Anthony Stephan, Chairman of Cornerstone Development, on Sustainability, Education & the Metaverse
- Growing up in Lebanon amid instability and constant change
- Learning adaptability by moving across countries and schools
Podcast
Overview
Welcome to another insightful episode of The Brand Called You (TBCY).In this conversation, host Stephen Ibaraki speaks with Anthony Stephan, Chairman of Cornerstone Development, a visionary real estate developer and global impact investor.Anthony shares his extraordinary journey—from growing up amid instability in Lebanon to leading transformative projects across sustainable cities, energy access, education, and digital inclusion. This episode explores how technology, adaptability, and values-driven leadership can create meaningful, scalable impact.
00:01:20 — What Life Experiences Shaped Anthony Stephan’s Leadership?
- Growing up in Lebanon amid instability and constant change
- Learning adaptability by moving across countries and schools
- A defining childhood lesson: choosing values-based education over prestige
- Family-first principles and long-term thinking
- The importance of resilience, humility, and surrounding oneself with inspiring people
00:05:30 — Why Is Adaptability Essential Today?
- The emergence of the “Chief Adaptability Officer” role
- Navigating rapid technological disruption
- The double-edged power of social media for leaders
- Why Anthony intentionally built a digital presence to amplify impact
00:07:54 — Why Civil Engineering?
- A passion for building tangible, real-world solutions
- Civil engineering as a foundation for sustainable community development
- Influence of a multidisciplinary French education
- Structured, scientific thinking as a leadership advantage
00:12:00 — How Did Singularity University Change Anthony’s Perspective?
- Exposure to exponential technologies and impact investing
- Discovering the opportunity to serve 2.5 billion underserved people
- First-hand experiences in rural Africa
- Connecting infrastructure, identity, financial inclusion, and opportunity
00:16:00 — What Is Bboxx and Why Does It Matter?
- Off-grid solar solutions bringing electricity and connectivity to rural families
- Creating digital identities and payment histories
- Transforming “asset-rich, cash-poor” households into bankable citizens
- Unlocking education, entrepreneurship, and financial services
RESOURCES:
Learn more about Anthony Stephan: LinkedIn
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Growing up in Lebanon, Anthony Stephan faced upheaval and instability. He changed schools in three countries as a child. Those early crucibles? They taught him radical adaptability—crucial for our ever-changing world. Share your thoughts in the comments and spread these insights with friends!
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Profile
- Growing up in Lebanon amid instability and constant change
- Learning adaptability by moving across countries and schools
- A defining childhood lesson: choosing values-based education over prestige
- Family-first principles and long-term thinking
- The importance of resilience, humility, and surrounding oneself with inspiring people
