Genuine Insights

A Random Act of Genius

An opera singer randomly performing Les Tereadors at TEDxMIA on September 13th, 2011.

Exploring the creative place between the fine lines of intellectual and emotional experience, our recent “Between the Lines” program at TEDxMIA surprised, delighted, and challenged participants on a whole bunch of levels.

A favorite blow-them-away moment came when an unexpected performance of “Les Toreadors” from Carmen cleverly interrupted philanthropist Dennis Scholl’s talk on experiencing culture anywhere and everywhere. Scholl, who is the Vice President of Art for the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, was delivering his talk on Random Acts of Culture when members of the Florida Grand Opera, who were planted in the audience dressed as everyday people, stood up and began singing. Believe me when I tell you it doesn’t get better than having the audience experience exactly what you are speaking of in real time. This soaring ride between the lines received a standing ovation.

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Posted Sep 27, 2011 Tagged under: art and music, creativity, events, genius, inspiration

Miami, where Global Tribes Meet

Isaac Prilleltensky speaking at TEDxMIA 2010

When you decide to take on a challenge as great as attempting to replicate one of the country’s leading gathering experiences (a TED conference) you really have to equip yourself with the right combination of scuba tanks, gear and dive buddies for the deep-dive experience that is the production of a TEDx event. This past week a group of amazing minds all based in Miami accomplished what many thought wasn’t possible for our great city.

Viewing the experience as a truly explorative journey, our quest was to celebrate not the obvious success of Miami’s cultural diversity but to experience the diversity of ideas and innovation that is being born in our back yards and rarely recognized. Basically, we wanted to “out” local genius and with the right due diligence, we identified eight fat brains who were willing to commit to the quest for excellence in content and delivery.

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Posted Nov 11, 2010 Tagged under: art and music, events, ideas and innovation, inspiration, networking, social media and technology

What gets you into the Genius Zone?

brain illustration

While on a flight to Dallas last week, I was sitting in seat 2B (G-O-D, do I love upgrades), enjoying my standard iPod, reading my favorite monthlies (HBR, Fast Company, Entrepreneur), when I realized I have a few brain tasers (that’s tasers, not teasers) that I really can’t live without. They’re tasers because they give me a genius jolt every time. I’m not kidding. Give a few a try and tell me what my brain tasers do for you.

Brain Taser #1: Think differently.

Like many entrepreneurs, I am an Apple evangelical and didn’t realize how much so until this morning I found myself admiring the perfect bite I took out of an apple in the cab on the way to the airport. I had recreated my favorite genius logo and at 7:15 in the morning was laughing at my emotional connection to this brand and its message to think differently. I’m sure it sounds crazy but it’s true. You marketers reading this, I know you will appreciate this confession.

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Posted Jul 5, 2010 Tagged under: art and music, genius, lists

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