The Impossible Network

A Pulitzer Prize for Drama, two Tony awards, and a Grammy for a best musical theater album are just some of the accomplishments of this week's guest - New York-based musician, composer, conductor, and orchestrator, Tom Kitt.Born and raised in New York State, Tom’s musical talent was recognized by a music teacher at age four.Lovingly Raised, his mother and father guided and encouraged him, and when needed, drove him to practice and remain focused on his musical dreams and ambitions to become a singer-songwriter. Tom describes how an economics degree at Columbia University, meeting his now wife Rita Pietropinto, and a serendipitous connection to Brian Yorky set him on his journey to writing for musical theatre and an award-winning Broadway career.   Tom explains the important role that an economics degree played in developing his work ethic, organizational skills, and appreciation of opportunity costs that ultimately resulted in his discipline, rigor, and attention to detail.   Tom shares how as a parent, he passes on his learnings to his children, and how they inspire him, and the courage they have instilled in him during the pandemic. Tom describes how the pandemic led him to write, collaborate and record his new album Reflect that is released on August 13th, 2021. Tom’s attitude to life is edifying.  He has an ego-free recognition of the important role of collaboration, a refreshing acknowledgment of the power of his partner, Rita’s love and support, and an enlightening perspective on failure. We discuss the resultant mental health impact of the pandemic on Broadway, as well as the essential role theatre, the arts, and the role creatives play in the economic and mental wellbeing of the city.We discuss Tom’s uplifting anthem of hope Oh Columbia for Columbia’s class of 2020 performed by Ben Platt, the opportunities that have resulted from the pandemic, the resurgence he’s experiencing, his collaboration on NYC Next, upcoming work with Cameron Crowe on the stage adaptation of Almost Famous as well as his hopes for 2030. I hope you enjoy the deeply charismatic, creative, caring, and compassionate Tom Kitt. Social LinksTom Kit Reflect Instagram Facebook Links in the showGloria HukeCamp Alton Peter GuralnickBilly Joel MTVColumbia uniOh Columbia - Ben PlattNext To Normal Jagged Little Pill21st Century Breakdown BMI musical workshopSuperhero show Flying Over Sunset Cameron Crowe Almost Famous Billy PorterKiss Prince Ted LassoThe Premonition Michael Lewis  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

John Farnam lives every single day, in all his interactions focusing on making what seems impossible possible, viewing everything through the lens of yes. His life values, principles and work ethic were developed from growing up in a loving family environment in Helena Montana, USA. Given up for adoption by his fourteen year old birth mother, John was blessed with deeply caring adoptive parents and siblings. John’s path has been defined by his desire to live a life in service to others, following his personal maxim - do what sings to your heart. In the first half of the interview John takes openly and passionately about upbringing and From around 50 min in, John talks about disruptive innovation he is driving in philanthropy and transforming communities in his role as Deputy Disruptor and Chief of Staff at the Morgridge Family Foundation under Chief Disruptor Carrie Morgridge. John breaks down how they bring people and organizations together to solve the complex problems applying what he describes as a venture philanthropy model. From social and educational inequities, food insecurity to infant mortality afflicting minority communities they are leveraging their network to alleviate the issues. John then breaks down the Morgridge model and theory of change and explains their four pillars of disruption. John also discusses the innovative approach they are taking to educate the next generation of philanthropists and their approach to environmental philanthropy. John’s a deeply thoughtful, spiritual, kind-hearted and community driven individual that provides evidence that amidst the strife and suffering we have been witnessing, there are people, under the radar, making the life of those less fortunate, better.  Social Links Linkedin TwitterLinks in the Show Morgridge Family Foundation Sparks and Honey Winners Take AllAmerican Enterprise Institute Latter Day Saints SagingNorthern Colorado Aids Project GoodwillFrancis Weisberg Jacobs MLK Ceasar Chavez Harvey Milk Delta Dawn Halston Waste free Kitchen  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Guest overview There is no simple explanation for this week's guest. I have struggled with how to do justice to her incredible journey. Romany Romany - aka ‘Romany The Diva of Magic’ is living evidence that when one sets their mind to something and takes action, anything is possible..in time...for there is no overnight success where skill is required. Especially magic, where countless hours of training are required to make an attentive audience believe the magic they witness. For anyone struggling with life, unsure of direction, or feeling a pull