These Real-World Examples of Societal Impact Can Inspire College Students for Their Next Chapter

Today, I'm sharing two inspiring stories that I think will help motivate college students looking to have an impact on society as they embark on their careers.

This article is in response to a request I received from Professor Deborah Cours, dean of the College of Business and Public Administration and executive director of the Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at California State University, Bakersfield, California:

"Mr. Beaver, our students often ask about societally impactful inventions and ventures. You have interviewed many highly successful people. Do you have examples that are specifically relevant to university students looking to make their way in society that I could share with them?"

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I'm happy to answer Dean Cours' question. Over the years of writing this column, I've learned what it takes to turn an idea into something that matters, that has real — not hyperbolic, but real — societal impact.

For any entrepreneur, inspiration is important, but it's only the beginning. Societally impactful ventures face a long process of turning those inspirations into something that people use, rely on and, in some instances, depend on to make better decisions.

I have two examples to share: One is a device you can easily hold in one hand that has the ability to both keep the owner out of jail and save a life at the same time.

The other is a book that can provide students with usable, practical insights into themselves and the world of employment.

So, what sparked the inventor's and author's recognition that a societal need existed, the equivalent of seeing someone in a wrestling match with their arms tied behind their back and feeling the need to free them?

'I can fix this problem'

History has made clear that a common denominator in inventive creativity is the thought, "I can fix this problem. I can help."

That is what Keith Nothacker, at the time a twentysomething University of Pennsylvania undergrad economics student, thought more than 20 years ago. The device he developed, of which hundreds of thousands have been sold in over 20 countries, has saved countless lives and kept a vast number of its users out of jail.

Most of us know someone who has been pulled over by law enforcement, suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI). They are asked to blow into a breathalyzer to measure their blood alcohol content (BAC).

If the resulting number is over their state's limit (most often, .08), typically it's off to the slammer for a few hours, a fine to rival the size of our national debt and auto insurance rates through the roof for years, not to mention the possibility of losing their driver's license.

"It seemed so unfair that the general public had no way to measure their own BAC and, knowing that figure, make an informed decision to not drive," Nothacker told me.

He was asking the key question that led to some of the most meaningful ventures ever started: "Why does this problem exist?"

He wondered why consumers couldn't purchase a personal breathalyzer, and how he could make that happen."

Answering those questions, with help from a team of Penn colleagues, led to the development the BACtrack family of personal breathalyzers.

Of the many entrepreneurs I have interviewed over the years, Nothacker stands out as someone who has directly impacted many people, saving lives, marriages and families.

He can help you get and keep a job

Here's another example of societally impactful innovation I've encountered.

Getting hired today and keeping a job is not a given.

Job-related advice is offered everywhere, but the advice provided by William Vanderbloemen, founder and CEO of Vanderbloemen Search Group and author of Be the Unicorn: 12 Data-Driven Habits that Separate the Best Leaders from the Rest, is among the best I've seen.

In his book, Vanderbloemen zeros in on life and business personality characteristics that lead to success on the job — even in marriage — and explains how to implement them. He helps readers avoid common pitfalls that lead to being fired and, instead, become the most-sought-after person on their team.

Had I been able to read Be the Unicorn at the time I joined the working world, I would have made fewer dumb mistakes. This book can help Dean Cours' students avoid the quicksand of their minds and keep clear of what can cause failure on the job.

I can't overemphasize the value of Be the Unicorn and its companion book, Work How You Are Wired, which avoids the nonsense advice of "follow your passion," providing a data-backed method for discovering your unique "wiring," your innate strengths and the roles where you will excel and find purpose.

The takeaway for the dean's students

Several of their employees told me that Nothacker and Vanderbloemen — as accomplished as they are — remain humble, and success hasn't gone to their heads.

They recognize in their bosses a deep sense of wanting to help and not being motivated by money. Many noted that these two "brilliant, inspiring men make coming to work a true joy."

Dennis Beaver practices law in Bakersfield, Calif., and welcomes comments and questions from readers, which may be faxed to (661) 323-7993, or e-mailed to Lagombeaver1@gmail.com. And be sure to visit dennisbeaver.com.

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