Big Ideas

Visioning: Map Your Purpose and Change the World

Visioning: Map Your Purpose and Change the World

Everyone's talking about purpose these days. Everyone tells you that you need to find yours — for your own sake and for that of humanity’s. There is a growing proliferation of books and articles and workshops with various approaches promising to help you find yours. One approach is visioning, a vogue-ish high-level process used in business, urban planning, nonprofits... anywhere where thinking strategically about future direction is helpful. (5-min read)

Transforming Capitalism: A Conversation on 'Woodstock Roundtable'

Transforming Capitalism: A Conversation on 'Woodstock Roundtable'

I've realized over the last number of years that the traditional models of social impact are limited. Capitalism and corporations have probably a bigger influence in our lives than nonprofits do. So why not change these systems that have failed us? That's the focus of this engaging conversation I had in October (2014) with Doug Grunther, host of Woodstock Roundtable on Radio Woodstock 100.1 WDST, broadcast throughout the Hudson Valley.

TEDxLongDock: This is What Community Looks Like

TEDxLongDock: This is What Community Looks Like

Nothing I've done has been as personally fulfilling as what transpired in Beacon, NY, on June 7, the culmination of months and months of planning and hard, selfless work with a small, dedicated team.

Save Us. Be Creative!

Save Us. Be Creative!

Think about how many of your friends and acquaintances work for themselves — not just those with their own business, but also those who freelance or consult (whether full or part time). How many consider themselves “creative”? Chances are, you know a lot. While the positive impact of cultural institutions is pretty much conventional wisdom at this point, the larger creative economy that includes DIY (do-it-yourself) makers and small, creative businesses is less understood.