A recent interview with Dr. Michael Halvorson explores his career at Microsoft and the origins of the new book, This Little World: A How-To Guide for Social Innovators (Routledge). The interview was conducted by Becky Monk, Chief Marketing Officer of the Microsoft Alumni Network.
The wide-ranging conversation appeared as a feature article in the Alumni Network’s September 2024 Newsletter. The Microsoft organization is an alumni group with 48,000 members around the world, including entrepreneurs, business professionals, nonprofit leaders, volunteers, and lifelong learners.
Halvorson and co-author Shelly Cano Kurtz initially discussed the concept for This Little World with Justin Spelhaug, Corporate Vice President of the Social Impact Group at Microsoft. In October 2022, Spelhaug was the visiting Dale E. Benson Lecturer in Business and Economic History at Pacific Lutheran University, where Halvorson is a Professor of History and Innovation Studies.
“We discussed the importance of cross-sector collaboration and the need for higher education to change the way that it trains community members for service in the nonprofit and for-profit sectors,” Halvorson recalls. We agreed that combining insights about social innovation from academics with practical strategies from industry practitioners would be a welcome perspective in the social impact sector.”
“We also agreed that the time has never been better to pursue purpose-driven work through creative partnerships, community initiatives, school projects, and creative startups. The idea for a practical how-to curriculum was born!”
For the complete interview transcript, and fun facts about Halvorson’s career and interests, visit Michael Halvorson: Author Spotlight.
This Little World: A How-To Guide for Social Innovators, is available now at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Routledge.
