
The Next Big Idea Daily
Best Of: How Large-Scale Change Really Happens
Dec 26, 2024
Rajiv Shah, the president of the Rockefeller Foundation and former USAID administrator, shares his insights on driving large-scale change. He discusses the importance of taking bold actions to tackle significant global challenges. Shah introduces the concept of 'big bets,' emphasizing innovation and collaboration as keys to solving societal problems. He also highlights how personal connections and compassion are essential in a divided world, drawing on stories of pivotal moments that inspire transformative action.
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Quick takeaways
- The bold 'big bet' strategy emphasizes forming unlikely partnerships and measuring outcomes to achieve large-scale change effectively.
- Simplifying complex problems through direct questions can lead to innovative solutions, exemplified by the Gates Foundation's effective vaccination strategies.
Deep dives
The Power of Big Bets
A big bet represents a bold, concerted effort to address significant challenges rather than merely aiming for incremental improvements. This approach involves three essential actions: discovering new ideas or technologies, forming unlikely partnerships, and rigorously measuring outcomes. For example, the Rockefeller Foundation's response to COVID-19 showcases a big bet mindset, as they mobilized to significantly increase testing availability in the U.S., moving from 23 tests per million to nearly 30 million weekly within a year. By establishing strong alliances and focusing on measurable results, large-scale change is not only achievable but can also inspire collective action against pressing issues.
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