The Collegian

Issue date: 1/26/10 Section: News

Media Credit: Alyssa Hua

Julia Moulden is a self-described radical, but not the kind who marches at political rallies and hands out flyers. Moulden, a Canadian author and consultant, calls herself a "New Radical," a person who uses the skills they have to solve the world's greatest challenges.

Moulden spoke at the Soda Center on Thursday, January 21, and explained how people, especially the aging Baby Boom generation, are now seeking greater fulfillment in their lives besides the "trappings of success."

She's identified three kinds of these people: activists, who move from the corporate world to the nonprofit sector, entrepreneurs who start nonprofits, and innovators, those who stay inside their field and drive change from within.

Moulden suggested that most people have the potential to become innovators, and gave several examples. Several of her stories described men and women who were looking for more satisfaction in life, connected with a cause and started a new organization as a result. Other examples featured more ordinary people who had a real-world impact.

For example, Moulden mentioned Ed Sutt, an engineer who was moved by the events of Hurricane Katrina. Sutt saw that structures collapsed during natural disasters because their fasteners - nails, screws, etc. - were not strong enough. In response, Sutt developed the HurriQuake nail, designed to withstand gale-force winds.

Moulden thinks there are many people like Sutt who will soon be acting on their desire to do something greater with their lives. She predicted that "2010 is going to be the year of the innovator."

For those who want to make a difference in the world, Moulden said they should ask themselves three questions: What does the world need? What do you have to offer? and What moves you? For students, the first question is especially important. "Figure out which issues speak to you," Moulden said, and then act on your feelings.

In addition, Moulden offered some advice for students preparing to enter the job market. She said people should not identify themselves as a job title but instead see themselves as a "portfolio of transferable skills." This way, people can identify their strengths and find a career that suits their desires.

For Moulden, the world could use a good dose of New Radicalism. She quoted playwright George Bernard Shaw to close her speech: "We need a few mad people now, see where the sane ones have landed us."

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