Honoring Greatness in Exceptional Individuals
I’ve been fortunate to be surrounded by scores of exceptional individuals throughout my life and work. Whether they’ve been tech innovators, musical geniuses, icons in the creative world, published authors and journalists, or activists, one thing they’ve all shared in common is that they have lived their lives to the absolute limits. And they’ve shared their visions, gifts and talents with us in ways that leave us inspired, moved and forever changed. These individuals have carved their own paths, in many cases blazing trails through uncharted territory, and through their authenticity, drive and passion have created some extraordinary outcomes that will continue to inspire us long after they’re gone. These people have each made an indelible difference, and they’ve inspired us to follow our own individual compasses to make our own unique dent in the universe. Thank you for yours!
To your success,
Kelli
From Beyond the Grave: How Technology is Resurrecting Talent from the Great Beyond
Tupac rapped at Coachella in 2012. John Lennon released a Beatles song in 2023. Val Kilmer spoke in Top Gun: Maverick without being able to speak. This isn’t science fiction — it’s what’s happening right now, and the implications for every creative industry are profound.
In this article, I share insights into how AI, machine learning, and digital production are literally resurrecting some of the world’s greatest talent — and what the business, legal, and ethical implications are for the creative world. What makes this more than a technology story is the question underneath it: When a voice, a face, and a performance can be reconstructed — what is the irreplaceable thing?
When Past Glory Becomes Present Pressure: The Quiet Self-Sabotage of High Achievers
the darker side of past sucess
Ever been in a room where your old accomplishments seem to cast a longer shadow than your current reality? I’ve seen it up close on countless occasions — and have even experienced flashes of it myself at times over the years.
There’s a struggle many high achievers don’t talk about: what happens when your identity is still anchored in past success… but your present moment is asking something different of you. When you may have concerns that your best times are in the rear view mirror, and you’re left wondering whether you still have value.
It’s subtle. It’s human. And left unexamined, it can quietly lead to acts of unconscious self-sabotage in the very rooms that matter most. I wrote this piece to name it—and to hopefully offer a more powerful way through.
Spotlight
One Million Truths (movement)
My friend Mark Eckhardt is a truly amazing individual. We met courtesy of the Unreasonable group we’re both members of. Mark’s work encompasses narrative intelligence and conflict resolution in creative, heart-based ways that support and facilitate high-stakes decision-making through thoughtful, compassionate means. He does this for corporations wearing his various hats. And he also does this through a movement he founded in 2020 called One Million Truths (OMT). OMT documents the experiences of Black Americans who have dealt with social injustice and racism through their stories and personal narratives. Stories are collected and shared to educate, create allies and combat system racism, while at the same time leveraging AI and research to help modern leaders understand the changes in cultural narrative, to mitigate conflict and foster more collaboration. I’m really inspired and moved both by who Mark is as an individual, and by all of the great work he’s doing.
Media Recommendations
How to Raise Successful People: Simple Lessons for Radical Results by Esther Wojcicki
My friend Esther Wojcicki is a force of nature in her mid-80s. A former journalist and long-time educator in Silicon Valley, she’s inspired countless students who are now at the top of their game as tech execs, actors, and leaders. She’s also the mother of three amazing women (one of whom, Susan, was the CEO of YouTube before her untimely passing; another Anne, who is founder & CEO of 23andMe; and the third, Janet, who is an anthropologist and successful epidemiologist practicing in San Francisco). Esther published a very successful book in 2019, entitled “How to Raise Successful People: Simple Lessons for Radical Results”, which has become a global bestseller translated into over 30 languages.
Last week, I attended the premiere of a new documentary about Esther, entitled “The Godmother of Silicon Valley” which chronicles her amazing life’s journey and legacy. It was beautiful to experience Esther’s influential story while she got to see the the film in full for the first time. Janet & Anne were there along with several of her grandkids. View the trailer here and watch for it to show up in the coming months in theaters and on streaming.
“Wild Concerto” Collaboration
My friend, rock icon Stewart Copeland, and UK naturalist Martyn Stewart have teamed up to transform Martyn’s collection of rare field recordings of the animal kingdom into an orchestral album. This initiative bridges two distinct worlds and the combined creative forces of two unlikely collaborators. It highlights the beauty of creatures around the globe who are currently facing environmental threats and extinction. 60 MInutes recently did a very moving segment on this project and the two men who co-created something truly unique and special.
I strongly encourage you to invest about 15 minutes to watch this segment. It’s really quite extraordinary.
People Say the Nicest Things…
“Kelli Richards is a remarkable powerhouse, a visionary innovator, strategist and force multiplier, celebrated for her depth and unrivaled expertise as a trusted advisor to the gamechangers and innovators of our time; a true alchemist and catalyst who transforms dreams into reality, empowering leaders from various sectors to navigate complexity and unlock extraordinary potential, all while radiating an infectious energy and an intuitive understanding of the art of strategic growth and connection to achieve unparalleled outcomes and results.”
— Mario Brondani
fellow super-connector
This past week, we lost a legendary conductor in Michael Tilson Thomas at the age of 81. MTT, as his friends knew him, was an icon and a giant in the classical music world. He spent 25 years conducting the San Francisco Symphony, and I was fortunate to cross paths with him on several occasions over those years. Not only was he incredibly gifted and talented as a conductor and musician, he was also a genuinely grounded and kind man. In reviewing the many homages to him over the past few days, I came across a brief segment 60 Minutes did on him back in 2000 (with Morley Safer), which in less than 5 minutes pretty well sums up MTT and his amazing life. RIP maestro — you certainly left your dent in the universe and in the hearts and minds of those who knew you.
Image: Michael Tilson Thomas – source unknown