Our Story

The MAD Journey: Turning Frustration into Action

Thirteen years ago, shortly after David and I got married, we found ourselves asking the big questions: What kind of impact do we want to have on the world? Through our travels and work, we had witnessed so much—human ingenuity and resilience alongside immense challenges faced by communities every single day.While we had been fortunate to build businesses that created positive change, we realized there was so much more to be done. And so, we asked ourselves: What kind of world do we want to leave for our children and future generations?The answers weren’t simple, but they led us to one undeniable truth: we needed to do something bigger than ourselves. Something lasting. Something that could truly make a difference.As I dove deeper into the tools already available—groundbreaking technologies, passionate leaders, and the universal desire to create progress—I found myself inspired yet frustrated.Inspired, because the potential was there. Frustrated, because nothing was connected.Technology, capital, governments, and communities were working in silos, unable to create the collective action so urgently needed. What was missing wasn’t more ideas or resources. It was connection. A way to bring people together—across borders, industries, and perspectives—with one shared goal: a sustainable, better future for everyone.

From Honest Conversations to Collective Action

In the early days, David and I started gathering people—leaders, thinkers, and changemakers—for honest conversations about what needed to change and how we could help. These weren’t formal meetings; they were moments of raw connection, brimming with ideas about what was possible.

Our first gathering happened in San Francisco, right in the midst of the pandemic—a time when the world felt like it was on pause. Navigating uncertainty, balancing the demands of raising a young family, and trying to keep teams afloat, we felt a spark of hope amid the chaos.

Those conversations made one thing very clear: the solutions we need already exist. The technology, the capital, the will to act—they’re all there. What was missing was a framework to bring it all together.

The Birth of MAD

As we moved forward, the vision for MAD began to take shape. In Los Angeles, during a conversation with a group of artists, leaders, and advocates, a world-renowned musician looked at us and said, “You’re mad.” Without missing a beat, David replied, “We are. Because we all make a difference.”That moment became the spark for MAD—a movement built on the belief that everyone, everywhere, has a role to play in shaping a better future.From those first conversations, we began traveling, listening, and learning from partnerships and perspectives around the world. Along the way, we were inspired by the generosity of people willing to give their time, energy, and ideas to something bigger than themselves.

A Movement Built on Connection

MAD is not just a foundation or a single initiative. It’s a movement. A call to action that brings together the best of humanity—our ingenuity, compassion, and determination to build a better future.

It’s about believing in what’s possible, even when it feels out of reach.
It’s about turning frustration into action and hope into solutions.

This work isn’t easy. But we know it’s possible.

When leaders, innovators, communities, and everyday people come together, we can create a world where sustainability and opportunity go hand in hand.

A world that doesn’t just survive but thrives—not just for now, but for generations to come.

This is MAD. This is our call to action. Together, we make a difference.