Overview

If something inside keeps whispering this matters-do something, this book is for you. It Lit a Fire is a companion for anyone who feels a call to do more-whether your flame is already blazing or just beginning to flicker. Through story-rich chapters, honest reflection, and practical prompts, it helps you nurture that spark, align your values with purpose, and create transformative change that lasts. At the heart of the book is the Firestarter Model, centered on Pull, Passion, and Courage-the three forces that power every Impact Journey. Drawing on more than twenty years of work partnering with changemakers in nonprofits, universities, global companies, and the entertainment industry, Tom Bourdon reveals how these forces show up again and again in real lives-and how to activate them in your life and leadership. As you read, you'll explore three foundational phases-Emerging, Ongoing, and Sustained-and see how smaller micro-moments compound into larger macro-movements of change. Along the way, you'll meet everyday Firestarters as well as iconic public figures from sports, publishing, fashion, and entertainment who share their firsthand stories alongside the author's personal reflections as a leader and coach. Each chapter closes with reflection prompts to help you gain clarity, build momentum, and move from intention to action. This isn't a book about perfect plans or polishing yourself into the 'ideal' change agent. It's an invitation to honor your inner fire, follow your voice, and choose courage in a way that's sustainable and aligned with your own impact journey. It Lit a Fire will leave you inspired, equipped, and ready to strike the match-to let your inner spark ignite a change reAction.

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Table of Contents

Reviews

""A book that lifts up the idea of contributing to the greater good is exactly what we need right now. I'm honored to be part of it."" -Gregory Maguire, Ph.D.; New York Times bestselling author of Wicked ""With an approach similar to The Artist's Way, this book combines timeless guidance, practical prompts, and relatable stories to help us tap into the fire that burns within. Tom is exceptionally qualified to teach how to have meaningful impact because he's done this his whole life-he knows how to get to the root of what matters most, quickly and with heart. Everyone who knows Tom knows that his approach works."" -Sherri Shepherd; Emmy Award-winning talk show host, comedian, actress, and New York Times bestselling author ""From the moment I met Tom, I recognized his passion to create positive change in the world. As a fellow adoptive parent, I invited him onto the board of my nonprofit, Adopt Change, and have watched him pour his energy into bringing awareness, education, and support to everyone involved in creating permanent, loving families. He brings that same integrity and drive to this book-inviting you to clarify what matters and take compassionate, practical steps forward. Read It Lit a Fire not only to be illuminated, but to be moved to action."" -Deborra-lee Furness; Actor and filmmaker; founder of Adopt Change and National Adoption Awareness Week (Australia); co-founder of Hopeland ""It Lit a Fire is a reminder that doing what's right isn't just a concept-it's a practice. Tom invites readers to slow down, consider what truly matters, and choose courageous, sustainable action that serves the greater good. The stories are honest, the prompts are practical, and the result is purpose you can carry into real life-advocating, uplifting, and leaving people and communities better than you found them. If you believe an essential element of leadership-and life-is advancing equity, dignity, and opportunity, this is a book you'll keep close and return to often."" -Bob Rivers; Chair and CEO, Eastern Bank ""It Lit a Fire is that rare book that helps readers turn personal purpose into societal impact. At a time when we need changemakers at every level and across all sectors-people who can align values with action and sustain the work without burning out-Tom offers the playbook. I've known Tom for over a decade and have seen his approach up close: he builds trust, names what matters, and turns priorities into strategy you can execute. This book distills that same rigor and heart into guidance you can apply anywhere-from classrooms to boardrooms. If you care about making the world better in your own unique way, this is a must-read."" -Dr. Patrick Tutwiler; Secretary of Education, Commonwealth of Massachusetts ""It Lit a Fire is a powerful guide for anyone ready to put aside the outside noise that holds them back and focus on the inner calling that pulls them forward. Tom Bourdon has created a book that feels both personal and practical-moving you from 'someone should do something' to 'I will do something.' That shift alone is transformative. This book is not about becoming the perfect version of yourself. It is about listening to what is true, following what matters, and giving yourself permission to lead in a way that reflects your values. It Lit a Fire is the companion every changemaker needs on their journey from good intentions to meaningful impact. -Shelley Zalis; Founder and CEO of The Female Quotient

Author Information

Dr. Tom Bourdon is a leadership and inclusion strategist dedicated to helping individuals and organizations create meaningful change in the world. A sought-after trainer, coach, and facilitator, he has served as Diversity, Equity and Inclusion leader at Staples and BigCommerce, ran Greater Boston PFLAG as well as LGBTQ Centers at UCLA and Tufts University, and partnered with numerous organizations including Google, Microsoft, and Hasbro to strengthen inclusive leadership and drive organizational impact. Known for his authentic energy and thought-provoking approach, Tom is a frequent keynote speaker and moderator on leadership, inclusion, and purpose-driven change. He lives in Massachusetts with his husband and their two children.

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