She has the energy -- you can tell by just listening to her speak -- she could talk you into doing anything, pretty much. (Laughter.) But fortunately, she's used that power of persuasion and that passion to help improve the lives of the kids in her community.

WHITEHOUSE: The First Lady Speaks on the HealthierUS School Challenge

Devoted to the order and power of tradition, he had a passion for Bach and championed baroque music when it was still largely unknown.

ECONOMIST: How Brahms saved music from Wagner

Midlife can pave the way to an exciting reclamation of your passion, power and purpose if you let it.

FORBES: Why Midlife Rocks Your World and Career

Activists in the 21st century, I'm betting, will drive higher levels of individual giving than ever before, and the reach and power of the individual with passion for a cause will be greater than at any time in human history.

CNN: Web the new frontier for activism

The bottom line: To achieve great things, you must posses the creative power of Eros, the passion for the good and beautiful the new and the exotic, the perfect and the immortal, the source of all our happiness.

FORBES: The Creative Power Of Eros

It was just 3 friends, all triathletes with a passion for the sport and the knowledge that it has the power to change lives.

WHITEHOUSE: Champions of Change Blog