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Larger Than Yourself: Reimagine Industries, Lead with Purpose & Grow Ideas into Movements
DARE TO CHANGE THE WORLD
Why do some great ideas take off and soar, while others never get off the ground? Where does that elusive sense of being part of something larger than ourselves come from? How can each of us harness that feeling to help fuel the world’s best ideas and turn them into movements?
In Larger Than Yourself , Thibault Manekin tells gripping stories about inspirational people and pivotal moments that answer these questions at a time when social entrepreneurship is no longer a buzzword but a global necessity. He shares his experiences helping to bridge social divides in war-torn countries through sports and reimagining the real estate industry so that buildings empower communities and unite cities, illustrating how we all can turn ideas into movements. The seven distinct lessons that emerge become actionable principles for the doers and dreamers of today, inspiring you with takeaways to assist in the pursuit of your own endeavors.
Why do some great ideas take off and soar, while others never get off the ground? Where does that elusive sense of being part of something larger than ourselves come from? How can each of us harness that feeling to help fuel the world’s best ideas and turn them into movements?
In Larger Than Yourself , Thibault Manekin tells gripping stories about inspirational people and pivotal moments that answer these questions at a time when social entrepreneurship is no longer a buzzword but a global necessity. He shares his experiences helping to bridge social divides in war-torn countries through sports and reimagining the real estate industry so that buildings empower communities and unite cities, illustrating how we all can turn ideas into movements. The seven distinct lessons that emerge become actionable principles for the doers and dreamers of today, inspiring you with takeaways to assist in the pursuit of your own endeavors.
- GenresBusiness
304 pages, Paperback
Published November 23, 2021
8 people are currently reading
171 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
December 6, 2021
I was worried I’d have some bias in favor of this book since Thibault is a great friend, but I can confidently say that, by any metric, it’s a great read.
The book begins with Thibault's experience working with young people in South Africa. He observed and learned how an idea or an impactful concept can take on a life of its own when people are enabled to own it and run with it.
As Thibault returned from South Africa, he looked around and saw opportunity in his home city of Baltimore. Thibault leveraged his family's real estate experience to build a social enterprise development company. He got started with an old abandoned cannery and brought teachers in to design their own dream living space. As he grew the business he expanded to co-design a whole neighborhood alongside teachers, community members, and business leaders. And, other cities became interested in emulating the movement.
I really love stories about people using business as a vehicle to have an impact and I really enjoyed learning about the growth of Seawall Development.
For anyone looking for a quick hit of inspiration and purpose and some clear lessons about how to grow a movement, the book did the job. Thanks Thibault!
The book begins with Thibault's experience working with young people in South Africa. He observed and learned how an idea or an impactful concept can take on a life of its own when people are enabled to own it and run with it.
As Thibault returned from South Africa, he looked around and saw opportunity in his home city of Baltimore. Thibault leveraged his family's real estate experience to build a social enterprise development company. He got started with an old abandoned cannery and brought teachers in to design their own dream living space. As he grew the business he expanded to co-design a whole neighborhood alongside teachers, community members, and business leaders. And, other cities became interested in emulating the movement.
I really love stories about people using business as a vehicle to have an impact and I really enjoyed learning about the growth of Seawall Development.
For anyone looking for a quick hit of inspiration and purpose and some clear lessons about how to grow a movement, the book did the job. Thanks Thibault!
November 4, 2021
I just finished Thibault Manekin's book and it beautifully weaves together compelling (and entertaining) stories with larger observations about how we can lead with purpose. His writing style is accessible and engaging. The author's voice comes through: compassionate, authentic and patient. He has a sort of charisma that is not off-putting because it is authentic and not self-important.
I recommend this book to anybody thinking about their place in their business and community and trying to make each more meaningful.
I recommend this book to anybody thinking about their place in their business and community and trying to make each more meaningful.
May 2, 2023
Book of the Day – Larger Than Yourself
Today’s Book of the Day is LARGER THAN YOURSELF, written by Thibault Manekin in 2021 and published by New World Library.
