Intelligence & Compassion in Action: The Seven Pillars for Social Entrepreneurs

By Lauren Speeth

Intelligence & Compassion in Action is a tool to empower the aspiring social entrepreneur, with real guidance as to how, and why, social entrepreneurship 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.

• Language: English
• Publisher: BookBaby
• Release date: Dec 18, 2023
• ISBN: 9780999707180

Book preview

Intelligence & Compassion in Action;

The Seven Pillars for Social Entrepreneurs

Copyright © 2012, 2023 Elfenworks Productions, LLC

All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission.

Disclaimer of Affiliation and Endorsement: The identification and reference to persons, entities, goods, services and information in this publication are provided for education and informational purposes only. Except for printed reviews, the views, comments and opinions expressed herein are those of the author and no one else; the names and marks are those of their respective owners; and, no affiliation, endorsement or sponsorship of this work, its author, Elfenworks Productions, LLC and their affiliates in the creation, publication, marketing and distribution of this work is intended, created or implied by any such reference.

ISBN 978-0-9997071-8-0

Sixth Edition Printing (2023)

DEDICATION

To James Earl Carter, Jr.,

whose wisdom inspired

the writing of this book,

and to Rosalynn Carter.

Their intelligence and

compassion in action

is unrivaled.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Note From James Earl Jimmy Carter

Introduction To The Sixth Edition

Foreword

Preface

About The Author

Acknowledgements

Introduction

How I Received This Wisdom

First Meeting With President Jimmy Carter

Illustration: The Seven Pillars

Does This Methodology Work?

Who Can Benefit From the Seven Pillars?

Is This Methodology Secular or Religious?

Intent of this Book

Chapter Questions

Chapter 1 - Social Entrepreneurship, Past and Present

A Brief History

Social Entrepreneurs Needed Now

Outstanding Social Entrepreneurs

Chapter Questions

Chapter 2 - The Carter Concept

Integrity and Influence

The Carter Center

Illustration: Many Disciplines, Seven Pillars

A Carter Center Difference

How To Recognize and Recall the Seven Pillars

Chapter Questions

Chapter 3

Pillar One: Vision

Step One: Letting Go

Step Two: Recognizing the Vision

Step Three: Gradually Falling In

Step Four: Unexpected Life’s Work

Step Five: The Fork in the Road

Step Six: Trusting the Vision

Step Seven: Trusting the Visionary Self

Step Eight: Sharing Doubts… Wisely

Step Nine: Knowing the Naysayers

Step Ten: Vision, Agendas Evolve

Step Eleven: Tuning Out Naysayers

Step Twelve: Act on Your Vision

Chapter Questions

Chapter 4

Pillar Two - Special Skills

The Area of Competitive Advantage

Recognizing the Skill Set

A Few Examples

Special Skills as the Cornerstone

The Way We Think – Mindset as Skill Set

Lacking the Skills

Latent Special Skills

Special Skills Obvious to Everyone But You

A Key to Happiness

Chapter Questions

Chapter 5

Pillar Three - Non-Duplication

Corporations and Niche Strategies

Nonprofits and Non-Duplication

Chapter Questions

Chapter 6

Pillar Four - Partnership

Having the Eyes for Partnership

The Right Partner for the Right Dance

Unequal Power Relationships

Chapter Questions

Chapter 7

Pillar Five - Credit Sharing

Reward for a Job Well Done

The Chance to Shine

Shared Origination

Chapter Questions

Chapter 8

Pillar Six - Feedback

Measure, Measure, Measure

What Metrics, Who Pays? When?

