Conversing

“Out of the greatest misery and the most devastating loss can come unimagined growth, and, in some cases, joy and happiness.” In this episode Mark Labberton welcomes pioneering social entrepreneur Mawi Asgedom, an award-winning innovator, author, and advocate for social-emotional learning (SEL). Sharing his story of struggle, resilience, and redemption, Mawi describes his extraordinary journey from war-torn Ethiopia… to a Sudanese refugee camp… to a childhood on welfare in an affluent American suburb… to Harvard graduate… to sharing a stage with Oprah Winfrey… to reimagining educational technology to improve youth mental health and thriving. Together they discuss the essential life-lessons Mawi has learned and taught through processing his remarkable personal history; the difficult cultural transition as an Ethiopian refugee in the Chicago suburbs; the pain of losing his brother, followed by the pain of losing his faith; the power of positivity and mature Christian faith; and his vision for helping children d