Thibault Manekin is a speaker, educator, podcast host, community organizer, entrepreneur, and co-creator of Seawall and PeacePlayers.
In 2011, he was honored by President Obama’s White House as a Champion of Change.
I have chosen this book because I was curious to see how a dreamer, coming from real estate development, had developed his own personal and professional development ideas.
Larger than Yourself is a captivating autobiographical account of Manekin’s life’s journey.
The book’s title itself refers to what we find to be its core message: success is not measured by our professional achievements but by the positive impact these achievements have on society, the environment, and even the world around us.
Manekin stresses that true success is achieved when we work towards something larger than ourselves.
The author’s storytelling ability makes this book an eye-opener. Manekin is extremely skilled in mixing personal anecdotes and broader themes by sharing, with sometimes brutal honesty, his own vulnerability. Through his eyes, we as readers are able to see how perseverance, hard work, and the value of community really have a huge impact on our purpose.
Starting from real estate development and its difficulties, such as regulations and bureaucracy, Manekin offers a privileged point of view on what it takes to build houses to create social spaces where people can come together and build relationships. He advocates the project, development, and fostering of inclusive communities, where diversity is celebrated instead of being avoided.
The author uses 7 examples coming from his professional experience of real-estate developers as tools to provoke thoughts and growth in our lives and in the communities we like in.
The book is a powerful reminder of the impact we can have on the world around us when we work towards something larger than ourselves. Some people are afraid of things that seem to be too hard, too big, too complicated, too difficult to conceive, project, and develop. Yet, nothing is too broad to be analyzed, to be drawn, to be understood, when we care about the impact we can have on it. Highly recommended.
Today’s Book of the Day is LARGER THAN YOURSELF, written by Thibault Manekin in 2021 and published by New World Library.
Thibault Manekin is a speaker, educator, podcast host, community organizer, entrepreneur, and co-creator of Seawall and PeacePlayers.
In 2011, he was honored by President Obama’s White House as a Champion of Change.
I have chosen this book because I was curious to see how a dreamer, coming from real estate development, had developed his own personal and professional development ideas.
Larger than Yourself is a captivating autobiographical account of Manekin’s life’s journey.
The book’s title itself refers to what we find to be its core message: success is not measured by our professional achievements but by the positive impact these achievements have on society, the environment, and even the world around us.
Manekin stresses that true success is achieved when we work towards something larger than ourselves.
The author’s storytelling ability makes this book an eye-opener. Manekin is extremely skilled in mixing personal anecdotes and broader themes by sharing, with sometimes brutal honesty, his own vulnerability. Through his eyes, we as readers are able to see how perseverance, hard work, and the value of community really have a huge impact on our purpose.
Starting from real estate development and its difficulties, such as regulations and bureaucracy, Manekin offers a privileged point of view on what it takes to build houses to create social spaces where people can come together and build relationships. He advocates the project, development, and fostering of inclusive communities, where diversity is celebrated instead of being avoided.
The author uses 7 examples coming from his professional experience of real-estate developers as tools to provoke thoughts and growth in our lives and in the communities we like in.
The book is a powerful reminder of the impact we can have on the world around us when we work towards something larger than ourselves. Some people are afraid of things that seem to be too hard, too big, too complicated, too difficult to conceive, project, and develop. Yet, nothing is too broad to be analyzed, to be drawn, to be understood, when we care about the impact we can have on it. Highly recommended.
November 28, 2021
Community activists/real estate developers - take note! Thibault Manekin's community and collaborative-based approach to real estate development, a skill that he learned while working in divided communities in all parts of the world, is the approach that all developers should take when planning to redevelop property in any community. It is also a technique that can be applied to almost any effort to solve problems, create change and start a movement. And that is the point of this heartfelt, terrific book.
