On Saturday, August 16, Echoing Green Fellows Adam Bucko, Nandini Narula, and Toni Blackman offered some insider’s perspective on what it’s like to be a social entrepreneur. Both laughter and words of inspiration filled the room as our charismatic panelists and moderator Lara Galinsky, Echoing Green Vice President of Strategy, turned what could have been a stale lecture into lighthearted conversation on everything from personal journeys to board selection.

When asked, “Why do you do what you do,” a question posed frequently to Echoing Green staff and Fellows, Nandini said she came to the realization that her work as a technology consultant prior to founding GreenMango was unfulfilling. She asked herself, “Am I happy? Am I adding meaning to the world?” to which she could only answer, “No.” In addition to needing a personal connection to the work they do, a common lesson learned by all of the panelists was to value private time as much as work.  Majora Carter of Sustainable South Bronx also highlighted this need in her keynote address.  The work of these leaders is often as powerful as it is spiritually and physically taxing.  Adam stressed the importance of unwinding with everyday rituals, and listed some simple sources for his own inspiration.  

To hear his list, as well as any other workshops you may have missed, subscribe to the CraigsListFoundation podcast (they will be releasing last week's sessions over the next several months).