Meet Jack Hanson

We were lucky to catch up with Jack Hanson recently and have shared our conversation below.

Jack, thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts with us today. We’re excited to dive into your story and your work, but first let’s start with a broader topic that might be stopping many of our readers from pursuing their dreams – haters, nay-sayers, etc. How have you managed to persist despite haters and nay-sayers that inevitably follow folks who are doing something unique, special or off the beaten path?

What has been helpful for me, and what I recommend to others working to make change, is to focus on those who inspire you, those who you look up to, past and present.

Everyone who has ever done anything meaningful had tons of haters, nay-sayers, etc. Many of the most impactful changemakers in history were literally killed for standing up boldly for what they believed in. Use their stories, leadership, integrity, commitment, compassion, love, and courage to inspire you.

If the haters and nay-sayers can provide you with important insights/lessons, or motivation to do better, then great! Otherwise, don’t allow them to suck up your energy.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I lead a nonprofit called Run On Climate. We work to pass and implement bold climate policy at the local level in cities across the country by working with local climate champions.

I also make music – I’m a piano player, singer, songwriter, and rapper.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

1. Compassion for those suffering the most.

The ability to center those who are suffering the most in our world — humans and nonhumans alike — is what grounds me in this work and motivates me to continue putting in the effort.

2. Communication.

The ability to really listen, hear, and understand where people are coming from — regardless of how it aligns or not with your beliefs is key. From there you can try to connect, find points of common ground, and see if there are ways to collaborate to make the world a better place. Also, it’s so important to find ways to communicate your points in ways that inspire and motivate. Speak from the heart, study those who have done it well, and learn through trial and error.

3. Balance and Sustainability

If you really want to commit to being a changemaker, and committing to the cause of building a better world as a lifelong mission, you need to find ways to tend to your well being and energy levels; to nourish yourself. Pay attention to what activities drain your energy versus what activities feed you energy. Focus on what brings you joy and happiness, what nourishes your soul. You have to find a good balance, otherwise your energy will become depleted (you may think you can escape this, but eventually it will always catch up to you).

What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?

They taught me confidence and abundance. That there was a world of possibilities. They pushed be to do more, work harder, try new things, and to dive into my passions and excel. They also taught me that if something wasn’t a fit, to not force it — and I think that’s equally important.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://runonclimate.org/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/runonclimate
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RunOnClimate/
• Linkedin: https://www.facebook.com/RunOnClimate/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ROClimate
• Other: https://bsky.app/profile/runonclimate.bsky.social

Image Credits

Alex Vilgertshofer
Walking Softer