Today, we’re halfway there. If you’re the kind of person who has halfway marks in their week, take a little break to celebrate, and meet these people who in some way, through their love for people, have changed the lives of many.
Poverty, money – and love: re-telling the story of the poor
Jessica Jackley, co-founder of Kiva, the world’s first person-to-person micro-lending website, firmly believes that the way in which we participate in each other’s stories is of deep importance. Practically, how this translated into action for her, was to connect entrepreneurs in under-developed and developing countries with micro-loans provided by funders in developing countries. This model has a strong emphasis on dignity – with the Kiva approach enabling people to change their lives in a way over which they have control. Go here to hear her speak about this.
Conscious capitalism: companies that value people over profit
Dale Partridge describes himself as a “serial entrepreneur” (my addition: also incredibly successful and only 29 years old), with one of the companies he founded, sevenly.org, donating $7 dollars of every item purchased towards a designated charity. I love his take on business and his emphasis on people over profit. Some key points he makes in a TEDTalk (long version or short, if you’re in a rush) – the gist of which could be broadly summed up by his quote “people are homesick for a world that cares”:
Love does
I'm grateful to a friend for telling me about Bob Goff, an unorthodox American lawyer (I like that!) who believes that “love does”. In his words: “that’s because love is never stationary. In the end, love doesn’t just keep thinking about it or keep planning for it.”
About his book New York Times bestseller “Love Does”, of which 100% of the proceeds were given away:
“For anyone who’s wanted to change the world but thought they needed money, a committee, and permission to get started, "Love Does" shows what can happen when you decide to do instead of plan, act instead of strategise, and fiercely, invisibly fight to live your life audaciously.”
Poverty, money – and love: re-telling the story of the poor
Jessica Jackley, co-founder of Kiva, the world’s first person-to-person micro-lending website, firmly believes that the way in which we participate in each other’s stories is of deep importance. Practically, how this translated into action for her, was to connect entrepreneurs in under-developed and developing countries with micro-loans provided by funders in developing countries. This model has a strong emphasis on dignity – with the Kiva approach enabling people to change their lives in a way over which they have control. Go here to hear her speak about this.
Conscious capitalism: companies that value people over profit
Dale Partridge describes himself as a “serial entrepreneur” (my addition: also incredibly successful and only 29 years old), with one of the companies he founded, sevenly.org, donating $7 dollars of every item purchased towards a designated charity. I love his take on business and his emphasis on people over profit. Some key points he makes in a TEDTalk (long version or short, if you’re in a rush) – the gist of which could be broadly summed up by his quote “people are homesick for a world that cares”:
- Conscious capitalism as a way of doing business is a reaction to an era of deception;
- We’re currently living in an apologetic era: this means that generosity, authenticity, vulnerability, transparency are all characteristics that will drive the success behind an organization; and
- This shift in thinking offers a huge opportunity for marketers, leaders and starters to always remain moral, honest and trustworthy.
Love does
I'm grateful to a friend for telling me about Bob Goff, an unorthodox American lawyer (I like that!) who believes that “love does”. In his words: “that’s because love is never stationary. In the end, love doesn’t just keep thinking about it or keep planning for it.”
About his book New York Times bestseller “Love Does”, of which 100% of the proceeds were given away:
“For anyone who’s wanted to change the world but thought they needed money, a committee, and permission to get started, "Love Does" shows what can happen when you decide to do instead of plan, act instead of strategise, and fiercely, invisibly fight to live your life audaciously.”
- Bob’s explanation of love
- A self-confessed cynic’s take on Bob’s approach
- 5 Ways to live an extraordinary life
- Fast Company Interview: on living a secretly incredible life (tells more about his adventures)
PS. This week's inspiring people all play for "Team America" - I promise I won't forget to also introduce you to awesome South Africans!