He went Big. And it helped spark a Revolution.
On March 23, 1775, Patrick Henry stood in a small church in Richmond, Virginia, and delivered one of the most powerful speeches in history.
Tensions had greatly escalated with Great Britain. More than 160 delegates had gathered from across the young Virginia Colony to meet at St. John’s Church for the Second Virginia Convention.
To this point, the seeds of rebellion had largely been planted by the Sons of Liberty in Boston. Those seeking freedom knew they had to expand this beyond a small regional outcry. Virginia, the biggest and most prosperous colony, was the target. Getting them onboard meant their efforts would be serious and significant.
Patrick Henry knew this too. He introduced three resolutions. His most radical called for raising a militia to prepare for conflict. If he could get this adopted, a full-scale rebellion would be inevitable.
But, he knew he didn’t yet have the votes. Yet he did know his audience: Virginia planters who were torn – concerned about tyranny, yet comfortable in their current lives.
He tailored his message carefully, drawing from biblical allusions, classical references, popular plays of his time, and emotional appeals.
Finally came the crescendo:
“Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take — but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!”
The vote passed narrowly: 65 to 60. And with that, Patrick Henry ignited a revolution.
The truth is that America has always been about big ideas.
Big ideas and bold visions.
And the entrepreneurial spirit to see them through.
Because if you’re going to do something great, you have to be ready to Go Big.
In my role leading TenX Strategies, I work with nonprofit organizations working tirelessly to address the greatest problems in our country and in the world. Our model is built on my 40 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, partnering with business leaders and philanthropists such as Rich DeVos and his family to understand their visions for social change.
Now, as we approach America’s 250th anniversary, the question of vision becomes more important than perhaps ever before.
It’s one thing to ask about the future of our great country, and what its vision should be.
It’s another to ask yourself about your vision – what do you want to achieve?
That includes your role as a community member. A businessperson. A public sector employee. A social entrepreneur. A volunteer. A donor.
What do you want to build, and see, in the world?
Are you ready to Go Big for a cause that matters deeply to you — so much so that you’d devote your life to it?
If so, then let’s dive further into this idea. We have to start with a foundational question.
What’s Your B.H.A.G.?
What’s your Big Hairy Audacious Goal?
This term B.H.A.G. was coined by Jim Collins and Jerry Porras in Built to Last to challenge leaders to think beyond what’s merely achievable.
So, what’s your moonshot?
What’s the big problem you’re trying to solve, in the commercial, public, or nonprofit sector?
The world is hungry for leadership. Americans are craving visionaries with bold ideas, ambitious goals, and the kinds of strategies and plans that actually get results.
Can you be one of those leaders?
Let’s look at three powerful American stories that show what bold vision looks like in action.
Dr. Sidney Farber
In 1947, the New England chapter of the Variety Club – basically an early, informal version of a community foundation – gathered a group of philanthropists to explore meaningful giving opportunities.
They visited Boston Children’s Hospital and asked the head of hematology, “What would you do with a generous gift?”
He replied, “I’d buy another microscope.”
But down the hall, they met Dr. Sidney Farber, a pathologist known for his big ideas. “With a gift like that,” he said, “I’d find a cure for cancer!”
That’s a different kind of answer. Of course, it changed everything.
Today, the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute employs over 5,000 professionals and is one of the most recognized cancer research and treatment centers in the world. It raises $3.5 billion annually. And Dr. Farber is remembered as the father of modern chemotherapy.
Think about your big idea:
Another microscope? Or a cure for cancer?
Mahalia Jackson and Dr. King
On August 28, 1963, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. stood at the Lincoln Memorial, about to deliver a carefully prepared speech to a crowd of more than 250,000 at the March on Washington.
He had written the speech with input from many others, staying up throughout the night to complete it. There he was, reading his typed-out remarks. And then, from behind him, gospel legend Mahalia Jackson called out, “Tell them about the dream, Martin! Tell them about the dream!”
She had heard him speak from his heart before. And in that moment, Dr. King pushed aside his notes and spoke from his soul.
What followed was one of the most iconic speeches in human history. A true vision that Dr. King deeply believed in.
Howard Schultz and Starbucks
Howard Schultz was a marketing executive working for a small coffee company in Seattle. They had two or three locations and only sold whole beans.
On a trip to Milan, Italy, Schultz discovered a dramatically different coffee culture: high-quality espresso drinks served in beautifully designed shops where people gathered to talk, share ideas, and connect.
He came back to the U.S. with a vision — not just to improve coffee quality, but to create community. He wanted Starbucks to become America’s “third place” — not home, not work, but a communal space.
He raised funds, acquired the company, and began opening stores based on that vision.
Today, Starbucks has over 14,000 stores globally and has completely reshaped how Americans — and much of the world—experience coffee.
So, What’s Your B.H.A.G.?
Patrick Henry, Sidney Farber, Mahalia Jackson, Martin Luther King, Jr., Howard Schultz, Rich DeVos –
Big ideas, bold vision, and an entrepreneurial spirit have always been the animating force behind American dynamism.
As we approach the semiquincentennial of the United States’ founding, I can think of no greater task for each of us collectively and individually to challenge ourselves to think bigger and do better.
So what’s your B.H.A.G.?
What’s your moonshot?
What strategy are you building?
And what plan are you executing to bring it to life?
Kevin Gentry founded TenX Strategies to help great causes transform their effectiveness by 10xing their fundraising. He is also the host of the Going Big! podcast, in which he interviews entrepreneurs and other leaders about the importance of a big vision. He brings over 40 years of experience helping build the fundraising and marketing capabilities of multiple nonprofit organizations. Kevin previously served as Vice President at Stand Together and Vice President for Special Projects at Koch. He has also had previous leadership roles at the Mercatus Center at George Mason University, the Leadership Institute, and the Institute for Humane Studies. Kevin brings a wealth of experience to solve big problems and a passion for advancing meaningful causes.
