I want to ask you a question: Do you have a dream? A Big Hairy Audacious Goal (BHAG) that drives you and your organization forward?
A BHAG is more than just a lofty ambition. It’s a powerful vision that rallies people around a cause, inspires action, and leads to meaningful change. Today, I want to share two stories that illustrate the power of bold vision and challenge you to think about your own BHAG as you embark on this new year.
Dr. Sidney Farber’s Bold Vision: Finding a Cure for Cancer
In the late 1940s, the Variety Club of New England was touring Boston Children’s Hospital, looking for worthy recipients of their fundraising efforts. When they asked a doctor what he might do with a special contribution, his answer was practical: “I need a new microscope.”
But Dr. Sidney Farber, a dedicated pathologist working nearby, had a much bigger vision. He didn’t just want a new piece of equipment—he wanted to find a cure for cancer.
With the Variety Club’s funding, Dr. Farber founded the Children’s Cancer Research Foundation, which would later become the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Today, it’s one of the world’s leading cancer research centers, funded in part by the Jimmy Fund.
Dr. Farber’s bold vision—to find a cure for cancer—wasn’t just about incremental progress; it was about making a significant impact on the lives of countless people. And that’s the kind of vision that attracts support and drives change.
Dr. Martin Luther King’s Dream: A Vision for America
Another story that shows the power of vision is that of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. On August 28, 1963, during the March on Washington, Dr. King was set to deliver a speech that would become one of the most famous in history.
As Dr. King began his prepared remarks, gospel singer Mahalia Jackson called out from the crowd, “Tell ‘em about the dream, Martin! Tell ‘em about the dream!”
That simple prompt led Dr. King to push aside his notes and speak from his heart about his dream for America—a dream of equality, justice, and freedom for all. His “I Have a Dream” speech became a defining moment in the Civil Rights Movement and inspired millions around the world.
Dr. King’s dream was not just a hope for incremental change; it was a vision for a transformed society. It was bold, audacious, and it continues to resonate to this day.
What’s Your BHAG?
I challenge you to think about your own BHAG. What bold vision will you pursue this year? How can you inspire others to join you in making a meaningful difference?
People don’t want to give money away—they want to invest in bold, exciting, and inspiring ventures. They want to be part of something bigger than themselves, something that will leave a lasting impact.
This year, let’s commit to going big. Let’s embrace the bold vision of leaders like Dr. Sidney Farber and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Let’s dream big dreams and work tirelessly to turn them into reality.
Share Your Vision
If you have a BHAG in mind, I’d love to hear about it. Sharing your vision is the first step in turning it into action. Together, we can make this year of bold leadership and transformative impact.