to a place or life, alien to where you are now, Romany’s story will empower you to take action to create your own life arc. Romany was born and raised in England, was driven by a visceral early ambition to perform, was pulled off course by Corporate life that led to a breakdown and bulimia, which in turn opened the pathway to her steller life in Magic. Having performed for Queen Elizabeth at her 80th, won the prestigious Las Vegas World of Magic Awards, and wowed audiences around the world, Romany has recently written a book called Spun Into Gold to recount her life story and impart her wisdom. However her journey is anything less than plain sailing as she describes in the podcast, Romany’s story is defined by the patience and persistence to pursue her bigger dreams, but as many of us find, ambitions change, leaving us to reassess our priorities. I hope you enjoy the vivacious, loquacious, and flamboyant Romany Romany Social Links Romany’s Book - Spun Into Gold -The Secret Life of a Female Magician (UK Amazon)Romany’s Book - Spun Into Gold - The Secret Life of a Female Magician USA Amazon Romany’s Website Spun Into Gold on Audible Instagram Linkedin Links In the ShowFlorence Scovel Shinn Solve for HappyThe Artist Way Julia Cameron Carousel - Rogers and Hammerstein  Caroline Myss Cobble comedy company. Liz Gilbert Big Magic Paul Kieve  Amy Purdy Louise Hay Dr Wayne Dyer Buddhist millionaire Matt Jardine Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Guest overview This week's guest Maryam Banikarim does not see barriers, obstacles, or problems other than to seek out ways to remove or overcome or solve them.Born in Iran but raised in the US Maryam’s innately curious and inquisitive mind has enabled her to navigate every challenge that life has dealt her and set her on a diverse path of career success. Regularly Acknowledged in the ” most creative people" or "most powerful women in business" lists, Maryam devours challenges that can be summed up by the phrase she used in the interview “I love a good No”How Global CMO for Next Door, Maryam kindly agreed to share her perspective on life, work, and communities.Her lens on life is based on a desire to help others and through that she discovers purpose. Her work at Next Door and her pandemic initiative, New York City Next, Maryam’s work is bringing people together, building strong communities and connections, and cultivating neighborly kindness.In this interview, Maryam shares her perspective on life, work, and community and how we build stronger, more equitable, and resilient Neighborhoods, and Cities as we move beyond the pandemic. Maryam’s positive problem-solving mentality, curiosity, and vitality are uplifting and her infectious spirit of the possible will surely provide inspiration to all that encounter her. A shout out to Ben Hartley for recommending we interview MaryamSocial Links TwitterLinkedinInstagramLinkedin MaryamIG Maryam Maryam Twitter Links in the show Billie jean king John Leguizamo Next Door NYC Next Daily Provisions Middle Ring research ShopinNYCBob Putnam The Upswing book The Bridge Marie’s Crisis Tiger Woods documentary Susan McPherson the Lost Art of Connecting Tom Kitt Ming Jong Lee The Rubin’s Ava duVerney Smith Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Guest Overview Imagine being assigned female at birth, growing up feeling isolated at school, having your sexuality weaponized against you at age 12, by so-called friends, and coming out and identifying as pan-sexual at age 19, well this was the beginning of this week’s guest, Sav Rodgers’ life.  We cover a lot of ground in this episode as Sav recounts the challenges he’s faced and had to overcome. Sav is a shining example of resilience in the face of ignorance and bigotry, strength of character, with an indomitable spirit to survive.  With it being Pride month this interview could not be more timely. For anyone with children that are gender fluid, nonbinary, or genderqueer, Sav’s interview is a must-listen. Sav is now an award-winning writer and director, currently in the final stages of post-production with his first feature, called Chasing Chasing Amy, a documentary about how 1990’s Rom-Com Chasing Amy, directed by Kevin Smith and starring Ben Affleck, provided him with a depiction of fluid sexuality that helped Sav live his authentic self as pansexual, embracing the tagline of the movie“It’s Not who you love, but how” Following his 2017 Ted talk, where Sav described the impact of Chasing Amy, he tweeted it and Kevin Smith, the director connected with Sav and is now collaborating with Sav on Chasing Chasing Amy. Sav and I go onto discuss the challenges we still face in the media with the limited casting of trans people in shows and films, and how the media reinforces LGBTQ bias and the need for changes in how sexuality is depicted in education. Sav’s life story, so far, is evidence of manifesting the life you want to live, and how serendipity opens doors and opportunities. Sav has expanded my understanding of sexuality and inspired me to learn more. I hope you enjoy the optimism and energy of Sav Rodgers. Social Links WebsiteLinkedIn Twitter InstagramFacebookYoutube Links in the