Trailblazing in a World on the Brink

The world needs visionary, resilient, inclusive, collaborative, and courageous trailblazers for what’s ahead.?

This past July the world lost a truly great human being, Dr. Angelyn Konugres, a trailblazing scientist who led a life of purpose and dedication to medicine, family, and community. Dr. Konugres, or Lyn as I knew her, was my mother-in-law, mentor, and one of my dearest friends. This week Lyn would have turned 100 years old so her life and legacy are very much on my mind.?

The world’s first recipient of a Ph.D. in immuno-hematology, discoverer of two rare blood types, and a longtime Harvard Medical School faculty member, Dr. Konugres was recognized internationally as an authority on hemolytic disease of the newborn, neonatal blood diseases, and transfusion therapy. She authored the book “Eradication of Hemolytic Diseases of the Newborn” and was an early proponent and developer of an antigen for the protection of newborns against hemolytic anemia - the Rh immune globulin (RhoGAM) antigen. Before RhoGAM, hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn due to Rh(D) incompatibility was a major cause of fetal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. RhoGAM has saved millions of babies’ lives worldwide since its widespread adoption in the 1960s.

Lyn’s recent passing, and the many remembrances people have shared about her life and what a “trailblazer” she was has had me wondering what it meant to be a “trailblazer” in the mid-20th century especially as a woman in science? What does it mean to be a trailblazer of any kind today?

In my view, in an age of unprecedented global challenges and the rise of Artificial Intelligence, the role of trailblazers is more vital than ever. While the term "trailblazer" might evoke images of the “rugged individualist,” forging ahead alone, the world’s best trailblazers - both today and throughout history - are different. They are the architects of change, those who lead the way while leaving markers on the trail to guide and inspire others. In a world where global connectivity has bridged physical gaps, today’s trailblazers hold the key to humanity's collective progress.

The challenges facing the world today are monumental. From climate change and resource scarcity to social inequality, political instability, global health crises, and modern warfare, the need for bold solutions is dire. In such a complex and interconnected world, the contributions of individual human ingenuity are indispensable. However, the romanticized idea of the solitary conquering hero is outdated. Instead, we need trailblazers who understand the power of collaboration and the importance of bringing others along on the journey.

One critical aspect of trailblazers in the 21st century is their capacity to leverage the global network that connects us all. The Internet and digital communication tools have transformed the way ideas spread and people connect. Trailblazers can share their insights and innovations with the world, reaching a global audience. Through these shared experiences, they can inspire others and collaborate on solutions that transcend borders. The world has become a vast ecosystem of ideas, and trailblazers are the catalysts that keep it thriving.

The emergence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is another remarkable development that, rather than replacing human ingenuity, augments and empowers it. AI can process vast amounts of data and provide insights that were once impossible to attain. Trailblazers can use AI as a tool to refine their ideas, solve complex problems, and accelerate progress. They can harness the power of AI to make their work more effective, enabling them to tackle global challenges with greater precision and efficiency.

However, the true essence of a trailblazer lies not just in their pioneering spirit or their ability to leverage technology, but in their commitment to leaving markers on the trail for others to follow. They understand that true progress is measured not by how far one individual can advance but by how many can be uplifted along the way. Trailblazers create opportunities for others by sharing knowledge, providing mentorship, and nurturing a sense of empowerment among those who join them. They illuminate a new path forward and actively encourage others to walk it, ensuring that no one is left behind. They understand that the power of collective action is greater than any individual achievement.

Interested in calling forth your inner trailblazer to be part of the change-makers who can create the kind of equitable, just, regenerative world that’s possible? Trailblazers share five key characteristics:

1. Visionary: Trailblazers possess a forward-thinking mindset and a vision for the future. They can identify emerging trends and opportunities that others might overlook. Their ability to imagine a better world, not just for themselves but for the broader community, drives their innovation. They are constantly seeking ways to make the world a better place.

