System Catalysts

Today, we’re sharing an episode from Passion Struck, a podcast hosted by John R. Miles, where Jeffrey Walker was a guest in 2022. Known for spotlighting some of the world’s most insightful voices, Passion Struck offers practical advice on bringing intentionality and purpose into your career, well-being, life, and relationships. In this episode, John and Jeff explore Jeff's journey of addressing global challenges through a systems change lens. If you want to get to know Jeff outside of System Catalysts, this episode is a great place to start—because understanding begins with listening. 🎧: https://lnkd.in/exbh4h8C

What do systems change and endurance cycling have in common? They both demand grit, perseverance, and a willingness to tackle challenges that feel insurmountable at the moment. But here’s the thing—when you make it to the end, whether it’s crossing the finish line or achieving systems change, the sense of accomplishment is unmatched. Listen to this week’s episode with Marcie Cook, Vice President of Social Enterprises at Population Services International, about how she’s spent decades transforming health care in underserved communities. Like when she endurance cycles, the journey might be tough, but the reward is worth it. 🎧: https://lnkd.in/eDYaqX4v

If you’ve navigated the U.S. healthcare system, you’ve likely felt the sting of high costs, long wait times, and endless referrals. It’s frustrating at best and financially devastating at worst. But in many parts of the world, accessing health care is even more challenging—especially for women. That’s where  Marcie Cook comes in. As  Vice President of Social Enterprises at Population Services International, she’s spent decades transforming health care in underserved communities. In this week’s episode, Marcie breaks down: ➡️ What social enterprises are—and how they can repair fragmented healthcare systems. ➡️ A bold, holistic vision for one-stop-shop health care that could change lives worldwide. If you’re passionate about healthcare or are seeking fresh ideas to bring to your organization, this episode will leave you feeling inspired and hopeful. 🎧:  https://lnkd.in/eDYaqX4v Special thanks to the team who made this episode happen: 🎙️  Hosts: Jeffrey Walker and English Sall 👋 Guest: Marcie Cook, Vice President, Population Services International and Head of Viya Health 🎥 Producer: Hueman Group Media 🤝 Partners: Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project, New Profit, Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation, Echoing Green, Maverick Collective by PSI, Virgin Unite, Synergos , Forward Global, NEXUS Global, Boldly Go Philanthropy, Skoll Foundation, and The Aspen Institute

Life seems to move faster than ever. Packed schedules, endless to-do lists, and constant notifications leave little space for activities like doodling, dancing, or even belting out your favorite tunes. Moments like these aren’t just fleeting joys; they’re essential for our well-being. In fact, there are hundreds of studies showing the health benefits of creative expression. Art in all its forms—whether creating or simply experiencing it—can have a huge impact on our health. Susan Magsamen has dedicated her career to studying neuroaesthetics–the science of how art makes us feel. Her work with International Arts + Mind Lab, Center for Applied Neuroaesthetics, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and Neuroarts Blueprint bridges the gap between science and art to create a wide coalition of partners that promote art and aesthetic experiences into activities that will promote individual and collective well-being. So, the next time you find yourself singing in the car, sketching on a napkin, or dancing like no one’s watching, take a moment to notice how it makes you feel—and then make more space for it in your life. 🎧: https://lnkd.in/eznhFxdg

When discussing systems change, the conversation often centers on those traditionally seen as agents of societal impact, like philanthropists and non-profit leaders. But here’s the thing: systems change can be for everyone. Take Susan Magsamen, for example. From a young age, Susan discovered the profound impact art has on communication and self-expression. That spark led her to dedicate her career to the field of neuroaesthetics—essentially, the science of how art makes us feel. Building on her research, Susan has created a coalition that bridges the worlds of science, art, healthcare, and community action. Together, they’re integrating neuroaesthetics into practices that promote individual and collective health, supporting mental wellness in innovative and deeply human ways. If you’ve ever doubted whether your work can create meaningful, lasting change, let Susan’s story be your reminder: systems change starts with bold ideas and collaborative action. This episode is proof that we all have a role to play. 🎧:  https://lnkd.in/eznhFxdg Special thanks to the team who made this episode happen: 🎙️  Hosts: Jeffrey Walker and English Sall 👋 Guest: Susan Magsamen, Executive Director of International Arts + Mind Lab, Center for Applied Neuroaesthetics, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and Co-Director of Neuroarts Blueprint 🎥 Producer: Hueman Group Media 🤝 Partners: Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project, New Profit, Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation, Echoing Green, Maverick Collective by PSI, Virgin Unite, Synergos , Forward Global, NEXUS Global, Boldly Go Philanthropy, Skoll Foundation, and The Aspen Institute

