Ivy McGregor Advocates for Collaboration at UCLA Lecture

Global strategist and changemaker Ivy McGregor emphasized the importance of “radical collaboration” during her lecture at the University of California Regents’ event on October 8, 2023. Speaking at the California NanoSystems Institute at UCLA, McGregor presented her insights on how diverse partnerships across various sectors can effectively confront pressing social challenges.

In her talk titled “Four-squared: Unlocking Systemic Change Through Radical Collaboration,” McGregor drew from her extensive experience in promoting systemic impact. She highlighted a need for a framework that connects initiatives across the nonprofit, corporate, philanthropic, and entrepreneurial sectors. “I’ve seen each of these pillars move mountains,” she stated, acknowledging the capabilities of different sectors. However, she also expressed concern over their isolation, saying, “I came to believe something radical — and it is that the future will not be built by one sector alone. It will be built at the intersections.”

McGregor’s Vision for Cross-Disciplinary Engagement

McGregor’s lecture also inaugurated her visiting residency at UCLA, where she aims to foster cross-disciplinary collaboration through discussions and meetings with faculty and students. Her approach seeks to break down silos that often limit the potential for impactful change.

For over 12 years, McGregor served as executive director of the BeyGOOD Foundation, a public charity established by Beyoncé Knowles-Carter. The foundation supports organizations dedicated to assisting marginalized and underserved communities. In her role, McGregor designed and led programs that tackle health disparities and combat human trafficking. Additionally, she has provided guidance to world leaders, corporations, and the United Nations.

Her emphasis on collaboration reflects a growing recognition of the interconnected nature of today’s social issues. As McGregor pointed out, effective solutions require input and resources from multiple sectors working together, rather than isolated efforts.

As her residency progresses, McGregor plans to engage in various initiatives aimed at promoting dialogue and collaboration among different academic disciplines. Her work stands as a testament to the idea that tackling complex global challenges necessitates a united front, drawing on the strengths of diverse communities and organizations.

In conclusion, the insights shared by McGregor during her lecture at UCLA underscore a transformative vision for addressing societal issues through collaboration. Her experience and commitment to systemic change offer a roadmap for future efforts, emphasizing that building a better future relies on collective action across various sectors.