In This Episode

Join host David Goldsmith as he welcomes Esther Dyson, a renowned investor, journalist, author, and philanthropist, to discuss the concept of the "court jester" and its implications in today's society. Throughout their engaging conversation, Esther shares her insights on the importance of truth-telling, the value of personal luck acknowledgment, and the necessity of making new mistakes. With captivating anecdotes from her diverse career—from her early days at Forbes to her work with Wellville—Esther illustrates how these themes connect to broader societal issues. The discussion takes unexpected turns, exploring the intersections of AI, human behavior, and the future of well-being.

Episode Outlines

Biography of the Guest

Esther Dyson is an influential investor, journalist, author, and philanthropist known for her work in technology and health care. She is the executive founder of Wellville, a nonprofit initiative aimed at improving equitable well-being across communities. Esther began her career as a fact-checker at Forbes before becoming a reporter and later owning her own business, EdVenture. With significant achievements in various sectors including space exploration and health care innovation, she has been an advocate for social impact through investment. Esther's educational background includes studies in Russian history and science, which have shaped her unique perspective on global issues.

In This Episode

Join us for an enlightening conversation with Marianna Leed, founder and executive director of Goal Imagery Coaching Academy. With her extensive background in coaching and education, Marianna shares profound insights on reshaping our thoughts and futures through the power of imagination and emotion. Key moments include her exploration of how our assumptions shape our decisions and the importance of listening to both our own thoughts and those of others.

Throughout the episode, Marianna emphasizes that reshaping tomorrow begins with a clear understanding of our goals and past experiences. She shares personal stories about her journey in coaching and how she learned to embrace both her strengths and weaknesses. The conversation takes unexpected turns, revealing broader implications for personal growth and societal change.

Listeners will gain practical strategies for transforming their mindsets, including techniques for checking assumptions and listening actively. Marianna’s unique perspective encourages us to redefine our narratives and take actionable steps toward a more fulfilling future.

Episode Outlines

Biography of the Guest

Marianna Leed is the founder and executive director of Goal Imagery Coaching Academy, where she specializes in helping individuals harness the power of their imagination to achieve their goals. A twice-elected president of the International Coaching Federation's New York City chapter, Marianna has a rich history in coaching education, having taught at NYU and introduced coaching concepts at the Smithsonian Institute.

Her innovative approach combines emotional intelligence with practical coaching techniques, allowing her clients to reshape their futures effectively. Marianna has co-authored publications on personal branding and is dedicated to empowering others through her work. Currently, she is focused on expanding her academy's reach while continuing to inspire individuals to think differently about their lives.

In This Episode

Join us for an enlightening conversation with Kevin Ceres, Chairman and CTO of Advance and TOKIN, as we explore the powerful relationship between joy and success. Kevin, a renowned advocate for AI innovation and holder of 94 patents, shares breakthrough insights on how joy can transform our personal and professional lives. He discusses the importance of cultivating positive emotions and mindsets, offering practical examples of how to apply joy in everyday tasks. The conversation takes unexpected turns, touching on the implications of AI in our lives and how it can either hinder or enhance our sense of purpose. Ultimately, this episode reveals broader implications for society as we navigate the complexities of modern life.

Episode Outlines

Biography of the Guest

Kevin Ceres is the Chairman and CTO of Advance and TOKIN, recognized for his pioneering work in artificial intelligence and business innovation. With a remarkable career that includes founding billion-dollar organizations and holding 94 patents, Kevin is a thought leader in leveraging technology to drive human progress. He has also made significant contributions to the film industry, showcasing his versatility across various creative fields. Kevin is passionate about helping others find their sense of purpose through joy, making him a compelling voice in today's discussions on personal fulfillment and success.

In This Episode

Join us for an enlightening conversation with Gordon Chu, CEO and CTO of Fingra, as we explore the fascinating concept of generating 23rd-century solutions in the 21st century. With over 41 patents spanning fields from medicine to material sciences, Gordon shares his insights on awareness, fear, place, and timelines—key elements that shape our approach to innovation and problem-solving.

Throughout the episode, Gordon recounts personal stories that illustrate the importance of awareness in both personal and professional contexts. He emphasizes how being aware of one’s surroundings can lead to breakthroughs, as well as the necessity of confronting fears that often hold us back. The discussion takes unexpected turns as they delve into the implications of societal pressures and cultural expectations on individual choices.

This episode is not just about technological advancements; it connects deeply with broader societal issues such as food security and environmental sustainability. Gordon's experiences in Hong Kong serve as a backdrop for understanding how place influences our decisions and opportunities. As we navigate these complex challenges, we are reminded that the future is shaped by our collective actions today.

Episode Outlines

Biography of the Guest

Gordon Chu is the CEO and CTO of Fingra, a company focused on innovative solutions across various industries including biotech and material sciences. With an impressive portfolio of 41 patents, he has made significant contributions to fields ranging from medicine to data science.

