ForHumanityNow Guides

"In a world engineered to hijack your attention, emotions and beliefs, reclaiming your brain is a radical act of freedom and self empowerment." Dr. Evian Gordon is an internationally recognized applied neuroscientist, medical doctor, and pioneer of integrative neuroscience. He is best known as the founder of the world’s first standardized international brain database, a landmark achievement that transformed how brain function, behavior, and mental health are measured and understood. His focus is on the implications of making the unconscious conscious, personally and in societies. Over more than three decades, Dr. Gordon has led groundbreaking research that brings together brain imaging, cognitive testing, emotional assessment, and physiological data into a single, unified framework. As co-founder of the Brain Resource Company, he helped build a global database comprising 7 billion data points collected across multiple countries using standardized methods. This work enabled, for the first time, reliable comparisons of individual brain performance against large population norms and laid the foundation for objective biomarkers in mental health and performance. Dr. Gordon has authored more than 300 peer-reviewed scientific papers and several influential books, including The Brain Way, The Brain: From Knowing to Doing, The Brain Revolution, and Personalized Medicine. His research has advanced understanding in areas such as stress, emotional regulation, mental illness, and peak cognitive performance, and has contributed to more personalized approaches to mental health care. He is the founder and Chief Medical Officer of Total Brain (a Sondermind Company), where its assets are used in 50 states across the US and more widely in healthcare, corporate wellness, and peak performance. Beyond his applied scientific and applied clinical integrative neuroscience, he is a passionate communicator, educator, and podcast host, dedicated to translating brain science into practical tools that empower people to build healthier habits, think more clearly and critically, and perform at their best. He is also an abstract expressionist artist who believes that creativity is a powerful doorway into awareness of the unconscious and an integral part of Critical Thinking. He has had two exhibitions in New York.

“Critical thinking is not debate or intelligence. It is a simple, trained process that interrupts reflexes, exposes bias, invokes curiosity, and restores brain and self-control.” Sam Perry is a seasoned global business leader, investor, and advisor with decades of experience at the intersection of media, finance, and strategic growth. He is a senior figure at Ascendance Ventures, where he works with founders, executives, and investors to scale companies, navigate complex markets, and build long-term value. Before entering the venture and advisory world, Sam spent many years at Reuters, one of the world’s most respected news and information organizations. During his time there, he held senior leadership roles across international markets, gaining deep firsthand experience in global finance, emerging economies, corporate governance, and the real-world impact of information on markets and decision-making. His career at Reuters shaped a disciplined, fact-driven approach that continues to inform his work today. At Ascendance Ventures, Sam is known for his clear strategic thinking, calm leadership style, and ability to see both risk and opportunity ahead of the curve. He brings a global perspective, strong ethical compass, and practical operational insight to every engagement, whether advising high-growth companies, supporting investors, or mentoring leadership teams. Sam’s integrated diverse experience at the highest level is grounded in the belief that sustainable success comes from sound judgment, long-term thinking, and respect for both people and data.

Nandi Mandela is an educator, speaker, and social impact advocate whose work centers on leadership, learning, and social justice in a rapidly changing world. As the granddaughter of Nelson Mandela, she carries a powerful legacy, but her voice and work stand firmly on their own. She is deeply committed to education as a force for dignity, equality, and long-term social change, especially for young people navigating complex political, technological, and cultural landscapes. With a background in education and community engagement, Nandi Mandela focuses on helping learners develop critical thinking, ethical awareness, and a strong sense of responsibility to one another. Her work emphasizes dialogue over division, curiosity over certainty, and the importance of understanding history while actively shaping the future. She frequently speaks about the role education plays in breaking cycles of inequality and in building societies rooted in empathy, accountability, and shared humanity. Nandi Mandela is also known for connecting historical wisdom with present-day challenges, including issues of identity, media influence, leadership, and civic participation. Drawing inspiration from her grandfather’s lifelong commitment to justice and reconciliation, she encourages individuals and institutions to move beyond symbolism and toward meaningful action. Through teaching, public speaking, and collaborative initiatives, Nandi Mandela continues to champion education not simply as the transfer of knowledge, but as a moral and human endeavor that empowers people to think clearly, act wisely, and contribute positively to the world.

