Dear Reader,
When Explorers' Month began, I was curious about the degree to which being visionary (i.e. forward-thinking) is a key element of being a successful explorer. Our guests, Terry Garcia, Aziz Abu Sarah, Sasha Kramer, Hayat Sindi, and Ken Banks, illuminated the answer to this question. Each of these leaders brought stories and perspectives that demonstrated the power of believing in a future that is different than today.
Fresh from Jim Cameron's trip to the bottom of the deepest part of the ocean, Terry Garcia defined today as "the age of exploration," pointing out that there are many new frontiers to discover. First, Aziz Abu Sarah showed us the power of seeing the story you are in -- and moving beyond it by being willing to see a new one. Dr. Sasha Kramer shared how to see solutions that are right in front of you and work for a vision that, while not glamorous, is lifesaving. Dr. Hayat Sindi has acted on her dreams since she was a child. Her ability to dream big is changing the world for an uncountable number of people. Finally, Ken Banks, leery of grandiose visions, operates from his inner commitment to improving the lives of others with his own life.
These visionaries make connections between their own gifts and passions and the needs of the world. They see new possibilities (that's vision) -- and they choose the opportunities that put them in a position to act (volition), moving purposefully into the new frontiers that they have actually played a major part in creating through their innovation and vision. I've learned that today's Explorers are defining the very frontiers that are available for exploration! The definition of exploration -- and the metaphorical terrain that can be explored -- is far more expansive and free of limits than I ever imagined.
On Monday, May 7, we've decided to play Terry Garcia's show again, listening anew to the big picture that Terry provided now that we've met these four Explorers. I'll write more about what I've learned from them and other guests on our show in The Inspiring Leader blog, beginning next week. Meanwhile, I hope you enjoyed Explorers' month and perspectives have sparked some bold and pioneering thinking for you about your own possibilities. We extend our thanks to Terry Garcia, Sarah Laskin, Glynnis Breen, Colby Bishop and others at National Geographic Society for their support in bringing the voices of the Explorers to the radio show.
Very best, 
Kate Ebner
CEO Nebo Company |
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Monday, May 7 11 AM Eastern Time On VoiceAmerica Business
Encore Presentation:
Inspiring People to Care About the Planet
Delivering on National Geographic Society's Mission with EVP Terry Garcia
 | Terry Garcia
National Geographic Society |
Listen on Monday. "Some believe the golden age of exploration is behind us. On the contrary, I believe we are at the beginning of our greatest age of exploration," commented Terry Garcia in a recent interview. Since joining National Geographic Society more than a dozen years ago, Garcia has implemented a vision of exploration that has revitalized the Society's mission programs and defined exploration in the broadest sense. Responsible for the Society's core mission programs, which support and manage more than 400 scientific field research, conservation and exploration projects annually, Garcia is in a unique position to comment. Join Host Kate Ebner to kick off a month dedicated to exploration with a truly visionary leader whose work connects science, research, education and even entertainment to bring the mysteries of our planet to all of us. More. Be inspired. Missed the Live Show?
Past Episodes are available On Demand and Podcast Ready via iTunes or RSS feed.
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Finding What Lights You Up: The Unassuming Wisdom of Mobile Innovator and Anthropologist Ken Banks
Ken Banks finished up his hour on our radio show and, moments later, tweeted "thanks for the therapy!" with a cyber smile. During his radio hour, Kate invited Ken to tell his life story at length for the benefit of our listeners. The story began in Banks' childhood -- in Jersey, England, one of the Channel Islands off the coast of Normandy, France. To date, it takes place in Africa where Banks is bringing mobile technologies to enable effective communications channels for communities in the developing world through his organization kiwanja.net and his free, open-source software FrontlineSMS.
Why did Kate invite Ken to spend so much of the hour telling his story? "Ken's story is one of overcoming loss, uncertainty and adversity to find his path. He is an optimist with high standards for himself and the world. He hasn't always been able to see how the pieces of his story quite fit together. We can relate to those feelings and circumstances. How Ken moves through life -- the decisions that he has made and how he makes them -- is so instructive and inspiring for all of us."
Here are just a few of the wise nuggets that Ken Banks imparted during his hour on Visionary Leader, Extraordinary Life:
Everyone should be given a chance to maximize their potential. Inspire people to feel they have something to contribute to the world and help them find ways to make it happen. Read Ken's blog post, "Enabling the Inspiration Generation."
Just think about how you can help 4-5 people. You don't need to save the whole world. If everyone helped just 4-5 people, the world would be a better place.
Anything is possible. Regardless of the cards you are dealt in life, pick yourself up and walk on. You don't need parents in high places, or lots of money to make a difference in the world.
Do something that feels right. Don't let others dictate your path. Only you will know what is right for you at any given moment in your life. If you feel good about what you are doing, don't give up.
Make your own opportunities. If you haven't found the one thing that immediately switches you on, get out and put yourself in the kinds of environments where you have a better chance of finding it. You won't find it sitting at home and watching television.
Maximize every opportunity. You are only as good as the last thing you have done. It doesn't matter that you gave a great talk last year - it's all about the one you are doing now. If you give everything 100%, it will start to pay off and you will build momentum and people will want to support you and your ideas.
To hear more, listen to Ken's interview.
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The Inspired Leader The Inspired Leader goes live on our website next week. Don't miss its debut posting!
Find previous blog posts here.
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Create Your Vision!
We have designed a quick and easy visioning exercise just for you! You will receive your own personal vision statement immediately upon hitting "submit." To create your vision statement, CLICK HERE.
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Missed the last show?
 Listen to Ken Banks, Founder of kiwanja.net, on the 4/30/12 episode of Visionary Leader, Extraordinary Life with Host Kate Ebner. Ken shared his own inspiring story and his vision of using technology to connect people.
Be inspired.
Become inspiring.
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An Innovator's Perspective
"I think we need to be conscious of the role of the ego in everything that we do...It is important to realize that a lot more gets done when you don't worry about who gets credit for it."
Ken Banks
kiwanja.net
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