The Promise of a Pencil

How an Ordinary Person Can Create Extraordinary Change

By: Adam Braun, Adam Braun - introduction

Narrated by: Kirby Heyborne

The riveting New York Times bestseller about a social entrepreneur and nonprofit founder who built more than 250 schools around the world—and the steps anyone can take to lead a purpose-driven life.

Adam Braun began working summers at hedge funds when he was just sixteen years old, sprinting down the path to a successful Wall Street career. But while traveling he met a young boy begging on the streets of India, who after being asked what he wanted most in the world, simply answered, “A pencil.” This small request led to a staggering series of events that took Braun backpacking through dozens of countries before eventually leaving a prestigious job to found Pencils of Promise, the organization he started with just $25 that has since built more than 250 schools around the world.

The Promise of a Pencil chronicles Braun’s journey to find his calling, as each chapter explains one clear step that every person can take to turn their biggest ambitions into reality. If you feel restless and ready for personal growth, if you are seeking direction and purpose, this critically acclaimed bestseller is for you. Driven by inspiring stories, shareable insights, and leadership lessons this is the book that will give you the tools to make your own life a story worth telling.

*All proceeds from this book will support Pencils of Promise.

amazing story and worth a listen

anazing to hear how one sinple idea, one commitment, one promise can change the world

Good beginning, weak ending

When Adam was finding himself and his work founding and building PoP the story was engaging and interesting. It made you feel like you were participating in something worthwhile. The latter part of the book when he is established feels like a promo for his success in which he has to mention all his celebrity contacts on and on. It's like the balloon popped and when will this ever end. PoP is doing a great job and Adam is to be commended. It just sounds too self-congratulatory during the last third to fourth of the book.

You say you cannot change the world? Read this!

Where does The Promise of a Pencil rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

The best!

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Promise of a Pencil?

All of the chapters (mantras) were extremely uplifting, inspirational and emotional for me.

Which scene was your favorite?

When Adam gave the first pencil to a little boy in India; The lighning moment when the idea of "Pencils of Promise" first came into his mind; Adam showing his grandma the first school he built in her honor... And so many others! I burst into tears of emotion so many times!

What insight do you think you’ll apply from The Promise of a Pencil?

Anyone can change the world with small acts of kindness that can become massive game changers to improve the world and make it a better place.

Any additional comments?

Adam Braun is one of my heroes. Hearing his story it was clear for me that no one has a good reason not to follow their dreams and change the world. The "For pourpose" approach for social entrepeneurship blew my mind and got me actually defining my own project. The way he opened so many doors and inspired others to make his dream their own is totally awesome. I'm so thankful for him and for finding this great book.

Extraordinary story that will move you!

Inspiring story that "turns your intentions into actions". I've enjoyed hearing the book and helped me to organize my plan and hope for my dream to be accomplished one day.
Thank you Adam and thank you Kirby

A young man with a big heart!

A great book about a young man that discovers what life is really all about. He could have everything, the great job and make great money, but the promise of a pencil changed his whole life! Great book!