Learn More about the Socially Driven Business Model
Tiana Reid — July 7, 2013 — Social Good
References: kickstarter
Yahya Fallah is the CEO of Equal for All, a social business currently knee-deep in a pretty successful Kickstarter campaign. Here, we get to know not only a little bit more of the story behind the company and its social projects but also the inspiration and rituals that keep Yahya Fallah going.
Four Questions with Yahya Fallah
1. How did the idea for the business model come about?
Our business model is unique. We sell high quality shoes to develop social projects. I have always been passionate about shoes as the other co-founders of Equal Jimmy and Nicolas. Having said that, I was absolutely driven to find new ways to create positive change and fight inequalities. Reading several books about social business lead me to a reflection towards a new approach of entrepreneurship. Then I found my way. It’s not about donation. It’s about initiating, creating projects from scratch. We must empower people in need.
2. How did you decide to join this sector?
I worked for years in financial markets as a trader. I gained a meaningful experience in understanding companies’ environment and economic challenges. It also strengthened my will to do business with a stronger sense of purpose towards people, something that naturally drove me to the entrepreneurship path. It became clear in my mind I needed to take a risk and start a business myself to be a change maker. Social business gives me this purpose. I want to create as much value to the society as I can. This ambition is shared with Jimmy and Nicolas.
3. How do you get your inspiration?
Every evening, I read 20 pages of a meaningful book and watch a TED Talk before going to bed. The most inspirational source is truly people’s passions you get to know when traveling and socializing.
4. How do you reset yourself to be creative? Do you have any rituals?
I figured out you only get creative when not truly working or looking for an idea. You become creative when you go running, watch a movie, shower, cook, dance, chill with friends... Do anything but focusing on work.
Four Questions with Yahya Fallah
1. How did the idea for the business model come about?
Our business model is unique. We sell high quality shoes to develop social projects. I have always been passionate about shoes as the other co-founders of Equal Jimmy and Nicolas. Having said that, I was absolutely driven to find new ways to create positive change and fight inequalities. Reading several books about social business lead me to a reflection towards a new approach of entrepreneurship. Then I found my way. It’s not about donation. It’s about initiating, creating projects from scratch. We must empower people in need.
2. How did you decide to join this sector?
I worked for years in financial markets as a trader. I gained a meaningful experience in understanding companies’ environment and economic challenges. It also strengthened my will to do business with a stronger sense of purpose towards people, something that naturally drove me to the entrepreneurship path. It became clear in my mind I needed to take a risk and start a business myself to be a change maker. Social business gives me this purpose. I want to create as much value to the society as I can. This ambition is shared with Jimmy and Nicolas.
3. How do you get your inspiration?
Every evening, I read 20 pages of a meaningful book and watch a TED Talk before going to bed. The most inspirational source is truly people’s passions you get to know when traveling and socializing.
4. How do you reset yourself to be creative? Do you have any rituals?
I figured out you only get creative when not truly working or looking for an idea. You become creative when you go running, watch a movie, shower, cook, dance, chill with friends... Do anything but focusing on work.
Trend Themes
1. Social Business - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Explore business models that focus on creating positive change and fighting inequalities.
2. Entrepreneurship - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop businesses with a stronger sense of purpose towards people to create as much value to society as possible.
3. Creative Inspiration - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Find new and meaningful sources of inspiration, such as traveling and socializing, to fuel creativity.
Industry Implications
1. Footwear - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Integrate social projects into high-quality shoe brands.
2. Finance - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Combine financial expertise with social impact by launching social business ventures.
3. Publishing - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Create meaningful books and TED Talks that inspire social change and entrepreneurship.
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