Blue Sky

Dr. Anita Nowak has made the study of empathy her life's work and in this Blue Sky conversation she provides her definition of the term and gives numerous examples of the value of empathy in both our personal and work lives. As someone who teaches, consults, podcasts, and writes about this subject, Anita discusses empathy with persuasive passion and just might change the way you think about how you'd like to move through the world and what ripples you'd like to create as you go. She also makes the case that living with empathy will actually improve your own quality of life at the same time you're improving the wellbeing of those around you. Links: Order Purposeful Empathy: https://www.amazon.com/Purposeful-Empathy-Superpower-Personal-Organizational/dp/1506485057

Margo Walsh is an entrepreneur who created MaineWorks, a certified B-Corp that helps people with substance use disorder and/or criminal records find employment in the construction sector. Her company finds and screens potential employees and through the non-profit she founded with her sister, sets them up for success by making sure that their basic needs for getting back to work are met (e.g., proper clothing, boots, transportation, etc.). MaineWorks has expanded to other states in New England and provides a model for other companies in other parts of the country to emulate. Her work has been widely recognized and earned several awards and in this episode she'll describe how she attended a State of the Union address as a senator's guest!

Sean Legister, a private equity professional and dedicated mentor, shares his inspiring journey from a challenging upbringing to a successful career on Wall Street. He emphasizes the importance of education, resilience, and authentic storytelling. Sean discusses creating the 'Monday Morning Lift' to uplift others and foster personal growth. He highlights the impact of his Jamaican heritage and his philanthropic efforts to empower disadvantaged youth. Through candid reflections, Sean advocates for inclusivity and the transformative power of mentorship.

Today's Blue Sky guest tells her story from the coast of Maine, but the work she's doing was inspired by her upbringing in Pennsylvania and has ramifications for the future of coastal communities around the world. Briana Warner is the CEO of Atlantic Sea Farms and has dedicated her life to doing well by doing good. She is passionate about her adopted home state of Maine and working with partner farmers to help create a more resilient and thriving coast. She and her team have forged a new path for seaweed aquaculture in the US by working with fishermen to grow kelp as a climate change adaptation strategy—and building national demand for that kelp. In this episode, Briana explains how her company developed a win-win business model with the lobster industry, why Kelp farming helps mitigate climate change, and the many health reasons to add kelp products to your diet. Links: atlanticseafarms.com

The life of Jonathan Conyers is full of junctures where it appears he's not going to make it. Both of his parents battled addiction to crack cocaine, yet somehow managed to instill in their son a desire to be educated and advance in the world. As he grows, Jonathan is surrounded by teachers and mentors who take special interest in him and encourage him to reach high, including "Dico," his transgender debate coach, whose support ultimately alters the trajectory of his life – and Jonathan changes Dico's in return. In this Blue Sky conversation, Jonathan details some of the highlights of his remarkable memoir, his reasons for writing it, and what continues to motivate him today. Links: Order Jonathan's memoir, I Wasn't Supposed to Be Here

Dr. Robert Soiffer took an interest in medicine at an early age when he played a physician in his first-grade play. Today, he is a leading physician, researcher, and teacher at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, a world leader in oncology. In this episode, Dr. Soiffer describes the incredible pace of change in the field of cancer research and treatment and the detection tools and cures that are right around the corner. He also reflects on how he maintains a positive and optimistic outlook despite the many times he's forced to deliver terrible news to patients and families. While he tries hard not to bring these tough times home with him, he also stresses the importance of keeping his humanity and treating his patients and their families as people, not just statistics.

Following a challenging childhood and the tragic death of her father, Kathryn Goetzke decided that the best way to tackle depression and despair is to create reasons for hope. After studying the issue deeply with experts in psychology, she determined that hope was both teachable and measurable and has made it her life's work to spread this message. In 2022, she published The Biggest Little Book About Hope, and continues to be a global mental health ambassador. Kathryn was recently appointed to represent the World Federation for Mental Health at the United Nations and in this Blue Sky episode she describes how she came to be so passionate about this work and why she remains so committed to the cause of spreading the good news about the powerful effects of maintaining a hopeful attitude.

Elizabeth Cousens grew up with an insatiable curiosity about world events. This early interest has led to a remarkable career of service, including significant roles with the United Nations, both in the New York headquarters and areas of armed conflict like Bosnia and Haiti. At the United Nations Foundation, she oversees the organization that was formed thanks to Ted Turner's $1 billion contribution and that today works alongside the United Nations "to collaborate for lasting change and innovate to address humanity's greatest challenges." In this episode, Elizabeth describes specific projects the UNF has taken on, from eradicating malaria to responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, and shares her view that while the next few years will be "decisive" in our fight against climate change, we have the answers and know what is required to be successful.

Alan Patricof began his career in venture capital before the industry even had that name. Since 1969, he's been seeking out and backing talented entrepreneurs with big ideas and earned his reputation as one of the all-time great investors. While he's best known for early bets on such successful companies as Apple, Office Depot, Audible, Axios, and many more, he is also a successful investor in film and live theater productions, including Tony Award winners Leopoldstadt and Hamilton. In his 2022 memoir, "No Red Lights," Alan explains how making the effort to meet new people, staying current on fresh ideas, and approaching the world with an optimistic and trusting frame of mind has led not only to his success, but also to maintaining a youthful mind and healthy body. After starting his most recent investment firm at the age of 86, he now plans to live to the age of 114, and in this Blue Sky conversation, Alan Patricof explains the disciplined routines and habits he expects will get him there.

When Eddie Ndopu was two years old, his mother was told he wouldn't likely live past five. Now in his early thirties, Eddie is an internationally-known and Oxford-educated advocate for the rights of the disabled. In this interview, he shares how his optimistic single mother instilled in Eddie a love of learning and encouraged him to pursue a "life of the mind." Today, Eddie is world-renowned and was hand-selected by the UN Secretary General to be one of 17 people selected as an SDG Advocate. Reflecting on his new memoir, Eddie describes how he wrote his book, typing with his "one good finger on an iPhone," and why he hopes this book will inspire others to be more understanding and supportive of people living with disabilities. Links: Order Eddie's memoir, Sipping Dom Pérignon Through a Straw: Reimagining Success as a Disabled Achiever