Books

Alex Counts has written three books about nonprofit and mission-driven leadership. Descriptions of each of them appear below.

“Counts’s clear-eyed, practical-minded accounts are affecting, especially nuts-and-bolts accounts of loan recipients’ first entrepreneurial efforts and what lessons they (and Counts and company) learn. The case studies here never shy away from the harshness of life or the setbacks loan recipients can face, though they (and the copious new data and research Counts presents) remain persuasive: microfinance changes lives.” -- Publisher’s Weekly Book Life (in a review where they made this title an “Editor’s Pick”)

Microfinance—providing affordable loans and other financial services to help the poorest people lift themselves out of poverty—was pioneered by the Grameen Bank in Bangladesh. In 2006, the bank and its founder, Muhammad Yunus, were jointly awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, and microfinance has since gone on to serve over 100 million people—mostly women—on five continents.

First published in 1996, Small Loans, Big Dreams is the classic account of the origins and development of microfinance, from the $27 in loans given by a young economics professor to liberate poor villagers from loan sharks to its present status as a sometimes-controversial global phenomenon. Alex Counts, a protegé of Yunus and founder of the Grameen Foundation, paints vivid portraits of the determined women he came to know whose lives have been transformed by the opportunity to launch a small business, first in the countryside of Bangladesh, then in downtown Chicago, where an experimental project brought the microfinance method to America.

In a review of the first edition, the San Francisco Chronicle wrote, “Best of all, [Counts’] binational book demonstrates that microcredit isn’t an exotic quick fix, but the kind of slow, often frustrating step-by-step process that is usually the hallmark of real change.”

In this new edition, Counts traces the history of microfinance, exploring the ways Grameen Bank has evolved in response to challenges from economic downturns to environmental crises. He depicts the various forms—some highly effective, others less so—that microfinance has taken in countries around the world, including Grameen America, the rapidly growing microfinance enterprise now headed by Andrea Jung that serves thousands of women across the U.S. Finally, Counts responds to critics who have questioned the value of the Grameen model and describes the lasting legacy of Yunus’s remarkable vision. Small Loans, Big Dreams shows how microfinance can play a critical role in reducing the scourge of inequality by enabling underprivileged people to participate creatively in the global economy.

Alex has published five books, each of which are described below. His latest is:

When in Doubt, Ask for More: And 213 Other Life and Career Lessons for the Mission-Driven Leader. This new book prompted Jennifer Shore, the Executive Director of Focus for Health, to write, “When in Doubt was so clear and easily digestible. I think it will be my go to gift when any of my friends or co-workers are promoted into a management position.” What prompted her to write this? 

Leading a nonprofit organization is challenging, stressful work—yet it can also be richly rewarding. Alex Counts mastered the art of mission-driven leadership through decades of trial and error, as he built from scratch one of today’s most admired philanthropic foundations. Now he shares 214 of the most powerful lessons he discovered along the way—life and career secrets you'll never learn in school. Frank, quirky, counterintuitive, and ultimately inspiring, these nuggets of wisdom cover the toughest challenges nonprofit leaders face:

On defining your organization’s mission: “Be bold, but be grounded.”

On running a meeting: “Agendas are made to be bent.”

On surviving business travel: “Check the seat pocket one more time.”

On people management: “It’s okay to have a few enemies.”

On capturing an audience’s attention: “Start with your conclusion.”

And on the art of fundraising: “Stop talking.”

When in Doubt, Ask for More is Alex Counts’s gift to everyone working in the nonprofit world—employees and leaders in nongovernmental organizations, charities, foundations, government agencies, faith-based organizations, political and social advocacy groups, and more. They’ll find that Alex Counts's sage advice can help them get through the day feeling more in control while making a greater impact on the world they seek to serve.

 “Alex Counts has been critical to creating and building the global microcredit movement from its start. He knows how to lead. And how to write! When in Doubt, Ask for More will help you be a more powerful leader—and have fun doing so.”—Bill Drayton, Ashoka: Everyone a Changemaker

What people are saying

“Each tiny lesson is a self-contained, salient observation that shines a light on a specific aspect of leadership. . . . Whatever the subject, the author condenses a meaningful pronouncement into its simplest, most elegant form, using high-impact prose to make his point. . . . Parceled out pearls of leadership wisdom.”—Kirkus Reviews

“Fun to read and helpful to keep on hand, this book has a wonderfully high ratio of useful ideas per paragraph.”

