
The Impossible Network
The weekly podcast tells the stories of curious-minded, purposeful people, creating positive change for social good.Our guests include creative problem-solvers, storytellers, activists and artists, social impact entrepreneurs, and philanthropists from across the arts, business, science, and technology, working to solve some of our more pressing problems. Each week, host Mark Fallows explores who his guests are as humans, who or what made them, what they are working to achieve or impact in the world, and where serendipity has impacted their journey. Learn, gain insights, and be inspired by how a diverse range of people have broken through obstacles, fearlessly exceeded the boundaries society sets, and taken chances, regardless of risk, that most fear, in pursuit of their ‘impossible’. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Latest episodes

Feb 20, 2023 • 1h 27min
Don Smith - Living, Creating and Inventing Guided By An Emergent Mindset
Don Smith is this week’s guest. I won’t say much about Don other than he is an inspiring example of how transformation can occur in one’s life if you set your mind to it, take bold actions, and seek help and advice from experts.What we discuss Don explains his fluid view of who he is (4.00 - 6.00)I ask Don about what and who made him and his principles and ethics and references the OCEAN framework, Nietzsche, and the impact of being a father(7.50 - 13.10)Don explains the impact of his recently deceased Father and being a man of action(14.00 - 25.30)Don discusses the serendipitous impact of his Mother’s tenacity, which opened up a work placement in an ad agency that set him on his career path. (26.30 - 30.00)Finding his Mentor and second father (32.00 - 30.00)Don reflects on serendipity his curious, rebellious non-conformist characteristics, (34.00 - 36.00)His natural talent - his empathy enables him to create ideas or products of value(36.00 - 37.30)What people compliment him for - conscientiousness, and hard work ethic (38.00 - 39.30)Don discusses his relationship with creative partner and artist Alex Paton 39.30- 40.25Don explains the emergence of his 1Haler Invention, developing the idea and realization of his limited executional knowledge (41.40 - 46.30)He then breakdown the impact and importance of asking experts and building a network support system and finding his commercial partner to bring his product to market (47.00 - 49.50)Don demonstrates how the 1nhaler works ( you can watch on YouTube (50.00 - 51.30)I ask Don about the importance of being unreasonable and not accepting the status quo (53.35 - 56.00)Don explains how his belief in the theory of emergence enables him to deal with success and failures (56.30 - 60.00)We discuss the role and impact of AI on the current education system and the importance of psychology and philosophy as skills for children to develop - referring to his son (1.01:17 - 1.02:00)The importance of discipline (1.02:00 - 1.04:30)The role of family (1.05:00 - 1.06:00)Speaking to the dead…and what we would have asked Alan Watts and Milton Glazer (1.06:30 - 1.07:30)The impact of Charlie Robertson (1.09:20 - 1.13:30)Don discusses KELP Systems (1.14.20 - 1.16.00)Don’s hope that other creatives 1.17:45 - 1.19:55My challenge to Don 1.19.30Social Links KELP SystemsDon’s SiteDon’s TEDx Talk Interview With Don LinkedinLinks Epictetus Alex Paton Emergence Theory Ludwig von Bertalanffy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 16, 2023 • 8min
David Risley - 7 Minutes of Soundbites
TL:DR - If you're short on time and want to hear some of the insights, ideas, and practical solutions to the current US Criminal Justice System then here’s 7 minutes of key soundbites, from criminal justice expert, thought leader and advocate, David E Risley. If you do have the time on a run, cycle, or drive, check out the full episode.David E Risley is a storyteller and domain expert. He is the host of Justice Voices, the podcast that delivers eye-opening stories about criminal justice, healing, and building safer communities. For 32 years, yes, 32 years David was also a federal prosecutor for the Central District of Illinois, where he led counter-terrorism prosecutions, and was the lead attorney on multi-jurisdictional drug distribution conspiracies for the organized-crime, drug enforcement task force. Safe to say he knows a bit or two. We discuss a lot about the need for reform and redesign in the criminal justice system. It’s meaty. Enjoy. Listen now on your fav Pod PlayerDavid also served as an attorney advisor for the Iraqi High Tribunal, where he helped investigate crimes against humanity, genocide, and war crimes committed by Saddam Hussein and high-ranking members of his former regime. David also provided bilateral mutual legal assistance and diplomatic liaison, as well as capacity-building programs for the Egyptian legal and judicial system.From criminal justice policy reform, anti-violence strategy, investigating and prosecuting complex multi-jurisdictional crime and criminal organizations, anti-terrorism and national security law to international criminal justice, international humanitarian law, and Egyptian law, David’s expertise is vast.With Justice Voices, David has now got a vision and mission to build a strategic action platform to redesign the US criminal justice system. a pretty seismic task indeed to redirect resources to more cost-effective solutions and reform the delivery of justice for all. Wow. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 13, 2023 • 1h 34min
