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

Awesome book! 2010-02-05

Reviewer: S. Morgan

I couldn't wait to catch the train in the morning just to squeeze a few extra pages of this book in.

Checked all the boxes. Entrepreneurship, business, charity, travel and culture. Written by a skilled author with a great sense of humor, an obvious passion for his work and an enduring curiosity about the world and its people. His positive and pragmatic attitude to providing education to the world is inspiring.

Inspirational and informative 2010-01-19

Reviewer: Marcel

This was recommended to me by a former manager (who quickly recanted the recommendation upon hearing I wasn't terribly happy at work, "oh, don't read this then. you'll quit for sure").

Very inspirational story. And while a quick read, there were some isolated nuggets about lessons learned on ramping up organizations and thinking big.

One Determined Man With A Plan Makes A Difference 2009-12-29

Reviewer: JLS

In "Leaving Microsoft", author and charitable entrepreneur John Wood breaks little new literary ground. He makes all the usual we-can-and-should-help observations of previously sheltered Americans who find themselves immersed in dirt-poor third world countries. And it won't be news to anybody that "Leaving Microsoft" is an inspirational story. None of this is meant negatively: for sure, it's a fine read and a great addition to the enlightened reader's 'entrepreneurial giving' bookshelf.

But here's what's four-star compelling about this book and Wood's story: with his Powerpoint-efficient approach, he succeeds in making his impressive accomplishments seem like something that any competent and passionate manager could do. He makes using determination, marketing ability, attention to detail and entrepreneurial training to accomplishing near-impossible charitable goals seem downright... easy. With his one-step-at-a-time approach to hatching the idea, setting a strategy, gaining supporters, overcoming logistical challenges and finally meeting his goals, "Leaving Microsoft" is practically "Changing the World ...For Dummies".

The best thing about "Leaving Microsoft"? Because of Wood's measured approach and nonchalant success, it will likely spur hordes of similarly unfulfilled American middle managers to set out to change our world, too. Take a bow, John Wood.

Mr. Wood has the answer to end violence in the world 2009-11-15

Reviewer: Sentekin Can

I just read about pirates capturing another vessel in Somalia. Some readers see the remedy in one word; Blackwater. Definitely it is getting worst there, it is a crime and not excusable. However we can not excuse ourselves from responsibility either. Blakwater is one word that should be kept out. Education is the right word when really meant to be. It is time that fortunate ones of us to help less fortunate ones instead of stealing their resources. We need to create a better world. Please read the book by John Wood "Leaving Microsoft to Change the World". We need more of John Wood's. For any novice in business Mr. Wood explain Microsoft success principals, for a novice in non-profits he has lot to offer too. I recommend to all to read this book especially now it is really a great bargain.

Fascinating and inspiring! 2009-09-19

Reviewer: Eks

I tore right through this book. It takes you on John Wood's journey from being a Microsoft executive on a backpacking trip to the founder of Room to Read, which has affected the lives of over 3 million children in eight 3rd world countries.

There are fun stories of John's personal history, he showed signs of determination and entrepreneurship from a young age. Then there are tales of Microsoft, it was fascinating to read of the discipline and perspective that was expected at Microsoft, and of the personalities (especially Steve Ballmer, the current CEO). There are also glimpses of John's very human side.

John builds communities to make his vision so successful. To raise money, John targets rich communities around the world: San Francisco, Chicago, New York, London, etc., and finds volunteers who live in those cities to fundraise for him.

At the receiving end, when Room to Read provides funds for a library or school they mandate that the community bear half of the cost. Locals provide volunteer labor to build the building, haul the materials through mountain passes, etc. This means that locals have "skin in the game" and become committed to the success of what is being built.

John Wood has figured how to be a conduit of money from wealthy donors around the world directly to the poorest children. He has met this need better than any government. Seeing how John brought his talents to Microsoft and to Room to Read, and has done fantastically at both was fun.

A poignant point for me is that John is just like successful people you've met at college, graduate school, or in the workplace. What he did differently is that he went off the beaten path and did something "game-changing." Yes, he had over a million dollars from stock options that he was able to use to support himself, but so had 10,000 other people who had worked at Microsoft.

Hopefully John will write a sequel, and bring us along as he meets and addresses the challenges as his organization grows. Ok, now it's time for me to go write a check ;-)