COMMUNITY
Minds
Test


We bring bold minds together. Join, matchmake, collaborate.

MINDS

Solving the world's substantial issues faster by directly connecting business, policymaking, and research. Experienced individuals merge to build and grow their network through collective entrepreneurship.

left
left
Space Environmentalism
Hawaii, United States

Moriba Jah


I do not let other people’s opinions become my reality. Bold decisions that I’ve made in my life include leaving NASA’s jet propulsion laboratory to move to Maui. That was bold, and it opened up a whole different part of my career. Leaving the laboratory to pursue academia was another bold decision that I made. 

Read More

When I take a glimpse into the future, the most exciting technology for me is:
augmented intelligence, as opposed to artificial intelligence. It’s essentially a synergy between humans and technology being driven by good.

Because:
I’m most excited about how it can help to recover or prevent the extinction of ancient TEK, where TEK stands for Traditional Ecological Knowledge. Basically the practices of sustainability and environmentalism of indigenous people. I think that high TECH can help scale ancient TEK. 

In 10 years, I advise my current self:
To keep following my own advice, and keep doing things that feed my joy and happiness. And to always surround myself with love. 

What leaders of today should know:
We’re getting things wrong in the sense of an absence of empathy towards solving wicked problems. Leaders should know that we need to embrace stewardship, because our lives depend on it. Ultimately, leaders need to consider the hypothesis that all things are indeed interconnected.

What gets me through challenging times:
Optimism that there is still time to rescue Spaceship Earth from her current trajectory of peril as it relates to humanity. 

What I still want to learn in my life:
I want to learn more about probability, statistics, inference, data science, social science, anthropology, and cultural nuances. I also want to learn how to be an artist, and I want to be known as being a good one – whatever that means. 

For me, Austria is:
An amazing country. Vienna is probably one of my most favorite cities. A friend of mine has a great karaoke bar downtown. Lots of great things historically have come from Austria. And of course, the snow is awesome. 

My tip for you in the end:
I really would love to see people consider that all things are interconnected, and I want them to embrace stewardship because our lives depend on it.
#SpaceEnvironmentalism #SpaceSituationalAwareness #Astrodynamics
Material Scientist
Graz, Austria

Anna Maria Coclite


I do not let myself be intimidated by big challenges and competition. This allowed me to win the very competitive ERC Starting grant that financed my research on artificial skin.

Read More

When I take a glimpse into the future, the most exciting technology for me is:
Artificial skins

Because:
it is a very broad field where scientific and technological advances are required. It also has practical importance because it can complement or augment human capabilities.

In 10 years, I advise my current self:
To keep up! Do not let circumstances or difficulties discourage you. It is hard, but the rewards will soon be visible.

What leaders of today should know:
Passionate coworkers are a blessing for the whole team! The role of the leaders should be to make their enthusiasm contagious and not to flatten the team spirit.

What gets me through challenging times:
My perseverance and sense of duty but also deadlines! Deadlines are a light at the end of the tunnel, one just needs to fight a bit more but then the challenge will be OVER!

What I still want to learn in my life:
I want to learn how to make 3D rendering and videos to make my research easily understandable. I also want to learn underwater diving!

For me, Austria is:
the place where I live, full of beautiful mountains and interesting places to see.

My tip for you in the end:
big objectives can be reached only by making reasonably smaller steps one after the other.
#MaterialScientist #ERCStartingGrant #ArtificialSkin
Material Science
Graz, Austria

Karin Stana Kleinschek


I was able to bring up my son, have a family and obtain a PhD in Physical Chemistry simultaneously. This enabled me to develop my scientific carrier.

Read More

When I take a glimpse into the future, the most exciting technology for me is:
Superior materials, which will enable all of us to live our lives better, but at the same time spare the nature.

Because:
We should focus on the development of our society inclusively, where, policy, industry, science/research community but also end consumers will be involved. In this way, we could solve the challenges of the future, namely, to develop, produce and offer superior materials, which will enable all of us to live our lives better, but at the same time spare the nature.

In 10 years, I advise my current self:
I would like to monitor the inclusive development of our society and our IBioSys Institute in the successful and sustainable way and in the meantime spend some of my time with my grandchildren on the Adriatic coast.

