Rethinking Power, Community, & the American Dream
In a time when top-down systems are crumbling and trust in traditional institutions is at an all-time low, what does it look like to build a future rooted in shared power, local agency, and civic creativity?
On this special episode of The American Dream Factory, I’m joined by two transformative thinkers who are reimagining how influence, investment, and civic life can work in a post-hierarchy world:
Matthew Barzun: Former U.S. Ambassador. System-Breaking Diplomat. Architect of Constellation Thinking.
Matthew Barzun has advised presidents, reimagined diplomacy, and is now reframing how power works in every arena from politics to community to business. As U.S. Ambassador to both the UK and Sweden under President Obama, he made international headlines not for playing the role, but for reinventing it.
His bestselling book The Power of Giving Away Power offers a radical yet timeless challenge to the pyramid model of leadership. Instead, Barzun calls us to embrace the constellation—a model of influence built on interconnection, trust, and shared agency. Whether you’re leading a startup, a city, or a classroom, his ideas are the compass for a more human and effective form of leadership.
Seth Levine: Venture Capitalist. Community Capital Reformer. Champion of the Underdog Builder.
Seth Levine isn’t your typical VC. As a founding partner at Foundry, a $4 billion firm that has helped shape startup ecosystems across the country, he has spent decades inside the venture machine and is now working to evolve it.
He co-authored The New Builders, a powerful look at the overlooked entrepreneurs who are quietly powering the real economy. His work challenges the myths of Silicon Valley and makes the case for capital that is place-based, inclusive, and relationship-driven. From Main Street to emerging global markets, Seth’s vision connects capital with conscience and proves a new era of entrepreneurship is already here.
We explore the convergence of civic renewal, economic empowerment, and decentralized technology—including how our own Build_ platform is helping activate purpose and participation in over 65 cities.
This episode is for mayors, founders, builders, and anyone who believes the American Dream is still worth fighting for—but knows it needs to be rebuilt from the ground up.
If you’re not waiting for permission to build a better future, this one’s for you.
As always, the amazing members of the build_ community can presubmit questions and even ask live during the podcast in the members chat.
Learn how to become a member and connect with other builders like you in your town.
If you have a project you want the world to know about, load it over on BuildCities.com