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Hey y’all, welcome back to my blog!

Did you know that some of the most significant advancements in our society were driven by individuals deemed ‘crazy’ by conventional standards? Yet it’s these people who end up changing our world: they are the ones who see a need in society that others don’t see and are willing to pursue unconventional paths to find creative solutions which drives change in the world.

Last week we went on a 5 day field trip to Seattle so I thought I might fill you in on what I’ve learnt so far. The driving question for this project  is “Why does it take a crazy person to change the world?” . We developed our answer to this question by visiting a number of cool places like the MoPop, the space needle, Chihuly Garden and Glass, The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Discovery Centre, Amazon headquarters, Microsoft headquarters, the Climate Pledge arena and the Boeing manufacturing line.

Microsoft, founded by Bill Gates and Paul Allen, is a perfect example of the transformative impact of crazy individuals in reshaping society. At a time when personal computing was considered a niche concept, Gates and Allen saw an opportunity to make technology accessible to everyone. Their visionary approach challenged traditional norms in the computing industry, as they perceived a societal need for widespread access to computing that others overlooked. Rather than seeing obstacles, they viewed challenges as opportunities for innovation, relentlessly pursuing their vision despite facing skepticism and resistance. Microsoft’s evolution from a small venture to a technological powerhouse and one of the most influential companies globally demonstrates how unconventional thinking and determined pursuit of creative solutions can reshape entire industries. 

Similarly, the Climate Pledge Arena, home of the Seattle Kraken NHL team and the Seattle Storm WNBA teams and founded by Amazon and Global Optimism, exemplifies lofty ambition in addressing climate change (“Climate Pledge Sustainability”). By committing to become the most sustainable arena globally and to work towards achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2040 (which is ten years ahead of Paris Agreement), it challenges the entrenched belief that the entertainment industry must come at the expense of the planet (“Climate Pledge Arena Tour Guide”). This bold initiative reflects a recognition of the urgent need to address climate change and demonstrates how we can come up with unique solutions that can drive meaningful change. Its innovative approach not only inspires broader systemic changes but also encourages individuals to reconsider their impact on the planet. The Climate Pledge Arena’s willingness to pursue creative solutions showcases the transformative potential of crazy efforts in reshaping societal norms and fostering a more sustainable future. 

Moving beyond business ventures, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation embodies the transformative power of visionary individuals who drive meaningful change by addressing overlooked societal needs. With a global commitment to tackling pressing issues, the foundation utilizes its vast resources to address challenges governments struggle to handle. Investing in healthcare, gender equality, education, poverty alleviation, and agricultural development, the Gates Foundation demonstrates a profound understanding of societal needs and a willingness to pursue creative solutions (“Gates Foundation”). What’s more is that their advocacy efforts inspire other philanthropists and millionaires to join in, catalyzing greater social responsibility. By aligning resources with their vision, the Gates Foundation exemplifies how one bold idea can spark a movement that transforms the lives of millions, and leaves a lasting impact on the generations to come.

In conclusion, Microsoft, the Climate Pledge Arena, and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation all underscore the idea that one ‘crazy’ person, or rather idea, can actually change the world. These individuals and initiatives exemplify the transformative power of daring to see societal needs that others overlook and pursuing unconventional paths to drive meaningful change. From revolutionizing the technology industry to challenging norms in sustainability and addressing global challenges through philanthropy, these people have reshaped entire industries and inspire collective action. Together, they demonstrate that the courage to think differently and embrace bold ideas is the catalyst for transformative change and the secret ingredient for leaving your mark on the world.

I chose to highlight these three change makers as they all showcase the incredible impact of those who dared to think differently – and were particularly inspiring to me. It’s become clear to me that creating change isn’t solely about financial resources; it’s about passion, perseverance, and the courage to challenge the status quo. After learning about the journey of each of these companies, I feel inspired to embrace my own audacity. I also feel inspired after realizing that the potential for impactful change lies within each of us—yes, even you, reading this right now! 

So how will you change the world?

I’ll be back in a couple weeks after completing the next step of this project—stay tuned!!