Mentors: Your backstage pass | David Gould | TEDxQuincyStudio

In a course titled “Life Design,” David Gould, a Visiting Associate Professor at the University of Iowa, designed a curriculum to challenge students to create strategic plans for their lives that are aspirational but achievable. How can we apply these concepts to make better decisions and steward our lives toward our goals? His TEDxQuincyStudio piece, “Your Backstage Pass.” will spark your curiosity, help you learn from your mentors and inspire you to reach for the stars. David Gould is a Visiting Associate Professor at the University of Iowa’s Public Policy Center. Previously, Mr. Gould served the University of Iowa as an administrator at the Belin-Blank International Center for Gifted Education and Talent Development, the Associate Director of Professional Student Development in the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, a Lecturer in the Department of Health and Human Physiology, and the first Obermann Center Public Scholar. Mr. Gould also worked with Zappos CEO Tony Hsieh’s Downtown Project in its effort to transform Las Vegas into the “most community-focused large city in the world.”

For over a decade, the focus of Mr. Gould’s work has revolved around reimagining higher education, and in turn, he has created a number of distinctive university courses concentrated on issues of meaning and community engagement. These courses have garnered considerable media attention and professional recognition. From 2010 – 2021, graduating seniors at the University of Iowa have recognized Mr. Gould as one of the top faculty and staff members “who has had a positive effect on their life.” Mr. Gould was awarded the 2020 Honors Teaching Award and 2019 David J. Skorton Staff Excellence Award in Service to The University of Iowa.

Mr. Gould is also a sought-after public speaker whose presentations include the commencement address for the University of Iowa College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, Educating 21st Century Adolescent Learners (keynote, Tokyo, Japan), Luther College Convocation, Next Gen. Summit (keynote), TEDx Iowa City, and TEDxUNI.

Mr. Gould directed the documentary Two Sides of the Moon (Atlanta International Documentary Film Festival, Newport Beach Film Festival, UNSPOKEN Human Rights Film Festival, FLICKERS: Rhode Island International Film Festival, among others.) He also produced The Checker King (HBO2), and Freestyle: The Victories of Dan Gable (HBO Signature). Currently, Mr. Gould is producing the feature film Gable. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx