In this episode, I talk about the 10 key elements for social change that have inspired my approach, based on the work of Dr Christina Economos and a team she led in 2001.  This rubric is intuitive, easy to understand, and has an enormous impact.

Click here to download a high-resolution image of the 10 key elements graphic.

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Former CEO of the American Nurses Association, Marla Weston led the Healthy Nurse, Healthy Nation Grand Challenge to improve nurses' health and impact patient outcomes. The initiative engaged diverse stakeholders and overcame challenges, but Weston emphasizes defining the problem, allowing flexibility, and meeting people where they are. The pandemic amplified the issues, underscoring the Grand Challenge's importance. Weston would have moved faster, but the lasting impact was raising awareness and driving systemic change around nurses' health, invaluable during the pandemic.

For all the podcasts, highlight videos, resources, and everything you want to know about Grand Challenges, click visit grandchallenges.info

This episode introduces six grand challenges I've helped design and lead, including two I'm actively working on and four in progress. Here's an overview, followed by details and links to learn more:

1. Thriving Earth Exchange – This initiative, conceived by Chris McEntee during her CEO tenure at the American Geophysical Union, connects communities with scientists to address environmental challenges. I helped define its scope, launch it, and served two terms on the American Geophysical Union board to support its growth. It has expanded from a few projects to over 140. Visit thrivingearthexchange.org.
2. Healthy Nurse, Healthy Nation – Created to improve the health of America’s 4 million nurses, this challenge began when Marla Weston, then CEO of the ANA, reacted to data showing nurses were generally less healthy than the average American. Her words, "Healthy Nurse, Healthy Nation," became the initiative’s foundation. Visit healthynursehealthynation.org.
3. Center for Financial Planning – Led by the CFP Board, this challenge focuses on diversifying the financial planning profession by engaging individuals under 30, women, and people from ethnically diverse backgrounds. Learn more at cfp.net.
4. Intellios Ultrasound Proficiency Grand Challenge – Aims to certify and ensure proficiency in ultrasound use worldwide by 2030, enhancing healthcare equity and patient safety. With ultrasound devices becoming affordable and widely available, this initiative addresses the need for global proficiency. Visit https://inteleosfoundation.org/grand-challenge
5. Stop Stigma Together – using the National Academies’ report, Ending Discrimination Against People with Mental and Substance Use Disorders, this initiative addresses stigma through structural, social, and individual approaches. Now in its fourth year, I continue to lead this effort. StopStigmaTogether.org
6. American Association of Physicists in Medicine – A newly launched challenge to identify critical breakthroughs in medical physics over the next decade. It includes exploring theranostics, a personalized medicine technique combining imaging and targeted therapies, and AI applications in both research and clinical settings. Visit https://site.aapm.org/home

Join me as I share the stories behind each challenge, highlight the contributions of leaders like Chris McEntee and Marla Weston, and provide links for you to explore further.

For all the podcasts, highlight videos, resources, and everything you want to know about Grand Challenges, click visit grandchallenges.info

In this inaugural episode, Seth Kahan introduces listeners to the transformative potential of Grand Challenges as a force for systemic change. He draws on his extensive experience leading initiatives that tackle societal issues, including his work in Earth and space science, nursing, medical ultrasound, mental health and substance use disorders, finance, and physics in medicine. Seth shares the core purpose and vision behind his work. He outlines the key concepts and practical approaches that will be explored in future episodes, creating a foundational understanding for anyone eager to drive impactful social change. Seth also brings insights from his bestselling book, Getting Change Right, shedding light on the techniques, mindset, and hard-won lessons that have fueled his success. This episode sets the stage for an inspiring journey, designed to provide listeners with tools and strategies to take on today’s most pressing challenges.

For all the podcasts, highlight videos, resources, and everything you want to know about Grand Challenges, click visit grandchallenges.info

In this episode, Seth Kahan sits down with Patrick Kennedy, former U.S. Congressman and renowned mental health advocate, for a candid conversation on the urgent need to address mental health and substance use stigma. Drawing from his personal and professional experiences, Patrick shares the challenges and breakthroughs he's encountered in advocating for mental health reform, as well as insights into the systemic barriers that hinder progress. Together, Seth and Patrick explore the critical role of leadership, public policy, and community action in creating a society that supports mental well-being for all. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of the complexities surrounding mental health advocacy and hear firsthand about strategies that can drive meaningful change. This episode offers powerful perspectives on what it takes to build a more compassionate and inclusive world.

For all the podcasts, highlight videos, resources, and everything you want to know about Grand Challenges, click visit grandchallenges.info

Listen in as Mary, Seth, and Mark talk about Mary's new book, 6 prescriptions for organizations undergoing change, generational differences, market consolidation, digital first strategy, being stewards of organizational history, moving within uncertainty, 80/20 rule, time famine, and lots more!

Listen in as they cover the importance of clarity and enthusiasm, championship cows with white faces, being imprisoned by existing paradigms, The American College of Cardiology, American Geophysical Union, The International Corrugated Case Association, purity of mind, cat eyeglasses, and more!

Listen in as Seth and Mark as they unpack precision, defining quality, knowledge management, 3,000 surgical gloves, and codified knowledge.

Listen in as Mark and Seth talk about the "Farley Commitment," leading from behind, yes in the land of no's, equal distribution of likes and dislikes, Evolution of Dance, “nobody knows anything,” and lots more!

Listen in as they discuss being trapped in your own grooves, looking at problems from different angles, working with Eeyores, Austin, Peace Park, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Elvis Costello, and lots more!