Leaving Microsoft to Change the World: An Entrepreneur's Odyssey to Educate the World's Children

by John Wood

Book Overview

John Wood discovered his passion, his greatest success, and his life's work not at business school or helping lead Microsoft's charge into Asia in the 1990s but on a soul-searching trip to the... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0061121088
• ISBN13: 9780061121081
• Release Date: September 2007
• Publisher: Harper Business
• Length: 304 Pages
• Weight: 0.75 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.0" x 0.8" x 6.0"

Customer Reviews

Truly an inspiring journey

John Wood has an epiphany while trekking through Nepal. He was a highly compensated leader at Microsoft and yet when confronted with a simple request from a poor Nepal educator - "Next time you come maybe you can bring some books" - little did John know that this would change his life, and the life of countless others. This is a truly inspiring story of someone who realized that there is more to life than the endless meetings and business strategy, and chose to leave that world behind to focus on making a difference to the education and literacy of countless children in Nepal. The book is well written, engaging, funny, touching and at times depressing. I have been employed at Microsoft for a while and found it sad that John felt he could not have this kind of impact from within the company. There are so many great things the company is doing to help bring literacy and education to the world through technology, and it's a sad testament to those he worked with that someone as courageous and obviously talented as John couldn't have been used by the company with its resources to make this kind of impact from within. There are some hilarious bits in here about Microsoft, but overall I was left wondering "what if". The book is enlightening in more ways than just the wasted potential of major multi-national companies; it also addresses some of the short sightedness of many charitable organizations he sought to partner with. Most importantly though it sends the message that one person really can make a difference. I was reminded of the wisdom of gaining wealth but losing your soul. John found the courage to find his, despite what he had to leave behind. Overall, I recommend this book highly. It is well written, enjoyable, and inspiring. If John can make a difference, then so can we.

The Real Deal

John's pursuit of education for ultimately 10 million children is a noble one. Even more impressive is his drive-for-results management of Room to Read as described in this book. Thoughtful and well-written, this book in the end achieves what so many others fail at . . . making one person believe that they too can change the world. Bravo!

A must read for leaders wanting to make a difference!

It is a rare find to have top-tier business skills, a fierce compassion for people and a successful track-record of reaching for the stars, and pulling them in; John Wood is such a find, and his book, "Leaving Microsoft to Change the World" gives us the opportunity to find it as well. John's heroic odyssey is so captivating and honest, that it's enjoyment factor almost masks the plethora of lessons and insights coming through page after page. This is a must read for anyone wanting to up-the-ante on their own expectations for life, leadership or impact in the world. Not only does John's story inspire the heart to aim higher, it pinpoints the rigor and awareness required to get there. It is impossible to read this book and see your own potential in the same way ever again. John Wood has us believe there's more -- lots more -- and he provides the hope, example and means, to pursue it!

True Inspiration and a Great Read

I had this book on backorder and raced through it as soon as it arrived. In a busy world preoccupied with success and materialistic pursuits, this was a breath of fresh air. A well written account of one man's journey from corporate America to making a real change in children's lives. This is a must read for all - it reminds us that we can all make a difference if we choose to do so. Also loved the inside peek at Microsoft and those who are at the helm. John Wood is funny, honest and a great storyteller. A great gift for young adults heading off to college or those starting on their own career path!

An Inspirational Call to Action

A well written, touching, and inspirational book; a call to action for all the people out there who may feel powerless in a cynical world. John Wood's book shows us through his work and example that we can make a difference - all we need to do is stop talking about making a change and a difference and to start doing it! Easier said than done...but no one said change is easy - and I think that is what people need to understand: only with hard work and passion will change come about. He has obviously done a lot of hard work and a lot of good in this world. I think anyone who reads this book will be inspired to try to follow his loving and passionate lead and do the same. Thanks for inspiring me and for helping educate the children of the earth - you have literally made the world a better place! Sincerely, Lance Trumbull Executive Director The Everest Peace Project