Imagine A World
*This post was originally written in March 20, 2020. Talk about a moment in time.
As I attempt to stay sane, healthy and calm in these uncertain times, I’ve been thinking a lot about what potential good could come out of this global pandemic - hopefully as we come together quickly and stop the spread. Systems that have not been working for far too long, division over finding common ground, massive imbalances between the haves and have nots and basic common grounds like science coming into question. How will we rise up and overcome these broken systems to beat the Coronavirus?
Imagine a world where American fashion brands truly lean into their heritage and collaborate on pooling their manufacturing resources towards making masks. Where they work with German, Japanese and Chinese engineering firms, raising capital from global Billionaires. $4M for a key component of the mask, chump change for some but a purpose that is invaluable to others.
Imagine a world where Elon Musk, Mary Barra and Jim Hackett get on a call with the manufacturers of ventilators and they ask, how can we help? Recognizing that in times like these, every person and company needs to be moving towards war-like efforts in tackling this virus. For the sake of our world’s health, the economy and their future customers, they have an opportunity to make these sacrifices instead of waiting for the inevitable, future government bailout.
Imagine a world where the best creative problem-solvers, a TED-like assembly of folks across medicine, consulting, public health, economists and creative problem-solvers get on a Zoom call with key politicians to create systems that help stop the spread, capturing data and appropriately using and sharing resources. All agendas, especially political, are 100% put aside for the greater good with an army of “doers” to activate these systems. It’s not an arm’s race to compete, but an army as one all working together to find a vaccine and cure.
Imagine a world where the most advanced scientists in genetic sequencing and data analysis partner with data group centers like Lenovo, IBM and the software engineers of Microsoft and Google to ensure that computational capabilities and engineering resources are not a restriction in the search for a cure.
Imagine a world where banks sit across the table (or on a call) from leaders in small businesses and independent contractors, clamoring to provide the next small loan over bankrolling the next billion dollar IPO. They are just as eager to keep the workhorses of our economy healthy as they are, profiting from the next billion dollar unicorn.
Imagine a world where the health of our economy no longer hinges on quarterly earnings. When the word “capital” doesn’t just stand for money and goods, but for the health of our human capital, our environment and holistic measures of growth beyond the numbers.
Imagine a world where what is good for my neighbor is good for me. Where I rise when they do. Where we all truly come together as a nation, as a world, as citizens and corporations, as government organizations, leaders and participants to beat this disease.
I’m seeing it happen. Citizen to citizen, we have raised each other up through virtual chats, Instagram dance parties, restaurant gift certificates, Go Fund Me’s and doing our part to socially distance. We have challenged our government and business leaders to put their efforts where it matters. A wave of coming together that is rising in strength with each community act, each division that is broken, each agreement. A wartime effort not seen in 80 years. A monumental shift where we’re being forced to turn inwards on what truly matters and outwards on our role as a community. Time spent with family. Grateful for the most basic needs; health, family, our loved ones, toilet paper, and laughter through the uncertainty.
Imagine a world where we beat this, together.