A Talent for Giving - by John Studzinski (Hardcover)

About the Book

The essential guide to philanthropy - what it is, how it works, and why anyone can become an entrepreneurial philanthropist.

Book Synopsis

"A guide for how all of us can make a difference in the lives of others." Michael Bloomberg

"Made me really think about what it means to give, to care, to be generous." Sir Grayson Perry

Reclaim your individual impact with 'entrepreneurial giving'.

It's time to democratize generosity and impact so YOU can make a difference. Philanthropy isn't just about wealth - it's about creativity, passion, and using your unique talents to contribute to what you believe in. Visionary investor and humanitarian John Studzinski challenges the traditional notion that philanthropy is reserved for the ultra-rich, revealing how anyone, regardless of financial means, can become a force for change.

This groundbreaking book introduces entrepreneurial giving - a hands-on approach to philanthropy that harnesses skills, expertise, and resources. Through thought-provoking insights, A Talent for Giving offers a powerful new roadmap for impact. More than a guide, this book is a call to action. Whether you're an executive, an artist, a teacher, or an activist, your talents have the power to transform lives. The future of giving isn't about writing cheques - it's about reimagining what's possible. And it all starts with you.

Review Quotes

"The word 'philanthropy' can be loosely translated from Ancient Greek to 'love of humanity' - a notion that perfectly sums up this warm, timely book. A generous and profoundly insightful examination of what it means to give, Studzinski explores how we can harness our own unique and distinctive talents to improve the lives of others, and the world around us." --Dr Maria Balshaw, CBE, Director, Tate

"John Studzinski's inspiring new book reveals how rewarding entrepreneurial giving is. By taking action to support others, adapting our specialist knowledge and skills, and giving our time, encouragement and inspiration, we can all make a difference and create positive change for a person or community." --Barbara Broccoli, Producer

"From one of our leading and celebrated philanthropists, a much welcome Guide to Giving that will inspire a new generation of changemakers to devote their time and energies to the service of others." --Gordon Brown, former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom

"John Studzinski's invaluable A Talent for Giving describes the pilgrimage we can all follow to multiply our unique talents, transform ourselves, and promote the common good. A wonderful book that inspires the temerity of charity." --Mark Carney, Prime Minister of Canada

"For me, philanthropy has never been about just giving money to good causes; it is about solving problems and improving things through good works, encouragement, and entrepreneurial thinking. John explores exactly this approach, and shows how meaningful giving goes far beyond the money." --Sir James Dyson OM CBE FRS

"A Talent for Giving is the handbook kids need today. It's not a boring lecture. It's a simple plan for finding ways to give in your life. It inspired me to create a new fundraiser at our school in California, and I bet it will help you to give, or give more. You could start by giving this book to a friend!" --Aves Finn-Dean, fifth grader

"Saint Paul famously said that 'God loves a cheerful giver'. I can imagine no more cheerful giver - nor better guide to giving - than John Studzinski, whose splendid book shows us how to find our talents, take them out of hiding, and invest them in making the world a better one. A wonderful breath of hope!" --Katherine E. Fleming, President & CEO of the J. Paul Getty Trust

"Full of wisdom and insight." --Ken Follett, author

"This book is full of wisdom and warmth. It will inspire deep reflection and result in precious new insights, as ancient wisdom is shown to be central to meeting the needs of today. Readers will find themselves challenged, moved and ignited into action." --Julia Gillard, 27th Prime Minister of Australia

"A deeply compelling and personal exploration of the power of generosity, and the responsibility we all share in creating meaning, socially, personally and spiritually. Blending practical guidance and a true sense of 'the good', John Studzinski provides a thoughtful and motivating read for anyone seeking to live with greater empathy, humility, and contribution to the world around them." --Rupert Goold, Artistic Director

"John doesn't just talk about impact, he lives it out. Being particularly passionate about human dignity and how art plays a role in restoring it, I'm delighted this book is coming out. It's a timely reminder that generosity isn't limited to wealth, and that no matter your background or struggles, you can use what you have for the good of others. I'd recommend this to all young leaders and creatives, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds." --Guvna B, rapper, author and broadcaster

"A Talent for Giving will make every reader wiser. With beautiful, straightforward and searching language it tells us how everyone can change the world, one step at the time. I love that idea." --Erling Kagge, explorer and writer

"This book is a must-read for all who see a world in need of change, and want to play their part, to change it ... it is the user's manual for transformative service our world desperately needs today." --Kerry Kennedy, President, Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights

"A Talent for Giving presents powerful insights into the urgency of recognizing our talents and activating them for the greater good of society. Studzinski poignantly illustrates how true giving stems from understanding ourselves and cultivating meaningful relationships. Generosity empowers us to make sustainable contributions, and entrepreneurial giving enriches our lives and communities alike." --Ken Langone, co-founder, The Home Depot

