For the last several years, a reliable highlight of the rhythms of my work year is the few weeks in the second half of June and early July. That’s when I run workshops and team building programs for students starting a Summer college experience – as researchers, interns, student leaders, or degree-seeking students. Many ofContinue reading “The Goodness of Humanity”
Category Archives: Perspectives
Stanislav Petrov, the Man Who Saved the World?
Have you heard of Russian lieutenant colonel Stanislav Petrov? Maybe not. Or do you recognize his name in Russian, Станислав Петров? Unlikely. His name is not widely known around the world, and yet he may well have saved it – by doing nothing! Or more correctly, by disobeying orders and choosing not to take action. Petrov’s monumentalContinue reading “Stanislav Petrov, the Man Who Saved the World?”
Workplace Takeaways from the World Cup
How many FIFA World Cup games have you watched so far this year? Do you have a particular team you’re rooting for, or do you just get caught up in the spectacle of the whole thing? More than quarter of a century ago, I studied at the University of Glasgow for my joint undergrad andContinue reading “Workplace Takeaways from the World Cup”
Power of the People > the People in Power
“Power to the People!” John Lennon sang in 1971, bringing music to a slogan that had been chanted and shouted by young people across the US to protest the Vietnam War over the previous few years. Meanwhile, “All Power to the People” was also being chanted by the Black Panthers to protest what they perceivedContinue reading “Power of the People > the People in Power”
The Anti-AI Revolution at 2026 Graduations
I might pay attention to graduation speeches each year more than the average person. Despite missing my own graduation to work overseas, and sitting in torrential rain during for my graduate degree commencement ceremony a few years later, I then had the joy of working at Harvard University’s commencement ceremonies for more than a decade,Continue reading “The Anti-AI Revolution at 2026 Graduations”
Need a Little Eurovision?
Regarde! Have you been dancing on the tables to “Jalla” by Antigoni from Cyprus? Joining Akylas from Greece to “Ferto” (“Bring It”)? Or maybe you’ve learned Danish to croon along with Søren Torpegaard Lund on “Før Vi Går Hjem” (“Before We Go Home”)? If this means nothing to you, you might not be familiar withContinue reading “Need a Little Eurovision?”
Being a Mental Health Ally for Others (and for Yourself!)
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, each year millions of Americans (as many as 1 in 5) experience mental illness. In the past, many of us might have believed that mental health was a concern only for those with mental illness, but living through a lengthy pandemic, and all the stresses and repercussionsContinue reading “Being a Mental Health Ally for Others (and for Yourself!)”
Unique Diversity and Diverse Unity – the Cornerstones of Building Bridges
How many aspects of your identity are visible to those around you? How many are invisible, or at least not intuitive? If you’re like a lot of people, your identity is – as we’ve mentioned before – like an iceberg, with the vast majority (90% in the case of icebergs) being under the surface, andContinue reading “Unique Diversity and Diverse Unity – the Cornerstones of Building Bridges”
How Has Mentoring Others Changed You?
We’ve all had mentors. And whether or not you’ve ever held an official title of “mentor,” all of us have at one point or another served as a mentor for others. If you’re a parent, mentoring is intrinsically woven into your daily life – even as your child becomes an adult in their own right.Continue reading “How Has Mentoring Others Changed You?”
Leading when the World Feels Like a Tinderbox
At the time of writing, it feels like the world is in a precarious place. President Donald Trump has threatened that “A whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again,” if Iran doesn’t reopen the Straight of Hormuz by 8pm EST. Iranian official Alireza Rahimi called on “all young people, athletes, artists,Continue reading “Leading when the World Feels Like a Tinderbox”
Building Bridges Leadership 