We live in an era in which possessions are, too often, more important than personal health and the health of our planet. That never felt right to activist, gardener, and education reformer Ron Finley. He’s been called an Eco-lutionary, a Guerrilla Gardener, the Gangsta Gardener…regardless of what you want to call him he is one thing: inspiring. 

This is… A Bit of Optimism. 

If you want to know more about Ron and his work, check out:  

https://ronfinley.com

https://www.instagram.com/ronfinleyhq

https://www.instagram.com/ronfinleyproject

So many politicians say our children are our future, so why do so few nations have a cabinet level position to represent their youth? As the Minister of State for Youth Affairs for the United Arab Emirates, Shamma Al Mazrui is revolutionizing the dynamic between youth and government. At the age of 22, she became the youngest government minister in the world. Now, five years later, she has powerful insights to share about fostering a nation’s youth, the power of listening, and how hope empowers.    

This is... A Bit of Optimism.     

If you want to know more about Shamma and the Ministry for Youth Affairs, check out:  

https://youth.gov.ae/en 

https://uaecabinet.ae/en/details/cabinet-members/her-excellency-shamma-bint-suhail-faris-al-mazrui

 https://u.ae/en/about-the-uae/the-uae-government/government-of-future/youth

A small number of tech companies have amassed enormous power in our modern world. Do they wield that power responsibly, or do they abuse it to benefit themselves? I talked to Tristan Harris, “the closest thing Silicon Valley has to a conscience,” to better understand what we can do about our social dilemma. 

This is… A Bit of Optimism.
 

If you want to know more about Tristan and his work, check out:

About | TRISTAN HARRIS

Center for Humane Technology

https://www.thesocialdilemma.com/

In show business, Ari Emmanuel is the consummate insider. The founder and CEO of the Endeavor agency, he represents some of Hollywood’s biggest stars. He’s a mover and a shaker and a philanthropist. So obviously, I called to talk to him about…family. This is…A Bit of Optimism. 

For more on Ari and his work check out:  

https://www.wmeagency.com/story/

https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2021/04/26/ari-emanuel-takes-on-the-world

What is the best way to navigate the world of diversity, equity and inclusion? Chloe Valdary’s point of view is different from the norm. The founder of the Theory of Enchantment believes the best way for us to come together is to first find love within ourselves. And the results are...enchanting. This is…A Bit of Optimism.

The Theory of Enchantment - Website
Chloe's feature in The Atlantic

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There are only a few people in the world who have made a success out of failing. Serial entrepreneur and author of Backable, Suneel Gupta is one of them. We talked about the importance of failing and the lessons we can learn. This is…A Bit of Optimism.

If you want to know more about Suneel and his work, check out:

Suneel Gupta - LinkedIn
Backable: The surprising truth behind what makes people take a chance on you

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We’ve seen it in the movies, someone throws themselves onto a grenade to save their buddy, but how many of us could actually do it? Kyle Carpenter, the youngest living recipient of the Congressional Medal of Honor, can answer that question. However, he sees what he did as the kind of responsibility we all have - to protect and take care of each other. His words are powerful and inspiring. 

This is…A Bit of Optimism.

If you want to know more about Kyle and his work, check out:
williamkylecarpenter.com/
You Are Worth It - Audiobook

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With unprecedented levels of stress and depression amongst young people, I wanted to know what we, as an older generation can do to help. So I talked to psychologist,  professor at the University of Pennsylvania and author of Grit , Angela Duckworth. This is… A Bit of Optimism.

If you want to know more about Angela and her work, check out :

https://angeladuckworth.com.

https://www.amazon.com/Angela-Duckworth/e/B019S711S0

Most people know him as a disability rights activist, chairman of Special Olympics or for his book The Call to Unite. But when we talked, our conversation took a turn. We ended up talking about what it means to learn to love. And it was wonderful. 

This is ... A Bit of Optimism. 

If you want to know more about Tim and his work, check out :

Timothyshriver.com

www.specialolympics.org

www.amazon.com/Call-Unite-Voices-Hope-Awakening/dp/B08M8DY4XC

Every now and then, I get to meet someone who sees the world differently. Matthew Barzun is one of those people. He was early to see opportunities that others  didn’t -  in the internet, in political fundraising and even as US Ambassador. Put simply,  Matthew helps us see the world differently.

This is… A Bit of Optimism.

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