I'm dedicated to connecting, empowering, inspiring, writing, teaching, amplifying--and transforming. I'm committed to sustaining and building bridges. I connect remarkable people, institutions, companies, and communities, including and especially leaders from different backgrounds and perspectives, bringing fresh ideas and innovative approaches to our shared realities. That includes my current role as Director of Strategy at The Concordia Forum, a network of trans-Atlantic and trans-Pacific leaders.Together we form a network of well over 2,500 alumni, a uniquely pluralistic network of senior leaders from diverse backgrounds. Like any such network, we are a work in progress, always trying to strengthen our commitments to engagement and education, shared success through service, and creative approaches to realize the strengths and potentials of our countries and communities.This work builds on over two decades in media, education, thought leadership, institution-building, fundraising, and public engagement. That includes writing published and featured in the New York Times, NPR's Fresh Air, The Washington Post, TIME, Foreign Policy, The Cincinnati Enquirer, CNN, NBC, and so many other platforms.Alongside that work, I'm continuing twenty years spent passionately designing, developing, launching and growing institutions with specializations in education and the arts, religion and culture, travel and tourism, science and technology. Sharing the knowledge and expertise gained from these experiences is one of the most rewarding things I can do.I've not only taught at Columbia University, from the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences to the Graduate School of Journalism, but led workshops and seminars from Canada to Australia and Spain to South Africa. When that means engaging new audiences and populations, it's all the more meaningful.My three published books (Penguin & Beacon) were featured by NPR's Fresh Air and the Washington Post, received starred reviews, and have been translated into French and Albanian. I've also appeared on all major U.S. media networks, plenty of international ones, and even tried my hand at stand-up comedy. In the past year, I continue to give sermons, teach bespoke classes for future leaders (with a waiting list out the door), and remain focused on thinking how big ideas can help us better understand ourselves, realize our potential, and make big impacts on the world, leaving a legacy we can all be enriched by.