Ordinary People Extraordinary Ideas
Positive Action

The Impossible Network began as an experiment in serendipity to grow a network. It quickly evolved to focus on telling the stories of curious-minded, purposeful people, driving positive change for social good.

Now the next chapter is underway. Besides telling the stories that need to be heard of these amazing people, we are now engineering connections and random collisions that bring together curious and creative problem solvers from across the arts, business, science, and technology to form action engines and collaborate to solve some of our more pressing problems.

We have enough think tanks. This is the time for action.

The Back Story

The Impossible Network began as an experiment in serendipity. We started by interviewing three people we knew and asked them who do we interview next?

It resulted in us interviewing a diverse range of people, all living extraordinary lives, creating social impact, confronting social inequity, or working to solve big problems.

This led us to ask the question “How powerful and impactful could this network become if we connected the guests together?” We will soon find out.

Engineering Random Collisions

We have become more intentional with the scope of our guests to include what we are calling The Storytellers, The Difference Makers and the Domain Experts. They range from curious-minded creative problem-solvers, branding and communication experts, activists and artists, social impact entrepreneurs, and philanthropists to scientists and engineers. They are all working in their own manner, hyper-locally, or globally, to accelerate innovation and positive impact.

Whilst we still aim to inspire through sharing their personal stories, we have recognized the untapped potential of connecting these guests together. As a result, we have started to engineer random collision events and design thinking workshops where we bring diverse minds together to focus on a defined problem or challenge. The alchemy of combining their experiences, insights, and imagination enables what may currently feel impossible, actually be possible. Through exploration, discussion, and debate, we unearth unexpected ideas and innovations that result in smart actions to address some of our more pressing societal or brand challenges and problems.

Latest Episode

The Impossible Network

The Impossible Network

Ep 212: Bracken Darrell - Transforming Forward, Design Thinking and Sustainability - Insights from Logitech CEO

00:00 / 00:43:24

Popular Guests

Carmen D'Alessio

‘Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is a gift, that is why we call it the present.
Co-Founder, Studio 54

Michael McElroy

‘And we tried to see the inequities in our industry and it was out there for all the world to see at a time when we could not smoke and mirror it.’

Tony Award Winner

Sana Mustafa

‘My father was forcibly disappeared by the Assad regime in 2013…it was the moment that changed my life’ Author and Activist

Carmen D'Alessio

‘Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is a gift, that is why we call it the present.
Co-Founder, Studio 54

Michael McElroy

‘And we tried to see the inequities in our industry and it was out there for all the world to see at a time when we could not smoke and mirror it.’

Tony Award Winner

Sana Mustafa

‘My father was forcibly disappeared by the Assad regime in 2013…it was the moment that changed my life’ Author and Activist

Alessandra Lariu

‘It’s not the end result but the journey that matters.’
Founder, She Says

Courtney Rennicke

‘Have the integrity to act in the world consistent with your emotional truth.’
Founder, Rennicke & Associates

Kathryn Finney

‘I might not be the prettiest, the smartest, but I will outwork you…and that work ethic came from my family’ Founder, Entrepreneur, Investor

Alessandra Lariu

‘It’s not the end result but the journey that matters.’
Founder, She Says

Courtney Rennicke

‘Have the integrity to act in the world consistent with your emotional truth.’
Founder, Rennicke & Associates

Kathryn Finney

‘I might not be the prettiest, the smartest, but I will outwork you…and that work ethic came from my family’ Founder, Entrepreneur, Investor

Subscribe On You Preferred Player

Or Follow Us

theimpossiblenetwork

Remember the movie Sliding Doors? That Gwyneth Pal

Remember the movie Sliding Doors? That Gwyneth Paltrow movie where a split second decision can make a life long impact on your life. Ashley Usiskin made one such decision when he spotted Simon Sinek on a Eurostar train and decided to ask for his help. That simple action has opened doors and led to connections otherwise unimaginable. Check out my interview with Ashley and hear why he’s on a mission to change our perceptions of asking for help; transforming help rejectors to help receivers by offering practical tools to change mindsets and motivate us all to ‘Help ourselves by helping each other’.

