How to Take Care of Our Communities Through Small Episodes of Engagement

2020 has arguably been one of the most tumultuous years in recent U.S. history, although it has offered many the opportunity for introspection and reflection. Margarita and Mark take this episode to reflect on how we can take better care of each other during these trying times.

Winner-take-all mentalities are toxic – especially right now, when the need for good and peace in the world is at an all-time high. In terms of game design thinking, this mentality would be that of the sociopathic Dominator game player archetype where you can only be successful by bringing others down. Rather, the more expansive mentality would be that many of us can win, because many of us can have mastery of this game.

The ability to accept multiple winners in the game of life has a lot to do with neuroplasticity and the type of mindset that one holds. Carol Dweck at Stanford University studies growth versus fixed mindsets, and the ability of us to rewire our brains and have agency over our lives. Our mindset and response to events in our lives give us some sort of agency and contributes to achieving some sort of inner peace.

In order to have something valuable to offer to others and our communities, the first person that we need to start with is ourselves. Only once we have internal fulfillment can we show up to be kind and abundant to others. 

Margarita portrays this concept of self-abundance and subsequent generosity through the oral history in her family. Her father would tell stories of her grandfather, who luckily still had a job during the great depression, but was selfless despite the economic circumstances. He would hunt and spend his money on 50lb bags of rice and beans, and he would go and give people in his neighborhood their rations of food. That’s just what they did. 

It was all about non-transactional, cooperative sharing. It’s all about the idea that: we will take care of each other as long as we need to, and that’s how we will get through it all in the midst of uncertainty.

There’s more to Mark and Margarita’s conversation than just that. Here’s more of what you can expect:

  • Mark’s community experience in his Papua New Guinea upbringing
  • Margarita’s venture capital lessons in strengthening social fabric
  • The impact of technology and social media in making a change
  • The value of non-transactional relationships
  • Cocktail chatter over LinkedIn

And MUCH more! 

Resources 

Sponsored by Game Design Thinking

Mark – LinkedIn

Margarita – LinkedIn

Dr. Carol Dweck’s Mindset Research

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