When philanthropist, investor, technology pioneer, and chair of the National Geographic Society’s board of trustees Jean Case set out to investigate the core qualities of great change-makers past and present, from inventors to revolutionaries, she found five surprising traits all had in common. They weren’t wealth, privilege, or even genius. It was that all of these exceptional men and women chose to make a “big bet,” take bold risks, learn from their failures, reach beyond their bubbles, and let urgency conquer fear.

Drawing on her new book, Be Fearless, Case examines these principles in action—from her own transformational life experiences, to Jane Goodall’s remarkable breakthroughs in understanding and protecting chimpanzees, to celebrity chef José Andrés’ decision to be a first-responder and set up kitchens at the sites of natural disasters, and more.

Join Case in a conversation with Carol LeBlanc, president of Smithsonian Enterprises, in which she shares new insights into stories you might think you know—like Airbnb’s tale of starting from scratch to transform the hospitality industry, and John F. Kennedy’s history-making dream of space exploration—and others from change-makers you’ve never heard of. She also offers practical tips on how individuals can put the five fearless principles to work to spark breakthroughs of their own.

Copies of Be Fearless (Simon & Schuster) are available for purchase and signing.