Zander is one of the most exuberantly alive people I’ve ever seen.  (I wish I could say “met,” because I would love to meet him in person!)  He’s a living example of what it means to be all out there, completely yourself. 

His book The Art of Possibility, written with his wife Rosamund Stone Zander, gives us a peek into his way of thinking, endlessly curious, irreverent, and willing to explore almost anything.   And it’s an amazing exploration of a whole different way of approaching life, both personally and as a leader.

Having read his book, I was almost hesitant to view the YouTube video of his talk at Davos.  I’m sure I’m not alone in finding authors sometimes a little disappointing in person – and I so appreciated the book that I didn’t want to feel that disappointment.

He’s even better in person than in the written word.  I don’t generally “do” online videos of personalities or funny stuff or whatever – I usually find them too long and mildly annoying.  But I can, and do, watch Zander over and over, especially any time I need a lift, an example of what it’s like to be wholly yourself.

Read his book.  Watch the videos – I’ve included them here.  Enjoy.  And tell me what you think – is he a modern-day hero for you, too?

Ben Zander at TED

Ben Zander at Davos 2008