A native of Iceland, Helen Olafsdottir is a Policy Advisor on Rule of Law, Justice, Security and Human Rights in the United Nations Development Program in New York. Her background has always been focused on people and policy. She has been a political advisor, peace negotiator and crises prevention advisor in Sir Lanka, Africa, and the Middle East. She continues with the UN to make a real difference in the prevention of violent conflicts. Her thoughts on empathy seem more important today than ever.

With over fifty years in the music industry as a singer, songwriter, actress, and producer, Sarah Dash is a living legend. A member of Labelle, the politically outspoken group which earned mainstream success with “Lady Marmalade” in 1974, she then embarked on a successful solo career, collaborating with numerous friends, including The Rolling Stones. An optimist, an activist, and an artist, her vision remains focused on the future, on the power of music to unite and lead generations to come.

Founders of downtown makeup studio Make-Up Pro, sisters Cheve and Chika Chan point out that their success comes from the ability to both collaborate and disagree with each other as well as working nonstop, something they learned from their entrepreneur father. In building their roster of over a hundred makeup artists, they emphasize the cultural and emotional support they provide for their artists, giving them the tools to create their futures.

Often, the simplest philosophies are the most eloquent. David Mesquita came by his personal philosophy naturally, growing up in the family business he helped make a world-renowned industry leader. For him, success comes down to always striving to do your best: words to work by, words to live by.

In her twenty-five years in the beauty industry, Dana Kline has seen it all: from her first job in a mall to working with some of the world’s most famous luxury brands to writing a book. Her emphasis on learning, from both success and failure, is what makes her journey such a rich and fascinating one.

Sometimes, lightning strikes at the strangest moments. Ron Raznick is the founder of RTR, New York’s leading provider of luxury packaging. A tremendous source of brand exposure, his bags for major department stores and luxury retailers are seen all over New York City and, indeed, the world. But it was in a striking moment in his youth that he understood one of his father’s sayings—and turned it into a philosophy all his own.

With a 22-year long career dedicated to ideation and innovation, Lynn Altman has spent a lot of time thinking about what makes good ideas happen—and it’s not always where you think. With an unconventional logic and practical application, her brand of creativity is something that everyone can relate to.

An orthopedic surgeon in New York City, Ron Grelsamer is also a passionate collector of Beatles and Space Age memorabilia. As he shares stories about some of his favorite pieces, he muses on the difference between collecting and speculating, and the way in which collecting both inspires people and brings them together.

A renowned American soprano who sings in several genres and languages, Camille Zamora has been praised for “her dramatic, nuanced readings,” and the rich beauty of her powerful voice. Also a philanthropist, Camille co-founded Sing for Hope, a New York-based nonprofit arts outreach program for communities in need. Here, she discusses the fundamental element of both her art and life: breath.

A former Marine, Nicholas Karnaze is the founder and CEO of Stubble & ’Stache, an innovative, men’s skincare brand that devotes a portion of its proceeds to veterans’ charities. He previously founded another company, and in this short film, he reflects on his professional experience and the importance of moving forward and finding meaning in life.