Image - people sailing
Past Event

Dreaming It? Or Doing It? Life Lessons from Rowing Across the Oceans

From advertisements ("Just Do It!") to personal growth speakers, we are exhorted to get moving in our lives, but most people don't. There may be a burst of energy after a personal growth weekend, but it often fades. And yet, some people accomplish extraordinary things. What do they know—beyond simple slogans—that can help us achieve sustained results in our own lives, even if we aren't born with extraordinary gifts?

Mick Dawson is a former Royal Marine who has rowed the Atlantic Ocean with his brother, rowed from Japan to the Golden Gate Bridge with Chris Martin, and rowed from Monterey to Hawaii with blind veteran Steve Sparkes. He's faced massive fear, setbacks, self-doubt, 60-foot waves—everything nature and human relationships could throw at him. And, possibly as a result, he remains an utterly approachable, friendly guy who is willing to spend some time with us, tell a few stories, and help us with our own goals, fears and challenges.

Though this program will be available on live stream, for the full experience, come to the Club! We'll have a reception with wine and cheese afterward, along with a book signing. You can meet Mick and other Club members, and maybe even have dinner afterward at a nearby restaurant. (Remember, although we have an ultramodern ventilation system, we encourage being masked.)

MLF Organizer
Eric Siegel
Notes

A Personal Growth Member-led Forum program. Forums at the Club are organized and run by volunteer programmers who are members of The Commonwealth Club, and they cover a diverse range of topics. Learn more about our Forums.

This program is part of our Good Lit series, underwritten by the Bernard Osher Foundation.

Photos courtesy the speakers.

May 30, 2023

The Commonwealth Club of California
110 The Embarcadero
Toni Rembe Rock Auditorium
San Francisco, CA 94105
United States

Speakers
Image - Mick Dawson

Mick Dawson

Author, Battling the Oceans in a Rowboat and Never Leave a Man Behind 

Image - Eric Siegel

Eric Siegel

Chair, Personal Growth Member-led Forum, The Commonwealth Club of California—Moderator