This June, we recommend reading ''Design Justice'' by Sasha Costanza-Chock, a compelling guide for social entrepreneurs and mission-driven leaders who want to understand how dignity, equity, and inclusion can be embedded at the center of design and innovation. The book challenges traditional, expert-driven approaches to design, showing how many systems and products unintentionally reinforce inequality when they exclude the voices and lived experiences of marginalized communities. Drawing on powerful frameworks and real-world case studies, Costanza-Chock illustrates how shifting from top-down models to participatory, community-led design can lead to more just, resilient, and effective outcomes. The book emphasizes that those most impacted by design decisions should not be treated as passive users, but as active co-creators who shape solutions from the ground up. Packed with critical insights and practical approaches, ''Design Justice'' offers a timely and necessary perspective on how rethinking power in design can transform products, services, and systems, making it an essential read for anyone committed to building more inclusive, sustainable, and dignified impact.
This May, we recommend reading ''New Power'' by Jeremy Heimans and Henry Timms, a compelling guide for social entrepreneurs and mission-driven leaders who want to understand how collective action is transforming the way change happens. The book challenges traditional, top-down models of leadership, showing how today’s impact is increasingly driven by participation, collaboration, and the ability to mobilize communities. Drawing on real-world examples, the authors reveal how many influential initiatives succeed not through centralized control, but by empowering people to actively shape outcomes. Packed with practical insights, ''New Power'' offers a fresh perspective on leadership and impact, making it an essential read for anyone committed to building sustainable change through shared power and community engagement.
This April, we recommend reading “Originals” by Adam Grant. A compelling guide for social entrepreneurs and mission-driven leaders who want to turn unconventional ideas into meaningful, lasting impact. This insightful book challenges the pressure to conform and highlights how originality often grows from doubt, iteration, and the courage to question the status quo. Drawing on research and real-world examples, Grant reveals how many breakthrough ideas were once overlooked or nearly abandoned, and how fear of failure can quietly limit innovation. Packed with practical strategies, “Originals” shows how to cultivate environments where bold thinking can thrive, manage risk more intentionally, and lead with creativity and conviction making it an essential read for anyone committed to driving impact through fresh ideas and thoughtful disruption.
This March, we recommend reading ''The Resilient Leader: How to Beat Being Overwhelmed and Burnout for Sustainable Leadership'' by Dr. Amanda Nickson. A powerful guide for mission-driven leaders who want to create lasting impact without sacrificing their well-being. This timely book challenges grind culture and offers practical, research-backed strategies to prevent burnout, set healthy boundaries, and lead with clarity and endurance. If you’re ready to build resilience while helping your team and mission thrive, this is a must-read.
In February, we recommend ''The Fearless Organization'' by Amy C. Edmondson. This inspiring read explores psychological safety, the concept that teams can speak up, share ideas, and challenge assumptions without fear. The book shows how trust, transparency, and accountability within organizations strengthen credibility and foster innovation, offering practical strategies for social entrepreneurs to create cultures where ideas thrive and impact grows.
Kick off 2026 with fresh perspectives by reading “The Innovator’s Dilemma” by Clayton M. Christensen. This classic guide explores how even successful organizations can be disrupted if they cling to old models, and offers powerful insights on embracing innovation, questioning assumptions, and seizing new opportunities. Join our book club this January and discover how to rethink strategies, drive bold change, and position your social enterprise for lasting impact in an ever-evolving world.
