John Wellington Ennis, 2/16/12

Filmmaker, 'Pay 2 Play'

In a destitute country facing famine, natural disasters, and a beleaguered government, Muhammad Yunus saw an opportunity to help people one by one, and built an organization of others helping poor people help themselves

Eric X. Li, 2/16/12

Shanghai venture capitalist

The West's competition of ideas with China is not between democracy and authoritarianism, but between two fundamentally different outlooks on political systems. The former sees democracy as an end in itself; the latter sees any political system as barely means.

L. Randall Wray, 2/16/12

Professor of Economics and Research Director of the Center for Full Employment and Price Stability, University of Missouri–Kansas City

There is little doubt that the global financial crisis posed "unusual and exigent" circumstances that had to be met with a huge response by the Fed (and Treasury). It is not clear, however, that the response actually mounted was legal. It was certainly not transparent.

Adam Levin, 2/16/12

Founder, Credit.com

Once upon a time in America, Greek was routinely included in the curriculum of a liberal arts education. Today, we don't necessarily need to speak the language, but we do need to better understand what's happening.

David Sable, 2/16/12

Global CEO of Y&R

Last week, the Internet was abuzz about Amazon -- the world's greatest virtual store -- contemplating opening a real brick-and-mortar store.

Ron Ashkenas, 2/16/12

Business writer

Often people try to help but miss the mark. If you really want quality input, don't shrug your shoulders and walk away frustrated. Take the lead in getting the help you need.

Lloyd Chapman, 2/16/12

Small business advocate

The promise was displayed prominently at the top of the "economy" section of Obama's campaign website. However, the language regarding the windfall profits tax vanished in an unceremonious and abrupt manner.

Steve Ressler, 2/16/12

Founder, GovLoop

As taxpayers and voters, you and I decide whether or not our elected officials remain employed. Should other government employees on the public roll have a similar period of performance review?

Denice Kronau, 2/16/12

Chief Diversity Officer, Siemens AG

Do the things that make you happy at work. Keep score -- how much of today did you spend doing the things you like doing?

Jeffrey Kaye, 2/16/12

Journalist and author

Apple's size makes it exceptional, but it is only one of countless transnational companies which are able to choose efficiency and lower prices over employee rights and environmental protections.

Ari Berman, 2/16/12

Author, 'Herding Donkeys'

If you want to know how the moneyed class, who prospered during the Bush and Clinton years, found a way to kill or water down nearly everything it objected to in the Obama years, look no further than the grip of the 1% of the 1% on our political system.

Don McNay, 2/16/12

Author, 'Wealth Without Wall Street: A Main Street Guide to Making Money'

The referral process happens in every level of society. It's how private clubs and organizations select their members. Some of my friends will accuse me of "name dropping." I don't care and I'm not going to change a lifetime habit that has worked pretty well for me.

Karin Kamp, 2/16/12

Director of digital media, The Story Exchange

How could an organization devoted to inspiring the next generation of women entrepreneurs get caught up in allegedly reinforcing stereotypes?

Paul Gorrell, Ph.D., 2/16/12

Founding Principal, Progressive Talent Partners; co-author, 'The Coaching Connection'

Lin's story underlines the importance of knowing the quality of an organization's talent and finding ways to empower individuals to become breakout stars who can demonstrate their very best.

Ravi Dhar, 2/16/12

Director, Yale Center for Customer Insights

We tend to think of consumers as rational beings with stable preferences. But recent research shows that it just isn't so. While shopping, we don't think as much as we think we think.

Dan Rather, 2/16/12

Host, 'Dan Rather Reports'

If you want a simple shorthand for the dysfunction in Washington, D.C., I can do it in two words: Don Berwick.

Auren Kaplan, 2/16/12

Founder of brand Evolve

Capitalism isn't going away. Indeed, it is the most powerful mechanism on the planet for moving people, money and resources and for creating wealth. But the culture of capitalism is changing in dramatic and disruptive ways.