Robert Quinn

I nominate Professor Robert Quinn of the University of Michigan Ross School of Business (www.bus.umich.edu/FacultyBios/FacultyBio.asp?id=000119677). While being one of the most influential thought leaders on issues concerning leadership, vision and change in the world, he has established the Center for Positive Organizational Scholarship:

The Center for Positive Organizational Scholarship (www.bus.umich.edu/Positive) is committed to advancing research in the emerging field of Positive Organizational Scholarship (POS). This Web site is both a medium of communication for the Center for POS, and a learning and networking community for POS scholars and practitioners worldwide. They also welcome anyone who is interested in learning about this emerging field.

The Center for Positive Organizational Scholarship is a community of scholars devoted to energizing and transforming organizations through research on the theory and practice of positive organizing and leadership.

Quinn and his peers have attracted the best minds from the Harvard Business School to non-government agencies in the Philippines to join in this wide spread community and has brought its message mainstream in places like the Harvard Business Review.

Professor Quinn is currently on the sabbatical to lead a LDS Mission in central Australia where he is providing guidance, support and ministry to those in need. As always, Bob is walking the talk.

I believe this is the essence of what you are calling the “Intelligent Optimist".