David Risley - How To Redesign and Reform The Criminal Justice System
David E Risley is the host of the Justice Voices podcast and the Justice Visions Project. David has a vision and mission to build a strategic action platform to redesign the US criminal justice system. a pretty seismic task indeed to redirect resources to more cost-effective solutions and reform the delivery of justice for all. What we discussDavid discusses who he is and what shaped him (5.00 - 11.00)We discuss faith and spiritual connections in people (11.00 - 14.00) Discusses spiritual harmony and harmony in Justice (14.30-16.00)David discusses other influences in shaping him (16.00- 20.00)His early decision to focus on solving human problems through law (21.00 - 23.00) His ability to see both sides of an argument (24.30- 26.30)Being comfortable in ambiguity (27.30 - 29.00)Why he was drawn to criminal justice (30.30 - 32.00)The responsibility of a prosecutor (32.00- 35.00)His desire to address the issues in the Criminal Justice System and launch Justice Voices podcast (35.30 - 38.00)The problem with the current punishment paradigm and restorative justice (39. 00 - 43.20)Resolving the addiction to the punishment paradigm and the cost to society (45.00 -53.00) Cost of Recidivism (53.00 - 54.30)David and I discuss alternatives to the current system, aligning incentives and desired outcomes, and the role of CBT (56.00 - 1.01.45)Injecting innovation to the current system (1.02.00 - 1.06.15)Davids Justice Visions strategy to reform the system through design thinking ( 1.08.00 - 1.01.00)Davids explains the innovative work being done in Bronzville, Chicago, on addressing violent-ization and trauma-informed services (1.11.30 -1.15.00)Problem-solving in schools and unlocking human talent(1.17.00 - 1.24.30)David describes the work of Readi Chicago in using data to create early interventions (1.27.30 - 1.30.00)Social Links David on LinkedinJustice Voices God Unites YoutubeLinks Justice Voices.org Readi ChicagoNorman RockwellChurch Of Jesus Christ and Later Day Saints SPAC - Sentencing Policy Advisory CouncilThe Innovators DilemmaYoung Chances Foundation Tyrique Glasgow Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 9, 2023 • 9min
Christian Baujard - Seven Minutes of Soundbites
TLDR - If you're short on time and still want to hear some of the perspectives, life experiences, and practical advice from French Ad Agency Strategist and leader Christian Beujard then here is 7-minutes of his soundbites If you do have the time, on a run, cycle, or drive, check out the full episode. Now over to Monsuier Baujard.As my second Storyteller guest, his story intersects with mine back in the late 90s and early 2000s when we worked together in London at an Ad agency called EURO RSCG Wnek Gosper. During this period working on the Microsoft account, I grew to respect Christian for his laconic and irreverent humor, self-depreciation, tech, and internet savvy-ness, before many know what it was, oh and let’s not forget his encyclopedic knowledge of film…He was also a willing and able accomplice on my many debauched nights of drinking in the darkened basement bars of London advertisings’ then heartland - SohoChristian has since ascended the career ladder to now running boutique Paris Agency Les Presidents, where agility is a given, hierarchy is shunned, and egos banished. As I move forward with this experiment in interviewing and connecting storytellers, difference makers, and domain experts, Christian’s fresh perspective on problems, lateral strategic thinking, and disarming humor will certainly open up some new paths for action. Just to note we had some slight issues with the sound, but thanks to sound engineer SoundZ and fellow Podcaster David Risley, these have been addressed. Now over to Christian Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 6, 2023 • 54min
Christian Baujard - Leading With a Strategy of Humor and Stupidity
