Leaving Microsoft to Change the World

Leaving Microsoft to Change the World is a captivating memoir by John Wood, tracing his transformative journey from a high-powered executive to a pioneering social entrepreneur. In 1998, Wood was a rising executive at Microsoft, climbing the corporate ladder and achieving considerable success. However, during a life-defining trek through the remote villages of Nepal, Wood encountered schools devoid of books and resources, igniting his fervour to make a difference.

Motivated by the same relentless drive that had propelled him to the top of Microsoft, Wood made the bold decision to leave the lucrative corporate world. He channelled his business expertise and passion into creating Room to Read, an exceptionally effective organisation dedicated to building educational infrastructure in developing countries.

This remarkable narrative details how Room to Read, in just over six years, blossomed into a vast network comprising more than 2,000 schools and libraries across Asia and Africa. Wood's account is not merely a recounting of his adventures but a blueprint for leveraging corporate strategies to achieve unparalleled success in the nonprofit sector.

With engaging storytelling, Wood takes readers through his early years at Microsoft, his pivotal decision to switch gears, and the subsequent challenges and triumphs of establishing Room to Read. This book serves as an inspirational example of how one man’s vision and determination can catalyse widespread change and improve countless lives through education and literacy.

John Wood’s journey began with his academic pursuit of an MBA at the Kellogg School of Management. Joining Microsoft in 1991, he rapidly ascended the corporate hierarchy, ultimately becoming the director of business development for China and the surrounding regions. In 1999, he founded Room to Read, redirecting his focus towards promoting literacy and education in the developing world. Today, Wood resides in San Francisco, continuing to inspire through his story and his work.