experience in the world of technology and the magic of building a team. He recounts his journey with TEDx events in San Diego and the planning process for a bi-national event at the border.
Organizing a bi-national TEDx event on the US-Mexico border required overcoming various logistical challenges such as lack of power and internet, but with perseverance and resourcefulness, the event was successfully held.
The collaboration between Mark's team and the border patrol in tearing down the stage showcased the collective effort and sense of elation in overcoming obstacles, highlighting the importance of sharing culture and knowledge across borders to promote understanding and change perspectives.
Deep dives
Mark's Journey with TEDx
Mark Lovett, a former CEO in the technology industry, discovered TEDx and became passionate about the power of storytelling and sharing ideas. He embarked on a unique project to set up a bi-national TEDx event on the US-Mexico border. Despite the challenges posed by the tense and controversial area, Mark and his team overcame logistical issues, such as lack of power, internet, and permission, to successfully host TEDx Monumento 258 with speakers from both countries.
Obstacles and Creative Solutions
Organizing TEDx Monumento 258 was not without its hurdles. Mark encountered obstacles such as securing permission from the border patrol, and finding power and internet in the no man's land between the two borders. However, through perseverance and resourcefulness, Mark and his team managed to obtain approval, use a power outlet in a nearby California state park, and even run a fiber optic cable across the border in compliance with the Border Patrol's rules.
Triumph of Collaboration and Sharing
Amidst potential setbacks like a hang glider border incident and objections to certain comments about the border, the event continued successfully. The collaboration between Mark's team and the border patrol in tearing down the stage exemplified the collective effort and sense of elation in overcoming challenges. The bi-national TEDx event highlighted the value of sharing culture, wisdom, knowledge, and personal experiences across borders to promote understanding and change perspectives.
- TO COME UP WITH: To think of or create something, like an idea or a plan.
- IT’S ALL ON YOU: You are responsible for something; everything depends on you.
- TO BE MESSED UP: To make a mistake or cause a problem.
- TO DODGE A BULLET: To narrowly avoid a dangerous or problematic situation.
- TEAR DOWN / TAKE DOWN / PUT UP: Tear down and take down means to disassemble or remove a structure or stage. Put up means to assemble or set up something.
- ELATION / A SENSE OF ELATION / TO BE ELATED: A strong feeling of happiness or joy.