“A positive future of work in the age of AI will be possible if all of humanity makes one commitment: No human left behind." Gary Bolles is a leading global voice on the future of work, learning, and human adaptability in an AI age of rapid, transformative technological change. As a Global Fellow at Singularity University, he has spent decades helping organizations, governments, and individuals understand how emerging technologies, shifting economic models, and cultural change are reshaping careers and livelihoods worldwide. His work consistently focuses on a practical but deeply human question: how people can thrive, not just survive, in a fast-changing world. He is best known as the founder of Charrette LLC, a consultancy dedicated to future-focused workforce strategy, and for his long tenure as Chair for the Future of Work at Singularity University. In these roles, he has advised global corporations, startups, nonprofits, and public institutions on how to design work, education, and talent systems that are resilient, inclusive, and aligned with human potential. His perspective bridges technology, economics, psychology, and ethics, emphasizing that the future of work is ultimately about people, not just tools. A prolific writer and speaker, he has contributed to major publications including The New York Times, Fast Company, Forbes, and Harvard Business Review. His latest book, The Next Rules of Work: The Mindset, Skillset and Toolset to Lead Your Organization through Uncertainty, is a guide on how work is changing and what individuals and organizations need to thrive in the digital era of rapid change. It focuses on developing a flexible mindset, updated skills, and practical tools for the future of work. Across his writing and talks, he challenges outdated assumptions about linear careers and champions lifelong learning, adaptability, and meaningful work. At the core of Gary Bolles’s work is a belief that work should enhance human dignity and well-being. He argues that the future is not predetermined by technology but shaped by the choices societies make about education, access, and values. Through his global engagement, he continues to help leaders and individuals rethink work as a dynamic, creative, and deeply human endeavor.

Anthony Roberts is the CEO and Founder of ShowMio, a technology company focused on rethinking how people connect, collaborate, and create value in a digital-first world. With a career spanning senior leadership roles in global finance and cutting-edge technology, Anthony brings a rare blend of strategic vision, operational depth, and practical innovation to everything he builds. Prior to founding ShowMio, Anthony served as a Managing Director at BlackRock, where he led Aladdin's Client Experience Technology platform globally. He played a key role in the growth and global adoption of one of the world's most influential investment and risk management platforms, working closely with institutional clients, asset managers, and technology teams across continents to scale complex systems at the intersection of finance, data, and decision-making. Anthony also serves as Chair of the Audit & Risk Committee for the Commonwealth Secretariat, providing governance oversight for an intergovernmental organization serving 2.5 billion people across 56 member nations. Anthony's experience at the highest levels of global finance and international governance shaped his belief that technology should empower people, not overwhelm them. That conviction led to the creation of ShowMio, where he focuses on building tools that are intuitive, human-centered, and designed for real-world use. As CEO, he is deeply involved in product vision, company culture, and long-term strategy, with an emphasis on clarity, trust, and meaningful outcomes. Known for his calm leadership style and ability to translate complex ideas into clear action, Anthony continues to bridge the worlds of enterprise-scale systems and entrepreneurial innovation. His work reflects a consistent theme: using technology to make collaboration simpler, decisions smarter, and organizations more resilient in a rapidly changing world. ShowMio is used as the ForHumanityNow AI Chatbot and Fact Checker.

Chris Darwin is a British-born environmentalist, conservation advocate, and great-great-grandson of Charles Darwin. While he carries one of the most recognizable names in science, Chris’s work is firmly grounded in the present, focused on the urgent challenge of protecting life on Earth in an age of accelerating environmental change. After studying psychology and geography, Chris began his career in advertising and commercial production before relocating to Australia in the 1980s. Living in the Blue Mountains west of Sydney became a turning point, deepening his connection to nature and sharpening his awareness of the scale of human impact on the planet. Drawing inspiration from his ancestor’s ideas about adaptation, Chris shifted his life and work toward conservation, sustainability, and practical action. Chris is the co-founder of The Darwin Challenge, an initiative that encourages people to rethink everyday choices, particularly around food, as a way to reduce habitat destruction, climate impact, and biodiversity loss. The project emphasizes simple, achievable changes, such as reducing meat consumption, that can collectively create meaningful environmental benefits. He has a deep interest in facilitating meaningful behavior change that addresses the human thinking problems that cause and accelerate the world’s environmental existential crisis. Beyond advocacy, Chris has been directly involved in conservation efforts, including supporting the protection of large tracts of threatened Australian wilderness. He is known for leading by example, working to reduce his own ecological footprint and promoting a vision of living well within the planet’s limits. Today, Chris Darwin continues to speak, write, and campaign for a future where human ingenuity is aligned with the long-term health of the natural world, carrying forward a legacy not of fame, but of responsibility.

