“When people ask me now what BRAC stands for, I like to say that we stand for an idea – an idea of a world where everyone has an equal opportunity to realize their potential.”   —Sir Fazle Hasan Abed, BRAC Founder

For Shameran Abed, BRAC was basically an elder sibling. The organization, formed in 1972, preceded Shameran’s birth by about a decade and was founded by his father, Sir Fazle Hasan Abed.

BRAC was born from the devastation that occurred as Bangladesh fought for its independence and also faced a disastrous cyclone. What began as a modest, local relief effort quickly grew into a movement that reaches more than 100 million people in need across Asia and Africa. The organization and Shameran basically grew together, making his perspective on Philanthropy both unique and life long.

Welcome to part 1 of the discussion among host and co-founder of The Life You Can Save, Charlie Bresler and his guests Shameran Abed, Executive Director of BRAC International and Scott MacMillan, author of Hope Over Fate: Fazle Hasan Abed and the Science of Ending Global Poverty.

In this discussion, they discuss the history of BRAC and its founder, the evolution of BRAC’s mission, what it’s like to grow up in a mission-centered household, and the state of philanthropy today. We hope you’ll also join us for part 2, publishing December 5, 2024, on the importance of hope and agency in overcoming poverty in a lasting and sustainable way. 

Musings About Ourselves and Other Strangers is the podcast for the non-profit organization The Life You Can Save and is hosted by co-founder Charlie Bresler. Please check out other episodes as well as our website for ideas on how you too can extend your impact for good in the world: www.thelifeyoucansave.org.

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Charlie Bresler Ph.D. Founder of EH Walkers

Charlie Bresler is a former business executive, co-founder of the nonprofit The Life You Can Save, and a self-described effective hedonist. Charlie became volunteer Executive Director of The Life You Can Save in 2013, and through his financial support and leadership, he helped Peter Singer develop the organization from the ground up.

Charlie holds a BA in History from New York University, a Masters in Social Studies and Education from Harvard University, and a PhD in Social and Clinical Psychology from Clark University. He is the former Director of Behavioral Medicine for The California School of Professional Psychology, Fresno. From academia, he was recruited to The Men's Wearhouse, where he became head of human resources, stores, and marketing, ultimately rising to the position of President. He stepped down to fulfill his long-standing desire to work directly on social and economic issues.

As a psychologist, Charlie emphasizes the importance of aligning personal pleasure with doing good, rejecting the notion of self-sacrifice in favor of a fulfilling, values-driven life. His insights on effective hedonism and Philanthropy have been featured in publications such as TIME, Fast Company, WSJ, and Forbes. He encourages others to find joy in contributing to the greater good, advocating for a balanced approach to life that enhances personal well-being while making a significant positive impact on the world.

Charlie lives in Sequim, Washington, with his wife Diana, a family physician, who partners in supporting The Life You Can Save.