The Power of the Powerless by Vaclav Havel [REDUX] w/Harvey Seifter & Jesan Sorrells
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Exploring Václav Havel’s influential essay, The Power of the Powerless, Jesan Sorrells and Harvey Seifter unpack what it means for leaders to “live in truth” in the face of societal conformity. They examine the dangers of moral and cultural hollowness, the practical implications of dissidence, and how authentic leadership begins with individual conscience rather than systemic change. The episode also connects Havel’s ideas to modern challenges in leadership, ethics, and the search for a transcendent anchor in turbulent times.
- Book: The Power of the Powerless
- Author: Václav Havel
- Guest: Harvey Seifter Host: Jesan Sorrells
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Time-Stamped Outline:
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00:00 Discussing “The Power of the Powerless”
11:43 Forming and Scaling Arts-Based Organizations
17:12 Raising kids as future leaders
23:11 Discussing LLMs and historical figures
24:37 Discovering Vaclav Havel’s Plays
30:48 Generational challenges in Hollywood writing
37:13 The need for societal self-reflection
42:12 Rereading a book in Prague
46:35 Reflecting on 9/11 and authenticity
52:32 Weekly Bible discussion lunch
57:36 Relatable job struggles and realities
01:05:45 Feeling disconnected from larger systems
01:08:49 Havel’s philosophy on private pursuits
01:16:14 Turning to Biblical truth
01:23:22 Exploring the concept of truth
01:28:10 Value of truth in oppressive regimes
01:34:33 Differentiating ethics from morals
01:40:03 Connection between arts and ethical leadership
01:42:09 Empowering leaders for innovation
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Connect with Harvey Seifter by clicking on the links below:
- Creating Futures That Work – https://futuresthatwork.com/
- The Art of Science Learning – https://www.artofsciencelearning.org/
- Harvey Seifter LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/hseifter/
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- Opening theme composed by Felipe Sarro – Bach – Silotti – “Air” from Orchestra Suite No. 3, BWV 1068
- Closing theme composed by Brian Sanyshyn of Brian Sanyshyn Music.
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