A positive-sum, abundant society is possible.

Our society is rooted in a zero-sum, scarcity mindset. We assume that one person’s success must come at another’s expense, that talent is inherently limited, and that there is a fundamental tension between the needs of the indivudal and the greater good.

These are false choices based on flawed assumptions.

We can build a world where every person can live a fulfilling life in a thriving society. One where we are each better off because we are all better off. One that is capable of realizing the full potential of a great democracy.

Principles

Inherent dignity and worth

Boundless human potential

Incomparable value of individuality

Every person has inherent dignity and worth because they are moral agents with the capacity for reason and autonomy. This means that all people are morally equal and equally deserving of the right to self-determination. Therefore, we must ensure that every individual has the right and opportunity to pursue a fulfilling life in accordance with their own values.

Every person has something meaningful to contribute to society. However, it is not possible to predict in advance what any one person is capable of achieving. This means that systems that prioritize talent selection are inherently arbitrary and fundamentally unjust. Therefore, we must ensure that we develop the full potential of every individual, without exception.

Every person has a unique set of needs, abilities, and motives; this individuality is fundamental to personal fulfillment, contribution, and societal progress. This means that one-size-fits-all systems that devalue diversity harm both individuals and the collective. Therefore, we must ensure that individuality is actively cultivated and allowed to find full expression in our culture and institutions.

Corollaries

Inclusion is the multiplier

Fairness is the equalizer

Positive-sum systems generate abundance, but how much abundance depends on one thing above all else: inclusion. To the extent that the system is satisfying more people’s preferences, it creates a greater multiplying effect on the outcome. In this way, positive- sum systems have built-in mechanisms that prioritize inclusion and diversity because these things directly benefit society, whereas exclusion of anyone harms everyone.

The biggest threat to positive-sum systems is not resource scarcity, but perceived unfairness. That’s because while positive-sum systems create abundance, they do not guarantee a fair distribution. Given that there is no objective definition of fairness, the sustainability of the system ultimately depends on abundance being distributed in a way that is consistent with the public’s subjective view of fairness.

This is a grand vision for what a free society can achieve. A society where life is better, richer, and fuller for all of us because we trust, empower, and invest in each of us.

Populace exists to turn this vision into a practical reality.

This is a grand vision for what a free society can achieve. A society where life is better, richer, and fuller for all of us because we trust, empower, and invest in each of us.

Populace exists to turn this vision into a practical reality.

Our Priorities

Realizing our vision for the future 
requires transformation at cultural 
and systemic levels.

Cultural

Change the cultural narrative around success.

We believe that building a world that nurtures and unleashes our unique talents starts with culture change. Our first priority is building social tools and engaging the media to inspire a new narrative about success. We’re working with leading culture designers, influencers and media pioneers to drive cultural shifts that flip the social pressure in our favor.

Systems

Transform public systems to meet our rising expectations.

Personal conviction and even public expectation alone, will not create a society that is responsive to individuality and supports fulfillment. We must also transform our systems to become more personalized. To meet this need, we are working to support and advance coordinated solutions at key levers within and across our public systems, with a focus on education, healthcare, and the future of work.

People

Founded in 2013, Populace is a new kind of think tank that blends thought leadership and original research with public engagement and grassroots advocacy.

Our team consists of a diverse group of scientists, creatives, and social entrepreneurs. Together, we are committed to restoring America’s ability to confront its challenges by unleashing its potential—each individual brought alive through their passions, a nation reimagined through our collective pursuit of fulfillment.

Founders and Board

Parisa Rouhani, President

Dr. Parisa Rouhani is the Co-Founder and President of Populace. Previously, she was a Senior Fellow with the Laboratory for the Science of Individuality at Harvard, where her work focused on the relationship between individual autonomy and institutional design in highly personalized systems. Parisa earned her Bachelors from the University of Arizona, as well as her Masters and Doctorate from Harvard.

Todd Rose, CEO

Todd Rose is the Co-Founder and CEO of Populace. Previously, he was a professor at Harvard, where he founded the Laboratory for the Science of Individuality and served as the director of the Mind, Brain, and Education program. Todd is the author of three best-selling books, Collective Illusions, Dark Horse and The End of Average. He earned his Bachelors from Weber State University and his Masters and Doctorate from Harvard.

Walter Haas, Board Chair

Walter is a Founding Director and Chair of Populace. He is also the founder of GIST. Earlier in his career, Walter was the Head of Marketing for Enjoy Technology, Inc, as well as part of the Global Marketing Group for Levi Strauss & Co. A digital marketer by training, Walter is an accredited producer of Cannes-winning campaigns. He received his B.A. from Stanford in 2007 and his M.B.A. from Harvard University in 2014.

Dewey Rosetti, Director

Dewey is a Founding Director and Emeritus Chair of Populace. Previously, Dewey served as a Trustee of the Charles Armstrong School, a board member of Burkes School, and the President of the Little Sisters of the Poor Auxiliary. She retired from Levi Strauss as Merchandise Manager responsible for $125 million in business. Prior to that, she was a Research Analyst at McKinsey & Co. She received her M.B.A. from University of California at Berkeley in 1976, and her B.A. from the University of Florida in 1967. In 2011, Dewey received the Heroes and Hearts Award sponsored by San Francisco General Hospital.

Debbie Newhouse, Director

Debbie is a Director of Populace. In her professional life she is a Learning & Development Manager at Google responsible for programs for Google managers. Earlier in her career, Debbie was a Product Marketing Manager associated with the launches of Gmail and various advertising products. Her team’s innovative approaches were described in the article “Training Secrets from Inside the Googleplex” on FastCompany.com. Debbie attended Harvard University and holds an MBA from Stanford.

Bill Rosetti, Director

Bill Rosetti is a Director of Populace. He is also the President of J&R Associates, a prominent apartment owner in the Bay Area. Prior to this, he was the founder of TRI Realtors and the Chief Executive Officer of The Prudential California Realty of Northern California. Bill has been active and influential as a realtor and real estate developer in the San Francisco Bay Area, and he has earned a prominent and respected position as a leader in the San Francisco real estate community. Bill is considered a pioneer in the field of residential condominium development in the Bay Area.