The Promise of a Pencil

How an Ordinary Person Can Create Extraordinary Change

By: Adam Braun

Narrated by: Kirby Heyborne

Length: 7 hrs and 32 mins

Publisher's summary

Adam Braun began working summers at hedge funds when he was just 16 years old, sprinting down the path to a successful Wall Street career. But while traveling as a college student, he met a young boy begging on the streets of India. When Braun asked the boy what he wanted most in the world, he simply answered, "A pencil."

This small request became the inspiration for Pencils of Promise, the organization Braun would leave a prestigious job at Bain & Company to start with just $25 at the age of 24. Using his unique "for-purpose" approach, he helped redefine the space in which business, philanthropy, and social media intersect. And a mere five years later, Pencils of Promise has now built more than 200 schools around the world, proving that anyone can create a movement that matters.

The Promise of a Pencil chronicles Braun’s journey through more than 50 countries to find his calling, as each chapter explains the steps that every person can take to ignite their own passion and potential. His trailblazing story takes listeners behind the scenes with business moguls and village chiefs, world-famous celebrities and hometown heroes. Driven by compelling stories and shareable insights, this is a vivid and inspiring book that will give listeners the tools to unlock their own extraordinary journey of self-discovery.

If you have ever wanted a more purpose-driven life, if you have ever felt like you could become more than your current circumstances allow, it’s time to ask yourself, "What do I want most in the world?" And through the lessons shared in this book, turn those ideas into reality.

©2014 Colleen Hoover (P)2014 Simon & Schuster

amazing story and worth a listen

anazing to hear how one sinple idea, one commitment, one promise can change the world

Good beginning, weak ending

When Adam was finding himself and his work founding and building PoP the story was engaging and interesting. It made you feel like you were participating in something worthwhile. The latter part of the book when he is established feels like a promo for his success in which he has to mention all his celebrity contacts on and on. It's like the balloon popped and when will this ever end. PoP is doing a great job and Adam is to be commended. It just sounds too self-congratulatory during the last third to fourth of the book.

You say you cannot change the world? Read this!

Where does The Promise of a Pencil rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

The best!

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Promise of a Pencil?

All of the chapters (mantras) were extremely uplifting, inspirational and emotional for me.

Which scene was your favorite?

When Adam gave the first pencil to a little boy in India; The lighning moment when the idea of "Pencils of Promise" first came into his mind; Adam showing his grandma the first school he built in her honor... And so many others! I burst into tears of emotion so many times!

What insight do you think you’ll apply from The Promise of a Pencil?

Anyone can change the world with small acts of kindness that can become massive game changers to improve the world and make it a better place.

Any additional comments?

Adam Braun is one of my heroes. Hearing his story it was clear for me that no one has a good reason not to follow their dreams and change the world. The "For pourpose" approach for social entrepeneurship blew my mind and got me actually defining my own project. The way he opened so many doors and inspired others to make his dream their own is totally awesome. I'm so thankful for him and for finding this great book.

Extraordinary story that will move you!

Inspiring story that "turns your intentions into actions". I've enjoyed hearing the book and helped me to organize my plan and hope for my dream to be accomplished one day.
Thank you Adam and thank you Kirby

A young man with a big heart!

A great book about a young man that discovers what life is really all about. He could have everything, the great job and make great money, but the promise of a pencil changed his whole life! Great book!

inspiring and uplifting!

Adams story of building schools for children was a joy to read! Very informative and engaging.

excellent!

powerful and inspiring. sure to find a message here that will guide you in taking a next step

Chills the whole way through!

This is a hero’s journey all the way through. Beautiful story. This is my most favorite book, I had goosebumps the entire time. I too have been struck with my own purpose and the synchronistic events organized by what I feel and see is the divine trying to help it come forward, just as it seemed to do in Adams story throughout. Thank you. I’m telling everyone about this book!

life Changing Read

excellent and engaging story that will inspire you to live for purpose. don't miss this!

Great story!

Incredible and inspiring story! Only downside I can think of - the reader was a little dry. It was such a good book though that this didn't matter too much.