Many people crave to experience something new - something exciting, something different --  something they care passionately about. On this week's radio program, Kate Ebner kicked off a month of shows about exploration with an enlightening conversation with Terry Garcia, EVP of Mission Programs at National Geographic Society. Terry shared his own story about leaving his role as a successful partner in a law firm to move to Washington, D.C. to serve in the Clinton administration. Throughout the program, Terry gave examples of exploration and shared National Geographic Society's vision for supporting inspiring explorers.  He explained, "I want National Geographic Society to be recognized globally as the leader in Exploration. We are currently setting up regional offices so that we are better able to fund exploration. This brings us closer to explorers where they are working."

Terry shared some of his own leadership philosophy: "I like to set the direction and then let people do what they do best. If you surround yourself with a group of talented individuals and if you challenge them to be innovative, to reach, and not be afraid to fail from time to time, you can achieve some remarkable things." Terry also stressed the importance of not saying "no" too quickly, as often our first reaction is based more on the immediate effects of our decision rather than the long-term benefits of the opportunity.

Terry said, "I am inspired every day by people who have a dream and are focused to pursue an idea -- people who are passionate. As we speak now, there are men and women working in the most remote places on the planet, enduring unimaginable hardships in pursuit of what is truly important. I am also inspired by the fact that many more people, if they had the means, would be willing to go. They want to do more than merely bear witness to what's happening, perhaps write a new story for the planet." 

Listen to the full episode here or download the episode as a podcast.