The 1% Club of Change Makers: Thriving Beyond Founders and Across Centuries

Some companies transcend time. They outlive their founders, adapt to seismic shifts in industries, and continue to create impact for generations. These are not just organizations; they are institutions, led by entrepreneurial leaders who take their fiduciary responsibilities seriously. They understand that their role is not just about maximizing profits—it is about stewarding a legacy, building sustainable ecosystems, and nurturing a new generation of leaders who think and act the same way.

These leaders belong to what I call the 1% Club of Change Makers—a rare breed of individuals who create hope, employment, and roadmaps for others to follow, thrive, and excel. And here’s the best part: entry to this club is free. There is no age limit, no prerequisite experience, no specific background required. You join purely through the initiatives you take, the experiments you make, and the experiences you create for yourself and others.

Becoming a Dreamer-Doer

The world is filled with dreamers, and equally filled with doers. But those who shape the course of history are the rare few who merge vision with action—the Dreamer-Doers. They don’t just envision a better world; they actively build it. They challenge the status quo, reimagine possibilities, and execute with relentless commitment.

If you want to be part of this elite yet open club, your journey starts with three fundamental actions:

1. Continually Discover Opportunities to Create Value

Great entrepreneurial leaders don’t wait for opportunities—they discover, design, and develop them. They observe trends, uncover unmet needs, and experiment relentlessly.

Consider Toyota, which, beyond being an automotive leader, pioneered lean manufacturing and Kaizen—systems that transformed industries worldwide. They saw inefficiencies in manufacturing and turned them into a world-class process.

Tip: Train yourself to see the world differently. Ask, “Where is friction? What is missing? How can this be done better?” Keep a curiosity journal to note down inefficiencies and potential solutions you observe daily.

2. Develop the Value You Identify

Finding an opportunity is just the start. The real challenge is turning it into something tangible—whether it’s a product, a service, or an internal process improvement. The best entrepreneurial leaders master the art of disciplined execution.

Take Steve Jobs and Apple. The company didn’t invent the MP3 player, the smartphone, or the tablet. Instead, they perfected and redefined these categories, creating an unmatched ecosystem of products.

Tip: Once you find an opportunity, create a structured way to test it. Start small, refine based on feedback, and improve iteratively. Speed of execution beats perfection.

3. Distribute Value Generously and Gracefully

True entrepreneurial leaders understand that value multiplies when shared. They don’t hoard knowledge, power, or resources—they distribute it widely, elevating those around them.

Think about Tata Group in India. Beyond its business success, it has built institutions, funded innovations, and reinvested in society. It operates with a philosophy that business exists to serve society, not just shareholders.

Tip: Build a culture of generosity. Teach others what you know. Empower your team to take ownership. As you elevate others, you create a system where excellence perpetuates itself.

The Outcomes Define Your Membership

This club doesn’t require an invitation—only action. The outcomes of your initiatives, the impact of your experiments, and the influence of your experiences determine whether you truly belong.

• If you create hope, employment, or a new way forward, you’re in.

• If you take fiduciary responsibility seriously—not just for profits but for people and the planet—you’re in.

• If you inspire others to dream bigger and do better, you’re in.

The 1% Club of Change Makers is not about exclusivity—it’s about responsibility. It is a call to action for those willing to build remarkable institutions that will thrive beyond them.

Need Help? Just Ask.

This is not a solo journey. If you’re on this path and need guidance, support, or insights, call out. There are others on this journey who will help you, mentor you, and walk with you.

Let’s build something that lasts. Let’s make this world a remarkable abode—one action at a time.