Member Spotlight: Ben Gilbarg
Ben Gilbarg is a mover and shaker in New Bedford’s creative class, using his craft to generate positive social change. Ben is perhaps best known in our community for founding 3rd EyE Unlimited, a group who’s mission is to engage and empower youth to become leaders and positively transform their community.
If you see him around Groundwork! these days, he’s likely to be working on some new and exciting projects: New Be, New Me is a community outreach campaign anchored by NewB, an anthem written and performed by local singer Samantha Johnson. He’s also working on a new song and video with YAP! (Youth Ambassador Program) funded by the National Mall. This song will focus on major decisions in DC that have affected the nation, assuring that all can take part in life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Here’s a video Ben produced with YAP! on the National Parks:
We were lucky to work with Ben on a promotional video for Groundwork! Stay tuned for the upcoming release, and see more about Ben’s work on his website.
In this interview Ben shares about tackling tasks, battling computer window ADD, and becoming a young grandfather.
What’s your profession?
Creative Catalyst. I boil it down to this, because I use art, music, and film to make a social impact in my community and world.
Describe a typical work day for you.
No work day is typical for me, but it usually starts with teaching a public speaking class or two at BCC. Then I’m usually hammering out videos, proposals, emails, and meetings with folks to make things happen.
What’s the biggest challenge you face at your job?
ADD. I have too many things to focus on so sometimes I’m literally jumping from one computer window to another in record speed.
Do you have a morning routine?
Drink water, eat a healthy breakfast, drink coffee, try to exercise.
What are your favorite productivity tips or hacks?
I try to segment as much as possible. I schedule a disciplined 1-2 hours on specific tasks, so that I can focus on that particular task, feel accomplished, and then move to the next one. Also, I live by the phrase “there is no tomorrow,” so I try not to prolong tasks and procrastinate. This keeps me caught up on my work.
What do you listen to during the day?
Depends what I’m doing. If I’m typing proposals and/or researching, then usually jazz so I don’t get distracted by song lyrics. For writing emails and non-reading work, I listen to “conscious” or “underground” hip hop.
How do you benefit from using a coworking space?
I like not being alone in my home office. I’m able to bounce ideas off of other really smart folks, and to have interesting conversations with them. It also helps me be more productive, as there’s so much productivity going on around me.
What’s in your digital toolbox?
Final Cut X is a handy app that I use to edit. There’s so many I use on a day to day basis it is hard to list them all.
What is the most surprising or unusual aspect of your life?
That I’m going to be a grandfather before the age of 40 (knock on wood).
What inspires you?
Seeing people striving to achieve their goals and dreams. I especially like seeing young people push the envelope and go for it.
- Meet Our General Manager: Nicole Cosme - February 26, 2024
- Can I use a coworking space for Google My Business? - April 26, 2023
- Marketing Lab: The Best Business Resource on the South Coast You Didn’t Know About - March 23, 2023