In episode 15, hosts Ian and Frankie are delighted to be joined by Mea Thompson, the CCO of unconnected.org. They discuss topics including Mea’s philosophy in life, what she aspired to be as a teenager, her educational background, passions and hobbies, significant books and thoughts on AI. They also discuss her motivation for starting Unconnected after the passing of her father and her desire to make a positive impact with the work that she does. 

This is part 1 of a 2-part episode. Tune in to part 2 to hear more about unconnected.org and how their work is helping to connect 1 billion people to the internet. 

Mea Thompson – Mea is a visionary leader dedicated to bridging the digital divide and ensuring equitable access to education and opportunity for all. As the Co-Founder of unconnected.org, she is driving change in the lives of underserved communities around the world. She is also a dynamic leader in the tech industry, with a wealth of experience and expertise in connectivity with a focus on eSIM. Mea has been a driving force in the eSIM industry for years, helping to shape its direction and push the boundaries of what’s possible. In recognition of her outstanding contributions, Mea was named a finalist for Telecom Woman of the Year 2023. 


Unconnected.org – A passionate community dedicated to connecting 1 billion unconnected people to the internet. Their primary focus is on bridging the digital divide and enabling an inclusive ecosystem that reaches the 2.9 billion individuals who remain unconnected. They run a variety of projects on a global scale, making a tangible impact on people’s lives. Their initiatives are designed to support vital aspects such as education, commerce, jobs, safety, and health.

Links:
Half the Sky by Nicholas Kristof
The Light We Carry by Michelle Obama
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Doreen Bogdan-Martin – Secretary-General of ITU
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