Sometimes circumstances beyond our control set us on a path we could never have conceived. This was the case for this week’s guest, social entrepreneur Natasha Freidus when during the Syrian refugee crisis in 2015, she witnessed the chaos of crisis response first hand. While most donate money and time, Natasha instead formed a tech start-up to match those in need with those able to give and deliver goods and supplies locally through an online marketplace, initially hacked together using Wedding registry software.Now almost six years on Natasha’s startup NeedsList is bringing efficiency and intelligence to the NGO and philanthropic sector and in doing so is delivering more accountability and transparency.In this interview, Natasha describes her backstory, the vital steps along her life path that prepared her to be able to execute and lead such a start-up, the innovations she is now driving, and her vision to leverage AI and huge data sets to enable better preparation for relief before a crisis even hits.I hope Natasha’s story inspires someone else to take on what others may consider impossible.Social Links Instagram FacebookTwitter Links in the Show Needslist BrownESL Paulo Freire Saul AlinskyCreative NarrationsDecathlon Public Benefit CorpIRC David MillibandFemaFabrice Grinda  Winners Take All Only Murders In the Building Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week sees the return of one of our favorite and most popular guests, industrial designer Lucia DeRespinis. With a career spanning seven decades, Lucia retired last year at the age of ninety-three. Now ninety-four Lucia was recently recognized for her outstanding contributions to Industrial design by the IDSA  - Industrial Designers Society of America.  Therefore we felt we needed to hear from Lucia about the accolade but also have Lucia reflect on her stellar career. In what was a novel interview we met Lucia in the marvelous secret gardens of her iconic Manhattan apartment complex where she’s lived since the 1960s. We ask Lucia to pass on her advice for the upcoming generation of Industrial designers to prepare them for the world they are entering. Lucia and I discuss the standards of Industrial Design today, the public's awareness of design, and where design standards have fallen, as she shares her perspective on the role of industrial designers in organizations today. Lucia reflects on the enduring memories of her career, her life lessons, and the traits she respects and deplores in herself and others. And we discuss her favorite New York design icon and the designer she wishes she’d worked with but didn’t and what she’d study if she was starting out today. Her body of work, lifetime achievements, and career in teaching cement her legacy as not only a torchbearer for women in Industrial Design but as one of America’s most iconic industrial designers.   If you listen to her first interview, you’ll learn Lucia’s successful life was full of struggle and sacrifice. At 94 Lucia’s physical endurance, alacrity, wit, and grace should serve as an inspiration to anyone struggling with life and its challenges.  Please enjoy this hour-long interview with Lucia N DeRespinis Links in showPratt InstituteGeorge NelsonDunkin Donuts LogoCorey Cambridge Silent GiantsLucia’s Designs Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week's guest is native New Yorker Abby Lehman, a natural storyteller, connector, and social entrepreneur working at the intersection of community, government, and business. As a fourth-generation New Yorker, from a family of East European migrants, Abby is living evidence of the value and impact of immigration on a city and nation's success. Abby explains how her social impact NGO, Photo Start, uses photography as a gateway for under-privileged youth in Kenya, South Africa, Uganda, and the United States, to open up educational, vocational, or professional pathways so as to equip them with problem-solving, entrepreneurial, and financial skills necessary to create transformative economic opportunities for them as individuals, for their families and their communities.  We discuss the transformative impact of her new rural and urban regeneration innovation program, Syzygy Cities, which aligns community needs with Government initiatives and business interests to stimulate economic and social development. Abby breaks down her current live initiative, Invest Southwest, working with the city of Chicago, national and local commercial partners, and local NGOs to provide the infrastructure, services, and solutions to create more economically and socially resilient communities.  Abby is an inspirational female leader, a driving force for positive socio-economic change, forged through her clarity of strategic thought, collaborative spirit, and forceful and eloquent voice. I hope you feel uplifted by the power and passion of Abby LehmanSocial LinksPhoto Start  PS In FocusSuccess Stories-Instagram:   @photostartgo  YouTube:In The NewsMedia KitDonate GearVolunteerSyzygy Cities Syzygy Insta  Show Links L2The Tenement MuseumThis is EighteenAkili DadaPeggy Lee Fever Hail Satan?Mans Search For Meaning Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week's guest Michael McElroy is an actor, singer, musical director, educator, and founder of the Tony award-winning Broadway Inspirational Voices, the multi-racial gospel choir, 'united in changing lives through the power of music and service.’' In this shorter than normal interview, Michael explains how being immersed in the fusion of gospel music, musical theatre, and R&B as a child developed his love and appreciation of music. He also discusses how his Grandmother instilled in him a lifelong commitment to service and giving back. Although acutely aware of racism, Michael felt insulted; being surrounded by black excellence helped him develop a personal sense of limitless possibilities for anything if prepared to invest in the work. Michael discusses his journey through education, developing his sense of identity, and how he resolved to overcome the barriers he encountered, to reinforce his self-belief, and conviction to succeed. We discuss how serendipity played a pivotal part in landing his first Broadway role in Miss Saigon.     