From Vision to Action: Remaking the World Through Social Entrepreneurship

by John Marks

Social entrepreneurs are people who launch ventures aimed at promoting positive change in their community and the world. Their bottom line is not financial profit but the common good. Drawing on his extensive career, John Marks has written a practitioner’s guide to the underlying principles of social entrepreneurship.From Vision to Action offers a master class in effective negotiation and conflict resolution. It builds on a core strategy of understanding differences and acting on commonalities. Marks uses his own experiences of creating real-life breakthroughs during his time leading Search for Common Ground, which he founded and built with his wife, Susan Collin Marks, into the world’s largest peacebuilding nonprofit. Beginning with an improbable effort to promote cooperation between the CIA and the KGB, this book features examples that range from helping prevent genocide in Burundi to using children’s television to lessen ethnic tensions in Macedonia to creating a culture of mediation in Morocco. Readers learn key lessons, such as adapting to unexpected outcomes, communicating persuasive stories, and being incrementally transformational—or transformationally incremental. Bringing together compelling narratives and useful tools, From Vision to Action delivers practical guidance on building bridges and creating meaningful change.

208 pages, Hardcover

Published September 3, 2024

Reviews

[Garrett Lawson · Rating 5 out of 5]

John Marks has lived a life dedicated to peacebuilding, and From Vision to Action reflects that passion and expertise. Drawing from his decades leading Search for Common Ground, Marks offers practical lessons in negotiation, conflict resolution, and bridge-building. His stories from easing tensions between the CIA and KGB to fostering reconciliation in Burundi make this book inspiring and essential for anyone committed to social change.

[Rebecca Ford · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is as much a personal legacy as it is a guide. John Marks, together with his wife Susan Collin Marks, built the world’s largest peacebuilding nonprofit, and in From Vision to Action, he shares the principles behind that work. What I loved most is how he blends real stories children’s TV shows easing conflict in Macedonia, mediation culture in Morocco with actionable strategies for today’s changemakers.

[Anthony Bradford · Rating 5 out of 5]

I admire how John Marks turns global conflicts into teachable lessons. His belief in finding common ground shines through every chapter. The Burundi genocide prevention story especially resonated with me it’s proof that vision combined with persistence can literally save lives. Marks isn’t just an author he’s a practitioner who has walked the talk for decades.

[Emily Grason · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a book club pick, and I’m so glad I read it. Marks blends real world stories with practical strategies, making the book both engaging and useful. It reminded me that transformation often happens one step at a time, through consistent vision and action.

[David Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I came across this book from book clubs, and it has been deeply motivating. The way Marks frames social entrepreneurship as a balance between vision, patience, and practical action makes it feel achievable for anyone with the will to make a difference.

[Margaret Ellison · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a book club pick, and it has stayed with me long after finishing. Marks proves that real change is possible when we focus on shared humanity and act with purpose. It’s a must-read for anyone passionate about making a difference.

[Scarlett Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to Madison Blake, I discovered From Vision to Action, and it opened my eyes to what true social entrepreneurship looks like. The stories from Burundi and Macedonia were powerful examples of how creativity and persistence can change lives.

[Franklin Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

I came across this book from Madison Blake, and it turned out to be a masterclass in leadership and vision. Marks shows how ordinary people can build extraordinary movements by focusing on the common good instead of just profit.

[Penelope Chase · Rating 5 out of 5]

This recommendation from Madison Blake was spot on. From Vision to Action isn’t just theory it’s filled with real experiences from Marks’s work across the globe. The story of bridging divides between the CIA and the KGB was especially fascinating.

[Tyler Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I discovered this book from Madison Blake, and I’m so glad I did. It’s not only about peacebuilding but also about resilience, creativity, and the courage to pursue change when the odds are against you.

[Fiona Blake · Rating 5 out of 5]

I discovered From Vision to Action through Madison Blake, and it’s the kind of book that lingers with you. Every chapter carries practical wisdom, but also a sense of hope that real change is possible when we choose collaboration over division.