Larger Than Yourself traces Thibault Manekin's experiences in Peace Players, a non-profit that uses basketball as a means to unite young people living in divided communities throughout South Africa, Northern Ireland and Israel among others. With all that he learned while growing Peace Players into an international movement that even Nelson Mandela supported, Thibault came back to his beloved hometown of Baltimore. Before long he realized he could apply what he learned organizing youth in communities in South Africa to neighborhoods in Baltimore. This very readable book details Thibault's journey to develop affordable housing projects for Baltimore City teachers. Motivated by love and compassion, and undaunted by a difficult resident who was against one of the projects, Thibault formed countless personal relationships and gained the trust of community members who had a voice in the design process. Consequently his two projects in one neighborhood were hugely successful. So to all you social entrepreneurs, non-profit EDs, and problem solvers of any kind, put this book on your reading list.
Larger Than Yourself traces Thibault Manekin's experiences in Peace Players, a non-profit that uses basketball as a means to unite young people living in divided communities throughout South Africa, Northern Ireland and Israel among others. With all that he learned while growing Peace Players into an international movement that even Nelson Mandela supported, Thibault came back to his beloved hometown of Baltimore. Before long he realized he could apply what he learned organizing youth in communities in South Africa to neighborhoods in Baltimore. This very readable book details Thibault's journey to develop affordable housing projects for Baltimore City teachers. Motivated by love and compassion, and undaunted by a difficult resident who was against one of the projects, Thibault formed countless personal relationships and gained the trust of community members who had a voice in the design process. Consequently his two projects in one neighborhood were hugely successful. So to all you social entrepreneurs, non-profit EDs, and problem solvers of any kind, put this book on your reading list.
December 1, 2021
Thibault’s book offers a refreshing take on leadership and is a must-read for anyone interested in professional growth and living a life with purpose. I thought his many stories and anecdotes found the delicate balance of being thoughtful and insightful, while also weaving in well-timed humor which made the book a very entertaining read. I was struck by the way that Thibault’s writing brought so many people “to life” in this book; his descriptions did not feel embellished in any way, rather, I felt like each person’s story represented a key contribution to the narrative overall. I consider myself fortunate to call Thibault a friend and I can’t think of a time that interacting with him has not brought a smile to my face; his book is another example of how he strives to find a way to make the world around him a better place and is always looking for ways to ‘pay it forward’. I appreciated how he was willing to reveal so much about his life with the hope that some of his experiences may help shape someone else’s path forward. There are many reasons why “Larger than yourself” is a worthwhile read but, for me, I found it to be an incredibly inspirational story about humility, character, empathy and growth (among others) and I expect it to impact how I live my life going forward.
December 5, 2021
Thibault Manekin's "Larger Than Yourself" transcends category - in the best of ways. Let me explain. Typically, when I read "self help" books for work or life, I'm looking for smart, actionable ideas that I can apply to my own circumstances and endeavors. That is my barometer for whether the book delivers value. Conversely, when I read literary nonfiction (or fiction), the mark of an excellent book is how compelling the narrative is. Do I want to turn the page and keep reading? Seldom, does one book marry these two dynamics so effortlessly and effectively. This one does.
Though this is Manekin's first book, he writes with the confidence of a seasoned author. Consistently, I found myself engrossed in his vivid accounts of pivotal moments from his life, forgetting that what I was reading was part of a larger blueprint that could be applied elsewhere. I was internalizing the messages without feeling like I was being taught something. It's a delicate balance to strike, but Manekin does it masterfully. He inspires without being preachy.
There is much to take away from this read. Time well spent!
Though this is Manekin's first book, he writes with the confidence of a seasoned author. Consistently, I found myself engrossed in his vivid accounts of pivotal moments from his life, forgetting that what I was reading was part of a larger blueprint that could be applied elsewhere. I was internalizing the messages without feeling like I was being taught something. It's a delicate balance to strike, but Manekin does it masterfully. He inspires without being preachy.
There is much to take away from this read. Time well spent!
December 7, 2021
Who knew a story about urban community development could be a page-turner? I had a hard time putting this book down as I looked forward to the author’s next “adventure” as he thoughtfully navigated how to shepherd these moments-to-movements opportunities. Manekin describes his journey with colorful details while still capturing the energy of the moments and always with sympathy and respect for the true heroes of the stories. The book is inspiring and thought-provoking and presents a more inclusive problem-solving approach to some big topics that may be applied more broadly. I wonder though if these approaches are only available to leaders with the deep empathy of Thibault Manekin and if we first need to find different leaders that have the capacity to lead from behind to achieve better outcomes for the group. Somehow I think this question is the type of response that the author is hoping to generate. I think just about anybody that cares about community, local or worldwide, will enjoy ‘Larger than Yourself’ and perhaps find some inspiration to take on a challenge that may be calling them to lead.
