Why Belief Is the Greatest Investment | Brian Moreland | TEDxBoston

Quick Overview

Brian Moreland argues that the greatest investment is belief in oneself and others, exemplified by his career trajectory in theater production, which began when his teacher, Mrs. Allen, introduced him to theater, and was solidified when director Kenny Leon offered him a fellowship for "Thoughts of a Colored Man," proving that investing belief yields incredible returns, particularly in non-profit ventures and the arts.

Key Points: Moreland attributes his entry into theater production to his third-grade teacher, Mrs. Allen, who introduced him to the art form and helped him make costumes for a play. His career breakthrough came when director Kenny Leon called him about producing "Thoughts of a Colored Man," giving him a fellowship for that specific show. Moreland defines investment as either expected return (conditional) or unconditional investment, where the return is simply the act of investing belief in someone or something. He emphasizes that unconditional investment (time, mentorship, inspiration) should be given without expectation of financial return, citing his mother and Mrs. Allen as examples. The production of "Thoughts of a Colored Man" became the number one revival in Broadway history, demonstrating the immense return on the unconditional investment in that story. He advises young people in the arts to find someone to invest in unconditionally, asking them to invest in themselves or others without expecting a financial return.

Context: Brian Moreland discusses his philosophy on investment, contrasting conditional financial returns with the concept of unconditional investment, which he frames as investing belief, time, and mentorship into people or causes aligned with passion. He uses his personal journey in theater production, starting from early encouragement from his third-grade teacher, Mrs. Allen, and culminating in producing the highly successful Broadway show "Thoughts of a Colored Man," as evidence that belief is the most powerful form of investment.