The Business of Changing the World: How Billionaires, Tech Disrupters, and Social Entrepreneurs Are Transforming the Global Aid Industry

This is a very informative and well written critique of the current changes that are underway in the development sector. Raj Kumar uses his vast experience from almost 20 years in the sector to give a thoughtful and balanced assessment of what works and frankly what doesn't; who are the new billionaire philanthropists and will their impact be positive or negative? What role might business play in tackling the SDGs as corporates increasingly become social enterprises? Might be see an emerging 4th sector enabled by big data, analytics and a sector that values results more than good intentions. Overall, an enjoyable book and a must read for anyone in the development sector or who aspires to join it.

This is a useful albeit sometime politically correct catalogue of all the disparate elements of the global development community. As one who has also pursued a similar career over the last four decades it fills a valuable space.

I bought the Kindle version of this book a few months ago but only now have I been able to read it. I usually read several books in parallel. But when I started to read this book by Raj Kumar, I stopped all the others as it captivated me.It is not just a book. It's a development textbook based on examples and case studies: a real compendium of Dos and Don'ts when it comes to development.Any development worker or development organization leader, including donors, should read this book.

A great inside look at the fundamental transformation one of the most impactful industries. Highly engaging and a very enjoying read on a serious topic that touches the lives of many. Highly recommended!

I can't say that I agree with it word for word but it was an interesting and challenging read none the less. There were a few parts that I took issue with and there were many more that I was in complete and total agreement with. Without giving too much away I will just say that this is a book that gives you some issues/topics to think about and it just may change the way you look at the way society operates. He says what needs to be said whether we want to hear it or not. Great Read! 4 very big stars! It will take all of us to change the world... and it is changing.

Raj Kumar's "The Business of Changing the World" provides an excellent and very readable all-around survey of specifically what is and has been so wrong with much of today's government-funded and -directed charitable aid (short-term political motivations, disconnectedness from effectiveness and results, etc.), how the specifically results-driven methodologies of many charitable non-government organizations (NGOs) provide so much better long-term aid value for the dollar/euro/etc., how the growing community of billionaire philanthropists enable some of those NGOs to accomplish so much, and the "giving pledge" that invites and encourages more of the world's wealthiest to commit to doing the same.One quibble on page 29: Libertarians in general are not "dubious about the value of aid and charity." Libertarians are dubious about the value of politically-directed government-forced aid and charity, and would largely appreciate this book's coverage of the problems inherent in exactly that. This nit doesn't detract at all from the book's value; just something that needed pointing out (in case the author is reading this). :-)

This book is very well written and very insightful to the ever changing aid industry. It’s a great read that everyone should pick up and learn a little bit about aid in the USA and the world.

Half way through the book, as a 40 year old - it gives great perspective on thinking outside the box.I really don’t like book reviews as they are so subjective but I will finish the book. I also think that says a lot.