CHARLES THOMAS | DURATION: 46 MINUTES
Airdate: November 13, 2017
Charles Thomas is creating a more beautiful and connected world. He is a program director for the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation. He invests foundation funds in journalism, in the arts, and in the success of the city of Charlotte - one of the cities where the Knight brothers once published a newspaper. Charles is the former founding executive director of Queen City Forward, a hub for social entrepreneurs. His work included launching the organization and building programs to support social entrepreneurship and civic innovation. Charles is also a professional photographer and artist who earlier in his career served as director of education for The Light Factory Contemporary Museum of Photography and Film. He began his career working as a consultant for Andersen Consulting (Accenture). Charles earned his bachelor's degree in economics from Duke University.
This episode is perfect for anyone interested in grant-making and community building, and a personal quest to create greater equity and connection in the world.
IN THIS EPISODE
Charles shares the conversation the Knight Foundation is having behind the scenes about their investments and what Knight is seeking to accomplish.
He talks about how Knight is exploring the impacts of Artificial Intelligence on journalism and concerns about computer-generated news and commentary.
Charles reveals what is top of mind for him as he sits at the Knight Foundation table, the typical day of a program director, and what makes for a good grant application.
He discusses what he would fund if he was investing his own monies and how and why he wants to get better at his job.
He talks about what's frustrating him at work, what he's learning to do, and what he knows now about himself now that he didn't know when he took the job.
Charles describes growing up, being raised as an only child by a single mom, and how the absence of his father influenced him.
He reads from an article he wrote about the Keith Lamont Scott shooting in Charlotte and his hopes and vision for the city.
Charles shares his mission and purpose and sense of destiny.
plus Mark's Personal Word Essay: The Connections Our Hearts Want
To Learn More About Charles Thomas (and the ideas of Charles Eisenstein)
Questions
What struck you about Charles' comments?
How would you invest your money to help your city succeed?
How does your childhood inform your work?
What is your calling?
We invite your posts on our Facebook page.
This episode is sponsored by Blumenthal Performing Arts, celebrating its 25th year presenting the best in performing arts.