—Ernest Loevinsohn, Executive Director, Fund for Global Health

“Alex Counts has compressed his three decades of social entrepreneurship into bite-sized lessons for greater happiness and success in one’s life and career. These practical nuggets are valuable offerings to curious life-long learners, particularly those aspiring for excellence as well as social impact.”

—Susan Davis, co-author, Social Entrepreneurship: What Everyone Needs to Know, past chair, Grameen Foundation, and co-founder, BRAC USA  

“Our sound-bite world is often filled with quick and shallow interactions. When in Doubt, Ask for More offers hundreds of brief, but important reflections on how to be effective and get to the world and life we truly want.”

—Sam Daley-Harris, Founder, RESULTS and Civic Courage    

“I had the good fortune to work under Alex Counts’s leadership during a pivotal stage of my career. His enthusiasm and encouragement, which created room for experimentation and development of bold ideas, was central to the culture of innovation at Grameen Foundation. I’m glad that a wider audience will now have access to the nuggets of wisdom he now offers in this book.”

—Camilla Nestor, CEO, MIX Market

“With When in Doubt, Ask for More, Alex Counts has compiled a treasure trove of practical suggestions for organizational leaders cultivated through decades of experience.  His insights generously build on the content of his previous book, Changing the World Without Losing Your Mind.  I recommend them both heartily!”

—Paul Winum, Ph.D., ABPP, Senior Partner and Co-Practice Leader, Board and CEO Services, RHR International LLP

“Alex’s lessons serve as daily prompts to be more mindful and intentional about how I lead a nonprofit organization. Each lesson offers hard-won wisdom from Alex’s decades of experience. Together, they inspire me to always seek and be open to feedback from peers, staff, board members, donors, and volunteers. Otherwise, leaders and their organizations will never grow their impact.”

—Shannon Maynard, Executive Director, Congressional Hunger Center

“Once again, Alex Counts succeeds in writing a book that speaks to everyone. Whether you are a new nonprofit executive or one with more than twenty years in the field, you will find useful guidance and gentle advice that speaks to nearly every experience or struggle you face in leadership. Alex recognizes that we are constantly learning and reflecting on our experiences as leaders. He shares lessons, big and small, that affirm, or gently push us in our understanding of how our actions and decisions impact our organizations, the people who support our work, and ultimately our mission-driven success.”

—Ann Marie Foley Binsner, Executive Director, Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA)/ Prince George's County, Inc.

“For leaders in the nonprofit sector, the importance of reflection and learning cannot be overstated as we work to drive our missions and create impact. This new book reminds us of the value gained from reflecting on the journey and learning from each other, an essential lesson for both aspiring leaders and those with decades of experience.”

—Fatema Sumar, Vice-President of Global Programs, Oxfam America

“Do you have an idea that would help others that you don’t know how to implement?  Are you worn out from working in the nonprofit world without achieving results? This book will give you the confidence and skills you need to make a real difference.  Alex Counts has been there and done that. Now he shares his vast experience on how to save yourself while you save others.” — U.S. Senator Mike Enzi 

“Remarkably candid, self-reflective, generous, and practical, this book is part memoir, part self-help. Alex is an astute observer whose amazing memory helps him recount his own healing journey in vivid detail, offering stories, lessons, and sage advice that will benefit many readers. You’ll love this book, and you'll laugh out loud as you read it!”  — Susan Davis, Co-Author, Social Entrepreneurship: What Everyone Needs to Know, Past Chair, Grameen Foundation & Co-founder, BRAC USA

 “Alex brings us insights on social impact with thoughtful reflection and generous advice. With verve and wit, he distills key leadership lessons from his decades of service building one of the great pioneering organizations in the financial inclusion movement.” –- Michael Schlein, CEO, Accion

 "Effective social entrepreneurship is both an art and a science.  In this book, Alex Counts generously shares what he learned during more than 25 years addressing pressing issues such as poverty.  It will be an invaluable resource to the next generation of entrepreneurs, both social and traditional, especially as it addresses not only how to make an impact but also how to ensure that it does not come at great personal cost." — M. R. Rangaswami, Founder, Indiaspora

