TEDxWestlake - Greg McEvilly - "The motivation for everything"

TEDxWestlake - July 12, 2012
Our first TEDxWestlake explored the accelerating change in the world around us. This change is largely driven by the power of the digital infrastructure built over the last few decades. William Gibson has remarked: "The future is already here -- it's just unevenly distributed." While we can't predict the future, we tried to uncover and mine some of these veins.
We were lucky to have speakers from a wide array of disciplines, from kinetic art to philosophy to hybrid social ventures, to come share their stories with our audience of business students and innovators, and help us wonder about what might lie ahead.
Greg McEvilly is the driving force behind Kammok®, a new adventure brand that is revolutionizing the "products for social good" landscape. After learning about the pervasiveness of malaria and other vector-borne diseases in Africa, Greg was moved to take action. Connecting his desire to help with his love of the outdoors, he developed the concept of a lightweight portable hammock with integrated mosquito netting that could serve as alternative bedding in malaria-ridden countries. That idea evolved into a comfortable, portable hammock that was just as useful for campers and adventurers as it was for those living in Africa. But as that vision gained momentum in the adventure market, Greg never lost sight of where it began. Thus, Kammok was born, and has evolved to become a vehicle for sustainable giving and broad social impact.
In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.

[@stewpidasohl]

I love the company and message, but I wish he would've gone more into the topic of motivation. It felt more like an advertisement for his (as great as it may be) company.

[@gregmcevilly1543]

Hey Stabacs! We work with closely with Malaria No More to provide malaria prevention/treatment. They actually purchase the nets throughout Africa, and have a strong model to ensure that the local economy is positively impacted, and not artificially inflated through overseas donations. That is the number one reason why we don't "drop nets" - we work with a network focused on sustainable development. Also, it is important to note that the "give" is designed to empower and not create reliance! Greg

[@Stabacs]

Oh, thanks for the answer. That is exactly, why I ask. In the past, a lot of money was send to africa without building up infrastructure or strengthen the economy there. Nice to see, that you have a different approach. :) Good Luck, Stabacs

[@Stabacs]

Is Kammok buying their products by african companies? This would help a lot, as it would strengthen the local economy their and helps them helping themselves....Much better then sending money or nets...

[@SuperRunehawk]

business fail when you allow it too aint over till you as the individual has given up! on the dream

[@danieljdeyette]

Motivation is the reason I signed up for FTRNation... Anyone else a member?

[@ohila730]

L'amor che move il sole e l'altre stelle

[@thefurv]

Inspiring talk, he really speaks from the heart

[@HammockTowns]

Thanks for this great talk Greg!