Jay Coen Gilbert, Bart Houlahan, and Andrew Kassoy are co-founders of B Lab, a nonprofit organization that encourages businesses to meet rigorous standards of social and environmental performance. The B Corp movement has had a profound impact on redefining success in business and promoting a more sustainable and socially responsible form of capitalism. Jay, Bart, and Andrew are visionary trailblazers because they recognized the need for a bold new approach to business—one that goes beyond profit maximization and places equal importance on social and environmental responsibility. Their visionary trailblazing efforts have inspired hundreds of thousands of companies to consider their broader impact on society, setting a new standard for corporate responsibility and accountability.?

2. Resilient: The path of a trailblazer is often challenging, and they encounter setbacks and obstacles. Resilience is a key characteristic, allowing them to persevere in the face of adversity. They view failure as a learning opportunity and use it to refine their approach, rather than as a roadblock to their progress.

Robyn O'Brien is an author, speaker, and advocate known for her work in transforming the food industry, particularly regarding food allergies and the impact of the food system on public health. She gained prominence for her efforts to raise awareness about the links between food, allergies, and the overall health of individuals and communities, after her own child had a severe allergic reaction to food. She’s worked tirelessly to shed light on the rising prevalence of food allergies and the need for more transparency and better labeling in the food industry. She has written several books on the topic, including "The Unhealthy Truth: How Our Food Is Making Us Sick and What We Can Do About It.”? She’s also been a fearless and vocal critic of the food system, pointing out issues related to genetically modified organisms (GMOs), the use of pesticides, and the presence of potentially harmful additives in the food supply. Her advocacy focuses on creating a healthier and more sustainable food system. Her 2011 TEDx talk has 1.2M views. Robyn is a trailblazer in so many ways, not least of which her resilience in being willing to speak out about her own family's experiences with food allergies and her dedication to advocating for systemic change in the food industry. She has faced opposition and criticism but continues to push for transparency and better food practices. Her work has helped pave the way for greater public awareness and industry changes related to food labeling, food allergies, and the overall quality of the food supply.?

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3. Inclusive: Modern trailblazers understand the importance of inclusivity. They actively seek diverse perspectives and voices, recognizing that different backgrounds and experiences bring fresh ideas and solutions to the table. They promote diversity in their teams and ensure that their innovations benefit a broad range of people, not just a select few. Trailblazers are also not content with personal success alone. They are committed to leaving markers on the trail for others to follow. This includes mentoring aspiring trailblazers and empowering others to take on leadership roles. They are dedicated to passing on their knowledge and expertise, ensuring that the path they've blazed continues to grow and evolve.

Solitaire Townsend is an entrepreneur, sustainability expert, TED speaker and author. In 2001, she co-founded the change agency?Futerra, now one of the leading sustainability agencies in the world, that works with the world’s most influential organizations to activate social justice and environmental restoration. Solitaire’s trailblazing work on creative communication, making sustainability accessible and appealing, and emphasizing the business case for sustainability has had a lasting impact on the global sustainability movement. Her 2021 TED talk, “Are ad agencies, PR firms and lobbyists destroying the climate?” has 1.8M views. Her most recent book, “The Solutionists: How Businesses Can Fix the Future,” is actively inviting a new generation of “Solutionists” – entrepreneurs, CEOs and leaders from all sectors – to create a more sustainable society. Solitaire’s tireless efforts as an inclusive trailblazer have helped shape a more sustainable and environmentally conscious world.

4. Collaborative: Trailblazers are adept collaborators. They understand that their success is often intertwined with the success of others. They build networks, seek partnerships, and work with like-minded individuals and organizations to amplify their impact. Collaboration allows them to leverage collective knowledge and resources for greater effectiveness.

Lindsay Levin is a serial entrepreneur whose trailblazing efforts have contributed significantly to advancing the cause of social and environmental responsibility globally. She is the founder, former CEO, and Chairwoman of Leaders' Quest, a social enterprise that works with leaders from diverse sectors to inspire, equip, and support them in their journey to create positive societal impact. Lindsay's trailblazing efforts extend to her advocacy for radical, cross-sector collaboration. Over its 20+ year history, Leaders' Quest has brought together leaders from the corporate, nonprofit, government, and social sectors to exchange ideas and work collaboratively on solutions to pressing global challenges. Lindsay and LQ have been co-founders of many transformational global collaborations, including TED Countdown, Future Stewards, and Count Us In. Through Leaders' Quest, Lindsay has touched the lives of thousands of leaders and organizations worldwide, fostering a global community of change-makers. Lindsay’s 2013 book titled "Invisible Giants: Changing the World One Step at a Time,” has helped the way leaders and organizations think about their roles in society and the power of collaboration to shape a better world.?

