“Fix Congress First!”
May 31, 2010
Hosted by John D. Schmidt
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Guest Information
Episode Description
Dr. Lawrence Lessig, Professor at Harvard Law School, Director of the Edmond J. Safra Foundation Center for Ethics, and one of America’s top visionaries, joins ZOOM’D for a frank and compelling look at a central facet of change for the future: restoring public trust in government by addressing the flow of big-money lobbying in politics. With special interests funneling millions of dollars into our elections—and a new Supreme Court ruling giving corporations and unions even more power over our government—confidence will not be regained until this flow of money is curtailed. Right now, a fortunate few, neither dependent on nor accountable to the people, control the direction of our government. This isn’t a Democratic or Republican issue; it’s a fundamental question about what kind of democracy we want. Join Lawrence and ZOOM’D host John Schmidt as they explore why and how to “Fix Congress First,” including legislation to support public financing of elections and small dollar donations.
ZOOM’D Leadership
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ZOOM’D takes you out to big picture issues of the day, in to up-close-and-personal capacities of leadership, and toward a desirable future of constant renewal.
Whether focused on the economic crisis, energy, climate change, or sustainability at large, ZOOM’D looks at what is really going on. We’ll examine patterns at play, drivers behind them, perspectives of leadership, and the importance of changing the way we pursue the future.
ZOOM’D uniquely interweaves emphasis on the objective and subjective—on tangible shifts needed in systems, institutions, governance, and behaviors; and on intangible values, cultures, and leader mindsets needed to see, shape, and orchestrate the shifts.
ZOOM’D bridges the conceptual to the practical for all in business, government, and civil society to benefit from and to activate leadership around.
John D. Schmidt
John D. Schmidt is the founder and CEO of Avastone Consulting, an international consultancy committed to the vitality and sustainability of client organizations and the larger global community. He serves as advisor to global corporations and nongovernmental enterprises, and is a thinker, designer, and practitioner in integral approaches to complex challenges and human development.
John’s expertise offers a rich foundation for ZOOM’D. He is a seasoned consultant with 30 years experience in getting to the heart of matters, discerning what is really going on, and framing appropriate actions. He focuses on deep understanding—listening for surface realities—and deeper truth. He makes sense of complexity, integrating the long view with the here-and-now.
John values the interiority of life and how the developmental nature of mindsets shapes the world we live in—across economic, social, and environmental arenas. He is dedicated to his own growth and contemplative practice, spending 25 days per year in retreat. He is creatively gifted in developing other leaders through deep immersion experiences.
John serves as guest faculty and contributor to learning institutes, universities, and community service organizations. He is a board member of the SHIFT Foundation (which develops young global leaders) and Kosmos Journal (a voice of global awakening). He passionately pursues active enjoyments of life—he is a road cyclist, skier, fly fisher—and lover of the ocean.
