What do mental models, innovation, and Star Wars have in common?
In our first episode, we explore the career and motivations of one of the top innovators at the Department of Defense, Ben Bain.
Listen for Ben's takes on culture in government, the relationship between public and private sectors, and what it's like to work inside the five-sided building on the other side of the Potomac.
For more, follow Ben on LinkedIn, and follow us on Twitter!

Ep.01: Creativity & Culture in Government - A Conversation with Ben Bain

America's public servants work tirelessly to keep us safe and prosperous. These are their stories.

Government & Organizations

Non-Profit

National

Regional

Local

Laura Mignott is a super-connector, and a maestro of creating fresh memorable experiences. So how does someone used to curating exquisite in-person events end up dealing in the world of PPE and covid testing? It's more straightforward than you think: it all starts by asking the question.
 
Join us, as we turn the mic around on the CEO of Dflash and host of the Reset Podcast, Laura Mignott.

Season 2 Ep 5: Asking the Question, with Laura Mignott

As American swears in our next president, the COVID-19 pandemic continues to wreak havoc on our country, and countries around the world. In this episode of the Inspired Service Podcast, Noah speaks with Yen Pottinger, senior lab advisor, ICAP at the Mailman School of Public Health at Columbia University and former HIV Incidence Team lead at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 
They explore the brilliance of the virus itself, discuss places where the public sector is the first - and faster - mover, and discuss how to best harness the goodwill of the American people. 
Yen's is a remarkable story of devotion to her craft, service, and science.

Season 2 Ep 4: "Science will Save the Day," featuring Yen Pottinger

When Ashley Gazich relocated to San Diego from Florida in the fall of 2019 for a sabbatical from Microsoft, a global pandemic was not the first thing on her mind. Just a few months later, she found herself aligned with the author of The Lean Startup and a coalition of the willing, who set out to increase the national supply of PPE, provide bridge financing for hospitals, and increase the availability of information through intelligence sharing. 
This is the story of how Ashley forged meaningful partnerships across every layer of government, and between officials and industry partners who were willing to think boldly about how they might help... resulting in the successful delivery of over 1 billion units of PPE.
For more Inspired Service: www.inspiredservice.org
For more about the C19 coalition: https://c19coalition.org/

Season 2 Ep 3: "Being Bold" - Ashley Gazich and the C19 Coalition

As the COVID-19 pandemic spread across the country this past Spring, Rich Sokolow sprang into action. As Managing Director and the Director of Research at Davidson Kempner Capital Management L.P., an independent global investment management firm, Sokolow knows people. And as a founding member and longtime Chair of the "All Stars" Board of Directors - a national leader in the field of Afterschool Development - Rich knows that "when asked to help, people say yes."
This is an inspiring story of how a private citizen acquired PPE, convened people together, and made things happen in the tumultuous early days of the pandemic. It's also a reminder that we are all capable of much more than we think.
 
Listen and subscribe, wherever you get your podcasts!

Season 2 Episode 2: Becoming a "Better Giver," With Richard Sokolow

As COVID-19 spread across the United States this past spring, the call went out for medical professionals to come join the fight. Executive search firm Odgers Berndtson, led by CEO Steve Potter and COO Kennon Kincaid, answered the call. They mobilized their data resources, led by Javier O'Neil and Valeria Escamilla, their Healthcare practice, led by Maureen Ryan, and their executive search expertise, spearheaded by Jon Barney, to identify and mobilize healthcare professionals in collaboration with the U.S. Civilian Corps.
 
This is the story of a remarkable group of individuals, who answered the call to serve their country at a time when we needed it most.

Ep.01: Creativity & Culture in Government - A Conversation with Ben Bain

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