What leaders of today should know:
The leaders of today should more often be able to share the achievements but also problems in the less selfish way. They must be able to coordinate/lead not only their country but be aware of the global problems, which they should solve in together.

What gets me through challenging times:
Always when I have some challenging times bevor me, sport gives me the needed relaxation and positive energy. In addition to that, positive thinking and active way of live is what can enrich ourselves. Doesn’t matter what we are trying to reach, we must always be committed to our goals, what always helps to overcome the problems, which are always there, if we would like to develop something new.

What I still want to learn in my life:
There are number of things, which I would like still to learn or know better. As for example, how I can be more patient with me and others, and how I can learn and understand everything what our modern technology is offering to us.

For me, Austria is:
Very nice, green country, with beautiful and romantic Vienna, Salzburg and other cities, but also with very nice people, nature and tradition, which make the whole atmosphere in the county very charming.

My tip for you in the end:
Structured way of working is helping us to reach our goals easier, more efficient and what at the end enable us to be successful. And in addition to that: be positive and keep moving, this is what is my motto of live.
And ja, not to forget, listen to the Köln Concert of Keith Jarrett from 1975. It helps in relaxation and be free minded!!!
#Mother #UniversityProfessor #EPNOE
Opportunities Researcher
Pisa, Italy

Sonia Massari


I look for the energy to always do something new, and both personal and professional challenges do not scare me. On the contrary, they encourage me to do more and be better.

Read More

When I take a glimpse into the future, the most exciting technology for me is:
the one that activates circular transformations

Because:
we need to make the best use of resources (CO2 conversion, waste conversion, etc.).

In 10 years, I advise my current self:
to stop for a second and look at everything I have done, to take the time to share it with others.

What leaders of today should know:
that alone you go nowhere, and the ability to work in a transdisciplinary way must be learned.

What gets me through challenging times:
is being with my family, spending time with my children, and thinking that what I do today can provide them with a better future.

What I still want to learn in my life:
everything. I will always be a learner. Surely, I must also learn to rest, and to stop when needed.
#food #design #education
Biologist
Edinburgh, UK

Stephen Wallace


Ten years ago, I packed-in my life as an organic chemist to train as a molecular biologist. I now lead a chemical biotechnology lab.

Read More

When I take a glimpse into the future, the most exciting technology for me is::
Industrial Biotechnology

Because:
I see a future where we can generate medicines from waste CO2 by fermentation, instead of from fossil fuels.

In 10 years, I advise my current self:
Be brave and follow your interests. Innovation never comes from being comfortable.

What leaders of today should know:
Value and harness the power of your team and their diversity. Diversity catalyzes creativity and creativity catalyzes innovation.

What gets me through challenging times:
The belief that we’re doing something that might someday be impactful and change the world. This, my partner, family and friends. Then wine.

What I still want to learn in my life:
I’d like to (re)-learn to play the piano. Specifically, the 1st Movement of Beethoven’s Pathétique sonata.

For me, Austria is:
Perfection: rich culture, beautiful people, wonderful food and wine. What is there not to love?!

My tip for you in the end:
Never say no to something that makes you feel uncomfortable. You will always regret a missed opportunity. Lean into the discomfort, be vulnerable, make mistakes, and never regret any of them.
#microorganisms #sustainability #interdisciplinarity
Global Head of Digital Asset and Blockchain
Global

Nitin Gaur


I have changed several careers and that ability to take risks has emboldened me to take risks but also, have a sense of humility on value of effort/labor and acumen.

Read More

Because:
Definitely Blockchain - with the global impact at every strata of society, and value and power to change our human connect which is not just confined to information sharing , but now sharing of our value systems.

In 10 years, I advise my current self:
One day at a time, and not to sweat small stuff, focus on that is important, every situation will resolve - just need to stay calm and focused, and learn new skill.

What leaders of today should know:
Taking risks without labor and acumen is gambling - taking risks with effort, labor, skill and right counsel and partnership has a better chance of higher rewards. We all need great team to be a part of.

What gets me through challenging times:
Exercise, long hikes and reflecting on what is important.

What I still want to learn in my life:
A lot, I have. Avery long list, Flying, sailing , still have many parts to travel, Piano a new start-up, list goes on..