“Schools need to teach young people critical thinking in a way that they have the capacity to assess social media and AI for accuracy, bias, relevance and risk, before making a decision.” Dr. Newman is the founder and director of The Academy of Organisational Neuroscience and holds a PhD in Applied Neuroscience. Her work sits at the intersection of education, psychology, and neuroscience, giving her a rare ability to translate complex brain science into practical leadership insight. She is widely recognised in Australia as a leading expert in social cognitive neuroscience, known for drawing on her experience as a former high school principal and executive coach to contextualise research into real-world leadership, learning, and influence. Her passion for optimal brain function is grounded in her doctoral research and resonates with leaders across education, business, and industry. Dr. Newman’s work focuses on identifying and developing leadership attributes to strengthen influence, collaborating with educators and learners on how the brain learns best, training leaders in brain-based executive coaching, and supporting organisations to refine decision-making and build high-performing teams. Her background includes senior leadership roles in education, university curriculum development in the neuroscience of leadership, and ongoing academic appointments. She is a Fellow of both the Institute for Learning Professionals and the Institute of Organisational Neuroscience, a registered teacher in Queensland, and a recipient of multiple awards for leadership and research excellence, including the Paul Anderson Prize for Outstanding Doctoral Thesis.

“High-performance leadership begins with how we think. The future won’t be defined by AI alone, but by the quality of human thinking leading it. When people thrive, performance scales-and systems sustain. Humanity is not a soft issue; it's the strategy that endures.” Crystal Fernando is the founder of Whatbox Partners, where she helps organizations make sense of complexity and turn ideas into clear, practical action. With a career that spans strategy, innovation, and leadership development, Crystal is known for her ability to ask the right questions, cut through noise, and help teams focus on what truly matters. At the heart of her work is a deep understanding of how people think, decide, and collaborate. Crystal partners with leaders who are navigating change, whether that means reimagining their business model, strengthening culture, or aligning diverse stakeholders around a shared direction. Her approach blends critical thinking, including the importance of unconscious brain dynamics, with creativity, helping clients move forward with confidence rather than certainty. Crystal founded Whatbox Partners to challenge conventional problem-solving. Instead of forcing organizations into rigid frameworks, she creates space for exploration, reflection, and honest dialogue. This allows teams to surface hidden assumptions, see new possibilities, and design solutions that are both innovative and grounded in real-world constraints. Clients value Crystal for her clarity, warmth, and calm presence in complex conversations. She brings curiosity, rigor, and a strong sense of purpose to every engagement, helping leaders and teams build resilience, make better decisions, and create lasting impact. Through Whatbox Partners, Crystal continues to work with organizations that want not just better answers, but better ways of thinking. Her latest book is Unapologetically Human: How the Science of Being Human is the Future of Work.

"We must continually come together to reinforce what it is that connects each of us and all of us, in place after place around the globe - For Humanity Now" Heidi Kleinmaus is the Managing Partner of Charrette LLC, where she brings a steady mix of strategic thinking, operational discipline, and creative problem-solving to complex projects. In her role, she works at the intersection of leadership, planning, and execution, helping organizations turn ideas into clear, actionable outcomes. Known for her ability to see both the big picture and the fine details, Heidi is often the person clients rely on to guide projects from early concept through successful completion. At Charrette LLC, Heidi plays a central role in shaping the firm’s direction, building strong client relationships, and fostering collaborative teams. She has a talent for translating diverse perspectives into coherent strategies, making her especially effective in environments where multiple stakeholders, constraints, and goals must be balanced. Her leadership style emphasizes clarity, accountability, and thoughtful communication, creating conditions where teams can do their best work. Heidi’s professional approach is grounded in the belief that good outcomes come from careful listening, rigorous thinking, and respect for both process and people. She values integrity, transparency, and long-term impact over quick wins, and she encourages the same mindset within her firm. Through her work at Charrette LLC, Heidi Kleinmaus has earned a reputation as a trusted partner who brings insight, structure, and calm leadership to every engagement.

