Mindy Lubber, President, Ceres
“A good environmental policy is good for business.” Vision: Mobilizing business leadership for a sustainable world. Action: Ceres was formed 25 years ago after the Exxon Valdez oil spill. Their mission was to bring environmentalists and capitalists together to forge a new sustainable business model, one that would help protect the planet, weaving social challenges and […]
Pierre Omidyar, Founder, eBay and First Look Media
“Long-term sustainable change happens if people discover their own power.” Vision: Democracy depends on a citizenry that is highly informed and deeply engaged in the issues that affect their lives. Action: First Look’s insistence on editorial independence has already attracted some of the most fiercely independent journalists around. Omidyar seeks to improve society through journalism […]
Desmond Tutu, Spiritual leader, social rights activist
“My humanity is bound up in yours, for we can only be human together.” Vision: A society that nurtures tolerance and understanding among all people. Action: The Archbishop Emeritus has identified essential human values as the building blocks for sustainable peace: Love, hope, tolerance and courage. His role as a spiritual leader has transgressed all cultures […]
Evan Chrapko, CEO, Waste to Energy
“Leave the world a better place than how you found it. That doesn’t mean you can’t do well for yourself along the way.” Vision: Solving the world’s energy problems through smart energy means, and solving social problems while you’re at it. Action: Ideas are a necessary first ingredient – and the bigger the idea, the better. […]
Richard Bergfors, President, Max Hamburgers
“As we are a part of the problem, we want to be a part of the solution.” Vision: All people should have the possibility to meet their own needs and given the chance to contribute. Action: Responsibility is a core value incorporated in all business decisions. Diversity is fundamental and staff reflect the mix in […]
Nelson Mandela (1918-2013), Former President of South Africa
“There is no passion to be found playing small – in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living.” Vision: A society based on dialogue and the art of speaking and listening to others. Action: Implemented transformative dialogue, problem-solving and social renewal that made South Africa’s remarkable transition […]
Nancy Lublin, CEO, Do Something
“I am not a charity. I run a charity. These are different things. If we want the best minds solving the biggest problems, it’s time we learned the difference.” Vision: Being more honest about failure in the nonprofit sector. Action: One of the largest organizations for young people and social change, their 3.4 million members create […]
Wendy Ruiz Cofino, Founder, MilknCookies
“Women aren’t just waiting to be filled with resources – they’re waiting to put their resources on the table, to lead towards a new world.” – Kavita Ramdya Vision: To encourage entrepreneurship and innovation that contributes to improved lives through design and technology. Action: Created an online game for kids that taught them about recycling. It won […]
Jessica Alba, Founder, The Honest Company
“If you look confident you can pull off anything – even if you have no clue what you’re doing.” Vision: Safe and attractive baby products that don’t contain toxic chemicals. Action: Manufactures products that could challenge mass consumer goods at a similar price point and moving away from the perception that health and eco products should […]
Jim Ayala, Founder, Hybrid Social Solutions
“Harnessing and providing energy means that communication, health and the general quality of life improve.” Vision: Scaling-up business solutions to social problems. Action: Pioneered a social distribution company that distributes, services and finances a range of innovative products. Developed a “hybrid value chain” that bridges the gap that separates people and communities from the tools they need […]
