It’s not enough to want to do good — sometimes it can seem like creating solutions that are effective and transformative is a Herculean task. That’s when it’s vital to listen to philanthropists like Uri Ansbacher. Through his work in business, philanthropy, and social advocacy, Ansbacher has found that the secret sauce is connecting the pillars of business, charity, and the human spirit.
Ansbacher shares that with a potent mix of courage, collaboration, and vision, anyone can make their mark in making the world a better place.
“First of all, be brave. Don’t be afraid,” he says. “Be clear with your objectives. Don’t be afraid to dream. A fighter that does not dream is a very limited fighter.”
Courage: The Foundation of Change
Merriam-Webster defines courage as “mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty.” It’s the ability to make principled decisions and pursue ventures that, while difficult or unpopular, serve the greater good. Uri Ansbacher believes one has to display bravery in business, charity, and the human spirit.
Courage in business emerges when pioneering strategies disrupt entrenched practices, such as bridging gaps between companies and governments to promote transparency, reduce costs, and empower end-users.
When it comes to charitable works, addressing systemic hurdles head-on exemplifies courage, as seen in transformative efforts to provide housing, water, and electricity to underserved communities, overcoming significant logistical and cultural obstacles.
Says Ansbacher, “We were able to be a part of a huge project in African countries that enable people that were living like basically, literally in tents to move to normal houses and to get a normal life and to get them linked and connected to normal water sources, to get some kind of electricity, which is implementing huge neighborhoods near solar energy facilities.”
Ultimately, Ansbacher believes, the strength to build connections is found in the resolve to overcome divides, build consensus, and develop understanding across cultures, embodying authenticity and quiet persistence in the face of differences.
How can you implement Ansbacher’s ethos? Start by tackling existing norms, seeking partnerships that prioritize transparency and trust, and taking the bold step of questioning inefficient practices to create inventive solutions. Address systemic issues by identifying one local problem you can tackle head-on, even if it requires confronting complex or unpopular obstacles, then connect with people from diverse backgrounds by starting genuine conversations and listening thoughtfully to build mutual understanding.
Collaboration: Building Bridges Across Divides
Collaboration, viewed as the key to progress, lies at the heart of a philosophy that bridges governments, corporations, cultures, and socioeconomic groups. In business, it’s exemplified by uniting diverse stakeholders to develop projects that deliver both commercial success and social impact, such as creating sustainable solutions for underserved communities.
In philanthropy, collaboration can take the form of innovative platforms that empower individuals and communities, proving that tackling global issues requires shared effort and mutual respect.
And when it comes to the human spirit, its collaborative potential shines in its ability to resolve conflicts and build understanding, grounded in empathy, and a pursuit of common ground.
Try bringing together diverse teams or stakeholders for your next project, ensuring every voice is heard and aligned toward a common goal. Partner with like-minded individuals or organizations to pool resources and expertise, increasing your collective impact on a specific cause. And remember to practice empathy daily by seeking to understand differing perspectives, and find areas of common ground to build stronger connections.
Vision: Dreaming Beyond Boundaries
Vision is the art of dreaming boldly, eyes wide open, while anchored in practicality, seeing possibilities where others see barriers. In business, it means anticipating future challenges and crafting forward-thinking solutions, from safeguarding critical systems to advancing technologies that secure and improve lives. Charitable vision focuses on sustainable change, addressing root causes through efforts that provide shelter, stability, and economic empowerment for vulnerable populations, enabling long-term community growth.
Vision within the human spirit is reflected in mentoring and encouraging young professionals, inspiring them to pursue bold dreams while remaining grounded in values and humility.
You can nurture your vision by planning for the future, identifying potential complexities in your industry, and brainstorming revolutionary solutions to address them now. Try to address immediate concerns with solutions that also build capacity for independence and long-term growth in the communities you serve.
In addition, strive to inspire others by setting ambitious goals for yourself while remaining grounded in humility, encouraging those around you to pursue their own dreams with purpose.
Start Your Own Connection Legacy
Such a powerful mindset can have a profound impact on aligning professional pursuits with a commitment to humanity, blending business, charity, and the human spirit to create transformative solutions that force us to be courageous, collaborative, and visionary.
It reminds us that every action is an opportunity to build a better world and that what we give to others ultimately enriches our own lives.
So have a think.
How can you redefine success in your own life to ensure that it fulfills your personal ambitions while leaving a meaningful and lasting legacy for others? What steps can you take today to align your goals with the values of courage, collaboration, and vision, creating a ripple effect of positive change in the lives of those around you?
