Who is Lisa Bennett?
Lisa Bennett is a distinguished author, speaker, and facilitator who has dedicated her career to inspiring positive change. She helps individuals and organizations build the resilience and skills needed to address some of the world’s most pressing challenges.
As an award-winning journalist and communications advisor, Bennett has worked with numerous purpose-driven organizations, leaving a significant mark on fields ranging from environmentalism to social justice.
From Levittown to the World: An Early Journey
Bennett’s story begins in Levittown, New York, the iconic post-war suburb known for its uniform houses. This environment of sameness sparked a deep curiosity in her about the wider world and the diverse perspectives it held.
This early yearning for a broader view led her to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in literature and writing, followed by a Master’s Degree in international affairs from Columbia University. Her academic journey laid the foundation for a career spent exploring complex global issues.
A Voice for Change: A Career in Journalism and Writing
With a passion for storytelling and a drive to understand what motivates people to act, Bennett embarked on a career as a journalist. Her work has been featured in prestigious publications such as The New York Times, The Atlantic, and Forbes.
Through her writing, she has consistently explored themes of environmental sustainability, education, and social equality, earning her a reputation as a thoughtful and influential voice for change.
Ecoliterate: A Groundbreaking Collaboration
One of Lisa Bennett’s most notable achievements is the co-authorship of Ecoliterate with Daniel Goleman, the renowned pioneer of emotional intelligence. The book explores how educators can cultivate emotional, social, and ecological intelligence in students.
Ecoliterate shares inspiring stories of educators and activists who are making a difference on issues like food, water, and energy. It provides a powerful framework for a new model of education that connects academic learning with real-world ecological challenges.
Savor the World: A New Approach to Global Challenges
Bennett is also the author of the forthcoming book, Savor the World. This work introduces a transformative idea: that by learning to savor the world, we can more naturally find the motivation to save it.
This concept challenges the often-overwhelming narrative of global crises, offering a more hopeful and sustainable path to engagement. It addresses the burnout that many feel and provides a research-backed approach to reigniting a sense of purpose and effectiveness.
The Philosophy of Capacity: Empowering Action
At the core of Lisa Bennett’s work is a simple yet profound philosophy centered on the idea of capacity. Through hundreds of interviews with leaders, scientists, and changemakers, she discovered that our belief in our own ability to make a difference is what ultimately drives us to act.
When people feel they have the capacity to create change, they are more likely to step up and contribute to solving problems. Bennett’s work focuses on helping individuals and organizations cultivate this sense of capacity, empowering them to take meaningful action.
A Legacy of Impact: Recognition and Current Work
Lisa Bennett’s influence extends across many sectors. She has been a fellow at Harvard University and has partnered with a wide range of organizations, including the American Psychological Association, Brown University, and the Human Rights Campaign.
Today, she continues to inspire through her speaking engagements, workshops, and leadership coaching. Her frameworks, such as “Staying Power” and “Savor the World,” provide practical tools for those working to create a better future.
Through her writing and professional work, Lisa Bennett offers a powerful message of hope and empowerment. She reminds us that by cultivating our inner capacity and learning to savor the world, we can all play a part in its preservation and renewal.
