To make a difference on March 18th impacting our youth, share your story on Twitter of what inspired your interest in technology, innovation and entrepreneurship using the hashtag #YouthSpark. See here Episode 1 for more … . There is an interview with Sage Franch in Episode 2 and Genevieve L'Esperance in Episode 3
· Sample: My #YouthSpark was [coding classes in the summer]! Now I'm a [company founder or developer] with #[your company]!
To bring this into focus, this week, I have an exclusive interview with Molly Burke.
When she was just four years old, Molly Burke's world began to darken: she was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa, a retinal disease causing loss of vision. But despite this and the ensuing obstacles and hardships she faced, it wasn't long before she began bringing light into the lives of others. Molly began public speaking at the age of five. Since then, she has inspired thousands with her story.
Over the years, as Molly's vision deteriorated, her confidence and optimism only strengthened; but not without trying times or adversity along the way. As a student, Molly was tormented by bullies who mocked her for being blind. She became depressed and struggled with mental illness until she found the strength to face her challenges, the courage to reach out to others, and most importantly, hope.
As a motivational speaker with Me to We, Molly has travelled across Canada and the US sharing her story with youth, families and corporate organizations including RBC, KPMG, Coca Cola, PotashCorp and Green Giant. She has also travelled to Free The Children communities in India and Kenya.
Molly has shared the We Day stage with Larry King, Demi Lovato, Macklemore, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Jennifer Hudson, Chris Hadfield, Magic Johnson, Martin Luther King III, Martin Sheen and Mia Farrow. She was also a correspondent on the Orange Carpet for the 2013 Halo Awards.
She believes that we gain strength from sharing our stories and that we can learn from the struggles of others. That's why she lives by the motto....live, learn and pass it on.
To listen to the podcast (a dynamic exchange based upon and adding to the Q & A), click on this MP3 file link
DISCUSSION:
Q:
Molly you have so many outstanding contributions and have inspired millions. Thank you for sharing your considerable journey, deep accumulated insights, and wisdom with our audience.
Q:
What are your top themes from your keynote?
Q:
What are added key messages you wish to share with youth?
Q:
How can young people take action?
Q:
How can governments at all levels get involved?
Q:
Why should executives care and how can they contribute?
Q:
Share the key events in your life that shaped you.
Q:
Do you have items remaining on your bucket list of goals you want to achieve and how will you accomplish them?
Q:
What are some top resources you use and why?
Q:
Who do you admire and why?
Q:
Describe your journey with Me to We?
Q:
Please share some stories of "impossible" challenges you were able to master?
Q:
What important lessons can you summarize from the last question?
Q:
In your current role, what resources and lessons can you share with the audience?
Q:
You have many interests. Can you talk further about them?
Q:
From your extensive speaking, travels, and work, please share some stories (amusing, surprising, unexpected, amazing).
Q:
You choose the topic area. What do you see as the top challenges facing us today and how do you propose they be solved?
Q:
If you were conducting this interview, what questions would you ask, and then what would be your answers?
Q:
Molly, with your demanding schedule, we are indeed fortunate to have you come in to do this interview. Thank you for sharing your substantial wisdom with our audience.