A graduate with advanced degrees in science, Gordon's work has been recognized internationally, showcasing his commitment to pushing the boundaries of technology. He is also involved in various initiatives aimed at developing new materials that address pressing global challenges.

Gordon's unique perspective is shaped by his multicultural background and experiences living in both the United States and Hong Kong. His insights into awareness, fear, place, and timelines provide valuable lessons for individuals seeking to make a meaningful impact in their communities and beyond.

In This Episode

Join David Goldsmith as he welcomes Celia Mertzbacher, the Director of the Quantum Economic Development Consortium at SRI International. With a wealth of experience in emerging technologies and public-private partnerships, Celia shares her insights on creating tailwinds for cutting-edge technology ecosystems.

Throughout the conversation, Celia emphasizes the inevitability of technological advances and the diverse stakeholders involved in this process. She discusses how technology is not only a tool for economic growth but also a vital component for national security and public good. One memorable story she shares is about Chris Roofer, who revolutionized the tomato sauce industry by innovating transportation methods, illustrating how human needs drive technological evolution.

The discussion evolves to explore how technology advances through simultaneous discoveries and the importance of understanding these processes to accelerate innovation. Celia references Donald Stokes' "Pasteur's Quadrant," highlighting the balance between fundamental research and practical application. The episode concludes with a focus on how government policy can enhance technology development and the need for better connectivity among stakeholders.

Episode Outlines

Biography of the Guest

Celia Mertzbacher is the Director of the Quantum Economic Development Consortium at SRI International, where she focuses on fostering collaboration between industry, academia, and government to advance quantum technologies. With extensive experience in emerging technologies and public-private partnerships, Celia has played a pivotal role in shaping innovation policies.

She holds a degree in physics and has contributed to numerous initiatives aimed at promoting a diverse STEM workforce. Celia is also known for her work in developing programs that bridge gaps between research institutions and industry needs, ensuring that technological advancements translate into real-world applications.

Her recent projects include efforts to enhance government funding strategies for technology development and initiatives to connect STEM professionals with K-12 education systems. Celia's insights into the intersection of technology, policy, and education make her a leading voice in redefining tomorrow's technological landscape.

In This Episode

Join host David Goldsmith as he welcomes Jerry Glenn, co-founder and CEO of the Millennium Project, a global think tank dedicated to addressing the most pressing challenges of our time. In this enlightening episode, Jerry shares groundbreaking insights on the pervasive nature of prejudice and its implications for our future. Key moments include discussions on how preconceived notions can hinder progress, the importance of understanding cultural symbols, and the role of consciousness in shaping technology. Jerry also shares personal anecdotes from his experiences around the world, illustrating how myths surrounding concepts like witchcraft can lead to misunderstandings. The conversation takes unexpected turns as they explore the intersection of mysticism and technology, ultimately emphasizing the need for a more enlightened society.

Episode Outlines

Biography of the Guest

Jerry Glenn is the co-founder and CEO of the Millennium Project, a global think tank with over 67 nodes worldwide. He has dedicated his career to exploring strategic foresight and addressing complex global challenges through innovative research and collaboration. Jerry's significant achievements include authoring numerous publications on future studies and contributing to international policy discussions. He holds degrees in international relations and has served in various capacities within governmental and non-governmental organizations. His recent initiatives focus on promoting consciousness technology and fostering dialogue around cultural symbols, making him a key voice in the conversation about our collective future.

In This Episode

Join us as we redefine tomorrow with Lorraine Smith, a consultant specializing in sustainable development goals (SDGs) and impact strategies. Lorraine shares her global perspective on interconnectedness and its significance in addressing environmental and social challenges.

During our conversation, Lorraine highlights key insights, including the notion that the current economic model incentivizes harm rather than healing. She discusses the importance of shifting from a linear mindset to a holistic approach that embraces stewardship and connectedness. Lorraine also shares compelling examples of innovative business models that prioritize regeneration over mere sustainability.

The discussion takes unexpected turns as we explore how societal narratives shape our understanding of sustainability and the urgent need for transformative change. Lorraine emphasizes that recognizing past wrongs is essential for creating new rights and opportunities for all.

Episode Outlines

Biography of the Guest

Lorraine Smith is a seasoned consultant specializing in sustainable development goals (SDGs) and impact strategies. With over 20 years of experience, she has worked with large corporations across various sectors, helping them set meaningful sustainability goals and implement effective strategies.

Lorraine's educational background includes a focus on environmental science, which complements her extensive global experience living in countries such as Canada, Brazil, and Germany. She is known for her thought leadership in the sustainability space and has contributed to numerous publications on regenerative practices.

