Rich Harwood was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis in 1960. Doctors told his parents he had three to five years to live. They called him a lemon. He grew up in hospital beds, watching the second hand on a dial clock, learning to survive the night one minute at a time.
At eight years old, he made a decision that would quietly shape everything: he stopped calling for his parents when he was sick. Not out of anger. Out of love. Because watching them break apart hurt him more than the fever did.
Nearly forty years ago, Rich founded the Harwood Institute for Public Innovation, a nonprofit now operating in 50 states and 40 countries. His work is about bridging divides, restoring dignity, and helping communities come together and actually move forward.
In this episode, we talk about:
- What it feels like to grow up invisible inside a system meant to help you
- The coach who changed the game schedule for one Jewish kid and saved a life
- How chronic trauma shaped his understanding of community and belonging
- The burning bush, and what it means to show your face when everything in you wants to hide
- Why he still wakes up at 4:28 AM and says, "today is a new day"
This one will stay with you.
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Learn more about Rich and the Harwood Institute: www.harwoodinstitute.org
Rich Harwood shares his cystic fibrosis story and how he built a legacy of public innovation despite a short life expectancy.
Nearly 40 years ago, Rich Harwood was given a short life expectancy after a cystic fibrosis diagnosis. Instead of retreating, he founded the Harwood Institute for Public Innovation. This conversation explores how that health battle shaped his commitment to community building and bridging divides in a fractured society.
We discuss the philosophy behind the Harwood Institute and how his personal journey with cystic fibrosis influenced his approach to public service. Learn how one person can foster unity in their own community through intentional public innovation practices.
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