The Art of Impact
He is the most impactful conservationist in the world. But few know his full story.
The Art of Impact: Action Principles for a World in Crisis from the Extraordinary Life of Hansjörg Wyss explores the values that have guided one of the world’s most influential conservationists and philanthropists. Authors Paul Orzulak and Seth Schulman combine their extensive research with interviews with Wyss himself, his colleagues and friends, and recipients of Wyss’s philanthropy to provide a complete picture of an extraordinary man.
Through vivid stories and lessons drawn from decades of leadership in business and philanthropy, the book illustrates what becomes possible when one person refuses to be a spectator and instead chooses to act.
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Praise for The Art of Impact
"The authors provide a complete picture of an extraordinary man, and the result is part biography, part business leadership book, part loving tribute, and part rallying cry for social and environmental health. A sweeping, well-crafted tribute to a remarkable philanthropist." (starred review)
The Man Behind the Mission
Hansjörg Wyss grew up in a working-class family in Switzerland and first fell in love with America’s natural wonders during a college summer job in Colorado, where the Grand Canyon and the American West left a lasting impact on him. After pioneering a medical device company that transformed orthopedic surgery and becoming one of the world’s wealthiest individuals, Wyss felt a deep responsibility to give back.
Today, through the Wyss Foundation and his personal philanthropy, he works to protect the planet’s lands, waters, and species while also supporting innovation to advance groundbreaking medical research, economic opportunity, democracy, women’s health, education, and the arts.
“He is living proof that as valuable as financial capital is, intellectual capital – the ability to ask questions, set goals, transfer skills from one challenge to another – is just as essential in driving impact.”
—Vice President Al Gore
What Readers Will Learn from The Art of Impact
Drawing from Hansjörg Wyss’s life and work, The Art of Impact offers hard-won insights about the challenges of conservation and social change:
01
Why action—not despair—is the solution to protecting the planet
The book underscores that even amid escalating threats to climate, habitats, and biodiversity, meaningful environmental progress remains achievable when individuals and institutions act decisively, guided by strong convictions and sustained collaboration.
02
How courage, persistence, and creative thinking shape real impact
Wyss’s story shows that progress often requires taking an audacious first step, especially when others are hesitant to act or don't see that same opportunity.
03
How to focus your energy for the greatest good
Readers learn the importance of identifying the causes that deeply and emotionally resonate, those that stay “like a branding iron in your brain" through hard times.
04
How collaboration multiplies impact
In order to "maximize good" over generations, Wyss shows how change makers can reach across traditional boundaries, empower young people, and build lasting coalitions.
05
A sense of hope grounded in real victories
The book showcases undeniable victories in conservation, medicine, and social equality—proof that even in the face of overwhelming odds, real and lasting change can be achieved by those brave enough to act.
The book’s core message takes the form of a simple question: What impact will you have?
“We all have an opportunity to give back, whether by conserving nature, raising up the underserved, furthering science and innovation, or contributing to many other worthy endeavors. Let’s rededicate ourselves to doing our best and performing service to society that is commensurate with what nature and fortune have given us.”
—Book Excerpt
Where to Buy the Book
The Art of Impact is available through multiple booksellers:
About the Authors
Paul Orzulak
Paul Orzulak is an executive director and cofounder of West Wing Writers, America’s premier strategy and speechwriting firm. He served as a foreign policy speechwriter for President Bill Clinton and a domestic policy speechwriter for Vice President Al Gore. A frequent media contributor, he traces his passion for conservation back to an old boss, Congressman David Bonior, who began distributing free pine seedlings after an ice storm destroyed many of Michigan’s trees, and eventually gave out more than a million, a powerful reminder that we do not have to be spectators in the causes we care about.
Seth Schulman
Seth Schulman wields the power of the written word to start conversations, change minds, and transform lives. A master storyteller and intellectual collaborator, he has contributed to dozens of books over the past two decades. Mr. Schulman holds a PhD in intellectual and cultural history from Brown University.