Paul Schmitz

Schmitz probes the transformative potential of community-based leadership and its role in fostering social innovation. Through his work, he prioritizes the empowerment of diverse local leaders, arguing that building leadership capacity from the ground up is essential for systemic social change. This philosophy is encapsulated in his notable book, "Everyone Leads: Building Leadership from the Community Up", which draws on his experience leading Public Allies, an organization dedicated to guiding young adults toward careers in social change.\n\nHis approach to leadership is characterized by themes of diversity, inclusion, and collective impact, emphasizing the importance of bringing together various community stakeholders to tackle complex social issues. Schmitz's methods involve fostering a culture of shared leadership, where solutions are co-created by those who are directly affected by societal challenges. As a social entrepreneur and leadership developer, he has served in key roles such as the CEO of Public Allies and Leading Inside Out, and as a Senior Advisor at The Collective Impact Forum.\n\nReaders and practitioners in the nonprofit sector and community development can benefit significantly from Schmitz's insights. His strategies provide a roadmap for leveraging local talent and building robust networks that drive meaningful change. His academic contributions, including his role at Babson College, further underscore his commitment to educating the next generation of leaders. Schmitz’s recognition in the field is highlighted by his inclusion in "The Nonprofit Times" list of influential leaders and various academic fellowships, reinforcing his impact and authority in community leadership and nonprofit development.