What do an educator in Stockholm, a heart surgeon in India and an artist in Philadelphia have in common? They’re each working to create change in their communities; they took the first step without a grand plan or a far-reaching vision; and they’re profiled by a Chicago author in her new book “Dig Where You Are: How One Person’s Effort Can Save a Life, Empower a Community, and Create Meaningful Change in the World.” (Nick Blumberg, Chicago Tonight, WTTW/PBS)

The holiday season is here. Your gifts may be picked out and ready to go, but what about something for your CSR colleagues? And what about your own wish list? The holiday break is a great time to catch up on your reading. We asked some leading CSR experts what books they have recently read and why they recommend them. There’s plenty here to get you and your colleagues fired up for the year ahead..

.....7. Dig Where You Are: How One Person’s Effort Can Save a Life, Empower a Community and Create Meaningful Change in the World by Nan Doyal

“The heroes of social innovation in Nan Doyal’s book have much in common with successful entrepreneurs and business leaders. Each has a high tolerance for self-disruption, discipline in execution, attention to detail, and a relentless focus on the end-user. But even more important than these traits, is their clear sense of purpose and their ability to involve others in defining it. Dig Where You Are casts an important framework for modern leadership and driving sustainable change -- in any kind of organization. It's an inspirational reminder of the power of purpose, conviction and customer focus.”

-- Rich Williams, CEO, Groupon