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Be the Change: Candid Conversations with the World's Most Successful Philanthropists
Meet the men and women whose deeply personal philanthropy is dramatically changing the way we think about giving
There are 8.6 million millionaires in the United States, and these numbers are set to rise in what will be the biggest intergenerational wealth transfer in history. As $41 trillion dollars (or over three times the national GDP) moves from the World War II generation to their baby- boomer children over the next couple of decades, it will become imperative that the beneficiaries of this wealth-even those not joining the ranks of the superrich-begin thinking about philanthropy, perhaps for the first time in their adult lives. Here they will find the personal journeys of the most successful givers of their generation.
This new generation of wealth has already begun to change the face of philanthropy and to reshape the entire nonprofit sector. In Be the Change, bestselling author Lisa Endlich presents eleven compelling profiles of this twenty-first century generosity. Through candid, revealing, and often surprising interviews, readers will venture into the hearts and minds of the top names in philanthropy today-men and women who have chosen to use their immense riches and influence to meaningfully improve the lives of others in the most dramatic ways. These intimate conversations include in-depth interviews
Melinda Gates, one of the driving forces behind the largest philanthropic organization the world has ever seen;
Bob and Suzanne Wright, he's the former vice chairman of GE and longtime head of NBC Universal and their Autism Speaks has brought awareness of autism onto the national and international stage;
Paul Tudor Jones, founder of Tudor Investments and the Robin Hood Foundation;
Peter Bloom, founding chairman of the groundbreaking DonorsChoose.org.
From Connie Duckworth, a former Goldman Sachs partner, who brings steady employment to Afghani women and education to them and their children, to Johann Olav Koss, an Olympic gold medalist who now strives to give children in the direst circumstances the chance to play, these philanthropists demonstrate that giving doesn't begin or end with a signed check. They grant Endlich exclusive access to the stories of how they learned from early failures and developed a personal, sustainable way of giving, and they also share the catalyzing moment when they saw a problem so heartbreaking they simply could not turn away. In doing so, these new philanthropists offer valuable lessons-ones that will inspire readers to start giving, keep giving, and become the change they want to see in the world.
There are 8.6 million millionaires in the United States, and these numbers are set to rise in what will be the biggest intergenerational wealth transfer in history. As $41 trillion dollars (or over three times the national GDP) moves from the World War II generation to their baby- boomer children over the next couple of decades, it will become imperative that the beneficiaries of this wealth-even those not joining the ranks of the superrich-begin thinking about philanthropy, perhaps for the first time in their adult lives. Here they will find the personal journeys of the most successful givers of their generation.
This new generation of wealth has already begun to change the face of philanthropy and to reshape the entire nonprofit sector. In Be the Change, bestselling author Lisa Endlich presents eleven compelling profiles of this twenty-first century generosity. Through candid, revealing, and often surprising interviews, readers will venture into the hearts and minds of the top names in philanthropy today-men and women who have chosen to use their immense riches and influence to meaningfully improve the lives of others in the most dramatic ways. These intimate conversations include in-depth interviews
Melinda Gates, one of the driving forces behind the largest philanthropic organization the world has ever seen;
Bob and Suzanne Wright, he's the former vice chairman of GE and longtime head of NBC Universal and their Autism Speaks has brought awareness of autism onto the national and international stage;
Paul Tudor Jones, founder of Tudor Investments and the Robin Hood Foundation;
Peter Bloom, founding chairman of the groundbreaking DonorsChoose.org.
From Connie Duckworth, a former Goldman Sachs partner, who brings steady employment to Afghani women and education to them and their children, to Johann Olav Koss, an Olympic gold medalist who now strives to give children in the direst circumstances the chance to play, these philanthropists demonstrate that giving doesn't begin or end with a signed check. They grant Endlich exclusive access to the stories of how they learned from early failures and developed a personal, sustainable way of giving, and they also share the catalyzing moment when they saw a problem so heartbreaking they simply could not turn away. In doing so, these new philanthropists offer valuable lessons-ones that will inspire readers to start giving, keep giving, and become the change they want to see in the world.
- GenresSelf Help
308 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 25, 2008
3 people are currently reading
44 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
July 24, 2009
This book takes readers through a series of interviews with very high profile individuals who have taken their passion for philanthropy to great heights. In general, I did like the book; it's something that a person could read to get a sense of how people like Melinda Gates got started in philanthropy. I also liked the format of each chapter, which follows the conversation in interview style instead of paraphrasing. I also liked the wisdom imparted from each of the interviewees about how the work was done, what inspired them, etc.
What I didn't like about it is that it misses the opportunity to inspire people with lower net worth than the folks interviewed to actually get involved in philanthropy. In reading this book, the author introduces you to so many people who have been able to set up their own foundations, drop what they're doing for weeks at a time (or quit their jobs entirely) to travel to a foreign country to learn about the issues facing those they wish to help, and pour millions of dollars into the effort. What about inspiring people who don't have the resources? The book then makes philanthropy seem something that only very specific people can participate in, instead of encouraging everyone to take that first step and get involved.
The book also heavily focuses on global philanthropy. There is an exceptional need abroad, and we in the US are, in comparison, extremely blessed. If the author had presented more domestic programs, the book would have seemed more balanced.
What I didn't like about it is that it misses the opportunity to inspire people with lower net worth than the folks interviewed to actually get involved in philanthropy. In reading this book, the author introduces you to so many people who have been able to set up their own foundations, drop what they're doing for weeks at a time (or quit their jobs entirely) to travel to a foreign country to learn about the issues facing those they wish to help, and pour millions of dollars into the effort. What about inspiring people who don't have the resources? The book then makes philanthropy seem something that only very specific people can participate in, instead of encouraging everyone to take that first step and get involved.
The book also heavily focuses on global philanthropy. There is an exceptional need abroad, and we in the US are, in comparison, extremely blessed. If the author had presented more domestic programs, the book would have seemed more balanced.
February 18, 2010
Enjoyed this much more than I thought I would. Although I'll never have the kinds of money the people interviewed in the book have, it was still interesting and inspiring to hear their stories. After reading the book, I will definitely be more aware of trying to focus my volunteer time and financial donations.
April 25, 2014
A very interesting book about brain space and how you cane make a difference irregardless of skill or education. Brain science provides link where you can go and get involved in project as described in chapter two, so whatever your interest is there is a link for you. Quite amazing .
August 28, 2009
Useful for professional fundraisers or those interested in starting a nonprofit. The book is a series of first-hand accounts of highly engaged and successful philanthropists.
December 6, 2011
One of my all time favorite books!
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews