TOP 10 INSPIRING BOOKS FOR SOCIAL PURPOSE FOUNDERS
TOP 10 INSPIRING BOOKS FOR SOCIAL PURPOSE FOUNDERS
Every social purpose founder could use little motivation. Being in charge can feel overwhelming and lonely. Luckily, we can take inspiration from the many wonderful books that have been written over the years. These cover everything from ideas about the future of economics to autobiographical accounts from people at the forefront of social impact.
Whether you’re still considering making the jump or are already managing a growing organization, these ten books offer the energy to push you for the next step in your journey.
Reimagining Capitalism in a World on Fire – Rebecca Henderson
Changing the world is hard, but navigating that change when things are already falling apart seems unattainable. Is change possible? Rebecca Henderson thinks that it is. She brings her years of rigorous research and experience to explain how to support a future led by conscious capitalists.
The Value of Everything: Making and Taking in the Global Economy – Mariana Mazzucato
Who creates “value” in the economy? Who are the “makers” and who are the takers”? How do our beliefs about the economy shape the way we structure society? Mariana Mazzucato is an economist that challenges the way people think about capitalism by deconstructing our fundamental assumptions. An excellent book for anyone who wants to explore the history of economics with a critical lens.
Mission Economy: A Moonshot Guide to Changing Capitalism – Mariana Mazzucato
Mazzucato’s follow-up to “The Value of Everything” shifts the focus from the past to the future. How do we create a sustainable economy that works for everyone? She makes the case that conscious capitalism is possible, but it will require hard work to fix a global financial system.
World of Three Zeros: The New Economics of Zero Poverty, Zero Unemployment, and Zero Net Carbon Emissions – Mohammad Yunus
How do you create a world with no poverty, unemployment, or carbon emissions? Entrepreneurs. Mohammad Yunis won the Nobel Peace Prize for his work at the Grameen Bank, which has helped raise millions out of poverty with microfinance and microcredit. In “World of Three Zeros,” he considers the necessary legal and regulatory changes for sustainable social impact.
The Solution Revolution: How Business, Government, and Social Enterprises Are Teaming Up to Solve Society's Toughest Problems – William Eggers and Paul MacMillan
Building a new world is going to be a big job. The government, social enterprises, and companies will have to work together to get the job done. This sustainable economy will bring new opportunities and solutions for the world’s most daunting challenges. A valuable resource for anyone looking to create relationships with government institutions or for-profit businesses.
The Disruptors: Social entrepreneurs reinventing business and society – Kerryn Krige and Gus Silber
Meet the future of business. This book follows a series of entrepreneurs based in South Africa. Each one is an inspiration, offering a unique perspective on what social change looks like. Great for any aspiring conscious capitalist, but particularly suited for anyone who would prefer a series of short stories rather than one long text.
How to Change the World: Social Entrepreneurs and the Power of New Ideas – David Bornstein
“How to Change the World” is highly influential in social entrepreneurship, being one of the first books on the topic to become popular. Similar to “The Disruptors,” this book is composed of a series of case studies highlighting different social impact approaches. The book is packed with memorable moments and inspiring people.
The Power of Unreasonable People: How Social Entrepreneurs Create Markets That Change the World – John Elkington and Pamela Hartigan
It’s time to be unreasonable, folks. “The Power of Unreasonable People” speaks the hard truth that you need to be unreasonable to create a social impact. This cross-examination of the social entrepreneur’s mindset will help you understand what catalyzes social change.
Start Something That Matters – Blake Mycoskie
Did you know that "Toms" shoes aren't named after a Tom? In fact, it was initially called "Shoes for Better Tomorrows." Blake Mycoskie founded the company; an up-and-coming media figure turned conscious capitalist. In "Start Something That Matters," we follow Mycoskie's journey as he builds one of the world's most recognized social purpose businesses.
Long Walk to Freedom – Nelson Mandela
Are you ready for the long haul? Nelson Mandela’s autobiography follows his incredible journey from his childhood in tribal territory to spending 27 years in prison to his election as President of South Africa. His story reminds us that social impact requires standing by what you believe in, learning from mistakes, and discipline.
It is hard to choose which books to include in a list like this with many wonderful options. What books do you find inspirational or motivational as a social purpose founder? Connect with me and let me know what you would add to the list.