I want to capture five incredibly inspiring speeches delivered over the past couple of months that greatly deserve our attention.
Neal Katyal convinced the U.S. Supreme Court by a vote of 6 to 3 in November 2025 to reverse international tariffs imposed by the Trump Administration. Hear how he prepared and found the right words to “argue” to the highest court. What he discovered about winning and connecting can change how we think about performing under pressure. He speaks of four coaches, a sports coach who asked What are you afraid of? Change what I’ve got to do to what do I get to do! He describes getting a coach for processing information, one for improvisation, and another for mindfulness. He reveals a surprising coaching tool that gave him a decisive edge as well as making essential human connections. TED2026 presentation on April 17th.
Ben Sasse is a former conservative Republican Senator from Nebraska who is dying from a terminal illness. He shares with astute clarity the importance of faith, community and family on April 26th on 60 Minutes. Hear his unvarnished views on transforming the Senate as well as placing more focus on supporting local government services.
Two days later, King Charles from the United Kingdom became only the second UK monarch to speak to the U.S. Congress as recorded on C-Span. What amazes me most about the speech, as we celebrate 250 years since the Revolutionary War, is that he found delicate prose to invoke subtle, humble humor with surgical historical precision that got everyone on both aisles (Republicans and Democrats) to stand united and applaud. He reminded our Congress of their responsibility to provide checks and balances on our Administration. Isn’t that incredibly ironic American patriots fought against the King of England only to have his direct ancestor return to warn America against having a King for a President! He advocates for religious tolerance and freedom, support for alliances, and urgent call for action on environmental issues.
On May 9th, country musician Eric Church gave a unique commencement address at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) using his six guitar strings as an analogy for what’s important in life. He later spoke with CNN about the concept describing six universal principle “stings” of faith, family, partnership, ambition, community and yourself. I really like the simplicity of his message for getting all six strings in tune together for form a harmonious chord!
Harrison Ford delivered an inspiring commencement address at Arizona State University on May 11th sharing his aimless search and ultimate discovery of acting, while paying the bills as a carpenter, eventually becoming famous through playing characters like Hans Solo and Indiana Jones. He found his true purpose in life -a higher calling - living in Wyoming by supporting as a board member and flying missions for Conservation International. “Nature does not need people. People needs nature to survive…We need cultural change…Find your voice…Go change the World.” YouTube
May these and other incredibly talented people share their voices widely to make the world a better place. That reminds me, I still need to watch the new Michael Jackson movie as he continues long after his death to Heal the World!
Heal the world
Make it a better place
For you and for me
And the entire human race
There are people dying
If you care enough for the living
Make a better place
For you and for me!