IKI Conversations: Ryan Wolf

Ikigai Summit 2024 Purpose & Play: Empowering Youth & Connecting Community Through Sport Victor Johnson(CJHS), Dr. Julie McCleery (UW Center for Leadership in Athletics), and Mari Horita (Seattle Kraken) discuss sports as a transformational force for good. The current landscape of youth sports reveals significant inequities, with access and participation heavily influenced by socioeconomic status. This is a problem because sports can be a powerful catalyst for positive change. When done right, sports offers opportunities for healing, growth, and the development of crucial life skills. However, the prevalent pay-to-play system often prioritizes competition and extrinsic rewards, undermining the intrinsic joy and developmental benefits of sports. This model creates a situation where many children are denied the chance to experience the transformative power of sports. Sports, at their best, are about connection, movement, and manageable stress, all of which contribute to healing and resilience5. They provide a space for children to learn about teamwork, perseverance, and self-discovery. When we shift the focus away from winning and towards intrinsic motivation, sports can truly become a vehicle for personal growth and community building. Organizations like the Seattle Kraken's One Roof Foundation are demonstrating this by creating programs that prioritize access and community engagement. These initiatives show that a collaborative approach between the public and private sectors can ensure that all children can experience the power of sports. Key Takeaways: ●Sports as a Catalyst for Transformation: Sports have the potential to be a transformational force for good, offering opportunities for healing, growth, and the development of critical life skills. ●Shifting the Focus: The current emphasis on competition and extrinsic rewards often overshadows the inherent value of sports, underscoring the need to prioritize intrinsic motivation and community building. ●Equity is Key: Ensuring that all children have access to sports is essential to unlocking their potential and building a stronger, more equitable society. Action Steps: ●Champion equitable access: Advocate for policies and programs that remove barriers to sports participation, especially for underserved communities. Support organizations focused on play equity. ●Reimagine the adult role: Parents and coaches can foster a healing-centered environment that prioritizes skill development, intrinsic motivation, and the joy of movement, while modeling positive behaviors. ●Promote unstructured play: Encourage opportunities for children to engage in free play, and provide opportunities for diverse sports experiences that foster enjoyment and discovery. www.ikigaistories.com

Aaron Hurst and Katie Mooney discussed the US Chamber of Connection, a national initiative focused on building infrastructure to address the growing crisis of disconnection and distrust in society. This organization emphasizes that connection is not merely a social nicety, but a fundamental human need with significant implications for individual health, community well-being, and economic prosperity. The Chamber of Connection is currently piloting a program in Seattle to support new residents in building strong social bonds during their first year in the city. Three Key Takeaways ●The decline in connection is a major societal issue that is harming individuals, communities, organizations, and the country as a whole. *26 million American adults report having no friends. *44 million American adults are experiencing significant loneliness. *Loneliness is as harmful as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. *United States ranks LAST among 24 countries in the percentage of people who feel connected. ●Connection is not just a "nice to have," but an economic imperative. Lonely employees are less productive and more expensive, while socially connected people contribute to the economy and are better brand ambassadors. Loneliness contributes an estimated $466 per person to our annual healthcare costs. Loneliness costs employers $4,200 per employee due to drops in productivity. ●The six points of connection provide a framework for understanding and building healthy social connections: neighbor for emergency contact, a community with shared identity, two meaningful interactions per week, a third place for casual interactions, a community around a shared interest, and service to others. Three Steps to Take Action 1)Assess your own level of connection based on the six points. Identify areas where you can improve and take intentional steps to strengthen your connections. 2)Become a "Welcome Committee Ambassador." Look for newcomers in your community and encourage them to get involved in the Chamber of Connection's programs. You can also become a welcome facilitator or neighborhood lead with the US Chamber of Connection. 3.)Spread the word and change the conversation. Talk to others about the importance of connection and help them realize that it is a critical issue. Help build the political will to create change. www.ikigaistories.com

