I discussed Social Media for Social Good at a City of Sydney Talk on 27th June 2012. It is an important issue. There are many decrying social media for increasing isolation and disconnection between people. Social media can be used as a force for social good and social inclusion. Social media is not just about … [Read more…]
Recently I was re-reading Oscar Wilde’s De Profundis, a moving letter from prison that looks at spirituality and faith from the depths of despair and degradation. This particular quote stood out for me, especially the notion that we do not know ourselves very well. “But with the dynamic forces of life, and those in whom … [Read more…]
No, I’m not talking about social media. This is about real life. And I think that Gandhi summed up a lot of what the #Occupy movement is on about in his note on the Seven social sins. “Politics without principles Wealth without work Pleasure without conscience Knowledge without character Commerce without morality Science without humanity … [Read more…]
I came across an article in Wired Science by Jonah Lehrer titled Do Nice Guys Finish Last?. It had plenty to get me thinking. Apparently: “… levels of ‘agreeableness’ are negatively correlated with the earnings of men” Then: “There are six facets to agreeableness: trust, straightforwardness, compliance, altruism, modesty and tender-mindedness. “ Also: “Women were slightly … [Read more…]
It is sad to hear of Steve Jobs’ passing. Not unsurprising news given his long battle with cancer. But the heartfelt responses to his death made me think. How many other leaders of big companies would elicit similar responses? Hardly any I suspect. His was a remarkable career, and the impact of his ideas brought … [Read more…]
Over the weekend I listened to this moving talk from the Burmese pro-democracy leader and Nobel Peace Laureate, Aung San Suu Kyi, where she examines what drives people to dissent. Reflecting on the history of her own party, the National League for Democracy, Aung San Suu Kyi, examines the meaning of opposition and dissident. She … [Read more…]
Quite often there’s an article that bundles us all up into handy age-based cohorts (a.k.a. ‘generations’). Behavioural phenomena are neatly explained by the characteristics of the particular age cohort or generation. Based on the theories of Strauss and Howe generations have been adopted as a popular explanatory model for people’s behaviour, and demographers like Bernard … [Read more…]
One of the people who is vocal in his calls for change in how we do things in our westernised societies is Umair Haque. His work is worth reading whether or not you agree with his perspective. Some of his recent provocative tweets include: Yes, really. You have the power to change the world. Consumerism, … [Read more…]
I’m exhausted after a busy weekend and totally inspired by the people I just spent the weekend with! We held the first Social Innovation Sydney Startup Camp this weekend. It was great to see so many people willing to work together in an open and collaborative way on developing social innovation projects. It really inspires … [Read more…]
If you’ve got time it’s worth taking some of it to watch this interview with Jason and Gary. Jason Calacanis, himself a serial entrepreneur, is a great supporter of startups with his LAUNCH Conference. Gary Vaynerchuk is a well known entrepreneur who built up his family business to a major player using social media and … [Read more…]