show Transgender resource Modern Vintage Gamer Chasing AmyKevin Smith Disclosure Soap Dish OutfestGirls5evaCoda Trick Redefining Realness Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Guest Overview Imagine being born with Cerebral Palsy, to Palestinian immigrant parents, growing up being the only disabled Muslim in a Christian New Jersey town. Yet, blessed with her father's comic genes, her mother’s driving ambition, hard work ethic, and large family support network, Maysoon Zayid is an inspiring example of what is possible when self-limiting beliefs are cast asunder. Maysoon Zayid has blazed a trail through life as a writer, actor, stand-up comedian, educator, and activist. In 2014 her TED Talk 'I have 99 problems, Palsy is just one' went viral. In this broad-ranging interview, we cover, Maysoon’s early life experiences, setting her sights age 5 on being an actor in US soap opera, General Hospital, the defining moment of her childhood, aged 12, dancing on Broadway, on route to becoming a standup comedian. Maysoon provides an enlightening perspective on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, discusses being a female Muslim comedian, post 9/11 and what changed under the Trump administration, and how things have changed in recent months. And of course, we discuss comedy, her inspirations, and her successful annual Arab American Comedy Festival. I think you will find this wide-ranging conversation inspiring, uplifting, and educational. Social Links Maysoon’s Website FacebookTwitter InstagramYoutubeLinks in the show Gotham Comedy Club Richard Pryor Comic Strip Mitch Hedberg Carol BurnettTiffany HaddishMo’Nique Aquafina Dave Chappel 8.48Jim BelushiMartin Short Riverdance Arab American Comedy Festival Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Okay folks this week, it's just a solo episode. I'm often asked about why I started this podcast and what it takes to keep going. We have to week, month after month now, two and a half years into this, I thought I would take some time just to step back and reflect on it and answer those questions as to what led to starting this podcast and carrying on.For most of my life, I've worked in advertising and been very interested in the power of curiosity as a characteristic, but also in the power and value of networks. And thirdly, I've always been interested in the concept of serendipity and what it is and the role it plays in people's lives. So when I started thinking about the podcast back in 2013, I did nothing about it. Two years later, I did something about it and created The Impossible Network and recorded a couple of episodes, and then did nothing with it. Procrastination really kicked in. I'll come and talk a bit about procrastination in more detail and the value it has, but it wasn't until 2018 when I really sat down and thought, what I want this podcast to be about? And that's when I really stepped back and thought about, networks, serendipity, and curiosity. It was a convergence of these three things that led to launching the Impossible Network.I had a simple thought, what if I interview three people that I know, two of them being clients, and asked them about their life journey, ask them about the impact of their upbringing, the role of curiosity in their life, their attitude to risk, their perception of fear and failure, and what's really fueled them and spurred them on to achieve what they would personally make their impossible, possible. But the key thing in these interviews is really to ask them who they recommend that I interview next, leaving the guests that we interviewed down to serendipity. And that has resulted in me interviewing over 90 guests now and rising some of the most extraordinary, unexpected people; people I would never, otherwise encountered or be connected with, and who now form part of the Impossible Network. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Guest Overview Alan Digweed aka Tweedy The Clown is this week's guest. In this fascinating interview, we discuss Alan’s early life and the serendipitous moment he announced to his parents his intention to build his career in clowning. Alan explains the appeal of clowning, the influence, and inspiration of clowning genius du Laurel and Hardy, as well as the great like Harold Lloyd, Buster Keaton, and Harry Langdon. He explains how he made his start pre-internet days at British Summer Holiday camp Butlins before pursuing opportunities in Circus to hone his craft and refine his clown character.  Alan describes how everyone has a clown character, aligned to our inner child, why the core characteristics tend to be based on different personalities, and why all good clowning is based on solving problems.We discuss how Alan met American clown genius Bill Irwin at the famous Grimaldi Church service in London to honor the king of clowns Joseph Grimaldi where clowns attend in full costume. This encounter led him to develop his skills through one on one sessions with Bill.  