To kick off the Roux Institute Signature Speaker Series, join Governor Janet Mills as she explores the complexities of Maine’s growing economy.

What does Henry David Thoreau’s retreat into the natural world at Walden Pond have to do with our modern culture of distraction and technological immersion? We learned how Thoreau’s interest in the peace of nature was fueled by his distress at the information culture of the 19th century when the telegraph brought news to Americans at a startlingly brisk pace and the railroad moved goods across the country with breathtaking speed. Thoreau is one of our earliest writers about technology overload, and wrote powerfully about the need to rest the mind and retreat from eternally asking, “What news?” We took a look at how Thoreau also understood the possible interweaving of technology into nature, as in his fascination with the telegraph wires and trains that ran right past Walden pond.  

Please join the Roux Institute for a conversation with Stephen Smith, President & CEO of L.L.Bean and learn how L.L.Bean managed to have a stellar year despite the pandemic. Smith will also share ways in which L.L.Bean innovates and adapts, as well as what the company values in their employees. We will also discuss the partnership with the Roux Institute, and how we are working together to drive the mission of talent and innovation in the state of Maine.

This event series is open to the community. Are you startup curious? Constantly wondering how problems in your daily routine could be improved? Interested in learning what it takes to start a company and grow it from prominent entrepreneurs? Join us to learn more from experienced individuals! Hosted by The Roux Institute.