My guest this week is Dave Birss. With over 30 yea

My guest this week is Dave Birss. With over 30 years of experience in creativity, technology, and innovation Dave has become a highly respected and sought-after public speaker and trainer of creative minds.

Dave has taken everything he has learned over the past three decades to become a polymath who shares insights into the worlds of creativity, innovation, and now AI.

Currently, Dave is the most popular AI and prompt engineering instructor on LinkedIn Learning. His forward-thinking approach has put him at the forefront of the AI wave, allowing him to balance practical approaches with advancing technology. As he says ‘ In a world of myopic evangelists and apocalyptic naysayers, his guided, sensible approach helps embrace the AI future with our eyes wide open. By stripping away the BS of AI he’s an expert in explaining how it can really add value to an organization and individuals.

His award-winning books, including "How To Get To Great Ideas," "A User Guide To The Creative Mind," "Friction," and "Iconic Advantage," give readers insight into how great ideas can transform business. That is why the next book he is currently working on will explore the best ways to use AI in business.

Jon Alexander has a story to tell. It’s called t

Jon Alexander has a story to tell. It’s called the Citizen story and it’s imperative that we all wake up to the fact that the story we’ve lived for all our lives is crumbling. The consumer story can’t sustain itself. “Times are a changin”

🔆 After a heartfelt hiatus following my mother'

🔆 After a heartfelt hiatus following my mother's passing, I am excited to announce this week's inspiring guest - Jon Alexander! 🎙️

📚 Jon is the brilliant author behind the important and thought-provoking book "CITIZENS: Why the Key to Fixing Everything is All of Us." As the co-founder of the New Citizenship Project, he leads a pioneering strategy and innovation consultancy with a powerful mission – catalyzing a shift towards a more participatory, citizen-led society and a simple but profound belief: when given the right opportunity, people can and will shape the things that matter to them for the better. 💪

🌟 Jon's career journey began in ad land, where he worked with top-notch agencies like AMV(BBDO) and Fallon, creating ads for some of the world's biggest brands. But it was during this time that he began questioning the prevailing narrative of the industry – the consumer story. His soul-searching led him on a transformative path to discover his true passion – advocating for a new way of thinking that elevates the status of citizens in our society. 🌍

📖 Through his book and the impactful work of his organization, Jon is on a journey to shift the dominant story of individuals from mere consumers to empowered citizens. His vision reframes our current moment as a time of immense civic opportunity, offering a world of possibilities for countries, cities, and organizations that embrace the Citizen Story. 🌱

📚 Personally, I can't emphasize enough the significance of Jon's book – it might just be the most important read I've had in years. His call for a fundamental story shift is pivotal, especially as we confront the meta-crisis that humanity and our planet are currently facing. 🌏

🎯 Please listen and share my conversation with Jon Alexander and his insights and vision for a future where citizens come together to shape a brighter world. Let's all embrace the power of citizenship! 🌟

This week, I have the pleasure of revisiting my 20

This week, I have the pleasure of revisiting my 2021 interview with the talented filmmaker Sav Rodgers as he unveils his latest documentary, "Chasing Chasing Amy," at the esteemed Tribeca Film Festival on June 8th. Sav's work is not merely a coming-of-age narrative, but it also offers an introspective journey of his process of reconciling with his identity. He unpacks how the 1990s rom-com "Chasing Amy," directed by Kevin Smith and featuring Ben Affleck, served as a catalyst for Sav to embrace his pansexuality authentically. The film also critically examines the contentious reputation of "Chasing Amy" within the LGBTQ+ community. With compelling interviews including Kevin Smith himself, the documentary stands as a testament to Sav's resilience in the face of prejudice and intolerance, his robust character, and his unwavering spirit of survival. It also showcases how serendipity can unveil promising opportunities.

Given that it's Pride Month, the timing for this interview couldn't be more apt.