Ikigai Summit 2024 - Ikigai Stories: Katherine Cheng, Seattle Mariners. Courage | Resilience | Inquiry Katherine Cheng's life and career are a testament to the power of core values in shaping one's path. Raised by a resilient single mother who was a Chinese immigrant and cancer researcher, Katherine learned early the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity. This upbringing, combined with the influence of figures like Phil Donahue, instilled in her a deep commitment to courage, resilience, and inquiry. Her mother's journey, from a championship runner in Taiwan to a math genius in the U.S., demonstrated the value of continuous learning and the ability to overcome challenges, further solidifying these values. Katherine’s emphasis on connection and community is also a significant part of her story, influenced by her family’s open-door policy and her work with the U.S. Surgeon General's office. Katherine's career path, while seemingly non-linear, is unified by these core principles. From government to high-tech PR, and roles at Starbucks, Microsoft, Expedia Group, and now the Seattle Mariners, her choices were driven by a desire to stay true to her values and a commitment to authenticity. She emphasizes the importance of taking calculated risks, learning from meaningful relationships, and embracing servant leadership. Katherine's insights on balancing courage and inquiry highlight the value of continuous learning and diverse perspectives. Three Key Takeaways 1) Resilience is a Learned Strength: Adversity can forge resilience, as seen in Katherine's life, and the experiences of her mother. 2) Values Guide Decisions: Core values like courage, resilience, and inquiry can be a compass in both personal and professional life. 3) Meaningful Connections Matter: Community and human connection are powerful tools against isolation and loneliness, as well as drivers of personal and professional growth. Three Steps to Take Action 1) Reflect on Your Values: Identify your core values and assess how they guide your decisions. Consider how your upbringing has shaped them. 2) Embrace Discomfort: Challenge yourself by taking calculated risks and being open to new perspectives. Difficult situations can lead to growth. 3) Build Your Community: Seek out and cultivate meaningful relationships for support and guidance. Help to create welcoming spaces for diverse connections. www.ikigaistories.com

Ikigai Summit 2024 - Ikigai Investing: Meaning & Money Jeri Andrews, Toussaint Bailey (Uplifting Capital) and Johny Mair (Ethic) discuss the integration of personal values and purpose within financial investing, advocating for a shift from traditional, profit-focused models to a more human-centered and impactful approach. The conversation highlights the need for the financial industry to evolve beyond commoditized services, emphasizing the importance of building meaningful relationships with clients through transparency, data-driven decision-making, and a focus on individual values. The conversation underscores that aligning investments with personal values can foster both financial success and a deeper sense of fulfillment. Key takeaways: ●Integrating values and purpose into financial planning is essential for both client satisfaction and the long-term sustainability of the wealth management industry. ●The traditional approach of focusing solely on profit is becoming obsolete, as there is an increasing demand for investments that resonate with personal values and contribute to positive global change. ●The financial industry must prioritize human-centered practices, deeper client connections, transparency, and data-driven methodologies that extend beyond traditional financial metrics. Actionable steps: ●Challenge assumptions: Question the belief that financial success is incompatible with doing good or acting on personal values. Seek investment options that align with your values and promote positive change. ●Engage in open dialogue: Initiate conversations with financial advisors or firms specializing in sustainable, values-based investing to discuss personal goals and values. ●Seek deeper connections: Look beyond financial gains by exploring how investment decisions can create joy and impact on issues you care about. www.ikigaistories.com

Dr Britt Yamamoto is a visionary entrepreneur, educator, and author of "The Soil of Leadership." The discussion centers on his ikigai journey from working on a sustainable farm in Japan to working with leaders from around the world. Dr Yamamoto shares tenets from his best-selling book, including a key insights that shaped the perspective on leadership and life: conventional farmers grow plants and sustainable farmers grow soil. Britt's core values are adaptability and love. This episode was recorded in front of a live audience on October 9, 2024 in partnership with the US-Japan Council

IKI Conversation with Eliza Arai Carrington. For more information on the IKI Network, visit: www.ikigailab.co/iki Shift from Perfectionism to Learning and Adaptability: Eliza's early focus on achievement and perfectionism gave way to a more sustainable approach centered on learning, flexibility, and growth. She emphasizes the importance of responding to change rather than rigidly pursuing fixed goals. The Power of Connection and Presence: Eliza highlights connection as a core value in her life, both professionally and personally. She overcomes imposter syndrome by valuing authentic human connections over titles and accomplishments, and stresses the importance of being present to listen and engage meaningfully. Reflection and Resilience in Leadership and Mentorship: Eliza advocates for taking time to reflect on both successes and challenges, helping herself and others build resilience. Her leadership approach, based on the concept of “Yes, and,” involves balancing commitments with self-care and trusting in her ability to make thoughtful, intentional decisions.

IKI Conversation with Jamie Hopkins. For more information on the IKI Network, visit: www.ikigailab.co/iki

IKI Conversation with Theresita Richard, Chief People Officer, Patagonia. For more information on the IKI Network, visit: www.ikigailab.co/iki

IKI Conversation with Ryan Wolf, Human Resources and Wellbeing Consultant. For more information on the IKI Network, visit: www.ikigailab.co/iki

IKI Conversation with Aki Ohashi, Vice President, Evolution VC. For more information on the IKI Network, visit: www.ikigailab.co/iki