What’s Your Problem? Finding Purpose at Seeds of Change
A business leader, a scientist, an artist, and a curator walk into an auditorium—and then proceed to share some inspiring words of wisdom. That was the scene at the Danforth Center on October 29 during “Seeds of Change: Success, Leadership, and Finding Purpose.”
Launched in 2010, Seeds of Change was an annual event at the Center until the pandemic, providing a platform for thought-leaders to tell their stories and motivate others to better the world. Hosted by the Danforth Leadership Council (DLC), Tuesday night’s program marked the first in-person Seeds of Change in five years. And it was unlike any other. Rather than featuring just one speaker, the evening featured four standout guests, all from different fields. And all with important lessons to impart about solving problems and having an impact.
Penny Pennington, managing partner of Edward Jones, spoke about the importance of falling in love with a problem, and spoke about the problem that she is in love with. “Talent is spread more widely than actual opportunity,” she said. “I want to close that gap.”
Penny for Your Thoughts
After opening remarks from DLC Chair, Benjamin Ola Akande, PhD, the event kicked-off with a talk between Jim Carrington, PhD, president and CEO of the Danforth Center, and the night’s featured speaker—Penny Pennington. Named one of Fortune’s most powerful women, Penny serves as the Danforth Center’s board chair and is the first woman to lead Edward Jones. Her main message: fall in love with a problem that needs solving, and partner with people from various disciplines to find an innovative solution.
I believe that we can realize a healthier planet.
Allison Miller, PhD
Principal Investigator, Danforth Center;
Professor of Biology, Saint Louis University
Allison Miller, PhD, leads the New Roots for Restoration Biology Integration Institute, which aims to help restore the natural environment and make agriculture more sustainable. “I’m in love with this problem because I think we can solve it.”
The Art of Problem-Solving
Once Dr. Carrington ceded the floor to Penny, a panel of three remarkable women took the stage: artist Christine Corday; Kemper Art Museum Curator Meredith Malone, PhD; and Principal Investigator Allison Miller, PhD. What do they have in common? A passion for people, the planet, and the problems they’re trying to solve. Through her work at the Danforth Center, Allison is tackling a particularly daunting problem: sustainably feeding a growing population in a changing climate. And yet, as she put it, having passion for the problem is the way around any obstacles that stand in her way.
When I was introduced to the Danforth Center years ago, something sparked in me.
Penny Pennington
Managing Partner, Edward Jones;
Chair of the Danforth Center Board of Directors
Proceeds of Change
If there was one insight to glean from Seeds of Change, it was that everyone has the power to tackle big problems, but we must work together to create real solutions. If you would like to help us find solutions to some of our world’s most urgent problems, donate to the Danforth Center today.
Watch the Event:
Event Recording by HEC
Media Sponsor
For information on sponsoring Seeds of Change, contact Lee’at Bachar, Corporate and Foundation Relations Officer, at 3145.587.1210 or email: lbachar@danforthcenter.org.