The Gulf of Mexico as a Commons

August 23, 2010
Hosted by John D. Schmidt

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Guest Information

Episode Description

Kevin Hanson, filmmaker/producer of more than 70 documentaries and CEO of PierreTerre.com®, an independent media company, and Jay Bender, policy analyst at Global Commons Trust, a nonprofit that provides consultative services for social charters and commons trusts, join ZOOM’D to explore early results of an exciting new film project devoted to the Gulf oil spill—and possibilities for new ways of managing the Gulf of Mexico as a Commons. Kevin and Jay reveal insights gained and images captured in up-close-and-personal investigations into the real stories of the Gulf tragedy—stories of the people, community, and environment—and share the thinking that has evolved on the ground about how to manage, respond to, and prevent such a crisis in the future. Kevin and Jay offer a unique collaboration in support of a film with great potential, combining Kevin’s deep experience and creative spirit with Jay’s requisite knowledge of the Commons and insights into possibilities for the future.

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.

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