Christian Baujard, President of the French Ad Agency Les Présidents is this week's guest. As my second Storyteller guest, his story intersects with mine back in the late 90s and early 2000s when we worked together in London at an Ad agency called EURO RSCG Wnek Gosper. During this period working on the Microsoft account, I grew to respect Christian for his laconic and irreverent humor, self-depreciation, tech, and internet savvy-ness, before many know what it was, oh and let’s not forget his encyclopedic knowledge of film…He was also a willing and able accomplice on my many debauched nights of drinking in the darkened basement bars of London advertisings’ then heartland - SohoChristian has since ascended the career ladder to now running boutique Paris Agency Les Presidents where agility is a given, hierarchy is shunned, and egos banished. As I move forward with this experiment in interviewing and connecting storytellers, difference makers, and domain experts, Christian’s fresh perspective on problems, lateral strategic thinking, and disarming humor will certainly open up some new paths for action. What We DiscussWho he is and living in the shadows (4.00- 5.30)Who made him - personally and professionally? (5.45 - 11.31)The nurturing and role of his humor 12.00 - 13.45What he is working to achieve (14.30- 16.00) Stress and managing it (17.00 - 19.00)Developing his curiosity, the role of books, and questions - how does it work and where is it? (19.30- 23.00)Distraction and the loss of curiosity in today's youth (24.00- 26.00) His natural talents and lateral view of the world (26.30-31.00 The issues on his mind in 2023 (32.00 - 33.00)Can agencies be a force for good and the role of brand purpose? (33.30- 38.00)The need for more inclusion in agencies in France (39.00- 43.10) AI’s threat or opportunity? And my challenge to Christian(43.15 - 47.00)His ask of The Impossible Network ( 48.00 -51.00) Social Links LinkedinInstagramLinks In Show Les Presidents SoundZ Sound Engineer Ehrenberg BassByron Sharp ChatGPTDogma genre BMW Shaken not stirredDiesel Studid CampaignSolve For Happy Jeremy Bullmore Post.news Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 2, 2023 • 8min
Karl Popham - Seven Minute Soundbites
TLDR edition - If you're short on time and still want to hear some of the strategies, insights, and actions being implemented by Karl Popham's transportation electrification team, then here are 7-minutes of soundbites If you do have the time, on a run, cycle, or drive, check out the full episode. Now over to Karl.About KarlI would describe Karl as a domain expert in change management. Karl leads the EV and Emerging Technologies team at Austin Energy and is making significant progress in transitioning from fossil fuel dependency through a holistic transportation electrification strategy.I was keen to speak to Karl and learn more about the hyper-local strategies he’s implementing to drive change and how these can be scaled to other cities and countries.The urgency to decarbonize growing. The creator of the Global Green Economy Index, Jeremy Tamanini, told me recently that we face a climate paradox: while people, products, and policies are building momentum to address the climate crisis, GHG emissions, social equity, and environmental health worsen.So gaining and sharing insights into the strategies and tactics employed by Karl and his team is an imperative that can’t be overstated.Social Links Karl’s LinkedinLinks EV Buyers GuideGeneral Motors Mary Barra Ford F150 Zappy Ride Chargeway Austin Forum For Technology Smart Mobility RoadmapTony Fadell Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 30, 2023 • 1h 50min
Karl Popham - Driving Transportation Electrification and EV Adoption in Texas
Karl Popham is a domain expert in change management. Karl leads the EV and Emerging Technologies team at Austin Energy and is making significant progress in the transition away from fossil fuel dependency through a holistic transportation electrification strategy.We DiscussKarl’s early journey in life ( 2.00 - 4.00)His Education and joining the military (4.00 - 7.00)Developing an early interest in Internet technology (7.30 - 9.30)We discuss Karl’s insights on affecting behavior change and change management (12.20- 15.00)Karl discusses developing his interest in electric vehicles and emerging technologies (18.00 - 22.30)Why Austin is embracing electrification and adopting a startup culture (23.00 - 25.30 )Creating the EV buyers Guide and working with Dealers and addressing barriers to adoption (26.00 - 35.20)Karl explains how he and his team are driving electrification Bad EV marketing examples and consumer behavior (37-00- 41.00)I ask Karl to break down his Future of Electric Bow Tie of the growth drivers 42.00 - 51.00)Karl explains the reality of Crypto mining on the demand for Electricity and discusses the societal impact vs value (51.00 - 60.00)We then discuss desired outcomes and innovations driving transformation (1.02.00 - 1.06.00)We discuss decentralized power and vehicle-to-grid (1.06.30 -1.09.00)We discuss advances in battery technology and the benefits of EV’s (1.10.00-1.15.00) Karl explains his 5 Pillar strategy in detail and scaling to other cities and partners (1.15.30- 1.30.00) Social Links Karl’s Linkedin Links EV Buyers GuideGeneral Motors Mary Barra Ford F150 Zappy Ride Chargeway Austin Forum For Technology Smart Mobility RoadmapTony FadellDina Lovinsky Electrify Expo Austin Climate Equity Plan Global Green Economy Index Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 29, 2023 • 1min
