Taste of Bhutan: An Evening of Timeless Wisdom & Future Imagination
A Special Invitation
There is a difference between knowledge and wisdom.
In the West, we've sought after and stockpiled knowledge to no end. But has it made us wiser?
Wisdom is the fitting application of that knowledge and that is something that can only be gained through long, hard-earned experience.
You’re invited to an intimate evening exploring one of the world’s most preserved wisdom cultures, Bhutan, and its bold vision to create the Gelephu Mindfulness City: a future civilization rooted in wellbeing, wisdom, and balance with nature.
If you’ve received this invitation, you are either a member of the Abroad or COLLINS House communities, or a hand-selected, purpose-driven leader committed to the values of timeless wisdom and forward-thinking global impact.
What's On
During this evening, we’ll explore Bhutan’s past, present, and future, from the philosophy of Gross National Happiness to the design of a new kind of city rooted in ancient values.
After a traditional Bhutanese prayer to open the gathering, you’ll gain insight into:
-The cultural foundations of Bhutanese happiness and wellbeing
-One of Bhutan’s ancient secrets to true happiness
-Bhutan’s challenges and opportunities in balancing tradition and modernization
-The vision behind the Gelephu Mindfulness City, and how you can get involved
-Opportunities to visit Bhutan with Abroad and COLLINS through immersive, wisdom-based experiences
Featured Speakers & Guests
Tshewang Wangchuk, Executive Director of the Bhutan Foundation
A pioneer in Bhutan’s conservation movement and a leading voice in sustainable development, Tshewang will join us for a fireside chat and Q&A to share Bhutan’s evolving story, and how the Gelephu Mindfulness City aspires to serve as a model for future civilizations.
Leland Maschmeyer & Brian Collins, Co-Founders, COLLINS
Leland Maschmeyer and Brian Collins are the Co-Founders of COLLINS, an independent strategy and design company named one of the most influential in the world by Forbes and Fast Company. Recognized for shaping the future of brand design, Brian has led transformative work for clients including Spotify, Nike, Airbnb, NASA and Dropbox. A two-time visitor to Bhutan, Brian and Leland bring a deep curiosity about the intersection of creativity, culture, and meaning. Their reflections from Bhutan reveal how design and wisdom can work together to reimagine a more beautiful, humane future.
Justin Milano, Founder & CEO of Abroad.io
Justin is an executive coach and global experience designer who works with visionary leaders around the world. He will share the origin story of Abroad, which was born in Bhutan, and the profound secret to happiness and wellbeing that the team discovered through Bhutanese wisdom keepers. He’ll also highlight Abroad’s ongoing collaboration with the Bhutan Foundation and the Gelephu Mindfulness City to help preserve Bhutan’s wisdom and catalyze its future.
Who, When, Where
This gathering will be hosted at Loove Annex, a community gathering space in Brooklyn. Attendees will include COLLINS community members and a curated group of values-aligned leaders across sectors who are curious about ancient wisdom and bold enough to help shape what’s next. We'll start promptly at 6:00pm.
Cost
This is a donation-based event. You will be given the opportunity to make a small donation to cover some costs for Bhutanese cuisine and support the Bhutan Foundation.