 “Alex Counts has led a major organization, taken principled moral stands, and made decisions that have helped humanity on a grand scale. As all-consuming as that is, he has also led a life of balance. If you need to get world-changing things done, but you don’t want to ruin your life at the same time, Alex is the perfect person from whom to seek advice.” — Mark Levy, Founder of Levy Innovation LLC and author of Accidental Genius

Praise for his past books include the following (with additional endorsements further below):

“Best of all, [Counts’] binational book demonstrates that microcredit isn’t an exotic quick fix but the kind of slow, often frustrating, step-by-step progress that is usually the hallmark of real change.”  -- San Francisco Chronicle

“Most banking stories are great cures for insomnia.  But this author wisely hones in on the humanity of the borrowing women, whose loans payments are as vital a part of their lives as breathing is to us…. Give Us Credit has the vitality of a work in progress, with human stories that lenders and anyone interested in the human side of business will appreciate.”  -- Minneapolis Star-Tribune  

Alex’s Complete List of Books:

When in Doubt, Ask for More: And 213 Other Life and Career Lessons for Mission-Driven Leaders (Rivertowns Books, 2020)

Changing the World Without Losing Your Mind: Leadership Lessons from Thee Decades of Social Entrepreneurship (Rivertowns Books, 2019 and Revised Edition, 2021)

Small Loans, Big Dreams (John Wiley and Sons, August 2008)

Voices from the Field (CASHPOR, 1997)

Give Us Credit (Times Books/Random House, 1996)

In addition, an interview with him constitutes an entire chapter in this excellent book:

Experimental Conversations: Perspectives in Randomized Trials in Development Economics, Timothy N. Ogden, editor (MIT Press, 2016)

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Praise for Small Loans, Big Dreams and Give Us Credit

“I was enthralled to see the difference a few dollars loaned with no collateral in Bangladesh could benefit and change Chicago’s poorest of the poor. I learned how pennies defeated myths about the poor. This book will renew your belief in the American Dream and show that there can be economic liberty and justice for all here AND abroad! This story must be told and retold - and then updated again as the successes pour in. Please keep fast-forwarding!” — Mike Enzi, U.S. Senator, Wyoming

“Counts moves past facts and figures to show the human side — and human cost — of poverty By focusing on the experiences of individual women, Counts demonstrates the power of microfinance to bring opportunity where it otherwise would not exist, and ultimately transform people’s lives. I am pleased to be able to support Grameen, as I believe its important work address one of the critical issues of our time.” — Pierre Omidyar, founder and Chairman, eBay; cofounder and founding partner, Omidyar Network

“Alex Counts has spent his career building a movement to expand access to credit for the world’s poorest citizens. He describes the power of simple ideas to bring banks to Bangladeshi villages, and how those ideas have traveled across continents. It’s an improbable story of global proportions, told by a gifted story-teller with inside access.” —- Jonathan Morduch, Professor or Public Policy and Economics, Wagner Graduate School of Public Service, New York University

“Counts has stretched my thinking around social investment models of possibility through the compelling stories, and his dedication, evidenced in this book. He gives the reader the gut knowledge and the rich/poor divide issue does not need to be the failed challenge of our globalizing generation. The book inspires around solutions with dignity.” — D. Wayne Silby, Foundation Chair, Calvert Social Funds

“Small Loans, Big Dreams provides an insight into microfinance, as it has evoled from the origins of Grameen Bank, led by Muhammad Yunus, to that of a broader social and business movement. Counts calls for business and social entrepreneurs to collaborate to make access to credit more inclusive and to ensure that even the smallest entrepreneurs share in the opportunity to realize their potential.” — Bob Annibale, Global Director, Citi Microfinance

“At a time when ‘change’ is the watchword, here is a story of the devotion and tenacity it takes to turn a powerful idea into a powerful reality.” — Janet McKinely, retired chair, The Income Fund of America, Inc.

“As the right-hand man of the Nobel Peace Prize winner Dr. Muhammad Yunus, Alex Counts is uniquely positioned to share intimate and enlightening insights into the world of microfinance. The real-life stories of the borrowers, and the impact that these small loans make on their lives and their families, will touch your heart and change your way of thinking about poverty forever. Thanks to the dedication of Dr. Yunus, Alex Counts, and the many other committed people in this book, we are truly on the road to making poverty a relic of history.” — Elizabeth Fund, CEO, Dignity Fund