Henry Elkus

December 3, 2024

Henry Elkus is the Founder and CEO of Helena, a global problem-solving organization that tackles critical global challenges through innovative projects and investments. He left Yale University during his sophomore year to lead Helena full-time. His efforts have addressed climate change, governance reform, biosecurity, and advanced technology development. Notable achievements include Helena’s "America in One Room" initiative and pioneering energy and health solutions. Elkus was also named to Forbes 30 Under 30 and serves as a Social Entrepreneur in Residence at BCG.

Henry Elkus is the Founder and CEO of Helena, a global organisation addressing critical societal challenges through innovative, scalable solutions. Founded while he was a student at Yale, Helena unites experts from diverse fields, including Nobel laureates, military leaders, and cultural icons, to tackle pressing issues like climate change, renewable energy, governance reform, and global health.

One notable project, America in One Room (A1R), executed with Stanford University’s Center for Deliberative Democracy, demonstrated the power of informed, collaborative deliberation to bridge political divides. Reflecting on A1R in this episode of the Pearl Lam Podcast, Elkus emphasises the importance of human-to-human dialogue in fostering agreement and effective democratic processes.

A former international ski racer, Elkus has been featured on Forbes 30 Under 30 and advises organisations such as the Boston Consulting Group and the Berggruen Institute. His work embodies a commitment to cross-disciplinary collaboration and measurable, long-term impact on global challenges.

Visit Helena’s website here.

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