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Guest:

Michael Drakovic is a social practitioner, creative producer, and democracy advocate on a mission to create a more participatory democracy. He is a dual graduate, MPA/MBA, of the Harvard Kennedy School of Government and MIT Sloan School of Management, and is currently a PhD student in Philosophy, Cosmology, and Consciousness at the California Institute of Integral Studies researching the relationship between society and spirituality. Michael is not just about degrees and credentials—he is adoer! He is the Founder and Lead Collaborator at Common Light, a consultancy for renewing human agreements, as well as a co-founder of the state legislative resource Democracy Policy Network and co-lead of Los Angeles for Democracy Vouchers and the citizens’ assembly project Public Democracy Los Angeles. Previously, Michael founded the digital studio Ovrture, where he managed creative campaigns at Bono’s antipoverty advocacy group The ONE Campaign, where he worked on the 2010 and 2011 U2 360° North America Tours.

About the Episode:

In this very special episode, I sit down with public servant and Renaissance man, Michael Draskovic. Michael was my very first one-on-one coaching client, so this conversation holds a deep personal significance for me. We talk about how to overcome the fear of "not enoughness" and break through to self-assurance. Michael opens up about his experience as a closeted gay man and the shadows and light that have shaped his life and service. We also explore the dynamics of fame and access, sharing a practical guide to navigating high-profile relationships while staying AUTHENTIC to the projects you are leading. Citing Michael’s first-hand experience, you will feel empowered to explore these avenues in your own initiatives. We also talk about how his daily practices, like meditation, have blossomed new ways of thinking and leading: reducing partisanship, and leading by listening to shape an environment where everyone’s needs are respected and considered. Plus, Michael shares his insights into participatory democracy, and co-governance: providing ways that leaders like you can test these waters in your own communities while growing confidence and support. PACKED with wisdom and ACTIONABLE takeaways, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to foster a democracy founded on common ground and co-governance nurtured by many voices.

Key Topics Discussed:

· [00:02:40] Guest/Episode Introduction

· [00:08:45] The Grey Shoes Story

· [00:11:18] Awareness vs. Embodiment

· [00:12:40] Lacking Self-Assurance and Belonging

· [00:14:50] Spiritual Abuse & the Lasting Trauma

· [00:17:50] The Intrinsic Desire to Cocreate

· [00:19:17] Michael’s Creative and Political Influences

· [00:21:20] Rethinking Policy: Diverse Voices and Recognizing Community Potential

· [00:27:40] Cafes and Porn Stars: A *messy* Introduction to Politics

· [00:30:35] Michael and The ONE Campaign

· [00:32:45] A little Shop Talk about the ONE Campaign Structure

· [00:33:55] Influence and Power Dynamics that come with a Rockstar

· [00:37:42]’ The NRA for the World’s Poor’

· [00:38:50] Making the Most/Avoiding Pitfalls when working with a high-profile Advocate

· [00:40:44] The Resurrection of George Washington! (A Casual Example)

· [00:42:14] The Pope, The Quakers, and Institutional Potential

· [00:44:50] SPONSOR: SkyRun Vacation Rentals

· [00:45:45] SPONSOR: ELC (https://www.electedleaderscollective.com)

· [00:48:05] We Can’t Open Hearts by Just Thinking About It

· [00:50:25] Leading with Action with Chi Chi Ossé

· [00:53:30] It's Not About George

· [00:56:10] What Lit Michael’s Fire

· [01:00:57] Get Involved to Fight Fatalism, Recognizing it's a Privilege

· [01:03:04] It Will Never Be the Perfect Time to Fix the System

· [01:04:43] Meditation to Reduce Partisanship

· [01:06:00] Seeing In Many Dimensions

· [01:07:35] Owning One’s Flaws

· [01:08:48] The Forest

· [01:10:25] One New Hire Can’t Save All

· [01:13:55] Taking the Practice into the Room

· [01:14:30] “The Softest Voice”

· [01:16:25] From Polarizing to Polarity: What We Can Agree On

· [01:20:52] Reimagining Political Wisdom with Many Diverse Voices

· [01:22:21] Starting Small with Civilian Group Policy Making

· [01:26:44] The Strategy and Goals of Assemblies

· [01:28:40] What’s In the Works?

· [01:30:44] Inner Work and Policy Work

· [01:32:17] Spaces of Exploration and Development

· [01:33:28] Holding an Object in Your Mind

· [01:37:00] Final Question: “What We Lose In Power We Gain in Legitimacy”

· [01:38:00] “The Leader’s Handbook” (https://www.healingourpolitics.com/#newsletter) Newsletter

· [01:39:10] Sponsor: SkyRun Vacation Rentals

· [01:40:05] Sponsor: ELC (https://www.electedleaderscollective.com)

Key References and Resources Mentioned:

· [00:00:01] SkyRun Vacation Rentals

· [00:00:00] Common Light

· [00:23:55] Community Crisis Response in New Jersey

· [00:27:10] LA’s Neighborhood Council System

· [00:30:35] The ONE Campaign

· [00:35:04]