For me, Austria is:
Scenic and place of immense historical significant - rich with culture, history and music, We can connect our present to evolution, Austria is central to that theme.

My tip for you in the end:
Live life well, with an open mind, kindness and generosity of thoughts that can change lives a nd mindsets.
#Blockchain #Traveller #Thinker
Founder and CEO of Thousand Faces
Paris, France

Moojan Asghari


I'm not scared of dreaming big. I choose courage even when I'm unconfident. By facing my fears I take small steps toward being unstoppable.

Read More

When I take a glimpse into the future, the most exciting technology for me is:
Blockchain and DAOs
Because:
it can democratize access to resources for underrepresented minorities and distribute power and wealth in a decentralized way

In 10 years, I advise my current self:
To have more gratitude for myself, my family, and friends, and to have more compassion towards myself and take care of my body and mind.

What leaders of today should know:
We need transcendental leadership. Change cannot happen from the same level of consciousness that has created the crisis that we're living in.

What gets me through challenging times:
Believing in myself and believing in life. I always do my best by showing-up everyday and then surrendering to life and its magics.

What I still want to learn in my life:
To be a better compassionate leader and empower and support my team. To keep up with my daily rituals and routines in difficult times.

For me, Austria is:
all about Mozart, classical music!

My tip for you in the end:
Nothing is like that first yes that you hear after hearing so many nos. Every no you receive is the path to receiving the next yes.
Highly recommend Arlan Hamilton's book "It's About Damn Time"
#FemaleEmpowerment #Web3 #ArtificialIntelligence
Student researcher, artist, writer, and advocate for minorities in STEM
USA

Apoorva Panidapu


“A Body in Motion Stays in Motion” would be the title of my biography. I specialize in intersections of math, art, diversity, and accessible education.

Read More

I am BOLD because:
I left the traditional education path to start homeschooling/college in middle school to pursue and develop my interests at my chosen pace.

When I take a glimpse into the future:
The most exciting technology for me is AI because it takes away the burden of repetitive tasks and parsing data to allow people to spend their energy on exercising creativity for innovation.

In 10 years, I advise my current self:
To remain curious and astonished about the world, find joy in the small things, and pay forward all the help that I’m grateful I received.

What leaders of today should know:
To look out for future generations we need to commit to equally valuing technological progress and human rights protection.

What gets me through challenging times:
Knowing that life’s highs and lows come and go.

What I still want to learn in my life:
I’d love to run a marathon, learn sign language, and pick up glassblowing.

For me, Austria is:
At the forefront of innovation and international collaboration for the common good.

My tip for you in the end:
“Success isn’t achieved by those who never fail, but those who never quit.”
#STEAM #education #innovation
left
left

MATCHMAKING

We believe in manufactured serendipity, and with our individual matchmaking, we create meaningful and unconventional connections in an unexpectedly delightful way.

left
right

I thought the MatchMaking discussion was the most valuable part of the BOLD experience due to it being an unconventional meeting with someone who I may not have otherwise connected with. Very useful and enjoyable. It changed my thinking on the possibilities of the technologies discussed and made me appreciate the under-the-radar business that is being created. I strongly believe in the need for cross-pollination from the arbitrary industry silos and categories that can constrain our thinking.



Nick Price, Imperial College London,
Futurist & Foresight Expert
mind 1
mind 2

Thank you very much to create this interesting contact with Maya. BOLD and WKO are the best in attracting and linking top impact innovators.



Antonio Guadagnino,
Co-Founder & CIO of NEXT
mind 1
mind 2

I met Nic at the BOLD London meetup, where we discovered our mutual love of sustainability, data, and storytelling. I want to help unlock Nic's work on the Happy Planet Index to help a wider audience understand how to live happier, more sustainable lives.



Tristan Copley Smith,
Climate Storyteller
mind 1
mind 2

IDEAS

With the help of our network, we bring ideas to life, make bold moves into the future and change the world.

BOLD PAPERS

The BOLD Papers are our global take on innovation. They are a living document, updated after each BOLD workshop with different members from the community.

BECOME A

MEMBER

& CHANGE

THE WORLD

register