Social innovators are heroes.

Because they feature in stories we hear, and stories we pass on; Because their lives carry meaning beyond those of ordinary mortals; And because, they write their own story about an impossible outcome, a fantasy fiction (what if.., why can’t..?) and go on to make sure it becomes a factual reality.

So is it my own limited knowledge that means I can only count on one hand the social innovators of our time (Yunus, Roddick…)? How can it be that, in an age when the context for social innovation is so stark, the need so great, so few brilliant stories come to light? In the age of stupid, where are the geniuses?

Actually, I don’t think they don’t exist. I think they’re out there, but we just don’t hear their stories. Also I believe the coming years and decades will recognise these people and their stories more and more.

So here’s one. It’s a story of a lady who studied atmospheric gases and got worried about climate change induced by human activities. (You can believe it again now – ClimateGate just got killed off in an independent hearing). Then she realised changing how we use energy at home would be the quickest route to the biggest effect. Finally, she figured out the only effective way to change how we use energy at home would be to build an energy company. Here she is telling her story.

Next time you hear a story about somebody with a mad impossible unreasonable idea, clock it. That’s a hero in the making… Pass the story on.