In an age of consumer surplus, where people are encouraged to shop as "retail therapy," where does environmental sustainability fit in? In this panel discussion from the Commonwealth Club of California, leaders in business, design and innovation discuss why a deeper understanding of human nature will be central to a successful 21st century business strategy.
Technology has increased the flow of information and made our decision-making more transparent. In this panel discussion on empathy and ethics, Bill Drayton, Mary Gordon, Keith Hammonds, Kirk Hanson, and Jill Vialet consider how empathetic ethics has to begin with individuals and can only then move into the organizations we lead and the societies we serve.
In this audio lecture, Gloria Steinem paints a rich picture of American feminism and social responsibility. From her anecdotes of 1960s activism to her thoughtful analysis of the possibilities for women in political leadership, Steinem continues to advocate that every woman has a part to play in this movement. She promises that any woman who performs one outrageous act to promote simple justice will not only help make the world better, but will be instantly inspired to do more.
At what stage in life do innovators make their most significant contributions to social enterprise? In this audio lecture, economist and creativity researcher David Galenson debunks the myth that high achievement is the domain of youth and genius for an audience of social entrepreneurs over the age of 60. Applying lessons learned from lives of artists and leaders, he considers differences in style and time horizons of creative people, emphasizing that social innovation is more about slow burn than flash in the pan.
If you're living on this planet you probably sense that the world is in a time of tremendous change. Ashoka founder William Drayton calls it "Revolution" in his keynote address on the occasion of receiving the Purpose Prize Entrepreneurial Leadership Award. In this audio lecture, Drayton offers inspiring words about the nature of the times we are in, and how becoming a change maker is critical for seizing opportunities that are emerging in these unprecedented times.
Laws and programs designed to benefit vulnerable groups, such as the disabled or people of color, often end up benefiting all of society.
It’s time for activists and organizations to adopt a more strategic approach to public interest communications.
To do as much good as possible with limited resources, funders should look to woefully underfunded protest movements.
In adopting data-driven practices, leaders must design and implement programs in ways that engage community members directly in the work of social change.
A look at how Switzerland radically and successfully changed its approach to drug policy following a heroin epidemic in the late 1980s and 90s, and what the effort teaches us about the social innovation process.
