As a leader, there are two qualities that really I value in other people, drive & selflessness. In most circles, these two words seem contradictory & rarely used in the same sentence. However, both of those words describe my good friend, Wayne Elsey. Wayne is the Founder & CEO of Soles4Souls. His drive has lead Soles4Souls to become one of the fastest growing non-profits in the country, but his attitude reflects total selflessness. A few months ago, I interviewed Wayne in my leadership series. You can read it HERE.
This week, I had the opportunity to celebrate another milestone with Wayne, the release of his new book Almost Isn’t Good Enough After checking it out, I realized this book is unique. I can’t classify it as an inspirational, leadership, or business book because it incorporates all of those categories. Opening with Wayne’s story and; motivation to start Soles4Souls, the book goes on to share the principles that have driven the organization to where it is today. Each chapter highlights a principle that can drive your organization to fulfilling its overall mission.
The thing I love about Wayne and this book is the fact that, in the end, it all comes back to making a difference in the lives of others. Last night, Wayne told me that if this book could impact just one person to do something impactful, he’ll consider it a win. I know he genuinely means that.
The book officially releases December 26, which by way is the anniversary of Wayne’s calling to start Soles4Souls. Here is the cool part: For every copy sold, you will provide 10 pairs of shoes to a people group that you choose. So, buy 1 copy and give 10 kids their first ever pair of shoes. Buy 5 copies for you and your friends and provide a whole village with shoes. It’s a beautiful thing.
I would encourage you to pre-order your copy HERE. From now until December 26th, you can purchase 2 for $20 or 5 for $45.
This book is a powerful resource for every pastor, nonprofit leader, professor or business leader. At the same time, it is a must read for anyone who thinks they can’t do something to change the world. It’s a book that I would share with 50 year old CEOs and 18 year old college students.
Are you familiar with the work of Soles4Souls?
In honor of Wayne’s heart for good non-profit organizations, name one non-profit you are impressed with these days.
Nomi Network is just like Wanye. As you decribed in your introduction, they have plenty of drive and are extremely selfless. It's all for a social issue that hasn't gotten enough light shined on to it. All for the greater good of someone who do not have the means enough to help themselves.
Thanks for sharing. I'll check it out.
I admire anyone who dream something, plan something and then pull through and execute that something. All for the greater good of someone else. This is the grasp I feel this Wayne is essentially inspiring his readers to take. This is the reason I will be buying this book. As an freshman in college, I have plenty of dreams and aspirations, but I also know dreams mean nothing if there is no ACTION. I hope to gain a deeper understanding on how to take and own that action.
To answer your question, one non-profit organization I'm truly impressed with is Nomi Network. They started with one girl named Nomi, a victim of sexual slavery in Cambodia. Her story is used to encourage people here in America to buy fashionable handbags and other products created by rescused Cambodian girls just like Nomi. The network's purpose is to raise awareness of child prostitution, provide jobs for former victims, and empower these girls by giving them a sense of self worth. 100% of the funds brought in through the sales of the products and the memberships go directly to employing the girls and to produce projects for empowerment.
I love the sound of this!
Ron:
I can't wait to read this book and it is also a great segway to my favorite non-profit, The Brook Ministries (www.thebrookministries.org) and their founder, Steve Lucas. Several years back when Steve was on staff back at our church in Texas, God laid on his heart a passion for providing a place of renewal for American pastors and their wives who were facing burnout at an alarming rate while at the same time providing training to Central American pastors on how to become "missional" — reaching to their part of the world and beyond. Steve and his wife Angela have moved their family to Costa Rica to follow God's call on their lives.
Steve's blog several days ago focused on their challenges for developing clarity in communicating their vision to the world, which I know is a challenge of many non-profits. You can read more about it and offer ideas to him on his blog at: http://yesterdaylucas.com/2010/12/08/creativity-n…
Thanks for the links. God bless you in this ministry. It is much needed!