A prescient extract from my 2019 interview with Jo

A prescient extract from my 2019 interview with John C. Havens C Havens the Executive Director of The IEEE Global Initiative on Ethics of Autonomous and Intelligent Systems and their Sustainability Practice Lead. John lays out what could be AI’s race to the bottom and the significant ethical dilemma surrounding the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and automation in our society when success is viewed solely through the lens of “exponential growth,” and measured in terms of increased speed, efficiency, and profit.
While new technologies always lead to new jobs and skills, an uncritical and unchecked application of AI and automation tools, could result in mass job displacement and the replacement of human skills ahead of the emerging skills. The economic impact of such a gap could be catastrophic. It reinforces the importance of interdisciplinary dialogue in AI ethics and regulation, involving experts in public policy, economics, business, society, and technology.

Throwback to my 2019 conversation with John C. Hav

Throwback to my 2019 conversation with John C. Havens, the Executive Director of The IEEE Global Initiative on AI Ethics. 🎙️ John, an esteemed thought leader in AI and Ethics, had so much to share on the impact of Generative AI on our work, society, and humanity at large.

From discussing the real value of our personal data to the challenges of exponential growth, our exchange was as relevant then as it is now. 🌐💡

Perhaps most inspiring was John's vision for a more sustainable future society, a goal we should all keep in sight as we navigate the technological revolution. 🌍💫

#AI #AIethics #DataPrivacy #Sustainability #Innovation"

While we wrestle with AI let’s not forget it’s

While we wrestle with AI let’s not forget it’s within our power and agency to determine the ethos ofAi. Check this weeks episode to open your mind.

Omar Freilla, is a revolutionary human spearheadin

Omar Freilla, is a revolutionary human spearheading a global nexus of Black-led cooperatives and supportive organizations, called Collective Diaspora.

A trailblazer at heart, Omar is steadfast in his commitment to cultivating community self-reliance and fostering economies that regenerate. His roots in the South Bronx, marked by stories of community resilience, ignited his passion for equitable and sustainable economic systems.

Inspired by his time with the NYC Environmental Justice Alliance and Sustainable South Bronx, Omar saw cooperatives as the transformative tool to disrupt conventional economic narratives.

His brainchild, Green Worker Cooperatives, blazed a trail by launching the very first worker cooperative business accelerator in the US, leading the way for groundbreaking cooperative development strategies. His innovative endeavors don't stop there, with co-founding the U.S. Federation of Worker Cooperatives, the Democracy At Work Institute, and the NYC Network of Worker Cooperatives all under his belt.

When he's not revolutionizing the economic landscape, Omar imparts wisdom as an adjunct lecturer at City College of New York, influences policy on New York's Environmental Justice Advisory Board, and contributes to the state's Just Transition Working Group.

Our conversation was an eye-opener, shedding light on the vast potential of worker-led economies in uplifting historically underserved communities. It also gave me a chance to reflect on the privileges I've had.

Omar Freilla is through his Collective Diaspora ne

Omar Freilla is through his Collective Diaspora network is working to create regenerative economies by building a movement and growing a global community of Black cooperatives & Black-led cooperative support organizations.

Marcus Garvey reminds us of the power of unity and

Marcus Garvey reminds us of the power of unity and service to others. Omar Frill lives this. Check out the pod to be inspired.
The pursuit of self-interest may yield immediate results, but it's the selfless acts that create a lasting impact. As we all navigate our paths through life, let's strive in however we can to contribute to the common good, for these are the deeds that transcend time and space, taking us into eternity. #MarcusGarvey #Unity #ServiceToOthers #Eternity"

PSA from Dr. Morgaine Gaye - eat the clean 15.

PSA from Dr. Morgaine Gaye - eat the clean 15.

Load More Follow on Instagram

Stay connected

You will receive a dose of our impossible stories and links to inspire action.

Copyright © 2022 The Impossible Network | Powered by Fabrica Collective

Privacy Policy