Big Red Apple by National Geographic Learning

One of the other joys of the days on the road sharing 'Be Fearless' was the new ideas and perspectives I gained from readers of the book. The same fearless spirit that has been in the DNA of National Geographic for 131 years is alive as ever and encourages us to be vigilant for new opportunities to illuminate science, exploration, and storytelling for people everywhere. To update a story that was featured in the book, in early 2019 National Geographic embraced a partnership with the Walt Disney Company (resulting from its acquisition of 21st Century Fox) that holds all the commercial businesses of National Geographic.

This venerable institution, which I am so proud to be a part of, continues to be bold and take risks in a wide variety of ways.

In the end, the board supported the use of photography in the magazine, but two board members eventually resigned over the decision! The editor described how photos could be used to help bring the stories to life and expand the magazine's appeal, but some trustees simply weren't having it. So, when the matter was taken up by the board of trustees, there was skepticism about whether photography was befitting of a serious science and exploration journal. Back then, photography was a 'new tech' that was viewed by many as an unserious and passing fad. At the time, the editor of National Geographic magazine made what was then a radical and risky decision: to put photographs in the magazine.

Whenever I think about established institutions and their boards facing fearless decisions, I am reminded of an important moment at National Geographic more than 100 years ago. In many cases, as large organizations find success, it becomes difficult to leave the comfort zone to forge new ways forward or to foster innovations that might be needed in a fast-changing world. It is also important to applaud when larger organizations embrace fearlessness. It's amazing what can happen when companies aren't limited by old biases and leaders are open to ideas from the unlikeliest of sources. Often the most original solutions come from engaging with people with diverse experiences to forge new and unexpected partnerships. One of the five principles of the book is 'Reach beyond your bubble.' Our society is in thrall to the myth of the lone genius. I am always inspired by people who challenge themselves and those around them by asking the question: 'What would you do if you weren't afraid?' 'Be Fearless' tells the stories of innovators and activists, artists and entrepreneurs, scientists and explorers, and individuals from organizations and businesses who answered that question with actions that spoke louder than words. Account icon An icon in the shape of a person's head and shoulders.

Big Red Apple by National Geographic Learning