Denver: We’re going to do Take 5 with Don Howard, the President and CEO of the Irvine Foundation. Are you ready, Don?
Don: I’m ready.
Denver: What should we be worried about?
Don Howard
Don: Social unrest because of our crazy economic and political disparity.
Denver: What is today’s most underreported story?
Don: The challenges of living in poverty.
Denver: What idea in philanthropy is ready for retirement?
Don: Theories of change.
Denver: What is something you believe that other people think is just insane?
Don: I believe that we can collectively collaborate with the business community to bring more folks into middle skill jobs.
Denver: Name some organization or person that you have a tremendous amount of respect and admiration for.
Don: Dan Cardinali.
Denver: What is a favorite part of your morning ritual?
Don: Every other day, it’s bringing my kids to preschool.
Denver: What did you change your mind about in the last 10 years and why?
Don: I changed my mind about, I think I’ve come to a better appreciation about how personal philanthropy is and how hard it is to collaborate.
Denver: When was the last time you were voluntarily disconnected from all your devices?
Don: Christmas holiday with my kids.
Denver: If you were a kitchen utensil, what would you be?
Don: Probably would be a large ladle.
Denver: What do you wish people were more open and honest about?
Don: Their fears and insecurities.
Denver: If you were to start your career all over again and do something completely different and away from this field, what would that be?
Don: I’d be a Buddhist monk.
Denver: What’s your super power?
Don: Speaking [super power].
Denver: If you could have one gigantic billboard anywhere with anything on it, what would you have it say?
Don: Please care about your fellow Californian.
Denver: What is something whether this is related to your work or not that you are exceptionally excited about right now?
Don: My kids are starting kindergarten in the fall, and I can’t wait to see them take this next step.
Denver: What are you currently reading?
Don: Eviction.
Denver: What do you think about when you’re driving in the car alone?
Don: I think about the folks I work with and how to help them achieve more.
Denver: What topic would you speak about if you were ask to give a TED Talk on something outside your main area of expertise?
Don: I would talk about organizing the perfect play date.
Denver: What is something about you that very few other people know?
Don: I was a cheerleader in high school.
Denver: What advice would you give to your 20-year-old self?
Don: Take it easy on yourself.
Denver: Finally, do you have a quote you live your life by or think of often?
Don: Sunlight is the best disinfectant.