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1200 Leagues Embarked on The Atlantic Crossing

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“Learning isn’t mandatory; it’s voluntary. Improving isn’t mandatory; it’s voluntary. But to survive, we have to learn.”
– Edwards Deming

“There is no greater joy than being able to work for the good of all humanity, doing what you do best.”
– Buckminster Fuller

 

An unexpected and irresistible idea

A few months ago, I received a message from my dear friend Nicolás Shea, who lives in Santiago, Chile. Mario Solari had contacted him, seeking references for people with a particular profile. According to Nico, I fit that description well.

A few days later, we met on a video call, joined by Facundo Garretón. Mario introduced us to Earth One and the Atlantic Crossing, an intriguing voyage from Portugal to Puerto Rico, where 300 people would gather to develop ideas aimed at making the world a better place. He invited us to apply.

This short pitch planted a flag in my imagination. It was impossible to ignore. “This is extraordinary!” I thought. It was a colossal idea – intimidating because of the challenge, yet indescribably inspiring. And that’s not even to mention the allure of crossing the Atlantic on a high-performance mega-yacht.

For me, the combination of these elements was simply… irresistible.

I filled out the application and completed the required essays. Then came a selection interview, which I passed despite inadvertently undermining my own application. In my final conversation with Samuel Kern of Earth One, I made it clear – almost as if I didn’t want to be accepted – that although I’ve founded many ventures, I am not currently a CEO, COO, chairperson, or even part of any formal organization. In fact, I don’t even have a business card. To his surprise, I went so far as to say, “I’m not sure I’m the best fit for the mission.” Yet somehow, my honesty convinced him otherwise.

An hour later, I received confirmation of my acceptance. In less than an hour after that, I completed the registration, made the bank transfer, and reserved October 31 to November 14 in my calendar.

A Voyage That’s More Than a Vacation

The journey, organized by Earth One, will take me and many others aboard the Ilma from Lisbon to San Juan, with brief stops in the Azores and the British Virgin Islands.

On this 12-day transatlantic crossing, a diverse group of people will be packed into what could be described as a luxurious container at sea. Six time zones and an expedition reminiscent of epic voyages of the past.

But these will be explorers of a different kind. Onboard will be an interdisciplinary, intergenerational group from every corner of the globe: entrepreneurs, academics, inventors, artists, environmental advocates, and political thinkers, all united by a single mission – to initiate a new phase of change toward a regenerative world.

Earth One has brought together environmental activists, frontline leaders, visionaries, and virtuosos, with the support of impact-focused organizations like Unreasonable, To:org, The Elevate Prize Foundation and the Pachamama Alliance. With a range of sponsors, we aim to create an inspiring ecosystem, a kind of floating think-tank where new paths to the future can be catalyzed, triggered, and nurtured.

 

What’s at Stake?

Anyone living on Earth today knows we’re at a critical turning point. Earth One puts it starkly: “We have crossed boundaries with unimaginable consequences, we are experiencing a global compassion crisis, and isolation grows daily.”

Despite this being humanity’s most advanced era, we face unprecedented risks and dangers. The oceans are warming, pollution levels are rising, and climate change – fueled by decades of unchecked resource exploitation – is driving extreme weather events with increasing frequency: wildfires, floods, heat waves, and devastating droughts. These disasters not only disrupt ecosystems and displace communities but also threaten food production, putting millions at risk of food insecurity.

This is just a snapshot of reality. Summing up the world’s crises in a few words is impossible. My aim is only to highlight the urgency of these issues, which demand in-depth analysis and concrete action.

In Costa Rica, my homeland, despite positive macroeconomic indicators, the deterioration feels as severe as wartime devastation. Education and healthcare are in shambles, and society debates whether crime is solely the problem of drug cartels or something more pervasive.

We feel helpless. Ordinary citizens shrug, unsure of what to do, while our leaders squabble, undermining the foundations of our once-exemplary democracy. The President governs with bullying, insults, and contempt for institutions and people in other branches of power.

So, in connecting the global with the local, I return to my own reality and ask, “What can I do?” I have no podium, no platform. If I called a press conference, no one would show. A business meeting might draw only a few friends. My reach is limited, perhaps tiny. But I remain convinced that each of us holds seeds of change.

And for that reason, it is thrilling to think of this journey as an opportunity to plant those seeds.

Six Core Focus Areas and a Shared Future

The organizers have structured this experience around six central areas or clusters. We will tackle current events – like the results of the November 5 U.S. elections – and the opportunities and challenges surrounding today’s most pressing issues.

The six guilds are:

  1. Oceans – Reviewing projects for the 2025 UN Ocean Conference.
  2. Governance – Focusing on relevant governance for the 21st century.
  3. Intelligences – Exploring various intelligences, from AI to consciousness beyond human.
  4. Biocultures – Conservation led by indigenous communities, addressing legal and regenerative issues.
  5. Resilience – Strengthening personal and planetary systems for a changing world.
  6. New Economies – Examining emerging economies that serve all life forms, from philanthropic models to digital currencies.

Each guild will include over 15 leaders and experts, converging their knowledge to address these essential, complex challenges, with a commitment to implementing solutions upon arrival.

Personally, I’ll be especially active in the Governance guild, as well as in Intelligences and Resilience. Time is limited, so focus will be essential. The experience promises to be immersive and deeply participatory.

 

Vital recycling in Action

As I wrote in my previous post on A Fuego Lento, I’ve embraced the concept of “vital recycling” – remaining in a constant state of exploration.

And so, with the intention of discovering fresh opportunities, building new and powerful connections, tackling challenges, and perhaps finding new ways to contribute to the well-being of our world, I embark on this journey without reserve, without filters.

I foresee a fascinating storm of ideas tossed by the waves – a grand, exhilarating, floating charrette, a new kind of co-laboratory.

The experience will also include music, art, fun, and relaxation. Fine cuisine and wellness will be integrated into the journey.

I embark with an open mind, excited to expand my perspective and, of course, to share this Atlantic Crossing experience at my fingertips.

What an adventure!

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