Jessica Jackley

Clay Water Brick: Finding Inspiration from Entrepreneurs Who Do the Most with the Least

Written by Jessica Jackley

Overview

Clay Water Brick by Jessica Jackley is a riveting book that explores the power of entrepreneurship in poverty-stricken communities. As a co-founder of Kiva, an online microfinance platform, Jackley shares her experiences working with entrepreneurs in developing countries and showcases a powerful journey of self-discovery. The book provides unique insights into the challenges faced by entrepreneurs in impoverished areas and offers inspiration for tackling those challenges head-on. By highlighting stories of individuals who have thrived despite adversity, Clay Water Brick inspires readers to rethink their perceptions of poverty and develop innovative solutions.

Key Points / Ideas

1. Challenging preconceptions: Jackley challenges prevalent notions about poverty and highlights the resilience and resourcefulness of individuals living in impoverished conditions. She argues that poverty is not a mark of laziness or lack of intelligence, but rather a product of circumstances.

    - The evidence: By sharing stories of successful entrepreneurs she encountered, such as Asher Hasan and Beatrice Wairimu, Jackley provides concrete examples of individuals who have defied poverty's constraints and created successful businesses.

2. The power of microfinance: Jackley emphasizes the transformative potential of microfinance as a tool for poverty alleviation. By providing small loans to individuals who lack access to traditional banking systems, microfinance enables entrepreneurs to start or expand their businesses.

    - The evidence: Jackley's own experiences with Kiva demonstrate the impact of microfinance, showcasing success stories of individuals who utilized small loans to improve their lives and communities.

3. Embracing failure: Jackley emphasizes the importance of embracing failure as a stepping stone to success. She highlights how failure, rather than being a setback, can provide valuable lessons and insights that contribute to future achievements.

    - The evidence: Jackley shares personal anecdotes and stories from entrepreneurs who faced setbacks but persevered. For example, she recounts the experiences of a Tanzanian entrepreneur who failed multiple times before finding success in creating affordable eye care.

4. The importance of community: Jackley emphasizes the significance of community support in fostering entrepreneurial success. She showcases the power of collaboration and collective efforts in enabling individuals to overcome challenges and achieve their goals.

    - The evidence: Jackley shares stories of entrepreneurs leveraging community resources and networks to overcome obstacles. One such example is the story of a Ugandan woman who established a successful bakery with the support of her community.

Conclusion

Clay Water Brick is a thought-provoking book that challenges conventional notions about poverty and entrepreneurship. By sharing inspiring stories, Jackley demonstrates the power of individuals to overcome adversity and build successful businesses. The book highlights the significance of microfinance, failure, and community support in empowering entrepreneurs in impoverished areas. Clay Water Brick serves as a reminder that with the right mindset and support, anyone can achieve remarkable success. It is highly recommended for readers who are interested in poverty alleviation, entrepreneurship, and social innovation. Similar books that further explore these topics include The Blue Sweater by Jacqueline Novogratz and Banker to the Poor by Muhammad Yunus.