Karl Popham - Trailer - EV Adoption and Transportation Electrification
Tomorrow’s pod drop is my first domain expert interview. My guest is Karl Popham - he’s an expert in change management, electric vehicles, and Emerging Technologies.Karl and his team at Austin Energy are making impressive progress in transitioning from fossil fuel dependency through a holistic transportation electrification strategy.After seeing Karl speak at Electrify Expo in Austin was keen to speak to him and learn more about the hyper-local strategies he’s implementing to drive change, ev adoption, and how his success can be shared and scaled to other cities and countries. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 26, 2023 • 8min
Katz Kiely Seven Minute Soundbites
TLDR alert - If you're short on time and still want to hear some of the gems of wisdom and inspiring actions of female powerhouse Katz Kiely then here is 7-minutes of soundbites If you do have the time, on a run, cycle, or drive, check out the full episode. About KatzKatz is an award-winning digital pioneer, transformation leader, and systems thinker. She has a proven track record of delivering strategic cultural and operational programs that have led to measurable improvements in Employee Experience, employer brand, and operational efficiency.She has supported some of the world's traditional organizations through change, including the first Open Innovation Platform with HP Labs, rearchitecting the way the UN does business, and designing a city-scale behavior change platform with Intel and the GLA.She is passionate about using design thinking and digital tech to unlock the full potential of people, judges for digital awards writes for b2b publications, and regularly shares her vision of a more human-centered Future of Work at conferences, including twice at TEDxShe believes that doing good is good business, is the Founder, Chair of Trustees for Frontline.Live and a proud ambassador of the Burning Man Foundation. Social Links Katz's Site Katz TedX Talk Frontline.Live Ukraine Frontline Live mapTwitterLinkedinShow LinksSky Manifest Mira Microsoft What three words Giles Rhys Jones Bracken Darrel Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 23, 2023 • 1h 37min
Katz Kiely - The Pioneering Vision of a System Thinker & Difference Maker
Katz Kiely Katz is an award-winning digital pioneer, transformation leader, and systems thinker. She has a proven track record of delivering strategic cultural and operational programs that have led to measurable improvements in Employee Experience, employer brand, and operational efficiency.She has supported some of the world’s traditional organizations through change, including the first Open Innovation Platform with HP Labs, rearchitecting the way the UN does business, and designing a city-scale behavior change platform with Intel and the GLA.She is passionate about using design thinking and digital tech to unlock the full potential of people, judges for digital awards, writes for b2b publications, and regularly shares her vision of a more human-centered Future of Work at conferences, including twice at TEDxShe believes that doing good is good business, is the Founder, Chair of Trustees for Frontline.Live and a proud ambassador of the Burning Man Foundation. What We Discuss (3.00-8.00) Katz discusses who she is and what made her.(9.30) - Self-diagnosed with ADHD (12.50) Getting Pregnant and having a child while at University (14.15) How her tenacity manifests (16.10) Dealing with fragility and doubt (18.00 - 22.00) Her gifts and talents and what she is complimented for (26.30) How she fell in love with digital and formed her first start-up Between working with the BBC(31.27 -35.00) Katz explains her Greatest Show for Earth Idea for innovation(35.20 - 39.00) Driving digital transformation for the UN and ITU through design thinking (42.20-47.00) BEEP (48.20-56.00) The need to use technology to bond and break tribalism (1.01.30- 1.04.00) CREAT Leadership Framework (1.07.40-1.12.00) Applying the framework while Running a co-creation design thinking workshop with school children and we discuss education and the need for system change (1.15.00- 1.19) Katz explains how she created Frontline.Live (1.21.00 - 1.26.00) How she is pivoting the platform to support Ukraine and the changes she is having to make to the tech platform, and the reality of dealing with international NGOs1.29.00 - Katz’s ambition for the open source value and application of the BEEP platformSocial Links Katz's Site Katz TedX Talk Frontline.Live Ukraine Frontline Live mapTwitterLinkedin Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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