Currently based in Montreal, Lorraine is passionate about fostering interconnectedness within communities and industries, believing that true progress requires a collective commitment to stewardship and holistic thinking.

In This Episode

Join us for an enlightening conversation with David Wilson, president of Prosocial World and a distinguished professor at Binghamton University. In this episode, we explore the profound implications of evolutionary thinking and its potential to redefine our future.

David shares key insights on how cooperation is the signature human adaptation that has allowed us to thrive. He discusses the importance of moral systems in shaping human behavior and highlights fascinating examples from nature, such as the breeding of chickens and the dynamics of honeybee colonies.

Unexpectedly, the conversation veers into the realm of cultural evolution, emphasizing how our symbolic meaning systems can influence behavior and societal structures. David argues for a holistic approach to governance that incorporates the principles of cooperation and adaptability, ultimately connecting these ideas to broader societal challenges.

This thought-provoking dialogue invites listeners to consider how evolutionary principles can be applied to foster a more equitable and sustainable future for all species on Earth.

Episode Outlines

Biography of the Guest

David Wilson is the president of Prosocial World and a professor at Binghamton University, where he has been recognized with the SUNY Distinction Professor Award. His extensive research focuses on evolutionary theory, cooperation, and cultural evolution.

David has published numerous articles and books that explore the intersection of biology and social science, including his recent work on how human symbolic systems shape societal structures. He is an advocate for applying evolutionary principles to address contemporary global challenges.

In addition to his academic achievements, David's innovative thinking has led him to engage in various projects aimed at promoting sustainable practices and social equity. His insights into human behavior and cooperation make him a leading voice in discussions about our collective future.

In This Episode

Join us for an enlightening conversation with Komal Sahoo, Chief of Sustainable Finance at ABPN in Singapore. With her extensive background in impact investing and venture philanthropy, Komal shares powerful insights on how capital can address global challenges. She recounts her personal journey that led her to this field, highlighting a poignant moment in India that ignited her passion for social impact.

Throughout the episode, Komal discusses the critical role of collaboration between private wealth and public sectors, emphasizing the need for deliberate leadership in tackling issues like climate change and poverty. She provides compelling examples of innovative financing models, such as development impact bonds, that leverage philanthropic capital to create measurable social outcomes.

The conversation evolves into a broader discussion about the urgency of addressing climate change and the potential for technology to act as an enabler in this fight. Komal’s optimism shines through as she believes that collective will and determination can drive meaningful change in our society.

Episode Outlines

Biography of the Guest

Komal Sahoo is the Chief of Sustainable Finance at ABPN (Asian Venture Philanthropy Network) based in Singapore. With a career spanning over a decade, she has been instrumental in driving impact investments across Asia. Komal holds a background in accounting and finance, having worked with a Big Four firm in London before transitioning into the impact sector.

Her significant achievements include spearheading various initiatives aimed at mobilizing capital for social good, including development impact bonds that focus on education and health outcomes. Komal is also known for her thought leadership in sustainable finance, having contributed to numerous publications on the subject.

Currently, she is focused on leveraging private wealth to address pressing societal challenges while fostering collaboration among diverse stakeholders to create lasting change.

In This Episode

Join us as we welcome Alan Reyes, the founder of Rayscorp, a pioneering incubator in Africa that has supported over 500 businesses. Alan shares his insights on creating a resonance ecosystem that fosters entrepreneurial growth and collaboration. He emphasizes the importance of selecting the right entrepreneurs, describing his unique "Blue Heart" selection process, which focuses on character over business plans.

Throughout the episode, Alan recounts his journey from failure to success, illustrating how mentorship and community support shaped his approach to entrepreneurship. He discusses the significance of evolving ecosystems and how they adapt to societal changes, highlighting the need for continuous learning and innovation. Alan's story serves as a powerful reminder that resilience and collaboration are key to thriving in today's dynamic business landscape.

The conversation takes unexpected turns as Alan delves into the role of technology and data analytics in shaping future entrepreneurial endeavors. He shares his vision for integrating AI into Rayscorp's operations to enhance decision-making processes and better support entrepreneurs on their journeys.

Episode Outlines

Biography of the Guest

Alan Reyes is the founder and CEO of Rayscorp, recognized as Africa's leading incubator. With over 21 years of experience in supporting entrepreneurs, he has helped launch more than 500 businesses across various sectors. Alan is passionate about creating ecosystems that foster collaboration and innovation among entrepreneurs.

He holds a background in business management and has been instrumental in developing unique selection processes for identifying promising entrepreneurs. Under his leadership, Rayscorp has evolved into a multifaceted organization that integrates education, mentorship, and technology to empower the next generation of business leaders.

Alan is also an advocate for using data analytics and AI to enhance entrepreneurial success rates. His commitment to social impact drives his work, as he seeks to create opportunities for individuals from diverse backgrounds.