Reviewed by Andrew Clancy, Senior Editor
Soundview Executive Book Summaries

There is a quote attributed to Russian author Leo Tolstoy that states, "Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself." The progression of modern society would disagree with the author of War and Peace. More and more people are awakening to the notion that the act of changing the world cannot come without first reinventing oneself. For many, the spark that sets off this internal evolution comes from turning on the TV. Any news network, particularly during coverage of international affairs, offers a non-stop nightmare for an anxious person: environmental catastrophe, non-stop warfare, abject poverty and human suffering. With this in mind, the stouthearted turn off the dial and turn on their light of compassion and look to make a difference. In We Are the New Radicals, author Julia Moulden wants to show readers how they can get started.

Moulden, a journalist and career consultant, helps individuals who in many ways have reached the top of the business mountain. In addition to being lonely at the top, many of her clients have found it a bit empty, as well. It should not come as a surprise to readers that many successful business leaders take as serious an interest in improving the world as they do in increasing their corporate coffers. The CEO with a heart of gold is a character that garners the occasional headline. Moulden's "new radical" is in some respects more bold. He or she could well be an ordinary person who has achieved modest success but wants to do good works for the sake of the world. This can involve leaving behind the life that he or she knew in an effort to create a career that enriches the world rather than the individual.

The author establishes from the outset that the path to becoming a new radical is not an easy one to tread. In fact, she writes at length about the process of getting started. "What Do You Have To Offer?" "What Moves You?" "What Does the World Need?" "What Is Your New Role?" These are questions to which the author devotes entire chapters. This is an essential element of the book's success. We Are the New Radicals understands that impatience and frustration often bring a premature end to people's attempts to live a more purposeful life. Moulden stresses time and again that the process of giving takes work. In many ways, it requires just as much, if not more work to build one's charitable career as it does a professional life. The gravity of making the effort to pursue one's true path has as much to do with the person as it does with the cause. As Moulden writes, "our enthusiasm will inspire us to take on the challenge and give us the strength to carry on in the face of inevitable difficulties." Moulden has an obvious passion for her own role in the betterment of society, and that translates well to the reassuring advice she offers and examples she provides.

Moulden's experience as a journalist provides an added bonus to readers of We Are the New Radicals. She is an excellent writer. It may come as a surprise to some readers, but many business authors, while brilliant with a budget, have a limited palette of colors with which to paint their pictures. Moulden weaves a compelling narrative and does not sacrifice substance for flair. Her words, like her message, have an obvious purpose and because of that fact, readers are likely to take her subject matter to heart. There is a strange blend of joy and desperation as she highlights problems that threaten to overwhelm the world and the men and women who stand bravely before the approaching wave. We Are the New Radicals is a book that will grip the reader and plant a seed of curiosity about his or her own ambitions.

With so much negativity dominating every headline and newscast, it is important for people to be reminded of the part they can potentially play in turning the tide. Moulden provides the framework to map out one's path to a new life. We Are the New Radicals is a book that has the potential to make a difference in the lives of many individuals. If each of those people who are touched by its message go on to impact the lives of 100 people in need, the outlook for the world may turn a bit more bright.

We Are the New Radicals by Julia Moulden is published by McGraw Hill. It is under consideration by Soundview Executive Book Summaries. If you'd like to subscribe to Soundview Executive Book Summaries, please click here.