Alan explains the impact of the pandemic on his work and how he pivoted to creating a children's show online and the different experiences of not having a live audience. We also discuss how his performance will have to evolve while social distancing remains in place. We also discuss the evolution of a circus and clowning such as Archaos and Avner the Eccentric and Typeface.Finally, we cover where Alan thinks he will be in 2030 and all the quick-fire questions. I hope you will be uplifted by the joy, optimism, deeply thoughtful Tweedy The Clown.Social Links Website Twitter InstagramFacebook Youtube Links in Show Harold Lloyd, Buster Keaton Harry LangdonNorman WisdomLaurel and HardyGiffords Circus Butlins Cirque Du Soleil Bill Irwin Grimaldi Church ServiceBenny HillJohnny HutchArchaos Jim Rose Circus TypefaceChaplin Dictator Speech All Quiet on the Home Front Mandelorian Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sarah A. Abdallah, polymath, innovator, and founder of New York-based bespoke Architecture & Design Studio - Functional Creative Design, is this week's guest.In part two we deep dive into Sarah’s journey prior to starting her design studio Functional Creative Design, working with Rockwell Group, Tony Chi & Associates, Perkins and Eastman, and Grand Hotels, and her vision and focus which led her to start her studio.Sarah describes her desire to add an additional layer to design and space planning. She discusses the importance of listening, fusing all input, using her functional skills and knowledge base, to meet a client's vision.We discuss sustainability in the industry, the need to take a 360 view, the impact of Covid, and the battle that many firms have to stay in business.   Sarah explains her principles underpinning Functional Creative Design, how design will change in a post-Covid world, the power and value of our connectivity, how intimacy can be created through technology, physical spaces that incorporate the outdoors indoors, and the need to deliver improved accessibility and social justice, across all socio-economic groups. Anyone considering leaving their corporate job, Sarah’s story will provide inspiration of what is possible when you reimagine and add value to a category.Social Links Functional Creative Design LinkedIn Twitter InstagramLinks in the show Naomi LevineParsons School of Design NYUClubhouseRockwell GroupPerkins and EastmanTony Chi AssociatesTo Good To GoChef Chloe Bill Dowzer Back The NeighborhoodRobin Sharma - Monk Who Sold His FerrariNew York State of MindBridgerton Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sarah A. Abdallah, polymath, innovator, and founder of New York-based bespoke Architecture & Design Studio - Functional Creative Design, is this week's guest.In this two-parter we spend the first hour exploring Sarah’s experience of being born a bi-racial child to Egyptian immigrant parents, growing up in New York, with two younger siblings.  Immersing her in a culture that nurtured her natural curiosity, her parents instilled in her the foundational values of human kindness, the importance of education, and respect and understanding of other faiths. Sarah discusses how she developed an appreciation and love of the environment, her deep spirituality, questioning conventional wisdom, and rejecting parental pressures to conform.    Sarah recounts overcoming the limitations of dyslexia, how her childhood curiosity of after-school clubs helped shape her into the thought leader and Entrepreneur she is today, and her prolific educational journey through psychology, art therapy, higher education, and interior design. Sarah also discusses how serendipity led her, at 21, a First Generation Muslim Egyptian American to live with the then 70-year-old, iconic lawyer, Jewish civil rights activist, and philanthropic fundraiser for NYU, Naomi Levine. In part two we deep dive into Sarah’s journey prior to starting her design studio Functional Creative Design, working with Rockwell Group, Tony Chi & Associates, Perkins and Eastman, and Grand Hotels, and her vision and focus which lead her to start her studio.For anyone with children, hearing Sarah’s journey and experience will provide valuable insights into encouraging young children’s curiosity and appreciation of other cultures and backgrounds and the value of education. In part two Sarah describes the experience of working with Tony Chi Associates, Rockwell Group, Perkins and Eastman, and Grand Hotels and her desire to add an additional layer to design and space planning. She discusses the importance of listening, fusing all input, using functional skills and knowledge base to meet a client's vision.We discuss sustainability in the industry, the need to take a 360 view of sustainability, the impact of Covid, and the battle that many firms have to stay in business.   Sarah explains her principles underpinning Functional Creative Design, how design will change in a post-Covid world, and how intimacy can be created through technology, physical spaces that incorporate the outdoors indoors, and the need to deliver improved accessibility across socio-economic groups. Social Links Functional Creative Design LinkedIn Twitter InstagramLinks in the show Naomi LevineParsons School of Design NYUClubhouseRockwell GroupPerkins and EastmanTony Chi AssociatesToo Good To GoChef Chloe  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.