Intelligence & Compassion in Action
Fully revised and expanded for 2026
A Proven Path to Smart, Compassionate Social Entrepreneurship
Fully revised and expanded for 2026. Intelligence & Compassion in Action offers a roadmap to empower the aspiring social entrepreneur, with real guidance for responding to today's turbulent times: The Seven Pillars, inspired by the wisdom of the late former U.S. President Jimmy Carter. Author Lauren Speeth, Founding CEO of The Elfenworks Foundation, blends academic rigor with the experiences of a seasoned practitioner, and includes true tales from the trenches. There's actual, honest heartbreak in this book. And yet, in the face of the world's harsh realities, Speeth manages to be both uplifting and affirming. Infused with practical wisdom, personal insights, and inspiring accounts of supercharged impact, this book prepares us all to heed the call, each in our own unique way.
Paperback, 224pp, 6x9, © 2026, 2023, 2012 by Elfenworks Productions, LLC, $17.95 / $9.99 eBook
Raves & Reviews
"A plan of action that is both practical and idealistic. I believe that Speeth's book can be a guide for entrepreneurs who want to make the world a better place."
- Former President Jimmy Carter"The author has organized her guidebook well...Those contemplating start-up of projects designed to help others will be heartened by Speeth's manual."
- Barbara Barbara Bamberger Scott - The U.S. Review of Books (Recommended by the US Review of Books! )"We need a book that tells us what works, what doesn't work, and what can be done to ensure that entrepreneurship delivers on its grand promise. This is precisely that book."
- David B. Grusky, Director, Stanford Center on Poverty and Inequality"A concrete, action-by-action roadmap for transformative change from a philanthropic activist who approaches a seemingly intractable reality with generosity of spirit and entrepreneurial innovation."
- Drucilla Ramey, Esq., Dean, Golden Gate University School of Law"I would recommend that anyone considering investing in a social entrepreneur should incorporate these 7 pillars into their due diligence process."
- Gil Crawford, CEO, MicroVest Capital Funds"A helpful and realistic guide to social entrepreneurship by a caring and committed practitioner."
- Phil Wise, Vice President of Operations, The Carter CenterAvailable Languages
Previous editions of Intelligence & Compassion in Action were translated into Chinese, Korean, Portuguese, Russian, and Ukrainian. Contact us if these would be of use to you, through our contact page.
