Eleven Minutes to Find an Unlikely Advisor
This week, not limited by geography, proximity or even earthly existence, we consider unlikely advisors.
As part of the process of creating the ethical commitments for the Human Imagination Project, I was looking for examples from other organizations. While doing this, it struck me that, as part of that process, I should create a list of people whose work and words and I am inspired by — -an array of unlikely advisors. Unlikely because most I do not currently know, nor will I likely meet, and others well, they are no longer of this earthly realm. Available synchronous time and proximity need not be a constraint.
So I started a list. It began with people whose work I have admired from afar for a long time and then thought of those who are working to solve similar problems. I looked for people whose perspective, views, life experience, and viewpoint was and is wildly different from my own. It wasn’t a complete list but it was a start.
And now, because of the time we are in, I looked for people who managed to do the work they chose to do even in the most difficult circumstances because I honestly don’t know how to think about dissonance of being human at this time. I don’t know what to make of all that we are capable of. We can do and have done so much good. We can be capable of extraordinary generosity, kindness, and empathy and yet how is it that we keep harming one another? So I looked to those who are or were helping. Day after day after day.
I decided to start by reading a biography about the person at the top of my list. Intentionally withheld because I want to finish the reading and reflection first.
Here is the short version of the process:
📝 Make a list of people whose work you admire
✔️ Either pick one at random (close eyes and point) or choose one
👀 Look for books, articles, videos, podcasts
⚡️ Identify practices, behaviors, and quotes
✏️ Make a list. Consult as needed.
And to be clear, this is an internal list. It a place to turn in the darkness to find a little light and guidance. It is a place to find wisdom and solace.
Since one of the beautiful things about inspiration is that it can be shared, I’d love to hear more about some people whose work you admire. Please feel free to share links.