December 31, 2021
It was fitting to read Larger Than Yourself while watching waves crash and surfers trying to catch a ride.
I’ve known Thibault Manekin for a decent number of years and what I can say is that this book is as authentic as he is. If you’re looking for inspiration on how to build a career and lifestyle beyond the 9-5 rat race and make a positive impact in addition to a living, this book is for you. #Baltimore is fortunate to have a passionate, committed and persistent leader in Thibault. I enjoyed reading about his first development project – Miller’s Court – and seeing how far Seawall and Remington have come from those early days. I wasn’t sure to laugh or cry at the description of “Earl” having lived through the legal battles while in the Mayor’s Office.
What excites me the most is thinking about the sequel; I’m sure we can write a book just on Lexington Market, Inc. (currently being built). There’s much more work to do in Baltimore, but with Thibault and others like him, Baltimore will be a movement in and of itself.
P.S. The number of animal decapitations took me by surprise…please keep the knife away from this guy…enjoy the wonderful read!
I’ve known Thibault Manekin for a decent number of years and what I can say is that this book is as authentic as he is. If you’re looking for inspiration on how to build a career and lifestyle beyond the 9-5 rat race and make a positive impact in addition to a living, this book is for you. #Baltimore is fortunate to have a passionate, committed and persistent leader in Thibault. I enjoyed reading about his first development project – Miller’s Court – and seeing how far Seawall and Remington have come from those early days. I wasn’t sure to laugh or cry at the description of “Earl” having lived through the legal battles while in the Mayor’s Office.
What excites me the most is thinking about the sequel; I’m sure we can write a book just on Lexington Market, Inc. (currently being built). There’s much more work to do in Baltimore, but with Thibault and others like him, Baltimore will be a movement in and of itself.
P.S. The number of animal decapitations took me by surprise…please keep the knife away from this guy…enjoy the wonderful read!
April 13, 2023
What a beautiful surprise! I've never really thought of myself as a leader and someone who thought "big" in the past, so a book that was focused on large scale movements and reimagining industries is not the book I'm usually drawn to. However, I had the wonderful opportunity to visit Baltimore recently and met Thibault Manekin. Even though the time I spent in his company was brief, I immediately was drawn to his intensity, his passion, and his superb listening skills. Of course, I needed to read his book. I am thoroughly inspired by the way Thibault dreams big and makes huge impacts in communities. The seemingly insurmountable tasks are always brought down to size by the involvement of other passionate people who are allowed to take ownership of the significant part they play. Thibault comes up with heart driven ideas and surrenders the "how" by pushing past discomfort, staying in integrity, and leading through love. I find this hugely inspirational and look forward to employing these ideas in my own life. I even might dare to dream big!
December 11, 2021
For all Entrepreneurs launching or leading an organization, Larger than Yourself is a must read. The book is an easy read of Thibault's history in setting up purpose led organizations from inception to success. The author highlights obstacles of all shapes and sizes that popped up along his journey, where the underlying themes can be applied to lots of scenarios. These obstacles are significant and examples include doing this across the globe for organizations that are both for profit and non-profit. From my end the most successful organizations in the future are going to be purpose built and this book provides a roadmap on how to turn purpose into success. The stories about the journey and life experiences outlined in Larger than Yourself will be helpful to any reader.
December 22, 2021
I really enjoyed reading this, and I think you will too. Thibault crafts truth into stories and examples. This book is a great model of the power of storytelling, and creates a space to explore boundaries and possibilities with equal enthusiasm. This book is worth reading for anyone that's looking to dive into topics like purpose, leadership, influence and movements - without the heaviness of a traditional leadership book. The style of stories, and the openness and contributions that are celebrated throughout them, creates an inviting opportunity to learn and grow. It's an easy, enjoyable read that will create powerful reflections as you navigate your own experiences. And I couldn't recommend it more for aspiring or in motion leaders.
