Partnering with Freakonomics to Find Unconventional Approaches to Ending Childhood Obesity
Mar 27, 2013, 4:55 PM, Posted by Brian C. Quinn
Solving intractable problems requires unconventional thinking. We recently partnered with some unconventional thinkers—the co-authors of Freakonomics—to convene a conversation on reducing the prevalence of childhood obesity. We were interested in this collaboration because the experts at Freakonomics have a proven track record of thinking creatively and vigorously; they look at difficult problems through new lenses.
The eclectic group of participants included:
- A Nobel Prize winning psychologist,
- A passionate education reform advocate,
- An entrepreneur dedicated to improving health care in the developing world,
- Professors of epidemiology and economics, and
- Other diverse leaders from related fields.
This endeavor showed us the value of bringing in non-traditional partners who care about the same issues we do. Innovators from other fields look at health problems differently, drawing on their own expertise.
The convening produced a great discussion, but of course, there are no easy answers. Childhood obesity is a complex challenge. We need to keep exploring and pressing ourselves to find innovative solutions.
Listen to the day’s discussion over at Freakonomics.