Bill Drayton
Bill Drayton: A Pioneer in Social Entrepreneurship
#### Full Name and Common Aliases
Bill R. Drayton is widely recognized by his first name, Bill.
#### Birth and Death Dates
Born on June 9, 1943, no death date information is publicly available.
#### Nationality and Profession(s)
American, Social Entrepreneur, and Educator.
#### Early Life and Background
Bill Drayton was born in New York City. His parents were both influential figures: his father served as a US diplomat, while his mother worked as an artist. Growing up amidst the cultural and intellectual richness of New York's Upper East Side had a profound impact on Drayton. He attended The Lawrenceville School before heading to Harvard University.
#### Major Accomplishments
- Ashoka: In 1980, Bill founded Ashoka, a global network that supports social entrepreneurs. This organization has played a pivotal role in shaping the concept of social entrepreneurship.
- Innovative Education: Drayton's work extends beyond business and social sectors into education. He is credited with developing innovative programs aimed at fostering creativity and community engagement.
#### Notable Works or Actions
Drayton has been instrumental in launching numerous initiatives that embody his vision for a more inclusive, equitable society. Some notable works include:
- Youth Venture: Established by Drayton to empower young people to develop their own social ventures.
- Ashoka Fellows Program: This program identifies and supports individuals who are driving positive change through innovative solutions.
#### Impact and Legacy
Bill's work has had a profound impact on various sectors. His concept of social entrepreneurship has inspired countless individuals worldwide, fostering an ecosystem where creativity meets practical problem-solving. Ashoka continues to thrive under his leadership, spreading its influence across over 90 countries. Drayton's legacy extends beyond the world of business; it is deeply intertwined with education and community development.
#### Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Bill Drayton's influence can be attributed to several factors:
- Visionary Approach: He has consistently pushed boundaries, envisioning a future where creativity and entrepreneurship are combined for social impact.
- Pioneering Work: Through Ashoka and its related initiatives, Drayton has been instrumental in establishing the framework for social entrepreneurship as we understand it today.
- Inspiring Others: His dedication to empowering young people and fostering inclusive communities has left an indelible mark on various sectors, ensuring his ideas continue to resonate with future generations.
Through his life's work, Bill Drayton has become synonymous with innovative thinking and a commitment to creating positive change.
Quotes by Bill Drayton
We are all very deeply the children of our parents and their parents. Far more than we generally realize.
Good entrepreneurs can manage, but no one but an entrepreneur can entrepreneur, let alone help build and lead the world's community of leading social entrepreneurs and their top business entrepreneur allies.
What does an entrepreneur do? The first thing is they've given themselves permission to see a problem. Most people don't want to see problems... Once you see a problem and you keep looking at it, you'll find an answer.
We started Ashoka here in India with a simple idea: that you needed social entrepreneurs to deal with problems that don't fit the business paradigm.
Everyone says you've got to do a foundation and legal structure to finance social change. What nonsense!
In 1962, when I was 19, I visited India. With introductions from people involved in the U.S. civil rights movement, I was able to visit with several of the leading Gandhians there. The hundred-to-one difference in average per capita income between America and India at the time was a stark reality for the people who became my friends there.
We would like to have every middle and high school become a place where there will be lots of examples of youth competence and confidence.
Organizations must shift away from repetitive-function hierarchies with rules and enforcement and walls. Instead, we must migrate rapidly to becoming a global 'team of teams' that comes together in whatever combination necessary to add the greatest value to the changes underway.