January 4, 2022
Thibault does a masterful job of telling his story in a low key conversational way, all the while weaving in big ideas about how small steps in our daily lives can lead to broad community change. We tend to downplay our own personal experiences as nothing unique, incorrectly assuming that no one else would be interested in or could be inspired by them. Thibault embraces the risks of telling one's story, by no means an easy task, and we are all able to benefit from his risk taking. His story is achieves the difficult task of inspiring others to think critically about how we've been taught to think about the communities we live in, and provides inspiration to imagine (and act to achieve) a more cohesive and positive community that would benefit everyone. Cheers Thibault!
November 24, 2021
Want to help the world? This is what it feels like.
In this book you’ll find stories, people and personal challenges that will help you prepare to go out (into your community, or industry) and lend a helping hand. It’s not easy work, and it can sometimes be thankless and draining. However, as Thibault Manekin demonstrates through his utter humbleness and care for humanity, it is completely possible… no, probable! that with the right outlook, a purpose can turn into a movement, bringing tremendous benefit to the world.
Recommended for those looking for inspiration, guidance and genuineness in their path of being a force for good.
In this book you’ll find stories, people and personal challenges that will help you prepare to go out (into your community, or industry) and lend a helping hand. It’s not easy work, and it can sometimes be thankless and draining. However, as Thibault Manekin demonstrates through his utter humbleness and care for humanity, it is completely possible… no, probable! that with the right outlook, a purpose can turn into a movement, bringing tremendous benefit to the world.
Recommended for those looking for inspiration, guidance and genuineness in their path of being a force for good.
December 2, 2021
While diving into complex themes, this book maintains a great pace that kept me coming back for more. Thibault knits together his life experiences, in a way that is compelling and eye-opening to his unique approach to leadership. No matter what industry the reader is in, this book shows how an approach of inclusiveness and a willing to truly listen can lead to growth much larger than any individual effort. If someone wants to take their idea to the next level, and love a good story, I highly recommend this book!
December 19, 2021
Thibault has an amazing story to tell while providing a compelling case for getting out of your comfort zone and leading with purpose. He seamlessly imbeds his leadership principles into the narrative in a way that makes it hard to put the book down once you get started. These principles apply in all stages and walks of life whether you are running a business, a non-profit, leading your community or just trying to make a difference. This is an inspirational tale that reminds us that we can all make a difference in bridging the divides that confront us every day.
December 19, 2021
Larger Than Yourself is a superbly written, amazing story of an upper middle-class, suburb-raised, never-to-be-seen in a tie, blazer or collared shirt white man that courageously earned a heart-driven global experience bridging racial, religious, and ethnic divisions. That journey honed and continues to drive his love for all human beings and his desire to redefine how and what it means to invest in forgotten urban neighborhoods. Larger Than Yourself is a must-read for those striving for an integrated world.
Alan Grace
Alan Grace
January 16, 2023
Thoughtful chronology by a young man exploring how to bridge divides through sport between fractious populations in Ireland, South Africa, and elsewhere before returning to do the same in his hometown of Baltimore. With the aid of his developer father’s experience and joint efforts with like-minded agents of change, he chooses to concentrate on rebuilding the blighted city within a city of Remington. The changes are real and often hard-won.
Thibault Manekin’s philosophy and strategy has to do with engaging the actual residents in deciding what they want their neighborhood to become. A half a generation from their initial efforts, the streets are once again buzzing with successful small businesses and attracting new residents.
My one critique of the book is the repetitious language and overuse of superlative modifiers. A good editing for a revised edition might be in order….
Thibault Manekin’s philosophy and strategy has to do with engaging the actual residents in deciding what they want their neighborhood to become. A half a generation from their initial efforts, the streets are once again buzzing with successful small businesses and attracting new residents.
My one critique of the book is the repetitious language and overuse of superlative modifiers. A good editing for a revised edition might be in order….
