This only happens in the US?

Take Randy Komisar, who created the job category "Virtual CEO." Randy set out to help entrepreneurs grow themselves and their companies, but here's what happened next:
  • Harvard Business School Press editor flew out to meet and convince him to write a book, which became a national bestseller
  • The book led to a teaching position at Stanford University
  • Which led to his current position as a partner in Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers.
Or take Erik Proulx, who did not have a job or money or experience to make a film he wanted to make. Erik merely posted his film-making intention on his blog, but here's what happened only hours later:
  • Ad Age picked up the story
  • Sony gave him the cameras
  • VirginAmerica covered his travel to Los Angeles (to interview people for his film)
  • Top movie editors and product houses donated time to help turn vast footage into thirty-six minutes of genius
  • His wife remained his greatest champion throughout.
What do you call this? A culture of innovation ... a culture of talent-spotting ... a culture of recognition & rewards ... a culture of win-all ...

What about countries that do not create world-leading innovations? They probably share a common culture: they ignore, misunderstand, don't-understand, punish, or exploit the few innovators that may emerge. To become world-leading innovators, these countries need to start by understanding that it's not about money, it's about culture.

PS: I picked the above two true stories from the book Uncertainty (see my review below)