“In an age where intelligence becomes abundant, human judgment and critical thinking become crucial. Instead of sitting back and letting AI do the work, we need to lean forward and strengthen our critical thinking so we are ready when the future arrives.” Mark van Rijmenam is a globally recognized futurist, ranked the #1 Futurist by Global Gurus. He is a strategic thinker and keynote speaker who helps organizations understand and prepare for the fast-changing world shaped by artificial intelligence, data, and emerging technologies. Known as “The Digital Speaker,” Mark combines deep research with clear, practical insights, making complex technological shifts understandable and actionable for leaders across industries. He is the founder of Futurwise, a platform dedicated to exploring how exponential technologies will transform business, society, and human behavior. Through Futurwise, Mark advises executives, boards, and governments on how to build future-ready organizations that remain ethical, resilient, and competitive in an increasingly automated world. His work focuses not only on what technology can do, but on how it should be used responsibly. Mark is the author of several influential books on digital transformation, big data, and AI, including Step into the Metaverse and The Organisation of Tomorrow. His writing challenges leaders to rethink traditional structures and embrace adaptability, transparency, and continuous learning. He is also a frequent contributor to global media and a sought-after speaker at international conferences, where he is known for blending sharp analysis with engaging storytelling. With a background that bridges business, technology, and philosophy, Mark van Rijmenam brings a distinctly human perspective to the future. His work empowers organizations to move beyond fear of disruption and instead make thoughtful, informed choices about the role technology will play in shaping a better tomorrow.

"Each day when I first looked at the world and universe my brain was alight with awe. As I grew and looked harder and critically and listened and read and experienced and experimented, seeking to understand, my brain excitedly embraced this "knowledge". And then I looked again at all I thought I had seen and understood with an awareness, openness and humility infused not only with that knowledge, but a compassionate connection to all that shares this universe with us bound on its own journey and in that moment I heard the whisper of wisdom.” Dr. David Whitehouse is a Harvard-trained Psychiatrist, board-certified in Neurology, has an MBA from the University of Connecticut, and a Doctorate in Theology from Harvard. He has had decades of experience helping individuals and families navigate complex mental health challenges. This unique convergence of education and experience has led to his work blending rigorous clinical science with a deeply human approach, grounded in careful listening, empathy, and respect for each person’s lived experience. Trained in evidence-based psychiatry and informed by years of clinical practice, Dr. Whitehouse is known for his ability to translate complex psychological ideas into clear, practical insights that patients can actually use in their daily lives. Throughout his career, Dr. Whitehouse has worked across a wide range of settings, including academic medical centers, private practice, and collaborative care environments. His clinical interests span mood and anxiety disorders, trauma, stress-related conditions, and the psychological impact of modern life, including technology, work pressures, and social change. He places strong emphasis on accurate diagnosis, thoughtful treatment planning, and long-term well-being rather than quick fixes. In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Whitehouse is a respected educator and speaker, valued for his ability to connect neuroscience, psychology, and real-world human behavior. He has contributed to conversations about mental health that emphasize critical thinking, emotional resilience, and personal responsibility, while remaining compassionate and non-judgmental. Dr. Whitehouse’s approach reflects a belief that mental health care works best when science and humanity meet. His goal is not only to reduce symptoms, but to help people better understand themselves, their unconscious drivers and blockers, strengthen their relationships, and move forward with constructive clarity and confidence.

“There is no matter as such. All matter originates and exists only by virtue of a force which brings the particle of an atom to vibration. We must assume behind this force the existence of a conscious and intelligent mind. This mind is the matrix of all matter." - Max Planck Peter Cooper is the founder of Cooper Investments, where he has built a reputation for disciplined thinking, long-term perspective, and principled capital stewardship. With decades of experience across financial markets, Peter founded Cooper Investments with a clear goal: to help clients grow and protect their wealth through thoughtful analysis, patience, and integrity. Throughout his career, Peter has focused on understanding the deeper forces that drive markets rather than chasing short-term trends. He is known for his ability to cut through noise, assess risk realistically, and make decisions grounded in fundamentals. This approach has shaped Cooper Investments into a firm that values clarity over complexity and consistency over speculation. Peter believes that successful investing is as much about mindset as it is about numbers. He emphasizes independent thinking, rigorous due diligence, and the importance of aligning investment strategies with each client’s long-term objectives. Under his leadership, Cooper Investments has cultivated a culture of accountability, transparency, humility, and continuous learning that is now integrating best practices of AI. Beyond his professional work, Peter is deeply interested in economics, human behavior, and the ways psychology influences decision-making in markets. He is committed to building lasting relationships with clients based on trust and clear communication, viewing investment management as a long-term partnership rather than a transactional service. Peter continues to guide Cooper Investments with the same principles that inspired its founding: intellectual honesty, disciplined judgment, and a steady focus on sustainable outcomes. His global breadth of interest across humanity’s faith and science wisdom has made him an ideal guide to help navigate a more productive alignment between them, ForHumanityNow.