My passion is collecting and connecting people and their stories to the public consciousness using popular media. This idea of conscious media is a very powerful one. There is so much great work going on this world, concerning people, education, and the environment and this work needs to be shared, to be spoken about on the streets, and discussed at dinner tables.

Popular media like film, TV, and the Internet can make the work accessible and actionable. The integration of these tools becomes a substantial platform for word of mouth-which is the most powerful basis for public engagement. Starting the discussion is the first step toward change. My goal is nothing less than making a difference-changing the world by helping people understand that the choices they make do make a difference.

For example, Mr Hollands' Opus addressed a serious social issue-the lack of music education in our schools. We marketed to people who would enjoy the film as well as to people who had a stake in the issue. People were able to use the movie as a talking point and a lobbying tool. The film grossed 96 million dollars and resulted in the creation of the Mr. Hollands' Opus Foundation that provides instruments for schools.