Scott Mann’s TEDx talk dives into the heart of what makes societies resilient: trust and human connection. Drawing from his experience as a U.S. Army Green Beret, Mann presents “Rooftop Leadership”—a leadership approach that emphasizes building bridges between divided groups. He shares stories from his time in Afghanistan and parallels the challenges faced abroad with the growing social divisions in the United States today. Central to his message is the concept of the “churn,” a state of social unrest and division driven by fear, anger, and primal instincts. Mann explains that overcoming the churn requires bridging trust, a deep social capital that can unite communities even in the face of discord.
In this powerful talk, Mann outlines how we can combat societal breakdown by fostering “bridging trust,” which allows communities to overcome divisions and work together toward common goals.
By recognizing our primal instincts that lead to “in-groups” and “out-groups” during times of stress and intentionally cultivating empathy and connection, we can break the cycle of division. Through intentional listening, managing our emotional responses, and making human connections, Scott presents a roadmap for healing the social fabric of our world. This is a must-watch for anyone interested in leadership, conflict resolution, and creating lasting change in their community. Scott Mann is a retired Green Beret, best-selling author, and thought leader on human connection and leadership in low-trust environments. With over 30 years of experience operating in some of the world’s toughest conditions, Scott brings a unique perspective on navigating conflict and building trust. He is the author of the upcoming book “Nobody is Coming to Save You,” which provides practical tools to help leaders reconnect with their teams and communities in today’s divisive world. Scott is also the founder of the Get Big Sh*t Done movement, inspiring leaders to take meaningful action despite challenging circumstances.
