I think we so often equate leadership with being experts - the leader is supposed to come in and fix things. But in this interconnected world we live in now, it's almost impossible for just one person to do that.

I was going to save the world, and I thought I would start with the African continent.

If indeed we can create systems that allow individuals to access goods and services like health and housing and energy and water, in a way that they can afford, they'll all have greater choice, greater opportunity, greater dignity.

The poor also are willing to make, and do make, smart decisions, if you give them that opportunity.

When systems are broken, it's an opportunity for invention and innovation.

If you're looking at distributing alternative energy in Nigeria, for instance, what gets in your way is not people's ability to pay, not people's desire for a clean solar lamps or biomass opportunities. But there is a strong status quo that really depends on selling diesel.

Our actions - and inaction - touch people every day, people we may never know and never meet.