Callan Goodall

Artist, Change agent, Christian, Concerned citizen, Educator/Teacher, Idea generator, Life mentor, Parent, Writer/Editor

I am an author, an artist, a school principal, a husband and a father of 5. I come from Invercargill, the southern most city in New Zealand at the bottom of the South Pacific, next stop Antarctica. I my spare time I am a keen golfer, writer, painter and fisherman. I have a love of learning and leadership, so the vast proportion of my personal reading is in the area of self awareness and the fulfilment of human capacity. I come to TEDNext with an open mind and I am looking forward to exploring the key themes of leadership, personal development and creativity.

I am passionate about the realisation of human potential in all its forms. I am a firm believer in the concept that each of us has unique gifts and talents that we can use for the betterment of ourselves and others - Sir Ken Robinson described this as Finding Your Element. I am passionate about writing, words and creativity in general. Story telling is a powerful way in which we can shape not only our own narrative but that of the world around us. I am passionate about being outdoors, both as a sportsman and for the sheer beauty of nature. I am passionate about family so my wife and 5 children bring me great joy, as do my extended family.

Education, Leadership, Self Awareness, Writing

I am probably travelling the farthest of anyone attending the TEDNext event in Atlanta. I have long been a fan of watching TED talks and saw this as a wonderful opportunity to attend in person. My favourite talks have been those about finding happiness and purpose from the likes of Shawn Achor/Robert Waldinger, through to anything on edcuation, Sir Ken Robinson, to the likes of Malcom Gladwell (very excited hear him speak).