Paul HawkenIf you haven’t heard of Paul Hawken’s work, it’s not because he hasn’t tried. In fact, his bio reads like that of someone on a mission, which of course he is. One of this country’s strongest voices on the relationship between business and the environment, Hawken is known as a tireless environmentalist, author, and entrepreneur. The shear scope and volume of his work are remarkable.

His newest book, Blessed Unrest: How the Largest Movement in the World Came into Being and Why No One Saw It Coming is Hawken’s first title in eight years. Billed as an “…examination of the worldwide movement for social and environmental change” the author explores the movement based on a decade’s worth of research into those involved. Personally, as if Hawken’s reputation isn’t enough, the book’s promise to “inspire and delight” those who despair the fate of the world makes me want to read it. After all, who among us has not felt this despair on occasion?

In support of his new work, Hawken has integrated a cross-country book tour into his already crowded speaking schedule. Fortunately for those in the So Cal region, there are three opportunities to hear him speak from May 13th – 15th in the Pacific Palisades, Santa Barbara, and Pasadena. The events also feature a book signing.

Though perhaps most easily recognized as the founder of Smith & Hawken, the catalog and retail company that specializes in gardening products, Hawken’s involvement in social activism is long and varied. He worked as a Press Coordinator for Martin Luther King, Jr.’s staff before establishing the country’s first natural foods company in 1966.

Hawken went on to author books and articles numbering in the dozens, and lead several companies. Since 2003, he has served as the CEO of The Pax Group, sister companies that, among other things, provide quieter cooling systems for PCs, while using less energy. Hawken also heads the Natural Capital Institute, based in Sausalito, California, and has served on many boards, including that of The Natural Step.

Details on speaking dates can be found at: www.paulhawken.com

Photo credit: www.paulhawken.com