Mark Starkey

Idea generator, Philanthropist, Technologist

I'm on a perpetual mission to merge my work and my play. I despise 'limits'. I work at - and collaborate with - digital agencies that build brand interactions. I hold a Bachelor's degree in Organizational Leadership & Development from Wright State University where I also played NCAA Basketball. I am a TED Conference enthusiast and part of two incredible leadership teams organizing TEDxPortland and TEDxVancouver, respectively. I'm a passionate leader, practical strategist and bring horsepower to the projects in which I'm involved.

Human potential. I connect with brands like TED because they push limits. It's incredibly important to me personally that we seek after 'what could be'. Relentlessly.

I have an innate belief that we should merge what we define as recreation and work. I think the potential work/life balance inherently has some major challenges in the western world. These challenges have far less to do with the installation of soccer fields on our corporate campuses and more to do with changing to a social structure that fosters collaboration (both globally and locally). NOTE: we do need more soccer fields. This means embracing technology while encouraging increased human-to-human interactions away from our devices or, better yet, merge those, too! TEDx speaker, Kevin Carroll, often shares that 'Play is serious business!' and - as busines owners, family members and teammates - I believe we should drastically increase the level of sport, play and social interaction activities that are traditionally 'permitted' in our busy work schedules. The payoff may come by way of increased output, lower medical system costs or even a stronger/slightly restructured economy.

Admittedly, I got the 'TED' memo later than most. I learned about TED just 5 years ago. Like it has for so many of us, the concepts coming from TED intrigued me, made me question my stance on some polarizing topics and immediately captured many hours of my attention as more and more videos were released. I am fortunate to be on two incredible organizing committees, working with Cyrus Irani (TEDxVancouver) and co-Producing TEDxPortland alongside a very inspiring TEDx'er, David Rae.

this is embarassing - on a good day, I can pound back two (2) Chipolte Burritos