Happy Giving Tuesday! On this #GivingTuesday, let's remember the incredible power of ideas—especially when we share them and let others make them their own. In honor of today, revisit our first-ever episode with Asha Curran, CEO of GivingTuesday, on creating a global movement that moves without you: https://lnkd.in/dHnp-5pV

If you look at Congress’ voting trends in the last 50 years, it’ll show that veterans voted in a more bipartisan way. Why is that? If you ask Rye Barcott, it comes down to shared experiences—experiences that teach service, teamwork, and finding common ground, even in the most divisive times. Rye and his organization, With Honor, are taking this insight to the next level by training and electing more veterans to Congress—leaders who aren’t afraid to work across the aisle to pass meaningful legislation. This episode dives into how finding common ground can drive real change. Because no matter how different our worldviews might be, there’s always something we share—a starting point for conversation, collaboration, and, maybe, healing our country. 🎧: https://lnkd.in/e4PggjE2

What’s one challenge that feels almost impossible to solve? Crippling polarization in the U.S.--especially in Congress. As a former Marine veteran, Rye Barcott deeply understands the power of service to bridge divides. Drawing from his experience, Rye is now tackling one of the country’s most divisive issues: bringing bipartisan collaboration back to Congress. Through With Honor, Rye and his team are training and electing veteran leaders who are uniquely positioned to work across the aisle. Why? Because shared experiences in service teach collaboration and respect, even among those with widely different views. And the results speak for themselves. With Honor has supported 36 veteran members of Congress, who together have helped pass 150 laws advancing national security and service. This episode proves that even the toughest challenges can be overcome when we start with common ground. 🎧:  https://lnkd.in/e4PggjE2 Special thanks to the team who made this episode happen: 🎙️  Hosts: Jeffrey Walker and English Sall 👋 Guest: Rye Barcott, Co-founder and CEO of With Honor 🎥 Producer: Hueman Group Media 🤝 Partners: Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project, New Profit, Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation, Echoing Green, Maverick Collective by PSI, Virgin Unite, Synergos , Forward Global, NEXUS Global, Boldly Go Philanthropy, Skoll Foundation, and The Aspen Institute

The most powerful goals are the ones that are specific, measurable, and bring us together–inspiring collective action and shared purpose. Whether launching a new organization or trying to break out of a lull, setting goals is crucial for charting a clear path toward where you want to go. This episode is full of valuable insights and practical tips on the art of goal setting. 🎧Listen to John McArthur Director of the Center for Sustainable Development at The Brookings Institution and Co-founder of the 17 Rooms Initiative, here: https://lnkd.in/ebNGwMWC

Setting goals is a bit like Goldilocks searching for the perfect chair: too broad, and your progress becomes impossible to measure; too specific, and you risk losing people’s interest. The key is to aim for goals that are just right. But what does “just right” look like in practice? Enter John McArthur, Director of the Center for Sustainable Development at The Brookings Institution and Co-founder of the 17 Rooms Initiative. His expertise in developing and tracking Sustainable Development Goals is, well, goals, as he works to address some of the world’s biggest challenges. By the end of this episode, you’ll not only learn how to set impactful goals for your organization but also gain strategies for navigating setbacks when goals fall short. 🎧: https://lnkd.in/ebNGwMWC Special thanks to the team who made this episode happen: 🎙️  Hosts: Jeffrey Walker and English Sall 👋 Guest: John McArthur, Director of the Center for Sustainable Development at The Brookings Institution and Co-founder of the 17 Rooms Initiative 🎥 Producer: Hueman Group Media 🤝 Partners: Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project, New Profit, Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation, Echoing Green, Maverick Collective by PSI, Virgin Unite, Synergos , Forward Global, NEXUS Global, Boldly Go Philanthropy, Skoll Foundation, and The Aspen Institute