Room to Read has brought the enduring gift of education to 11.6 million children in 15 countries. Its founder, John Wood left his position as Director of Business Development for Microsoft’s Greater China region to found the organisation. Seventeen years later, with over 20,000 schools and communities served, millions have been impacted by John’s decision to help a headmaster in Nepal fill his school’s library. Speaking to Seedcamp partner Carlos Espinal, John recounts his journey from leaving Microsoft to supporting girls’ education and children’s literacy in Asia and Africa. He also discusses how businesses are stronger when they incorporate an idea of cause and purpose into their actions — and how it can represent a competitive advantage in today’s commercial world.

If you want to support room to read through the Techbikers initiative discussed in the podcast, here is the link: justgiving.com/fundraising/ezerider

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