Michele L. Sullivan is known for her sustainable and collaborative approach to philanthropic investing.

Ji-Hae Park spreads the joy of classical to music to those who might not otherwise hear it -- and in the process shows that you can rock out on the violin.

Theaster Gates is a potter whose ambitions stretch far beyond the wheel and the kiln. In Chicago, his leadership of artist-led spaces has catalyzed interest and excitement in a formerly neglected neighborhood, as he uses culture as a transformational weapon.

Tania Simoncelli advises the White House on science and technology policy.

Driven by a belief in fairness, Simone George is a human rights lawyer and activist.

Benjamin Barber suggested that the future of the world may lie with the politicians who implement practical change every day: mayors.

Gus Casely-Hayford writes, lectures, curates and broadcasts about African culture.

Sara Menker is founder and CEO of Gro Intelligence, a tech company that marries the application of machine learning with domain expertise and enables users to understand and predict global food and agriculture markets.

Cecile Richards is a national leader for women's rights and social and economic justice, and the author of the bestselling book "Make Trouble."

When Marvin Rees was elected in May 2016, he became the first directly elected mayor of Black African heritage of any major European city.

Sharon Terry is developing ways for ordinary people to transform biomedical research and healthcare.

Scott Williams thinks the modern health systems would cease to function without the crucial role played by caregivers.

Patty McCord served as chief talent officer of Netflix for 14 years and helped create the Netflix Culture Deck.

Christer Mjåset, M.D. is a neurosurgeon, author, columnist and lecturer who currently works as a Harkness fellow in Health Care Policy and Practice at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health in Boston studying value-based health care models.

Kathryn Kolbert is a pioneer for reproductive freedom.

Michael C. Bush is helping to build a better world by helping organizations become great places to work for all.

Hamish Jolly brings his entrepreneurial eye to the rare but viscerally terrifying issue of shark attacks.

In her book "Gamestorming," Sunni Brown shows how using art and games can empower serious problem-solving.

Darren Walker is a leader in the nonprofit and philanthropic sectors.

After working at Microsoft for almost a decade, Patrick Awuah returned home to Ghana and cofounded Ashesi University, a small liberal arts college that aims to educate Africa's next generation of leaders. Its first class of students graduated in 2006.

David R. Williams asks: What if we decided to tackle the striking levels of early death and poor health that are due to the color of one's skin?

Knut Haanaes believes that the secret to creating lasting, impactful companies is to find a balance between doing what you're good at and looking for new challenges to take on.

Leymah Gbowee is a peace activist in Liberia. She led a women's movement that was pivotal in ending the Second Liberian Civil War in 2003, and now speaks on behalf of women and girls around the world.

Rha Goddess is a cultural innovator, social impact strategist and creative change agent. She works with leaders and organizations to realign their missions in ways that are more purposeful, profitable and impactful.

Ai-jen Poo has spent the last 20 years bringing care and respect to the women that care for us.

Sue Natali studies permafrost thaw and works to limit global harm from Arctic warming.

UPS's Aparna Mehta works with the top-tier retail customers to develop innovative, profitable solutions that enhance customer experiences.

Billie Jean King won 39 Grand Slam titles during her tennis career, and has long been a pioneer for equality and social justice.

The president of the United States from 1977 to 1981, Jimmy Carter has used his post-presidency years to work for peace, teach, write and engage in global activism.

Fang Ruan is co-lead of the BCG Henderson Institute in China and a regional leader of the People and Organization practice in Asia-Pacific based in BCG's Hong Kong office.