article thumbnail

Women as Microfinance Leaders, Not Just Clients

Harvard Business Review

We're a network of microfinance organizations; we exist to share practices and develop the leadership skills required by a sector that has grown up fast. And as you might be aware, microfinance is a phenomenon that, while it did not set out to be "for women," has mainly turned out to be.

article thumbnail

Microfinance Is Good for Women, but It's Only Part of the Solution

Harvard Business Review

Career paths are not one-size-fits-all, yet in emerging markets, it's often assumed that microfinance — the use of small loans to foster self-reliant small businesses in a community setting — is the only path for women seeking economic opportunity. Microfinance was one issue that we considered.

Insiders

Sign Up for our Newsletter

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

article thumbnail

The Innovation Mindset in Action: Shantha Ragunathan

Harvard Business Review

Sasikala, a Block Development Officer (BDO), talked to the Kodapattinam villagers about microfinance , only Shantha, of all the villagers, saw the opportunity and took action. Undeterred, Shantha persisted until she persuaded the required number of people to sign up for the microfinance project. India Innovation'

article thumbnail

How Social Entrepreneurs Can Have the Most Impact

Harvard Business Review

And Bill Gates announced he was shifting his priorities from software development to social impact by moving full time to his foundation. Civic Ventures had recently released its first survey of baby boomers and found at least half were interested in “ encore careers ” helping others. In the broader U.S.

article thumbnail

Entrepreneurs: You're More Important Than Your Business Plan

Harvard Business Review

But he also understood that while a career as a professional athlete was extremely unlikely, sports itself was a multi-billion dollar industry with great opportunity as coaches, trainers, even youth camp organizers. The kids develop discipline and focus, but also practical, marketable skills. Marquis found a way to do this. Importance.

article thumbnail

Entrepreneurship Needs to Be a Bigger Part of U.S. Foreign Aid

Harvard Business Review

” In less mature economies and fragile regions of the world, entrepreneurs are just as, if not more, critical to livelihoods and development. Among the initial findings : more effective programs emphasize communication skills, networking, and organizational structure over developing finance and accounting skills.

article thumbnail

How to Make Room in Your Work Life for the Rest of Your Self

Harvard Business Review

If the hum of your career has become so deafening that you struggle to hear those other parts of your life, you’re not alone. For example, one person—a pastor, karate teacher, and yoga instructor—told us about reconciling her jobs into a fulfilling career. To do this, you need to be socially savvy and flexible.

How To 10