February 22, 2023

Penultimate

It’s my second last blog as long as my math is right (it’s often not). I am conflicted about what that means.

GCIL, so far, has offered much. We’ve seen and learned a tremendous amount. We’ve been exposed to a dizzying array of grand challenges. We’ve been offered a wide variety of tools to come up with a way to build solutions to those challenges. We’ve all been searching high and low for a way to help address those challenges.

So with about 2 weeks left in the program, do I think anyone is prepared to make a difference? In my opinion and from what I’ve seen, no. I haven’t yet heard a blockbuster idea backed up with research and data that addresses some component of a grand challenge. Am I being cynical? Almost certainly.

Where were previous GCIL groups at this stage in the program? Were they just as unprepared as our groups seem to be? How much is just for learning and how much is meant to make a real impact? I’ve stood in front of decisions makers and made some thin pitches in my time, but how thin is too thin?

I don’t want to sound alarmist but I am genuinely nervous. Time is running out, and it seems like a lot of groups have a long way to go. Our group certainly does. So as we prepare to board a train to Pondicherry for the weekend, I wonder, do I have any business there? By what tangible metric do I deserve a beach vacation? I suppose we have no choice but to find out. I am, at least, comforted by the fact that we’re all in this together.

By Nick