Big Bets: How Large-Scale Change Really Happens - Rajiv Shah with Mitch Landrieu at NOLABookFest

The conversation centers on the Rockefeller Foundation's "Big Bets" approach to global challenges, emphasizing ambitious goals, public-private partnerships, and measurable results. Rajiv Shah, president of the Rockefeller Foundation, discusses the foundation's historical impact, from eradicating yellow fever to the Green Revolution, and its current focus on energy access and preventing diabetes among veterans. Examples include building COVID testing infrastructure and providing healthy school meals. Shah highlights the importance of American values and leadership in addressing global issues, referencing USAID's work in poverty reduction and disease prevention. Mitch Landrieu underscores the need for collaboration between government, business, and philanthropy, citing Rockefeller's support for New Orleans' recovery after Katrina and the removal of Confederate monuments.