Feb. 6, 2025

The Power of Bold Thinking! Solving Big Problems with Innovation | Mitch Francis

In this episode of An Hour of Innovation, Vit Lyoshin and Mitch Francis talk about Mitch's book "Bad-Ass Solutions for Today's Big-Ass Problems." Mitch discusses pressing global issues such as rising ocean levels due to climate change, the education crisis in America, and the national debt. Mitch shares his innovative solutions, emphasizing the need for collective action and involvement from the public to address these challenges effectively.

Addressing Rising Ocean Levels
Global warming is causing rising ocean levels, with 20 Olympic-sized pools worth of water entering the oceans every second. Mitch’s solution? Redirect 7% of water from the 20 largest rivers to arid regions. This would slow ocean rise and provide fresh water for agriculture and human use. He points to the Central Arizona Project as proof that large-scale water transport is possible.

Reforming Education
Mitch believes education inequality fuels the wealth gap. His radical solution? Outlaw private schools. This would force wealthy families to invest in public education, improving its quality for all. Additionally, he advocates expanding trade schools to provide alternative career pathways for students who may not thrive in traditional academics.

Solving the National Debt Crisis
With U.S. debt surpassing $36 trillion, Mitch proposes the Asset Standard, where the dollar is backed by national assets like land and infrastructure instead of just gold. This would allow the U.S. to eliminate its debt without relying on inflationary money printing. However, he stresses the need for a constitutional amendment requiring a balanced budget to prevent reckless spending.

A Call to Action
Mitch urges individuals to push for change. He believes that when people take the lead, politicians will follow. He encourages raising awareness, supporting nonprofits, and advocating for solutions that can make a real difference.

Mitch Francis is a serial entrepreneur and the founder of Francis Development Inc., with a career spanning commercial real estate development, entertainment, and innovation. As a former CEO, he led a publicly traded company from creating 3-D motion simulators to becoming Las Vegas' top ticket broker, generating over $1 billion in sales. Mitch’s inventive spirit is backed by six US patents with two more pending. In his book "Bad-Ass Solutions for Today's Big-Ass Problems," he uses his problem-solving prowess to offer bold, actionable solutions to some of the world’s biggest challenges. Mitch is passionate about making a real difference — without political bias.

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Takeaways

  • Rising ocean levels are a critical issue caused by climate change.
  • The impact of climate change is felt globally, affecting millions.
  • Education inequality contributes to the growing wealth gap in America.
  • Public education is crucial for maintaining a democratic society.
  • The U.S. national debt is a significant challenge that needs urgent attention.
  • The US has more assets than just gold, including land and resources.
  • The concept of an asset standard could redefine how we view US debt.
  • A balanced budget amendment is crucial to prevent future debt crises.
  • Leveraging debt can be dangerous for governments without income.
  • US Treasury securities remain a safe investment despite the national debt.
  • Citizen engagement is vital for driving political change.
  • Nonprofits play a crucial role in addressing global issues.
  • Optimism is key in tackling major societal problems.
  • Problem-solving skills are essential in both business and governance.

Timestamps

00:00 Intro

02:47 Identifying Major Problems

05:12 Innovative Solutions to Ocean Level Rise

15:12 The Education Crisis in America

24:14 Addressing National Debt Challenges

37:00 What Ordinary People Can Do to Help

40:06 Which Problem Can Make the Biggest Impact

43:41 Problem-Solving: A Business Perspective

50:31 Call to Action: Get Involved for Change

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