Uberpreneurs ― How to Create Innovative Global Businesses and Transform Human Societies

Uberpreneurs are entrepreneurs who do more than just build businesses or even entire industries; they drive economic, social and environmental changes on a truly global scale.

This book charts the lives and achievements of 36 extraordinary individuals, telling their unique stories and demonstrating how their entrepreneurial spirit and heroic visions are changing the world for the better. The stories include those of business-savvy IKEA founder Ingvar Kamprad, the personal brand power of Oprah Winfrey, the pioneering social entrepreneur and creator of Child and Youth Finance International, Jeroo Billimoria, and the highly disruptive co-founder of Skype, Niklas Zennstrom, who wants the whole world to talk for free.

By exploring and analysing these inspirational stories, the authors reveal not only the critical characteristics that distinguish uberpreneurs from other entrepreneurs, but also the insights that they can offer to businesses seeking to become more innovative, governments striving to build smarter economies and young people aspiring to more meaningful careers.

Peter Andrews, formerly Queensland Chief Scientist, has founded or co-founded half a dozen biotechnology companies, two of which have drugs on international markets, and several major research centres. He is a Fellow of both the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering and the Australian Institute of Company Directors, and an Officer of the Order of Australia.

Fiona Wood is a science and innovation policy analyst who advises research and government agencies in Europe, Asia and North America on how to align research investment with stakeholder expectations. Her current research focuses on the vital role that innovation and entrepreneurship play in creating new businesses, more rewarding jobs and, ultimately, a happier planet.