Curious to learn about the team behind Beacon? Read on!
Meet Brian Clark:
Why is Beacon important to you?
Beacon is rooted in the math of how networks operate: how one node, thorough its independent choices, can “affect,” or in this case "infect," other nodes. The more easily they affect each other, the larger the collective action problem.
The choices of one group strongly impact other groups, creating disproportionate outcomes in underserved communities or essential workers, which in then perpetuates the harm. The problem grows as this momentum cycle continues.
In other words, most cannot be safe until all are safe in these situations. Beacon is solving this on both sides of the problem:
- World-changing technology that helps keep each individual ("node") safe
- Donating its units as a benefit corporation to keep public groups. ("network") safer without forcing individuals to comply with actions they disagree with.
What is your favorite activity/food/pastime?
Reading and writing philosophy on a crisp autumn Sunday morning while eating breakfast on a patio. Pure joy.
If you could do one thing in the future what would that be?
Upgrade capitalism to reflect our modern, data-emergent economy
If you could create a product, regardless if people would use it, what would it be?
I would give everyone the ability to create a digital twin likeness
What are you currently reading/what is your favorite book/podcast?
The Third Pillar by Raghuram Rajan
Meet Susie Spigelman:
Why is Beacon important to you?
I carried a pregnancy during the pandemic and learned first-hand what it meant to be part of a vulnerable population. I spent my days in extreme isolation because I was desperate to protect my pregnancy, and besides the mask rules that were in a constant flux, there was no way to mitigate transmission risk other than a constant stream of Lysol. I realized there were no chemical-free options for keeping vulnerable and at-risk people safe from the spread of illness, and I said to myself "there has to be a better way!" I knew in my gut through my conversations with Brian and Andrea that Beacon HAD to become a reality. And here we are!
What is your favorite activity/food/pastime?
My free time is all about finding peaceful and mindful moments, and those come in a variety of ways: spending time in nature, baking, doing yoga, and of course, spending time with my husband, son, and dog.
If you could do one thing in the future what would that be?
I’d love to make it to Everest Base Camp some day, as well as every U.S. National Park.
If you could create a product, regardless if people would use it, what would it be?
A crib that lowers up and down so parents aren’t destroying their backs each time they pick up their kids.
What are you currently reading/what is your favorite book/podcast?
Just finished Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin. Loved it. It’s a fun fictional read about college students who decide to make a video game. And I’m a big fan of the My Climate Journey podcast. It’s a phenomenal podcast for anyone interested in learning about the leaders making an impact in climate tech.
Meet Andrea Clark:
Why is Beacon important to you?
Community, helping people, and the idea that prevention is key to leading a healthier and more quality-driven life.
What is your favorite activity/food/pastime?
I am a hot yoga feign…the hotter the better - especially as the cold months approach for us. I enjoy research and learning new things all the time - and even random facts like if everyone just deleted 10 spam emails, the amount of server space would save tons of energy.
If you could do one thing in the future what would that be?
One of my goals in life is to renovate an old house - preferably one with a massive porch and make it into a sustainable home that generates its own power.
If you could create a product, regardless if people would use it, what would it be?
The perfect temperature sweater and gloves - that always keeps you perfectly warm or cool enough without additional massive coats/jackets/scarves or sweating through shirts. DREAMS!
What are you currently reading/what is your favorite book/podcast?
I have been reading a lot of Thich Nhat Kahn - currently “The Art of Communicating”. I appreciate the simplicity, but the difficulty of his teachings. He approaches his teachings on how to challenge the culture/lifestyle I grew up in and how to think and practice on improving our communication skills while understanding our fears and authentically showing up and being who we are.