John Kobara is a third-generation Japanese American whose life's work is deeply rooted in the profound sacrifices and resilience of his ancestors. Inspired by the legacy of his great-grandparents who perished in Hiroshima and his grandparents who endured internment camps during World War II, John has dedicated his career to fostering compassion, equity, and human potential.

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A multisector leader with an asymmetrical career spanning technology, education, and philanthropy, John has founded four start-ups and worked across for-profit, non-profit, and public sectors. His organization, Random Acts of Progress, coaches individuals and organizations to align their work with their deepest passions, promoting education, equity, and personal growth.

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Throughout his professional journey, John has advised thousands of individuals, families, and foundations, facilitating billions in philanthropic gifts and grants. He serves on multiple prestigious boards, including the MLK Community Hospital Foundation and Japanese American National Museum, and leads workshops for Fortune 500 corporations, universities, and community organizations worldwide.

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An accomplished educator and writer, John holds degrees from UCLA, USC, and Occidental College. He has published his recent book QUEST: 121 Questions of Liberation from the Prison of Self-Domestication, maintains the Your Weekly Ass Kicker blog series, and has written over 1,000 blog posts. As an executive producer, John and his wife Sarah created the award-winning PBS documentary The Race Epidemic: The Resurgence of the Yellow Peril, addressing hate and violence against Asian Americans.

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Beyond his professional achievements, John considers himself a lifelong learner and change catalyst. He is a proud father of three college graduates and has been happily married for 40 years to the woman he met serendipitously on an airplane. John continues to challenge systems, inspire leaders, and work towards a more just and compassionate world, embodying the wildest dreams of his immigrant grandparents.