Yes, I am talking to you keyboard warriors and couch potatoes who consume only the latest Netflix series and have no life beyond your cubicle or bachelor flat. After reading this book I am hoping that you are going to dust off your working gloves and go out and change the world. The Disruptors 2 ignited my passion and I am all fired up to pursue a worthwhile project which will positively impact the world.
There are 10 case studies of social entrepreneurship in this book. These businesses are as wide ranging as wine making, medicine dispensaries, waste recycling and education. The book focuses on the challenges of social entrepreneurs as they juggle profit and social well-being, financing, coping with difficult environments, nurturing employees as well as keeping a range of stakeholders happy.
Most of the entrepreneurs featured are dreamers who use their determination and intelligence to shape and build innovative companies that make a huge difference in the world. Some of these businesses, like Right to Care, eventually graduate from local companies into multi-billion-rand international businesses that keep on growing.
Social entrepreneurs normally hit roadblocks in the early stages of their journey. This book illustrates how entrepreneurs navigate these obstacles to achieve results with limited resources. Social businesses must innovate all through the value chain. PETCO’s innovation is in how it manages and coordinates suppliers, creating jobs and social value while cleaning up the environment.
Start-up capital for social enterprises are a huge problem. Gill Banda had to call on friends for seed capital for her company Muthi Futhi, Bandile Klabantu sold his car to start Khepri Biosciences, Dr Dulcy used her own savings to set up the first iteration of the U-Care Medical Centre and Neo Hutri cashed in his pension money to start his business.
The result of a growth mindset is shown throughout this book with examples of individuals who believe success is due to thoughtful and focused efforts and self-reflection. Experimentation is the basis for growth with early failures which provide valuable feedback. Neo Huiri of Technovera had to search until he found a breakthrough solution for chronic medication dispensation.
Mainstream businesses are profit orientated while social entrepreneurs also want to achieve social justice. We are all part of a huge ecosystem and a global tribe who need to work together for the greater good and not only for short-term financial gain. All of us need a cause. Read this book and be inspired to begin a journey to see how you can solve big or small social and environmental problems.
The Disruptors 2: How Social Entrepreneurs Lead and Manage Disruption is available at www.loot.co.za for R238.
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About the Author
Terence Visagie manages visual communications and the graphic design portfolio, providing support to business participants. This is achieved by conceptualising, formulating, designing and rolling out meaningful visual layout and graphic content that promotes and encourages engagement of clients, stakeholders and the target audience.
