Intelligence and Compassion in Action

The 7 Pillars for Social Entrepreneurs

Intelligence & Compassion in Action is written as a tool to empower the aspiring social entrepreneur, with real guidance as to how, and why, social entrepreneurship really works. It expounds a new Seven Pillar methodology, inspired by the wisdom of former President James Earl “Jimmy” Carter. Written by the founder of The Elfenworks Foundation, Dr. Lauren Speeth, who lives the lessons she teaches in this book daily, the insights within these pages have come from Speeth’s years of experience in technology, management, and the nonprofit world, as well as from insights gained in interviews with extraordinary social entrepreneurs. The Seven Pillars can be of help in any cause you choose to embrace, from poverty and inequality, to health and safety, or any number of daunting issues. It provides a framework for recognizing your vision, focusing your actions in ways that play to your strengths, and shepherding your resources. It also provides insights into effective partnership, credit-sharing, and measuring for feedback and course correction. Finally, there are helpful suggestions on how to stay the course, for true effectiveness. A seven-part “roadmap for uncharted territories,” clearly explained and practically applied, the book also includes a worksheet for your immediate use in evaluating projects and partners. Whether you are just discerning your vision or a CEO looking for practical steps to refresh your organization, you will find in these pages both a source of true inspiration and a plan for creating sustainable change. If applied and used correctly, it will also help you discover for yourself a pathway to joy, which Speeth explains is “the intersection, where your skills and affinities meet with the world’s needs.” Additionally, Intelligence & Compassion in Action contains supplemental essays exploring great teachings, and their intersection with the Seven Pillar methodology.