NEWS & MEDIA

In praise of Intelligent Optimists

Ode asked celebrated activists, artists, business people, politicians and thought leaders to pick their favorite Intelligent Optimists, individuals who aren't famous yet but should be because of the work they're doing to bring positive change to their communities, their countries and the world. That's how we got 25 reasons to be optimistic in these challenging times.

 

BUSINESS

Katya Andresen: Networking for good

Entrepreneur and bestselling author Seth Godin believes we need to look for the good in the world like Katya Andresen does through her work at Network for Good.

 

Michelle Chan: Fighting for sustainability in the bank sector

Amy Domini, founder of Domini Social Investments, believes Michelle Chan is taking the lead in socially responsible investing.

 

Rinaldo Brutoco: Sustainable business solutions

Deepak Chopra says Rinaldo Brutoco knows what he's talking about when it comes to creating a vision for sustainable and responsible business.

 

Susan Davis: Accelerating growth in social investing

Hazel Henderson, president and founder of Ethical Markets Media, nominates Susan Davis as a true female activist forging her way to a new green economy.

 

ENERGY

Albina Ruiz Rios: A passion for recycling

Author and consultant John Elkington says he is inspired by Albina Ruiz Rios's passion for recycling and the environment.

 

Bob and Kelly King: Turning waste into biodiesel

Singer-songwriter Jack Johnson respects the mission of Bob and Kelly King to promote the use of biodiesel in Hawaii and around the Pacific.

 Martin Vosseler: Curing the environment with solar energy

Nobel Peace Prize winner Bernard Lown calls Martin Vosseler a true maverick in the field of solar energy advocacy.

 

Shai Agassi: Bringing back the electric car

Peter Bakker, CEO of the European express delivery company TNT, thinks Shai Agassi could change the image of environmentally responsible business people from "treehuggers" to moguls.

 

LIFE

Ola Altera: Changing Sweden’s mind about fossil fuel

Prominent cancer scientist Karl-Henrik Robert calls Ola Altera a silent hero of the energy sector.

 Bilquis and Abdul Sattar Edhi: Promoting social justice in Pakistan

Salman Ahmad, former lead singer of the Pakistani-American rock group Junoon, says Bilquis and Abdul Sattar Edhi should be recognized for their work helping suffering Pakistanis.

 

James Kass: Giving voices to urban youth

Robert Redford recognizes the work of James Kass for bringing a voice to the youth in Oakland, California.

 

Pierre Rabhi: Working to resolve world hunger

David Servan-Schreiber says Pierre Rabhi is a humble man who deserves praise for his environmental approach.

 Tony Recasner: Teaching students about healthy eating

Premier chef Alice Waters helped Tony Recasner develop the Edible Schoolyard to teach children about gardening and nutrition.

 

Willie Smits: Hanging around with orangutans

Chairman of the Rocky Mountain Institute Amory Lovins says there isn’t enough natural habitat left for endangered orangutans....so Willie Smits is building his own rainforest.