Assessing Impact and Changing Course

Using Statistics To Motivate Partners

Illustration: Guinea Worm Race

Using the Press for Feedback

Feedback for Impact

Lack Of Feedback Loop

Vision Implementation Shifts

Measuring Impact During Downward Trends

Chapter Questions

Chapter 9

Pillar Seven - Staying Power

Long-Term View

Policy Implications

Realistic View

Dealing With Distractions

The Bumps

Visualization

Setbacks as Strengtheners

Setbacks as Feedback

Indifference as a Setback

Personal Sources of Strength

Don’t Declare Success Too Early

Chapter Questions

Chapter 10

A Pillar Tool

Illustration: Pillar Project Rating Tool

How The Tool Was Developed

Where It Stands Now

Using the Tool: What to Keep in Mind

Partner / Awardee Selection

Rating Past Efforts

Example – Rating Historic Projects

Selecting Among Future Efforts

Example: First Step – Listing the Projects

For Feedback Criteria: Future Efforts

Chapter Questions

Chapter 11 - Epilogue

Where, From Here?

Why Not You?

Too New?

Too Simple?

Fear of Going Out on a Limb?

Over-Investment in Self?

Over-Investment in Status Quo?

Why It Works

Chapter Questions

Supplemental Essays

Essay Set 1: Great Teachings

Our Greco-Roman Society

A Buddhist Basis for Social Action

An Islamic Basis for Social Action

A Jewish Basis for Social Action

Imperfect Leaders

Spiritual Stories and Stewardship

Ethical Guidelines, Societal Issues

Freedom from Bondage

Valuing the Worker

Tzedakah – Charity

Maimonedes’ Wisdom

Illustration: The Levels of Tzedakah, or Charity

A Christian Basis for Social Action

Who was Jesus?

What Did Jesus Teach?

Social Justice Parables in the Gospel of Luke

The Spiritual Nature of Seven

Spiritual, Not Doctrine

Essay Questions

Essay Set 2: Beatitudes

Translation of the Beatitudes

Illustration: The Beatitudes as Bedrock

The Beatitudes: A Language Lesson

Blessedness

Illustration: Pillars and Beatitudes

First Beatitude – Poor…in Spirit

Second Beatitude – Those Who Mourn

Third Beatitude – the Meek

Fourth Beatitude – Those Hungering for Righteousness

Illustration: Relating Beatitudes to Seven Pillars

Fifth Beatitude – the Merciful

Sixth Beatitude – The Pure in Heart

Seventh Beatitude – the Peacemakers

Eighth Beatitude – Persecuted for Righteousness’ Sake

Carter’s Perspective on Pillar/Beatitude Relationship

Essay Exercise

Essay Set 3: The Payoff

Why Follow This Road?

Illustration: The Rubric Cube

Illustration: Think in an Open or Exploded Box

Essay Questions

Bibliography and Appendices

Appendix A: Beatitudes In English, Aramaic, Hebrew and Greek

Appendix B: Selected Contact Information

Selected Bibliography

Index

NOTE FROM JAMES EARL JIMMY CARTER

39th President of the United States of America

When Lauren Speeth asked me for advice about how to work effectively for social change, I was glad to share my experience with her. She rewards me and The Carter Center with much praise in this book. In return, I want to praise her for expanding my advice into a plan of action that is both practical and idealistic. I believe that her book can be a guide for entrepreneurs who want to make the world a better place.

– JIMMY CARTER

INTRODUCTION TO THE SIXTH EDITION

When we first launched the book, at the Australian National University in Canberra in 2012, we knew from the warm reception that we were on to something special. We’ve since shared it with students in the United States and abroad, including Mills College of California; Saint Mary’s College of California; University of San Francisco; California State University, Monterey Bay; Capital University of Economics and Business (Beijing, China); University of Jordan (Amman, Jordan); Taras Schevchenko National University (Kiev, Ukraine); and YWAM’s SOUM in Trichy, Tamil Nadu, Southern India. While in the Middle East, I was delighted to present the methodology at the World Affairs Council, a group dedicated to exploring issues and opportunities that transcend borders. While in China, we presented the methodology to various social entrepreneurs, and were featured on China Central Television (CCTV)’s Public Power with Meng Shengnan and China Radio International (CRI)’s Round Table with Zhou Heyang. We were heartened by the warm response and are always inspired by the students and social entrepreneurs we meet along the way. The future is in good hands.

