Leaving Microsoft to Change the World

1. Discovering a purpose: From Microsoft executive to education advocate

"Perhaps, sir, you will someday come back with books."

A life-changing encounter. John Wood's journey from a high-powered Microsoft executive to the founder of Room to Read began with a chance encounter in Nepal. During a trekking trip, Wood visited a school in Bahundanda and was struck by the lack of resources, particularly books. This experience sparked a passion for education and literacy that would eventually lead him to leave his corporate career.

Taking the leap. Despite initial doubts and fears, Wood decided to follow his newfound purpose. He leveraged his business acumen and network to start collecting and donating books to schools in Nepal. This decision marked the beginning of Room to Read, an organization dedicated to improving literacy and education in developing countries.

2. The power of challenge grants in community development

"One thousand one rupees was $14—a large sum in a country where the average person earns less than a dollar a day."

Empowering communities. Room to Read's challenge grant model proved to be a powerful tool for community development. By requiring local communities to contribute to school and library projects, the organization fostered a sense of ownership and commitment.

Creative solutions. Communities often found innovative ways to meet their contribution requirements:

• In Benighat, 183 families each donated 1,001 rupees
• At Himalaya Primary School, local brick factories donated 10,000 bricks each
• In Katrak, women carried 110-pound bags of cement uphill for hours to contribute to their school's construction

This model not only stretched donor dollars further but also ensured that projects were valued and maintained by the local community.

3. Building a global network of passionate volunteers

"The Andrew Carnegie of the 21st century will not be a rich white male. It will be a network of concerned global citizens, and we will create it."

Harnessing collective power. Wood recognized that to achieve his ambitious goals, he needed to build a network of passionate volunteers and donors worldwide. This approach allowed Room to Read to leverage the skills, connections, and resources of people from diverse backgrounds.

Global chapters. The organization established fundraising chapters in major cities around the world, including:

• New York
• London
• Hong Kong
• Vancouver
• Singapore

These chapters organized events, raised funds, and spread awareness about Room to Read's mission. The network's success demonstrated that individuals working together could achieve impact on par with traditional philanthropic models.

4. Expanding Room to Read's reach across Asia

"With all due respect, gentlemen, I believe this will be NASA's finest hour."

Rapid growth. Room to Read expanded its operations rapidly across Asia, moving beyond its initial focus on Nepal. The organization launched programs in:

• Vietnam (2001)
• Cambodia (2002)
• India (2003)
• Sri Lanka (2005)

Overcoming challenges. This expansion was not without its challenges. Wood and his team had to navigate different cultural contexts, bureaucratic hurdles, and logistical issues. However, their entrepreneurial spirit and willingness to take calculated risks allowed them to establish successful programs in each new country.

5. Empowering girls through education in developing countries

"When you educate a boy, you educate just the boy. But when you educate a girl, you educate the whole family, and the next generation."

Addressing gender inequality. Room to Read recognized the disproportionate challenges faced by girls in accessing education in developing countries. In response, they launched the Room to Grow scholarship program, which provides long-term support for girls to complete their education.

Long-term impact. The program not only covers school fees but also provides:

• Uniforms and school supplies
• Bicycles for transportation
• Female mentors
• Health insurance

By investing in girls' education, Room to Read aims to break the cycle of poverty and empower future generations of women to become leaders in their communities.

6. Responding to crisis: Room to Read's tsunami relief efforts

"We are helping to bring hope back to their communities after so much sadness."

Swift action. When the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami devastated coastal communities in Sri Lanka, Room to Read quickly mobilized to help rebuild schools and libraries. Despite not having a presence in the country before the disaster, the organization leveraged its experience and network to launch effective relief efforts.

Community-driven rebuilding. Room to Read's approach to tsunami relief focused on:

• Rebuilding schools and preschools
• Establishing libraries
• Engaging local communities in the reconstruction process

The organization's ability to respond quickly and effectively to this crisis demonstrated its agility and commitment to education in even the most challenging circumstances.

7. Achieving milestones: Donating one million books and beyond

"I believe in Room to Read, of course, but to see so many other people who had made a conscious decision to spend a night of their life hearing about our work meant a lot to me."

Celebrating success. By 2005, Room to Read had achieved a significant milestone: donating its one millionth book. This achievement represented the collective efforts of thousands of volunteers, donors, and staff members who had contributed to the organization's mission over the years.

Looking forward. The millionth book celebration in Nepal was not just about reflecting on past accomplishments, but also about setting new goals for the future. Room to Read continued to expand its programs, aiming to reach even more children and communities with its educational initiatives. The organization's success demonstrated the power of a clear vision, passionate leadership, and a global network of supporters in creating lasting change.

Last updated: November 18, 2024