Taking Charge of Change

by Paul Shoemaker

The model to meet the unprecedented challenges unique to the decade ahead and make a remarkable impact on people’s lives—led by the success stories of 38 change leaders whose paths of action give you the blueprint. To meet the radically different challenges of inequity, division, and scarcity of resources that will only increase over the next ten years, the most successful and valuable leaders are those with the traits to be rebuilders. Thought leader Paul Shoemaker profiles 38 rock star rebuilders so you have a model to follow, including Peter Drucker Award winner Rosanne Haggerty, whose goal is to end chronic homelessness; Trish Millines, who has changed lives for kids of color in high tech; and David Risher, whose cross-sector approach is helping solve global illiteracy. Page by page, the common elements rebuilders utilize to make a remarkable impact on some or our most complex problems are highlighted as Taking Charge of Change is written for anyone seeking to be the driver of real change and an integral part of rebuilding the structures and foundations of American communities and companies throughout the decade ahead.

Genres: Nonfiction, Business

240 pages, Paperback

Published March 7, 2023

About the author

Paul Shoemaker is Executive Connector for Seattle’s Social Venture Partners. Social Venture Partners is a unique worldwide network for social change. SVP combines what social ventures need—grant-making, strategic volunteering, philanthropic education, and systems change—connected together under one roof, which had never been done before by a philanthropic organization. The organization started with its Seattle office and now has partners in 38 cities and 8 countries. In 2011 and 2012, Paul Shoemaker was named one of the “Top 50 Most Influential People in the Nonprofit Sector” by The NonProfit Times. He is the Founding President of Social Venture Partners International and currently sits on their Board of Directors, as well as the Board of Partners for Our Children and previously the Board of the Microsoft Alumni Foundation. In 2013, he received the Red Winged Leadership Award from Seattle University’s Albers School of Business and Economics and the Philanthropist of the Year Award from Future in Review.

Reviews

[Rahel Charikar · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Taking Charge of Change" by Paul Shoemaker is a book that provides a roadmap for those looking to make a positive impact on society and tackle complex problems. Shoemaker draws on his experience as the founding president of Social Venture Partners International to introduce readers to the concept of "rebuilders" – leaders with the traits necessary to address the challenges of our time, including inequity, division, and resource scarcity.

The book profiles 38 remarkable rebuilders who have made significant contributions to social change, offering readers valuable models to follow. From Rosanne Haggerty's mission to end chronic homelessness to Trish Millines' efforts to empower children of color in the tech industry, these stories are inspiring and showcase the potential for positive change.

Shoemaker emphasizes the five vital traits that change leaders should possess and supports his insights with relevant research, data, and real-world case studies. His storytelling style makes the book engaging and relatable.

However, despite its strengths, "Taking Charge of Change" falls short of earning a higher rating due to some shortcomings. The book occasionally feels repetitive, and some of the profiles lack depth. Additionally, while it highlights successful individuals, it could offer more practical guidance on how readers can apply these principles to their own efforts.

In conclusion, "Taking Charge of Change" is a worthwhile read for those interested in social change and leadership, offering inspiring stories and valuable insights. While it has its flaws, it provides a foundation for anyone seeking to make a difference in their community or organization during the challenging decade ahead.

[Alireza Hejazi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book examines the societal difficulties that American society will face in the 2020s. It introduces some of the new leaders who are advancing the American people. Readers may be able to adopt the same efficacy, traits, and attributes to their leadership after learning from those social leaders. Rosanne Haggerty, who is working to end chronic homelessness; Father Greg Boyle, whose organization, Homeboy Industries, has had a significant impact on reducing gang violence in Los Angeles; Dan Cardinali, whose organization developed and embraced an evidence-based model of integrated student service provision; and several others are among the featured leaders. The author refers to them as “rebuilders” because he believes they are recreating American society in novel ways. Social studies experts and students should take note of this text.

[Darya · Rating 4 out of 5]

The perspective of the book is interesting. The main learning points are coming from the stories of leaders -rebuilders, people who can force the important and vital change when it is most needed. My key learning outcomes are the Five Vital Traits of Rebuilders (five leadership qualities and skill sets, the five vital traits) : 1. 24-7 Authenticity 2. Complexity Capacity 3. Generosity Mindset 4. Data Conviction 5. Cross-Sector Fluency.

[Olivia Davis · Rating 3 out of 5]

underwhelming tbh