Episode 71: Creating the Future, One Action at a Time with Michael Sheldrick

November 21, 20253 min read

Overview

Change rarely begins with certainty. It begins with a decision to act. In this episode, Nathan is joined by Michael Sheldrick to explore what it takes to turn ideas into real impact.

Michael Sheldrick is the Co-Founder and Chief Policy, Impact and Government Affairs Officer for Global Citizen, who oversees a global team of 30 professionals who work with governments, businesses, foundations, and artists to end extreme poverty and achieve the sustainable development goals. As a believer that lasting change begins with action, he is guided by optimism and a global outlook where he sees technology, creativity, and collaboration as tools to amplify humanity’s potential. Turning his gratitude into service, Michael made a lifelong commitment to empower others to act, adapt, and reimagine what’s possible.

Cover art for episode 71: Creating the Future, One Action at a Time with Michael Sheldrick

Episode highlights

01:00 Introduction and background of Michael Sheldrick.
04:11 Choosing to act meaningfully in your sphere of influence.
07:11 Turning belief and gratitude into meaningful change.
13:34 Willingness to ask for help.
17:21 Systemic change through collaboration and creativity.
25:30 The promise and paradox of AI.
35:03 AI, labor, and creativity.
38:50 The role of education in the future uncertainty.
43:55 What’s in the future for Michael?

Tips and tools to implement today

Shift from worry to action. Even one small, intentional step can dissolve helplessness.
Understand and release what you can’t control.
Remember your ripple effect. Each decision, however small, influences those around you.
Believing in someone else out aloud can be the turning point that changes another person’s life trajectory.
Channel your gratitude into service whether through mentorship, advocacy, or giving.
Clearly identify what support you need and ask for help.
Use AI to multiply, not to replace human capacity.
Embrace AI as a creative collaborator.
Invest in digital literacy because empowerment begins with understanding.
Move beyond rote learning toward teaching curiosity, resilience, and creative problem-solving.

Favorite quotes

“You wake up each day. You have choices. Don't worry about all the stuff that you can't control. Focus on what you can do.” - Michael Sheldrick
“Whenever I'm worrying about what is happening to me or what's happening in the world, or how actions make me feel, I'm like let me focus on what I can control, not what I can't change beyond that, but what, what can I do in this moment.” - Michael Sheldrick
“As I got into university and learned about the inequities in the world, the injustices, I just felt this profound sense of desire to do something, because I was so grateful that my potential was only possible because I had access to that great teacher.” - Michael Sheldrick
“One of my few superpowers turned out was being able to ask people to give stuff away.” - Michael Sheldrick
“Creating change requires engaging, talking and interacting with people, ideas and institutions that you may not always like or agree with.” - Michael Sheldrick
“Systemic challenges require systemic solutions.” - Michael Sheldrick
“Whilst there's no silver bullet to eradicate extreme poverty, arguably the closest is creating jobs.” - Michael Sheldrick
“Music has often been influenced by other people, other forms of music for centuries.” - Michael Sheldrick