I just returned from an incredible journey to Malaysia, and I’m still taking it all in. Over the past week, I had the honor of hosting two commencement ceremonies — one in Penang and another in Subang — celebrating the achievements of students whose determination and spirit remind me why international education matters so deeply. While there, I also led three workshops on … More Coming Home: Reflections from Malaysia
As I make my way to Malaysia—somewhere between Boston Logan and Seattle—I find myself reflecting on a great conversation I just had with Mikala. We dove deep into the perception of “other” and how it functions as the durable stock of social capital—the idea that our awareness and acknowledgment of others is what sustains the very fabric of … More In Flight Reflections: Clubs, Connection, and the Perception of “Other”
I woke up this morning feeling deeply grateful — for my existence, for those around me, and for the chance to experience another day. There’s something about starting the week with gratitude that changes everything. It softens the edges, quiets the noise, and opens space for presence. As I read from the Hávamál and reflected on Máni — the … More Monday Gratitude: Seasons, Stories, and the Gift of Connection
The past few days have been filled with long talks, deep ideas, and plenty of reflection as my friend and fellow social capitalist, Tristan Claridge, has been visiting. Our conversations have circled around something both of us have been sensing for a while — a paradigm shift within the study and practice of social capital. For decades, the field … More Rethinking Social Capital: A Paradigm in Transition
The Official Author Page of Dr. Rick L. Mask (The Social Capitalist) and the Home of Social Capital 2.0 