November 28, 2021
In a time when a lot of us are feeling disconnected Thibault Manekin shares stories of how he built connections to create lasting change. The book is easy to read with moving stories and a message that goes much deeper than the anecdotes. Not your typical self-help / business strategy book nor a regular biography, this is the best combination - heartfelt storytelling, knowledge sharing and inspiration.
November 29, 2021
A wonderful, inspiring read that I recommend for anyone who wants to think about how to make meaningful change. Thibault details his involvement in a few different movements, from an organization that helped use basketball to bring kids together during apartheid in South Africa, to transforming a neglected Baltimore City neighborhood. Throughout, he stresses how leadership is about listening and asking community members to drive the change in their own neighborhoods.
November 29, 2021
Larger than life is an excellent work and essential for anyone who wants to make this world a better place. Thibault provides an outline to world changers on how to create and sustain movements that is grounded in his life and leadership experience. Thibault’s humility and desire for positive change inspire the audience to take charge – no matter their surroundings. It is a pleasure to follow along his journey – thanks Thibault!
December 19, 2021
There are some books that you come across at just the “right” time in your life, in which your mind and spirit are primed and ready to absorb the journey and lessons offered. “Larger Than Yourself” is one of those books for me. I am left with an abundance of admiration and inspiration. I have a greater desire to lean into work that is “larger than me” and to ultimately be a better human being to those around me. I’m so glad that I have had the privilege of reading this book. Bravo Thibault.
December 10, 2021
Highly recommend for those looking for inspirational ways to approach leadership, community, and life. Really enjoyed the authors storytelling which helped build a foundation to demonstrate the power of listening and leading with purpose. Found this book eye opening and relevant to how I approach both my personal and professional lifestyles.
April 19, 2024
Some Notes:
- "To lead people, walk behind them." – Lao Tzu
- Answer the following:
1. What burning questions are keeping you up at night?
2. What is one thing that you could do for work everyday for the rest of your life?
3. How can you re-imagine the one that you love the most to reignite your purpose.
- Why are we so divided as human beings and what can we do to bridge those divides?
- "To lead people, walk behind them." – Lao Tzu
- Answer the following:
1. What burning questions are keeping you up at night?
2. What is one thing that you could do for work everyday for the rest of your life?
3. How can you re-imagine the one that you love the most to reignite your purpose.
- Why are we so divided as human beings and what can we do to bridge those divides?
September 6, 2025
ბევრად უკეთესი წიგნია, ვიდრე მშრალი ანოტაცია ყვება. ავტორს კარგი ბიზნეს მოდელი აქვს განხილული და უწვრილეს დეტალებამდეა ახსნილი, რამხელა მნიშვნელობა აქვს ქალაქის თუ სოფლის (არ აქვს მნიშვნელობა) ურბანულ განვითარებას, ახალი, საინტერესო სივრცეების შექმნას და ა.შ.
ჩვენი ქალაქის მიმდინარე ურბანული ჯოჯოხეთის ფონზე განსაკუთრებით მძიმე საკითხავია ასეთი შემოქმედებითი მიდგომები.
ჩვენი ქალაქის მიმდინარე ურბანული ჯოჯოხეთის ფონზე განსაკუთრებით მძიმე საკითხავია ასეთი შემოქმედებითი მიდგომები.
December 4, 2021
The stories in Larger Than Yourself personifies the quote from Max DePree, CEO of Herman Miller, “we can teach ourselves to see the way things ARE. Only with vision can we begin to see things the way they can BE.”
January 22, 2022
The ultimate guide on how to turn ideas into movements. Thibault's life experience reads like an adventure book, chock full of tidbits on how deep listening and love can transform any idea along the way. Inspiring read!
January 8, 2022
A friend and an inspiration.
February 11, 2022
Loved this book! Well written. A young man who has led a remarkable life.
February 24, 2022
Excellent.... I worked in Africa and saw real livery I n 1969. And I live in Baltimore very close to Remmington. It does take time..people..And the desire to help to make changes.
November 7, 2025
So compelling. Well done, Thibault!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews