Passion

We have spent a lot of time talking about the business of social innovation. We have looked into how is social innovation is paid for, what does a social good model look like, what is that process by which innovation comes about? These are all critical questions, without good answers to these questions and others like them social innovations would end up as merely good ideas and dreams. I think that we have overlooked the most critical part of true social innovation, something that cannot be taught --- Passion. This field needs “true believers”, people who believe in their vision and goals so much they will do anything to make it reality. Those who are willing to put the “99% perspiration” into an idea to really make it work. Darell Hammond is a perfect example of this. Even in a brief one hour presentation you can clearly see his passion. Through what at times seemed like sheer will he turned his passion into a national enterprise. While he clearly knows a lot about technical issues and business strategies I believe that it is his passion that makes him a success. These are the type of people that this field and this nation require, people of passion, who not only drive themselves restlessly toward their goals but in the process inspire others to the same level of passion and dedication.