The Hack: What's the least you can do that will make the biggest difference?
Marc Winn is a Changemaker. When he started his TEDxStPeterPort (Guernsey) journey, he asked himself a simple question, "How do we make Guernsey the best place to live on Earth?"
Now, a few years later, they've asked and answered that question and have a new one, "How can we, as a community, contribute to future Guernsey and help to turn that plan into a reality?" The curation of their most recent TEDx addressed this question with the goal of creating the equivalent of a 20-chapter book that drives action. The 20 talks were carefully considered as to how each one pushed the overall agenda forward and created an incubator for action.
Marc is an inspiration. He loves mischief, has a wickedly compelling grin and as you'll learn, is incredibly talented when it comes to leading the team towards the bigger objective. Most significant surprise for me? They do not have group meetings. Ever. Seriously, you'll need to listen to hear his rationale, and he makes a compelling case.
We're here to make a difference in our community."Marc Winn - Changemaker
The Lightning Round
Tell us a bit about your background and your TEDx origin story.
Marc burst into tears when he heard his first TED talk by Sir Ken Robinson. Another conversation that moved him was Brene Brown's TEDx talk, and in 2013 decided to do his own TEDx. Little did he know that it would turn into a national movement.
How many TEDx events have you worked with or produced?
He's been producing his TEDx event since 2014, and last year did a TEDxYouth event, which he says was better than his larger event.
What makes your TEDx unique?
Answering that initial question, "How do we make Guernsey the nicest place to live on Earth?" led to an island-wide conversation. Marc feels that a bold vision, with a future vision statement, could be realized and inspire people to action. He curates his audience to be as diverse as possible and brings in global speakers to be sure the audience enjoys a world view beyond their island. TEDxFargo's Greg Tehven was a speaker a the 2017 event. (Look into the past episodes to listen to his Hacking the Red Circle conversation.)
What’s your Superpower?
Marc says that all of the six traits are in his wheelhouse, but that curating would be the one he resonates with the most. His decentralized approach to managing the event and trusting the team means that he doesn't micro-manage each aspect of the event, freeing him up to think about the bigger picture.
What was the biggest surprise while working on your event?
Marc said he is always surprised at how the local speakers step up to the challenge and are consistently amazing, even though they're not experienced or global names.
Every event has its challenges, what was the biggest dragon you had to overcome?
The sacrifices he has to make. He's a full-time social activist and wants Guernsey to be a place where he can raise and nurture his family. Producing a TEDx was a way to make the island the perfect home. He suggests that when he takes on a project, he's willing to risk it all. That all-in commitment is admirable.
What’s one piece of advice you have for veteran organizers? For first-timers?
"Get in touch with your why." "What would you fail for?"
Looking forward to your next event, what excites you the most?
Marc describes the moment when an audience member connects with, gets in touch with, the speaker's idea and a spark is ignited. He hopes to turn four or five people into activists as a result.
What’s a TEDx event that you’d like to attend?
TEDxBlackRockCity (Burning Man)
The show is called Hacking the Red Circle, so what's your best hack?
Marc suggests that each decision you make (about spending time, money, effort) be challenged with this question, "What's the least you can do to make the biggest difference? Does this decision make an impact?" He says, "Focus on the outcomes."
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