Amidst a “loneliness epidemic” that can feel so overwhelming — especially among young people — how do we make hope come alive? At the Resnick Aspen Action Forum, changemakers explored one of the most powerful emotions in the human experience: hope. From South Africa to Mississippi, panelists reflected on their work catalyzing relationships, community, and belief in the possibility of a life well-lived. With a nod to systemic trends, this conversation turns toward ways we might meaningfully relate to new technologies like generative AI, synthetic media, and “companion chatbots” while still learning how to relate to each other as humans. Panelists illustrate the importance of collaborating across sectors, generations, and cultures — and the benefit of unrestricted, nonprescriptive funding in tackling dynamic, nonlinear issues like youth mental health.

What does values-driven leadership look like in the world of artificial intelligence (AI)? And what responsibilities do AI consumers have? At the Resnick Aspen Action Forum, changemakers at the intersection of AI innovation and leadership development explored these questions, which resonate deeply with the founding purpose of the Aspen Institute. The Institute was established in the wake of World War II—a conflict that demonstrated how failed leadership and technological advancements can lead to devastating impacts. Turning to James O’Toole’s Executive’s Compass framework, this conversation examines how AI creates both risks and opportunities that put core values like liberty, equality, community, and efficiency in tension. Who decides the future of AI’s evolution and implementation? And who chooses these decision-makers? Without a clear AI governance structure, panelists discussed the importance of individual agency as we render collective solutions such as digital rights and new systems for stakeholder engagement and oversight. Moderator: Chris Varelas: Founding Partner of Riverwood Capital; Co-Founder, Aspen Finance Leaders Fellowship; Aspen Institute Trustee Panelists: Amy Benziger: Founding Strategic Advisor, Technology Leaders Fellowship* Jen Zhu Scott: Founding Partner, IN. Capital; Aspen Institute China Fellow

How do we listen even when we are the most hurt? How do we disagree without disappearing? At the Resnick Aspen Action Forum, changemakers explored what it means — and what it takes — to stay at the table during the most difficult moments. This conversation turns toward clues in history, reminding us that the institutions of today were once the result of creative innovation.

How can we see the light during such painful times? How can we take pause amidst chaos and hurt to stay curious? Who can we turn to and where can we go to find our common humanity? Simran Jeet Singh, a national leader in the areas of equity, inclusion, and social justice joins us on LIMINAL to share his lived experience and offer practical wisdom for seeing the light.

Suzanne Biegel, a beloved member of the Aspen Global Leadership Network was diagnosed with incurable lung cancer in 2022. In confronting the end of her life, Suzanne has found clarified vision around how to spend her time, live into her purpose, and speak truth. It's with gratitude that Suzanne joins us on LIMINAL to explore how we might all allow the shortness of life to shape how we show up for the better.

On this episode of LIMINAL, we are in conversation with Jessica Sager, Pahara Fellow and co-founder and CEO of All Our Kin, and Bernadette, an early-childhood educator on questions of what caregiving means to our culture and why we aren’t paying enough attention.

Massive transformation is underway in the way we work and our relationship to work. Rethink how ideas of power (and how we share it) could help inform better decision-making and ultimately create prosperity for everyone.

Climate change poses one of the most existential threats of our time. It is a complex and overwhelming problem that requires a diverse set of solutions. We also know that at its core, this crisis, like many, is a moral challenge, rather than a technical one. In this episode of LIMINAL, we invite you to think less about the “what” of climate work and more about the “who” and “who” we need to be in order to create the transformational change required to combat the warming planet. On this episode, Dar Vanderbeck is in conversation with two climate leaders - Dr. Katharine Wilkinson, Executive Director of the All We Can Save Project and author of Drawdown and Brett Jenks, CEO of Rare and an Aspen Institute Catto Fellow, to explore their unique paths into climate work and invite you to think about the ways you might show up.

The Groundwater Institute helps people make sense of our society is organized by race - and how that organization causes racial inequity. On the premiere of LIMINAL, Dar Vanderbeck is in conversation with the Groundwater team on their analysis and how they work with leaders to propel their anti-racism journeys.

How do we go beyond the binary of gun control versus gun rights to get to the crux of this issue to save lives? Arne Duncan and Megan Ranney talk their unique approaches to gun violence prevention.

It’s going to take more than one type of leader to tackle our most vexing social challenges. Hear from Deepa Iyer, designer of the "Social Change Ecosystem Map" on how she designed this tool to help anyone find their role in change-making.

We are living through a time of intense conflict in what seems like every part of society - online, on TV, and in our communities. So, on this episode of the Value of Leadership, we ask: Why are we so polarized?

As the new Executive Director of the Aspen Institute’s Finance Leaders Fellowship, Kara Gustafson is mobilizing a global community of finance industry leaders for a journey that ignites their passion and directs their skills and talents toward solving some of society’s most complex challenges. On this episode of the Value of Leadership, Kara shares what it was like to lead in this new movement that prioritized social return alongside financial return, and what continues to call her to this work.

Four Aspen Global Leadership Network Fellows are stepping up to close the racial wealth gap in the United States. The key? Revitalizing Black-owned banks.

Coming off of a week-long virtual retreat - called an UnSeminar - with their Civil Society Fellowship, a partnership of the Anti-Defamation League and the Aspen Institute, class, named “Mission: Redemption”, and a digital town hall where they engaged with community leaders from across the United States, Jenifer and Isaiah are back to discuss the grace and compassion needed to heal the deep divisions clearly present across the country. They’ll discuss how anyone can leverage their individual power to create a more just future, and, the common values all Americans still share - despite the polarization.

The Presidential election in the U.S. revealed deep divisions across political and ideological lines. Many are now asking: what will it take to bring the country together? In this special two-part episode of the Value of Leadership, we talk to two Fellows in the Civil Society Fellowship, a partnership of ADL and the Aspen Institute - Jenifer Sarver, Founder of Sarver Strategies in Austin, Texas and Isaiah Oliver, President and CEO of the Community Foundation of Greater Flint in Michigan on what it's going to take to heal the country.

In this episode, listen in on a dialogue with poignant and honest reflections from Aspen Global Leadership Network Fellows in Lebanon on their experience living through the compounding crises the country is experiencing. The Fellows’ share reflections on their roles, leadership, and failures up to these latest challenges, as well as how they’re moving forward. As we all try to navigate roles in an increasingly unstable and uncertain world – where fundamental decisions are being taken every day by governments and stakeholders that shape our systems and our lives – these insights are all the more relevant regardless of where you live.

In this episode we talk with Central America Leadership Initiative Fellow Jorge Garcia. He is a tech innovator and entrepreneur. He’s co-Founder & CTO of Iconic an app Development & Design studio that works with Fortune 500 companies and startups alike creating apps loved by millions of users across the globe. Now, he’s working on a new venture called Ballotted, a simple, secure, fully auditable, legally defensible e-voting platform that people can trust. And we need that now more than ever. Today, he shares the story behind creating this app, his thoughts on leadership and how activating his own values has influenced his actions – especially in the face of unique challenges that come with operating in the political space.