How do we listen even when we are the most hurt? How do we disagree without disappearing?

At the Resnick Aspen Action Forum, changemakers explored what it means — and what it takes — to stay at the table during the most difficult moments. This conversation turns toward clues in history, reminding us that the institutions of today were once the result of creative innovation. 

Taking inspiration from youth and the artistic community as sources of "research and development," this conversation invites us to wrestle with tension rather than treating conflict as failure, allowing us to remain in relationship through our differences. Whether operating in small towns in a single U.S. state like South Carolina, or across multiple nations in the Middle East, panelists discussed the conditions that we can create in ourselves and in our communities to design new ways forward. 

Moderator: 

• Austin Choi-Fitzpatrick, PhD: Scholar-in-Residence, Aspen Global Leadership Network; Associate Provost, University of San Diego

Panelists:

• John Simpkins: President & CEO, MDC; Liberty Fellow
• Chadia El Meouchi: Managing Partner, Badri and Salim El Meouchi Law Firm; Co-founder, Middle East Leadership Initiative; Henry Crown Fellow

Related Resources:

• This conversation was held at the 2024 Resnick Aspen Action Forum. Explore other conversations from the Action Forum on leading through uncertainty, collaboration across difference, and more.