The Courage to Go Forward: The Power of Micro Communities

The Courage to Go Forward shows that individuals need to think differently about creating supportive communities to help each other set and achieve goals, both individually and collectively.

Those interested in making a positive impact on society need to consider how to complement societal programs designed for the “average” person with customized approaches tailored to the unique needs and aspirations of every individual. Focused on the inspirational relationship between Cigna, a global health service company, and Achilles International, a nonprofit focused on encouraging disabled people to participate in mainstream athletics, The Courage to Go Forward demonstrates the power and triumph of the human spirit and provides valuable insight into the formation and importance of micro communities.

David Cordani, president and CEO of Cigna, and Achilles International founder and president Dick Traum come from very different backgrounds yet share a similar set of passions that eventually brought them together, forming a relationship that has positively impacted communities ranging from inspired employees to thousands of disabled athletes competing at the highest levels. Filled with wisdom from two impactful leaders, a collection of inspiring profiles of Achilles athletes, and stunning imagery, The Courage to Go Forward offers a combination of powerful inspiration and important business lessons, including the potential power of partnership between for-profit and nonprofit organizations, and should be required reading for anyone who wants to drive positive societal change, and to encourage others―or themselves―to achieve beyond their perceived limitations.

At age 42, David Cordani became president and CEO of Cigna, a global health service company. He is a prominent voice addressing key health challenges, such as empowering individuals to manage their health, innovating new value-based models of care, and partnering with physicians to focus on integrated care and improved clinical quality. David earned a bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M, and an MBA from the University of Hartford. David is also an accomplished athlete, having completed more than 125 triathlons. He has devoted countless hours to serving as a running guide for wounded veterans through his involvement with Achilles International. David currently resides in Connecticut.

After losing his leg at age 24, Dick Traum became the first runner to complete a marathon with a prosthetic leg when he crossed the finish line at the 1976 New York City Marathon. Subsequently in 1983, he founded Achilles International, whose mission is to enable people with all types of disabilities to participate in mainstream running events. Today, Achilles has over 110 chapters in 41 countries. Dick has a BS, MBA and Ph.D. From the Stern School of Business, New York University. Prior to Achilles, he was the founder and President of Personnelmetrics, Inc., a consulting firm which focused on quantitative analysis in Human Resources. Dick has written an autobiography, A Victory for Humanity (WRS Publishing, 1993), and Go Achilles. He currently resides in New York City, New York.