Michael explains what led him to create the social impact organization, Broadway Inspirational Voices, to create an impact and welcoming space that has evolved over 25 years to become a platform where artists change lives through the power of music. Michael also discusses how he and his fellow artists responded to the pandemic's lockdown and the murders of George Floyd and other victims of race crimes by creating virtual outreach programs for Broadway inspirational Voices and Covenant House. Michael discusses how Broadway has been responding to the last eighteen months, addressing its institutional inequities to become more inclusive, diverse, and accessible by embracing New Deal proposed through Musicians United For Social Equity and Black Theatre United. Finally, Michael describes the steps he is taking to empower faculty and students in DE&I and create systemic change through his new role as Chair at the University of Michigan's Department of Musical Theatre. Thanks to Tom Kitt for the connection. Social LinksWikipedia Instagram Show Links BIV - About Michael Carnegie MellonMiss Saigon Broadway Inspirational Voices Broadway CaresEquity Fights Aids Covenant House Musicians United for Social Equity Black Theatre UnitedSummer of SoulSchele Williams Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We’ve had to take an extended break in recent weeks due to moving home from New York to Austin Texas. However, we’re back now with Season 4 and some fabulous guests lined up in the coming weeks. We kick off this season with an interview I did just before leaving NYC with fellow Brooklyn resident, Geof Rochester, a highly successful entrepreneur and respected thought leader and strategic advisor on corporate sustainability and responsibility, NGOs, philanthropy, and social entrepreneurship. Geof is a trusted advisor to some of the world’s leading conservation NGOs, media companies, and consumer goods brands.Born in Barbados and raised in Brooklyn the cultural diversity of his upbringing defined his worldview. His Diplomat Father and an empowering mother ingrained in him the importance of having empathy for the plight of others, a ‘Lead, Follow or get out of the way’ mentality, and a strong work ethic.Taking the lead and embracing early leadership roles at School helped him develop a sense of responsibility and accountability and the ability to execute a vision at an early age. Discovering the importance of branding and marketing at an early age, set Geof on a path to a stellar career in Marketing working for both challenger and champion brands, including CMO of Nature Conservancy and senior marketing roles at Showtime, WWE, Comcast, and Radisson.  Geof is also the founder of GRC Advising, a consulting firm that provides clients with comprehensive strategies to integrate sustainability and social purpose.Geof and I have a lively discussion about his motivations, mindset, and marketing mentality, dealing with the fear of failure, curiosity, confronting conventions, and his theory of change on climate and sustainability. Geof also provides his perspective on food insecurity and innovations in preventative healthcare and why he is hopeful about prospects for climate innovation. I hope you enjoy the pragmatic leadership thinking and passion of Geof Rochester. Social Links Linkedin GRC ConsultingShow Notes Caricom Coach Thompson Georgetown WWE Nature Conservancy Project DrawdownSustainable Ocean Alliance Eric Adams The CourierBarstool sportsRich Dad Poor Dad 7 Habits of Highly Effective People  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Guest Overview We live at the moment when technology has connected the world, yet many people experience a rising sense of disconnection, and research confirms feelings of isolation are increasing. This week's guest Susan McPherson provides an antidote. As the author of the Lost Art of Connecting, Susan's book provides a valuable methodology for connecting and building more meaningful relationships. Whether at events, at work, as a manager or leader, a parent or a politician, Susan provides straightforward guidance on how to rekindle the core human skills many have somehow left behind.  As a serial connector, Susan is also an angel investor, corporate responsibility expert, and founder and CEO of McPherson Strategies, a communications consultancy focused on the intersection of brands and social impact. She is also a contributor to the Harvard Business Review, Fast Company, and Forbes. Susan opens up about her early journey in life, developing her thirst for adventure and the vast role her mother and father had in nurturing her deep sense of curiosity and willingness to embrace risk. She describes the values they instilled, the impact that her mother's tragic death had on the direction Susan's taken in life, and the serendipitous connections that led her to a career in journalism and entrepreneurship. Susan discusses how she became an accidental entrepreneur in her late 40's, and we talk about her perspectives on the role of corporations in helping combat our climate challenges and social inequities. She shares her optimism from witnessing the changes and commitments from her corporate clients to address the environmental challenges. Susan also deconstructs the three core steps to her Art of Connecting' Gather, Ask and Do' methodology, and discusses its application and value to individuals, managers, leaders, parents, and event organizers. I hope you’re inspired by the optimism, compassion, and generosity of spirit of Susan McPherson. Social LinksThe Lost Art of Connecting bookInstagram FacebookLinkedinTwitterMCPStrategies  Links in the showTed KennedyBoston Herald Traveller Dupont Plaza Hotel FireUSA TodayGannettEmily Ramshaw19th News  Brant AndersonRefugeeCareParis Climate Accord IPCC SDG’s Kindred Sir Ranulph FiennesBeth ComstockGirls Rising Nation SwellStacy Marie IshmaelYael EisenstatThe Daughters of KobaniBabylon Berlin Kathryn Finney Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.