As of this printing, the book is now required reading for certain university courses, domestically and internationally. At California State University at Monterey, for example, scores of students produce term projects based on its pages. Envisioning the Seven Pillars in ways that make them their own, students have created trees, pyramids, ladders… even layer cakes. It has been so gratifying to see the students realize they can apply the methodology to their vision for getting through college, and then to other aspects of life, beyond that short-term goal. Internationally, students gravitated to it right away, such as when we took it to Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, in Southern India, and then kept in touch. We have beautiful photographs of our students teaching the Seven Pillars to students of their own. And now, through eBook editions in Chinese, Korean, Portuguese, Russian, Ukrainian, and soon Arabic, language barriers are falling.

All this is amazing, but it’s even more gratifying to see it in action, such as when one of our young interns at Elfenworks went on to apply the methodology at her own high school, opening the first Campus Kitchen Project in California at her high school, recovering food that would otherwise be thrown away to create healthy meals for those in need. Now, if a high school student can take the methodology and run with it, then I can’t wait to hear what you, dear reader, will accomplish! And on that hope-filled note, we are delighted to offer you this most recent update of Intelligence and Compassion in Action.

In harmony with hope,

Lauren Speeth

FOREWORD

The concept of lifting compassion from the heart where it resides and launching it into action, of using it to make a difference, shift awareness, promote change, is intriguing. Particularly if done with research and reason, with intelligence and intent, and with the mindfulness that it all began with the heart.

Likely you have read many other books with promising titles, indicating their words will show you how to pave a path toward positive change in the world. Perhaps the initial pages were inspiring, leaving you eager to make the journey. Yet you reached the last pages without a road map, a guide or a moral compass.

You may have noticed how these books generally fall into one of a few predictable categories: self-help books on how to maintain motivation for change or become more businesslike; books on assorted tactical aspects of running a nonprofit; stories about the state of the world and the few who are making an impact on it; and books about theological dogma for making a difference. Some were not applicable to your situation, and none offered everything you needed to get where you are trying to go.

This book bridges a gap, presenting established ideas in a modern methodology, inspired by the wisdom of President James Earl Jimmy Carter. This methodology is about mindfulness, integrating different aspects of life and work into a broader, more comprehensive context. Readers can apply what you learn to your own situations, in a positive and life-affirming approach to social entrepreneurship.

Clearly explained and practically applied, you will find it useful, whether you are developing your vision or looking for a new framework for revitalizing ongoing work.

– KENNETH TAM, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

THE ELFENWORKS FOUNDATION

PREFACE

Looking out my window to the worries of the world, and noticing how many ways it seemed to be crying out for help, it seemed very big and broken, and I felt very small. It was 2005, and Elfenworks had just begun its social entrepreneurial work on behalf of our country’s future. Our goals were to identify issues that weren’t being effectively addressed, create change in new and different ways, and amplify project successes through storytelling. But first, we needed to know how.

I was an absolute beginner. Although I held a doctorate in business administration and had deep background in computers and technology project management, I had no direct experience in the field of social entrepreneurship.

Overwhelmed, I prayed for guidance, and soon was offered a brief audience with President Jimmy Carter, whom I had never before met, but whose work I respected immensely. In a conversation that lasted no more than a few minutes, he summed up for me the key areas in which I’d need to focus, and encouraged me to follow my passion for change. I was both thrilled and encouraged.

The wisdom I gleaned from that initial conversation, now known as the Seven Pillars, has grown over the years into the entrepreneurial methodology my team and I apply daily at Elfenworks. I was so taken with it that I decided to make it the subject of a doctoral dissertation when I went back to school, this time to study theology. I realized that, although the methodology itself was secular, it was a fitting companion to the teachings that interested me at the time. My dissertation was completed, and I graduated with a doctorate in ministry, in June of 2011. And, when the pandemic shut us all in, at home, I took the time to study it further, earning a PhD with another in-depth study of the Seven Pillars, and gained valuable insight into their usefulness for environmental education.