5. Courageous: Trailblazers often find themselves alone in uncharted territory, dealing with uncertainty and forging ahead where others may fear to tread. Their ability to step into the unknown, sometimes as the sole representative of their kind in a room or field, takes immense courage. It's this bravery that allows them to defy the status quo and bring about real change.

Dr. Angelyn Konugres was many things in her 99 years, a courageous trailblazer first among them. Lyn grew up during the depression in Trinidad, Colorado, the daughter of immigrants. Her career was filled with many “firsts,” not least of which was becoming the first immuno-hematologist in the world.

My cousin Karin Kukral gave Lyn a book this year, during her final visit with Lyn before she died, called “The Only Woman” by Immy Humes. It’s a marvelous collection of 100 stories and photographs of trailblazing women - from scientists, filmmakers, adventurers, and athletes, to race car drivers and revolutionaries - between 1860 and 2020 who forged ahead in their work, often when they were literally the only woman. In working with my husband to find memorabilia for Dr. Konugres’ memorial service this September, we discovered many photographs of her where she was the only woman in a sea of (typically white-only) men, such as this one in which Dr. Konugres was the first woman ever to serve on the Board of Governors at the Harvard Club of Boston. Being the first / only of anything requires courage.

The inspiring film and book, “Hidden Figures,” tell the story of three brilliant African-American women at NASA -- Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson -- who served as the brains behind one of the greatest operations in history: the launch of astronaut John Glenn into orbit, a stunning achievement that was a turning point in restoring America’s confidence in winning the Space Race. These trailblazing women led extraordinary lives that were often overshadowed by the accomplishments of their white male colleagues. They did their game-changing work with excellence and while celebrating and bringing others along. They also did so without much fanfare or public recognition. Some of that was their own inherent humility, but lots of it was the result of structural inequities, notably the rampant racism and sexism of the mid-20th century. These biases not only led to systematic erasure but even made it taboo for a Black person or woman to seek recognition or "toot their own horn." This was certainly true of Dr. Konugres. She viscerally hated what she called “fasaria” (drawing on her Greek heritage) - any unnecessary noise or hoopla focused on her. Throughout her life, she was far more interested in celebrating and shining a light on others.?

There’s so much to learn from the vision and genius of both the NASA “hidden figures” as well as from Dr. Konugres and others like them, but also from their courage and perseverance in the face of enormous odds stacked against them.?

In a globally connected world with immense challenges, trailblazers are the catalysts for positive change. They are the embodiment of progress, demonstrating that individual ingenuity, when coupled with inclusivity and an unwavering commitment to the common good, can move mountains. In a world transformed by technology and interconnectedness, trailblazers are the guides, the mentors, and the architects of a better future for all. They leave their markers on the trail, not as a monument to their own accomplishments, but as a path for humanity to follow towards a brighter and more equitable tomorrow.

About the Author

Kim Coupounas is an avid hiker - and blazer - of trails. She’s climbed four of the world’s Seven Summits, many Colorado “14ers,” and the highest mountain (or molehill) in all 50 United States. She’s also walked the Camino de Santiago or Way of St. James, the pilgrimage to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, Spain.?

Professionally, she serves as a Partner at Leaders’ Quest, a global consultancy known for its signature “Quests” that inspire and equip leaders (and trailblazers :)) to build a more equitable and regenerative future for humanity and the planet - and for its pioneering collaborations such as TED Countdown and Count Us In. Kim has worked for over two decades to harness the power of business to advance an equitable and regenerative future. Prior to Leaders’ Quest, Kim served as a senior global executive in the B Corp movement where she co-led the largest mobilization of companies in history committed to net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. Prior to B Lab, Kim co-founded and served as CEO of GoLite, a mission-driven hiking and outdoor products brand and one of the earliest Certified B Corps. Kim spends much of her free time with family in nature, hiking trails, climbing big mountains, and growing vegetables and herbs in her backyard.?