As the last of the autumn leaves lay scattered across the serene Waukee countryside, succumbing to the seasonal change, I found myself part of a week filled with insightful and thought-provoking experiences. The week, characterized by mild temperatures and a gentle falling rain, set a contemplative mood. On an overcast Saturday morning, with the ground still wet from recent rains, a special gathering was about to take place, one that promised to offer new insights and foster enlightening discussions.
This series of events began with a notable encounter at our Kairos Nexus men's group meeting, where we hosted Vivek Ramaswamy. As a visionary leader, his insights significantly impacted our collective of business and community leaders, enriching our perspectives on a range of important issues that are facing our nation.
It was on the mild Saturday morning, following our Kairos Nexus meeting, in the cozy intimacy of a beautifully appointed living room, that I had the unique opportunity to take part in a revealing dialogue between Dr. Apoorva Ramaswamy and Kimberly Chapman. The warmth of the setting, far removed from the cacophony of public forums and media glare, provided a rare glimpse into the personal life of the Ramaswamys. As I captured this discussion on video for the our YouTube channel , the depth and authenticity of their conversation resonated profoundly in the room's intimate atmosphere.
for enlightening discussions, Subscribe to our YouTube Channel.
Dr. Apoorva Ramaswamy, with her eloquent grace and insightful intellect, painted a vivid portrait of Vivek – not just as a presidential candidate but as a man of principles, a relentless seeker of truth, and a beacon of hope in a divided world. Her reflections on Vivek's journey – from being the only Hindu in a Catholic high school to standing firm in his beliefs at Harvard and Yale – were a testament to his character. Vivek's ability to be "comfortable in the uncomfortable", his willingness to engage in challenging conversations, and his dedication to understanding and respecting diverse viewpoints, shone through in her words.
As Kimberly probed deeper, Dr. Ramaswamy shared anecdotes that highlighted Vivek’s fearless nature and his unwavering commitment to doing what is right, irrespective of the popular narrative. Whether it was starting a biotech company straight out of law school, challenging the norms in the pharmaceutical industry, or taking on the giants of Wall Street, Vivek's journey was marked by audacious goals and an unrelenting spirit.
The conversation then took a more personal turn, as Dr. Ramaswamy opened up about their family life, the values they cherish, and the faith that guides them. Her candid revelations about the challenges and triumphs of balancing a demanding career as a throat surgeon with the rigors of a presidential campaign were both inspiring and grounding. The couple's devotion to creating a better future for their children, and by extension for America, resonated deeply with me and, I'm sure, with everyone present.
"God has put you here for a purpose and it's not up to you to question what you'll get out of it, it's for you to do the absolute best job you can do." - Apoorva Ramaswamy
In these moments, what became abundantly clear was the profound impact of having leaders who are not only intellectually formidable but also deeply human. The discussion wasn't just about policies or political ideologies; it was a narrative about real people navigating the complexities of life while striving to make a meaningful difference.
View this powerful public forum with detransitioner Chloe Cole, Representative Jeff Shipley and Kathy Barnette and Oliver Bardwell on the formation of identity and mental health in our youth.
As I reflect on that day, the words of Dr. Ramaswamy linger in my mind – a reminder of the power of genuine dialogue and the importance of understanding the people behind the policies. This encounter was more than just an interview; it was an exploration of the human aspects of leadership, an insight into the personal sacrifices behind public service, and a reinforcement of the values that define us as individuals and as a nation.
I invite you to experience this captivating conversation for yourself on the Oliver Bardwell Podcast YouTube channel. Your support in liking, sharing, and subscribing helps us continue to bring such insightful and meaningful stories to light. This dialogue is not just a podcast episode; it's a window into the soul of leadership and a beacon of hope in these challenging times.
For engaging Audio Interviews, join us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music and Podbean.
I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to Vivek Ramaswamy for attending our Kairos Nexus meeting and to Dr. Apoorva Ramaswamy for her openness and eloquence. Their contributions to our discussions were not just informative; they were transformative.
Connect with us at www.oliverbardwell.com for more insights and conversations that matter.