In this first part of our conversation with Janet Harris, Executive Director & CEO of the Rockefeller Institute on Petit Jean Mountain, Glen and April learn about the Rockefeller Institute, which is guided by former Governor Winthrop Rockefeller's belief that “...valuing diversity of opinion, practicing collaborative problem solving, and engaging in respectful dialogue combine to create transformational change.” As we explore the Institute's mission and Janet's role, she shares stories from her early life, including how playing high school and college basketball taught her many lessons in leadership. The many retreats held at the institute seek to help various groups of Arkansans who encounter "wicked problems" which have no clear way of solving them without compromise by the various stakeholders. Ground rules that help facilitate that outcome are presented, and she describes some specific groups and issues in Arkansas where positive outcomes have been achieved through this process. Janet encourages people of all sorts around the state to consider using the institute's facilities and staff when there is a need to solve a "wicked problem" with significant impediments to finding common ground and acceptable compromises. The natural setting on top of Petit Jean Mountain, the beautiful and comfortable facilities, and having meals and down time together help to move participants toward a better working relationship.
#66 Janet Harris, CEO of the Rockefeller Institute in Arkansas, 4-2-24, part 2: OTOH Episode 66
#64 Breanne Davis, AR state Senator & sponsor of 2023 LEARNS act, Part 2, Feb 20 2024; OTOH Episode 64
#63 Breanne Davis, AR state Senator & sponsor of 2023 LEARNS act, Part 1, Feb 20 2024; OTOH Episode 63
#62 Blake Perkins, ASU-Beebe history professor, Part 2, 2-2-24:OTOH Episode 62
#61 Blake Perkins, ASU Beebe history professor, Part 1, 2-2-24:OTOH Episode 61
#60 Wendall Griffen, pastor, ex judge and social justice activist, Jan 30 2024, Part 2: OTOH Episode 60
#59 Wendall Griffen, pastor, ex judge and social justice activitist, Jan 30 2024, Part 1: OTOH Episode 59
#58 Ryan Norris, Director of Americans for Prosperity Arkansas, 11-13-23, Part 2: OTOH episode 58
#57 Ryan Norris, Director of Americans for Prosperity Arkansas, 11-13-23, Part 1: OTOH episode 57
#56 Robert Richards, Asst Prof, Clinton School of Public Service, 12-5-23, Part 2: OTOH Episode 56
#55 Robert Richards, Asst Prof, Clinton School of Public Service, 12-5-23, Part 1: OTOH Episode 55
#54 Clarke Tucker, AR state senator and attorney, 10-6-23, Part 2: OTOH episode 54
#53 Clarke Tucker, AR state senator and attorney, 10-6-23, Part 1: OTOH episode 53
#52 Nate Bell, former AR legislator, political consultant, government transparency activist, 10-18-23, Part 2: OTOH episode 52
#51 Nate Bell, former AR legislator, political consultant, government transparency activist, 10-18-23, Part 1: OTOH episode 51
#50 Marquis Hunt, recording artist, interfaith leader, author and thought leader, 9-25-23, Part 2: OTOH episode 50
#49 Marquis Hunt, recording artist, interfaith leader, author and thought leader, 9-25-23, Part 1: OTOH episode 49
#48 Rex Nelson, veteran journalist and political/governmental figure, 9-27-23, single episode: OTOH Episode 48
#47 John Brummett, prominent and long-time Arkansas journalist & columnist, 8-25-23, Part 2: OTOH Episode 47
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