Leaders Shifting the Planet
Jane Wells Founder Of 3 Generations Survivors of crimes against humanity have vital stories to tell. At 3 Generations we’ve created a safe place for them to do so, in their own words and without any agenda except to share their truth with the world. We have filmed and curated stories from survivors of the genocides of the 20th and 21st centuries: tortured Tibetans, war veterans, and sex trafficking victims here in the United States. Storytelling heals the teller and moves the listener to action. These stories remind us of our common humanity. 3g en er atio n s .o rg
What motivates you?
Leilani Münter Race car driver Environmental activist
Richard “Ric” O’Barry Director: Dolphin Project, Earth Island Institute I spent my first ten years capturing dolphins in the wild and training them, including training the dolphins used in the 1960’s “Flipper” TV show. But I decided they really don’t belong in captivity, and I have spent the last 40 years of my life trying to end captivity of dolphins and release them back into the wild where they belong (see “The Cove” documentary.) They are the only wild animal that repeatedly through history have saved human lives. They ask nothing from us, except to be free.
As a passionate environmental activist, I have found that it is not my biology degree but instead my role as a race car driver that has given me a voice to speak to 75 million race fans in the USA about environmental issues. It’s the exact opposite of preaching to the choir. My race car has carried messages about clean energy and [saving] dolphins. I’m working on a plant-based diet-themed race car for 2013. After all, if we speak only to those people who already agree with us, who is going to change the minds of those who don’t? c ar bo n fr eeg i r l .co m
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Lisa Rueff
Zane Kessler
Jean Oelwang
Humanitarian Tour Guide, Yogaventures
Executive Director of The Thompson Divide Coalition
Virgin Unite CEO
There are places in the American West that take your breath away. The Thompson Divide area is one of those special places. It is home to the world’s largest interconnected aspen grove, multiple freeflowing waterways, pristine wildlife habitats, enclaves of organic farming, and traditional ranching culture. Unfortunately, more than 75,000 acres in the heart of the Thompson Divide are slated for natural gas development. Simply put, I am inspired by the idea of looking back someday and quietly saying to myself, “We protected that.” Save Th o m p so n Divi de .o rg
People who never accept the unacceptable inspire me. There is a wonderful opportunity for us to stop trying to save the world and instead reinvent how we live and work in the world. As part of this we need to change the way we do business to ensure that it becomes a force for good. I’m inspired every day by leaders who are putting people and planet at the core of all they do. It’s time to make radical transparency and collaboration the new sexy.
I lead international humanitarian journeys, and am inspired by the participants as they discover the joys of philanthropy and sustainable volunteer work. Together we witness firsthand how we can each make mutually enriching, extraordinary impacts by listening, learning, and acting with compassion and passion. I’m motivated by how participants engage their personal communities with fundraising efforts before their trips, and return with personal stories and experiences. Recently, I’ve partnered with Virgin Unite, and am leading Connection Trips to spotlight frontline leaders doing exceptional international work, and celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit. yogaventu r es .o rg w w w. jacmelch i ldr en .o rg
photos: Top RighT, Craig Davidson and Simon Hutchins; BELOW RIGHT, Philip Schneider 94 ORIGINMAGAZINE.COM
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photos: to p, Tan ya Habj o u q a B isar a ; B ELOW RIG HT: Alex Aberc ro mb i e ORIGINMAGAZINE.COM 95