This talk was given at a local TEDx event, produced independently of the TED Conferences. Leadership and innovation are the keys to turning difficult problems into opportunities. This is the surprising story of how a community came together and used those tools to accomplish what was said to be impossible.
It is not just a case study for how anyone’s house can affordably harvest more energy than it uses; it is a case study for harvesting the leadership and innovation potential in all of us.
Robert Fortunato, President of ForStrategy Consulting, Inc., is a leadership, strategy and innovation consultant who helps firms turn difficult problems into opportunities. But when his house renovation project turned into one of those potential “opportunities” it personally challenged him to take his own professional advice. The process he went through helped Robert transform himself and has the same effect on others who hear the story.
It was said to be impossible; but in the end Robert pulled together a community that designed and built the Green Idea House, a multiple award winning Net Zero Energy, Zero Carbon retrofit of his family’s home that cost less than standard construction. The Green Idea House is not just a case study for how anyone’s house can affordably harvest more energy than it uses; it is a case study for harvesting the leadership and innovation potential in all of us. Additionally, the emergent economic, health and environmental benefits uncovered in this project are transforming the building industry and how we all think about energy, waste, water and toxicity.
Robert is also a sought after international speaker and facilitator. His credentials include a degree from the Wharton School of Business and he is adjunct faculty at KaosPilot, an international business and social innovation school based in Denmark.
Robert resides in a beachside suburb of Los Angeles with his wife Monica and their son Carter. Being avid travelers, they have visited over 40 countries together. Exposure to diverse cultures and ways of viewing the world plays an important role in their approach to both work and life.
About TEDx, x = independently organized event In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)