Passion is a curious thing. We think about it as something powerful but quixotic, like an emotion that lovers share until it burns away.
But for a growing number of people, passion is driving an enduring way of thinking, working, and living.
Across generations and geographics, people feel passionately about issues like the environment, social justice, and sustainability. Their passion informs where they work. And as consumers, they vote with their wallets, opting to do business with companies that share their personal values.
Consumers are driving the next great social change via their wallets, and no amount of advertising, PR, or marketing budget can overcome the power of consumers committed to purpose.
I love to see these stories, where real people are supporting real change – and making real progress in the pursuit of their goals. That’s why I was thrilled to hear about the launch of a new original content series called “Blank Canvas.”
Hosted by Baratunde Thurston – the acclaimed writer, activist, comedian, best-selling author, and Emmy-nominated storyteller – Blank Canvas is a can’t-miss digital video series by SAP.
Each episode is developed around issues that people are passionate about, including fashion, sports, and food. But the program investigates a unique angle of each topic, telling the stories of industries, companies, and individuals driving change. The series launches February 2 on SAP Insights.
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Knowing what Baratunde has done in his work for outlets like The Daily Show, NatGeo, Discovery’s Science Channel, and podcasts like “How to Citizen with Baratunde,” I’m sure Blank Canvas will be intriguing.
But there’s another reason I’m so excited: After each episode airs, I’ll be hosting a live-streamed After Party” to discuss the Blank Canvas videos.
Audience members can join me and industry influencers to further discuss what we’ve seen – and what it means as we bring passion to work and play. You can engage with the panel in the comments and be part of the conversation.
I’m especially looking forward to working with our respected panel of influencers, who will lend their expertise and insight to our discussions.
Joy Taylor: Host, Fox Sports
With a quick wit, sharp tongue, and some legendary football DNA, Joy co-hosts with Colin Cowherd on sports talk radio show The Herd. She also hosts a weekly podcast “Maybe I’m Crazy,” as well as a weekly YouTube show, “Joy Taylor Talks” and hosts Thursday Night Football – “Scouts Feed” on Prime Video and Twitch. Joy has covered some of the biggest events in sports including the Super Bowl, NBA Finals, MLB All-Star Weekend, the U.S. Open and the Floyd Mayweather-Conor McGregor fight.
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Arunava Chaudhuri: Strategic and technical advisor, RoundGlass Sports
As a German-born person of Indian origin, Arunava founded IndianFootball.Com, India’s first website fully dedicated to football. He worked for various media organizations around the world, including Deutsche Welle (radio, television & online), ESPN-Star Sports, Times Now, Headlines Today (India Today), WION and he founded his German hometown channel rs1tv in Remscheid. Arun hosts his own blog, arunfoot, about football and has worked on a number of football projects across the world in management and as a consultant.
Maya Penn: CEO, eco-designer, sustainability consultant, filmmaker, animator, VR and tech author, keynote speaker, TED speaker
Twenty-year old, award-winning Maya is Oprah’s youngest Super Soul 100 change maker and author of You Got This! (Published by Simon & Schuster). She is the CEO of Maya’s Ideas, a successful eco-friendly apparel company she started in 2008 at age eight. Featured in countless publications, Maya’s latest TEDWomen Talk has gone viral worldwide, with almost two million views. Magic Johnson chose Maya to be featured in his 32 Under 32 article series. Maya has received a commendation from President Barack Obama for outstanding achievement in environmental stewardship.
Tara Nolan: New York City-based business development executive
With over 13 years in media and advertising, she is the former Director of Global Brand and Business Development for global creative network MullenLowe Group and previous Director of Marketing & Communications for PHD Media Worldwide. She holds an MBA in International Business and is a proven change agent effective at transforming company culture, reputation, and bottom line.
Sabrina Medora: National Food Writer and Speaker
Sabrina is the creator of Un-Plated, a website that provides a behind-the-scenes look into the grit and glam of working in the restaurant industry. She was awarded a “Certificate of Outstanding Achievement” by the James Beard Foundation and she has been named one of the top 10 most influential women in food by Chicago Woman Magazine. Her colorful writing style and love of all things food pushed her name to the top of foodies’ must-read lists in Washington D.C. and beyond.
Rob Rubba: Chef/Partner
Rob is the Chef/Partner of Oyster Oyster, a sustainability focused restaurant in Washington D.C. where cuisine is a reflection of the Mid-Atlantic with plant, mushroom and oyster-based cooking. Chef Rubba also is a co-founder of Bakers Against Racism. Prior to Oyster Oyster, Rubba held posts in some of the best kitchens across the country working under Chefs Gordon Ramsay, Guy Savoy, Laurent Gras, and the late Charlie Trotter. Most recently, Chef Rubba was the executive chef at the award-winning Shaw hotspot Hazel in Washington D.C.
Sounds like a great panel of experts, right? I hope you’ll watch the Blank Canvas videos and make plans to join our “After Party.” I promise you’ll enjoy some great conversation and thought-provoking discussion about passion and the drive for change.