Now, I am pleased to share with you the wisdom that informs our work.

– DR. LAUREN SPEETH

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Lauren Speeth, PhD is the visionary force behind Elfenworks Productions, LLC, a producer of internationally acclaimed and Grammy®-nominated media content, and the founder of NHM Ministrants. As founding CEO of The Elfenworks Foundation, "In Harmony with Hope®," she has assembled a team of social entrepreneurs of the highest caliber, with deep and far-ranging expertise in multimedia storytelling, educational technology, music, film, management, law, finance, the environment, and social justice.

Dr. Speeth earned her PhD (Honors) in Innovative Urban Leadership and a DMin (Raymond J. Bakke Scholar) from Bakke Graduate University and completed a rigorous interfaith chaplaincy training at Stanford Hospital, one of the nation’s top ten hospitals. She also completed an executive program in philanthropy at Sanford, and earned an Advanced Computer Security Credential there. She is the recipient of two honorary doctoral degrees in recognition of her work.

Using bridge-building skills, she and her team forge alliances with other groups, such as Campus MovieFest, encouraging students to create climate and social justice themed content; Golden Gate University, in poverty law; Saint Mary’s College of California, for Socially Responsible Business; and Northeastern University, for Environmental Education. Speeth is a Regent Emeritus of Saint Mary’s College of California, a Life Member of the Board of Councilors of The Carter Center, and an External Advisor to The Stanford Center on Poverty and Inequality, where she was an architect/programmer of its first website, co-orchestrating the Center’s launch with a Concert for Hope, which she also filmed. Speeth, whose documentaries have spanned from Celtic-green to eco-green, is deeply concerned regarding the intersection of climate change and poverty. She is called upon regularly to evaluate web and film content, and has dedicated her educational media & storytelling efforts to fostering hope. She and her team have developed a considerable library of online resources, including a multilingual stress reduction visualization app and teacher tools, awards programs, awareness-raising efforts, and aids to help you make a difference.

Born in New York, Speeth spent her childhood on the East Coast, the Midwest and also India, where her parents founded an experimental school for untouchables (Dalits) outside New Delhi. A self-professed tech geek whose extensive travels have made her a citizen of the world, Speeth has spent her life utilizing her experiences and skills to help create positive change, both locally and globally. With Northern California as her home base, as well as the base of operations for The Elfenworks Foundation, Speeth continues to work with a team of partners on environmental and social issues, and on fostering hope.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Thanks forever and always to God, the author of knowledge and wisdom, whose astonishing love, mercy, and grace have carried me through life and enabled me to complete this work. This project was carried along by the hands of many. I want to acknowledge their contributions, but in doing so, I fear unwittingly omitting many names that are written in my heart. Apologies in advance. That said, I offer my deepest thanks to my friends at The Carter Center, and most especially former President Jimmy Carter, for exceptional support and guidance, not just during my dissertation research and throughout this book project, but during my day-to-day work at Elfenworks as well. I also thank everyone ‒ faculty, staff and fellow students ‒ at Bakke Graduate University (BGU) where I undertook the foundational research for this book during my doctoral dissertation process. Thanks especially to Gwen Dewey, and Randy White and the late Rev. Dr. Ray Bakke, who was a shining light to so many.

I am very grateful to my editor, Lisa Crawford Watson, for helping me bring this project to fruition. I recognize the Elfenworks team, trustees, and consultants, past and present, who have given me feedback or guidance, and particularly Kenneth Tam, for the foreword; Marian Brown Sprague, for early copy editing; Mike Dalling, for the sparkle on my graphics; and Ryan Paul, for helping me puzzle out the various font idiosyncrasies in Hebrew and Greek.

I am thankful to all the social entrepreneurs I interviewed and whose work has shaped