How innovators are responding to the world’s biggest challenges. — Serial entrepreneur and philanthropist Jeffrey M. Zucker talks weekly with innovators creating transformational social impact. They discuss their journeys in philanthropy, business, and life.
https://www.peoplearetheanswer.com
episode 4: S6E4 (episode #54): Mohan Sivaloganathan on the importance of young voices and troublemaking for the status quo
In this episode, Mohan and Jeffrey discuss Mohan’s moving around the world growing up, his career path to social impact, his incredible work to give young people a voice in change at OurTurn, and how he’s using music as a vehicle for impact…
Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/tf-QsR3ar9U
Learn more:
Recording date: 4/19/23
Host: Jeffrey M. Zucker
Producer: Kait Grey
Editor: Nick Case
Mohan:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/msivaloganathan/
https://twitter.com/mdotsiva
OurTurn:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/our-turn/
https://www.itsourturn.org/
https://www.instagram.com/ourturnnatl/
https://www.itsourturn.org/donate
Ahmen (Mohan’s music):
https://twitter.com/iamahmen
https://ahmen.us/about/
https://open.spotify.com/artist/6ncpPE7r020PEOEgLqzuV0
https://www.instagram.com/iam_ahmen/
https://www.youtube.com/user/Ahmenmusic
https://www.tiktok.com/@iam_ahmen
https://www.facebook.com/iamahmen
Bio:
First and foremost, I am a father, husband, son, brother, friend, and Troublemaker for the status quo.
I’m known as the Batman of Social Impact, as a C-suite executive by day, and hip-hop artist + speaker by night. Throughout my career, I have led national organizations and advanced equitable solutions for systems change. I amplify my impact by channeling my voice and creativity to spark civic engagement through music and public speaking, with a footprint that has impacted thousands of students, young professionals, philanthropists, and corporate leaders across the globe.
“Mohan’s passion, his bare-naked honesty, his courageous storytelling – beautifully entangled in the rhythm of his infectious music – bewitched us and set the tone for learning, inspiration, and collaboration about changing mindsets and the role that each person can play in making the world a better place.” – Kyla Shawyer, CEO of The Resource Alliance
I am a first-generation American and son of Asian immigrants, and I lean into the power of identity, culture, and social innovation to move people, money, resources, and policies in pursuit of justice. As shared by Derek Humphries, Director of DTV Group, I draw on family heritage, contemporary politics, the emotions and experiences of audiences, and the deep heritage of social struggle to inspire diverse stakeholders and influence lasting positive change in the arts, education, human services, and business.
“…his passionate music performances can come only from a place of deep social engagement that genuinely changes lives for the better. Mohan is the kind of constructive troublemaker that we need to see more of.” – Derek Humphries
I’m grateful for the recognition I have received, such as being named a 40 Under 40 Rising Star in NY and being featured by Fast Company, Good is the New Cool, ESPN, and more. Even with those spotlights, I’m better recognized as “joyfully serious,” as coined by a friend and colleague. I am hungry to disrupt the status quo, and equally passionate about cultivating a journey with teammates that is marked by wellbeing, growth, and fulfillment. This duality isn’t common, and might even be jarring, but I’m compelled by these words from the Dalai Lama: “Learn the rules so you know how to break them properly.”