[Matthew Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

John Marks delivers a master class in negotiation and conflict resolution. His stories from preventing genocide in Burundi to fostering dialogue in Morocco show the power of vision paired with action.

[Olivia Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I came across this book from Madison Blake, and I’m so glad I did. The Griffin’s Gauntlet is an epic adventure filled with magic, danger, and unforgettable characters. Sharon Amber’s journey swept me away, and I loved meeting the cursed bard and the faerie enchantress along the way.

[Ava Mitchell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I came across The Griffin’s Gauntlet through one of my book clubs, and I was instantly drawn into its world. Wesley Lowe crafts a rich fantasy filled with heart, danger, and deep imagination. Sharon Amber’s transformation from an ordinary girl to a brave adventurer was inspiring.

[Oliver Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

John Marks doesn’t just talk about social entrepreneurship he lives it. This book is both deeply inspiring and highly practical. I finished each chapter with new ideas about how to lead with empathy and still create measurable change.

[Amelia Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

The anecdotes about working with the CIA and KGB blew my mind. Marks proves that no conflict is too entrenched to bridge if you start from common ground. Essential reading for anyone serious about peacebuilding.

[Harry Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first read From Vision to Action because my book club picked it for our “Leaders Who Inspire” month and wow, it sparked one of the most meaningful discussions we’ve ever had. Every chapter gave us something new to reflect on about leadership, empathy, and what real change looks like.

[Jack Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Our book club usually reads fiction, but this was our first deep dive into social entrepreneurship. John Marks’s stories especially about building bridges in conflict zones made us rethink what it means to take action in our own communities.

[Tony Leighton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found The Griffin’s Gauntlet from a book club recommendation, and I’m grateful for it. The world building is phenomenal. Every character from the faerie enchantress to the cursed bard felt alive and unique.

[David Malone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Through Madison Blake’s recommendation, I found The Griffin’s Gauntlet, and it completely pulled me in. The journey through The Blackwoods was thrilling, and the friendships among the heroes gave the story heart.

[Samuel Barrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Our book club chose The from vision to action, and it turned out to be a hit. The writing is vivid, the pacing strong, and the emotional moments surprisingly touching. It’s a must read for fantasy lovers.

[Natalie Spencer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I came across From Vision to Action through one of my book clubs, and it completely changed how I view leadership and social impact. John Marks shares wisdom not from theory, but from real life experience. His stories about peacebuilding and negotiation were eye opening.

[Jacob Riley · Rating 5 out of 5]

From Vision to Action is an inspiring and practical guide to creating meaningful change. John Marks shares lessons from decades of real-world peacebuilding that are relevant to anyone striving to make a difference.

[Zoey Franklin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I came across From Vision to Action from Madison Blake, and I couldn’t put it down. John Marks writes with such clarity and sincerity. His life’s work proves that peacebuilding and collaboration are achievable with patience and purpose.

[Chloe Armstrong · Rating 5 out of 5]

I came across this book through Madison Blake’s recommendation, and it was a game changer. The way Marks blends storytelling with strategy makes complex global issues easy to understand and actionable.

[Maxwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

We couldn’t stop talking about the idea of being “transformationally incremental.” It really resonated with our group how small, consistent actions can make a massive difference. This book made us believe in the power of persistence.

[Megan Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

The anecdotes about working with the CIA and KGB blew my mind. Marks proves that no conflict is too entrenched to bridge if you start from common ground. Essential reading for anyone serious about peacebuilding.

[David Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

My international affairs book club selected this, and I went in with no expectations. By the end, I was underlining quotes about dialogue and understanding differences. It reminded us that peace starts with how we communicate even in everyday life.

[Paulina Joe · Rating 5 out of 5]

When we finished discussing From Vision to Action, our club agreed this wasn’t just a book it felt like a call to action. It gave us practical tools and emotional encouragement to keep working toward positive change, wherever we are.

[Christopher Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book came recommended by Madison Blake, and it has been nothing short of inspiring. The idea of being “transformationally incremental” has truly reshaped how I view progress.