"John Studzinski knows how to be a true and loyal friend. He has an enormous capacity to give of himself. He listens and is present each and every time. This is a book of love and how to love. It teaches us how to aspire - to find our purpose and how to be human." --Sybil Lau, philanthropist

"This book is destined to be a classic work in the philanthropy arena. In fact, A Talent for Giving might become the most important book for those - hopefully many - far-sighted persons of good will wishing to seek expert guidance on how to fully realize their lives by purposeful entrepreneurial giving." --Heinrich Liechtenstein, Professor, IESE Business School, Spain

"This book is a welcome reminder that we all have something to give the world and that by unlocking the talents in each of us we can enhance the common good and make the world a better place. It gets to the heart of what it means to give and to receive and should be read by all those searching for their place in the world." --Theresa May, former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom

"Giving is part of John's core, whether it is sharing advice with world leaders or dishing up dinner in a soup kitchen, his generosity of spirit is genuine. These qualities make this book an inspirational gift to all who aspire to find their own giving path." --Karen G. Mills, Senior Fellow Harvard Business School; Former Obama Cabinet Member and Head of the U.S. Small Business Administration

"Perhaps our most meaningful experience in life is a sense of oneness with everyone and everything. We are then propelled to share with others the gifts we have received such as our time, energy, talents and money. Such philanthropy expands our spirit and fills both giver and receiver with peace and joy." --Ng Kok Song, former Group CIO, GIC

"This much-needed book opens for us insights into the 'inherent generosity and empathy' that lies within our shared human nature ... A Talent for Giving is accessible, attractive and challenging. It will enhance both the giving and receiving through which our society can flourish." --His Eminence Cardinal Vincent Nichols, Archbishop of Westminster

"Generosity enriches both giver and receiver, since a nurturing approach in mentorship and relationships can transform lives. In A Talent for Giving, Studzinski champions a uniquely personal approach to philanthropy, building sustainable change and community impact through activated talents. True giving begins with a deep understanding of oneself and one's own talents." --Indra Nooyi, Former CEO, PepsiCo

"John's clear and passionate call to action is for us to contribute to a more generous society that benefits everyone - drawing on whatever resonates most for each of us whether that is time, talent or treasure. John's faith, that shines through so clearly in this book, makes clear that in return we receive the great gift of fulfillment." --Ruth Porat, President and Chief Investment Officer, Alphabet and Google

"In both business and philanthropy, I see leadership and engagement as a form of stewardship - a chance to give back by building institutions, backing people, and taking responsibility for long-term impact. What John Studzinski captures in A Talent for Giving is that giving isn't separate from enterprise; it is enterprise. Whether you're building a career, a company, or a life of purpose, the lessons here will resonate. It is a road map to the good life." --Tom Pritzker, Executive Chairman, Hyatt Hotels Corporation

"In this timely and inspirational book, A Talent for Giving, the philanthropist John Studzinski uses his own journey in entrepreneurial giving to prompt us to explore the ways in which we can each contribute. He uses the language of compassion and encouragement and reminds us of the profound importance of human dignity as we work towards building a generous society. It is a book of quiet and persuasive wisdom." --Rebecca Salter CBE, President, Royal Academy of Arts

"For John Studzinski philanthropy takes not just kindness but creativity, tenacity and an entrepreneurial spirit. In A Talent for Giving, with powerful examples and the wisdom gained over a lifetime of charity, he explains how he did it - and how you can too." --Mark Thompson, Chairman of CNN and previously CEO of The New York Times and Director General of the BBC

"John Studzinski presents his hard-earned wisdom with great thought and care, imparting readers with the skills needed to engage in the difficult, rewarding work of giving with hope and urgency. This book is an essential reminder that the heavy lifting of building a more just and generous world is never over, and, indeed, begins with each of us." --Darren Walker, President of the Ford Foundation

"In A Talent for Giving, John Studzinski offers inspiration and instruction for developing a lifetime habit of giving - not just in the traditional path of donating or volunteering but by cultivating an entrepreneurial spirit for the common good. With this book, Studzinski invites us to join him in making the world a better place." --Safa Zaki, President of Bowdoin College

About the Author

John Studzinski, CBE is an American-British investment banker and philanthropist. Since September 2018, he has been Managing Director and Vice Chairman of the global investment management firm PIMCO. In his philanthropic activities, he consistently emphasizes the importance of human dignity and the role in philanthropy of mentoring and active networks. In 2008, he was awarded a CBE for his Services to the Arts and Charity, and his philanthropy has been recognized with awards from Pope John Paul II, the Prince of Wales (2014) and the Beacon Prize.