SxSW and TED musings from Emily

Recently, I have been thinking so much more about how important it is to get out of our silos.  I know this is old news to most people, and I have heard it a hundred times before.  In the last two months, I have been to two wonderful events - TEDActive and SxSW Interactive that both were another slap in the face about how useful it is to think outside of my "creative media for social change" box.  Meeting people who rarely or never think in those terms is incredibly refreshing and energizing.  I can't say that I came back from either of those events with one big epic idea that is going to be a game changer for us at The Fledgling Fund.  I can say, however, that I feel intellectually and socially broadened in a way that I don't necessarily feel when I come back from film festivals.  I also think that there is going to be a time, probably in the very near future, when I realize I am approaching a challenge in a new way or thinking about solutions from a different angle as a result of my recent de-silo-ing.

Stay tuned here for recaps on some of my favorite TED Talks and panel sessions at SxSW Interactive!  But, for now, check both events out online at:  http://www.ted.com/talks and http://www.sxsw.com/interactive