'Insights' From Charles Schwab's Impact 2011 Conference in SF

Our community has a direct stake in financial markets in the U.S. and abroad — whether directly with stock portfolios and 401Ks, or indirectly via bonds and services our taxes pay for.

Last month, I travelled down to San Francisco for the Charles Schwab's Impact 2011 conference, hoping I could gain a better perpective on what's happening in the global marketplace.

Here is a brief synopsis of four of the numerous speakers at the conference:

Britain's former Prime Minister, Tony Blair, shared his thoughts on how events in the world are shaping our political, social and economic future. Mr. Blair's speech focused on how interconnected the world is, today, and how the world is being defined by rapid and constant change. He also focused on security issues and how terrorism-and the new unconventional warfare-needs to be eradicated by the force of ideas rather than the force of weaponry. As for our current economic situation, Mr. Blair deemed job creation as the most pressing issue for economic growth. An economic recovery would likely include sensible deficit reduction and government regulation plans.

Retired U.S. Navy Captain and Astronaut, Captain Mark Kelly closed the conference with touching stories about various challenges in his efforts to become a pilot, his four space missions, and the life-changing story about his wife-Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords-being shot. In spite of all of the challenges and setbacks throughout his life, Mark told the audience that it's important to be persistent, patient and continue to drive forward in your efforts because everyone learns at a different rate. Obstacles can be overcome with hard work, setting goals and being persistent.

As a leader of the discount brokerage business and founder of the company that bears his name, Charles Schwab answered a broad range of questions posed by CNBC's Maria Baritromo-from global affairs to local economic issues. His take on the world is more positive than what he generally reads or hears in the media, but he did indicate that we need to take heed of potential threats-both global and domestic-to our economic future.

Managing Director of Kissinger Associates, Joshua Cooper Ramo provided tremendous insight into the differences between Chinese and American ideas and culture. He believes that China's rise in power is "the most important transition in our lifetime." Joshua spent ten years in China and speaks Chinese fluently which has enabled him to gain additional insight into the Chinese culture. Ramo also shared his thoughts on the increasing complexity of life and how our era of high unpredictability requires a new model of thinking and being. His book The Age of the Unthinkable further expands on his perspecitives and insights.

Aside from the outstanding keynote speakers, there were many other key takeaways, but the one that may have been the single most important was that there was tremendous optimism among the attendees. In spite of the continuous negative financial and political headwinds the world is currently facing, there is still a large group of people that have great hope for the future of our country and the world.