I was recently sent a review copy of Jacqueline Novogratz's, The Blue Sweater. To explain further, Seth Godin, via his blog asked for volunteers who would be interested in reading and reviewing this excellent book.
Who is Jacqueline Novogratz and what is the Blue Sweater?
Let's begin with the first question! Jacqueline Novogratz is the CEO as well as the founder of Acumen Fund, a not for profit philanthropic group that uses a venture capitalist approach to remedy global poverty.
The Blue Sweater chronicles Novogratz's personal and professional journey from youthful idealist, to corporate highflier and then through her realisation that she can combine a desire for equity of opportunity with the seemingly opposite motives of free market forces.
I was most drawn to the passages in the book that emphasised the importance of dialogue, in particular the benefits of 'really' listening to others, rather than approaching problems with pre-conceived prejudices, bias and ready-made solutions.
What is the Blue Sweater? Literally it is the favourite sweater the author donated to a charity and then 'found' again, worn on another continent. It is also a metaphor for a new connectedness beyond borders.
