Special Encore Presentation: Allegory of the Cave
June 13, 2011
Hosted by John D. Schmidt
[Download MP3] [itunes] [Bookmark Episode]
Episode Description
ZOOM’D host John Schmidt draws upon Plato’s analogy of the cave as an apt reference point for recognizing reality—and specifically as a backdrop to exploration of three future scenarios we may all be living into. John presents three distinct yet quite varied anticipations on coming world events and asks the question: how do we really know what to expect and believe—and how do we really know what actions to take amidst this dynamic VUCA (volatile, uncertain, complex, ambiguous) world? While serving as a stand-alone episode, this show also serves as a bridge between the earlier introduction to Instinctual Intelligence and Part 2 which will come next week. Join John as he continues to blend conventional, leading-edge, and alternative/unconventional views on the future with reflections on the interior influences that shape our viewpoints—here with Plato pointing to the nature of reality, shadow perspectives, and the ground of illuminated intelligence.
ZOOM’D Leadership
Archives Available on VoiceAmerica Business Channel
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.
