It seemed almost too good to be true when a woman and a black man started campaigning in the presidential run for one of the most powerful countries in the world. And now, almost two years hence, the fact that one of them has won sets an example describing a whole nation’s desire and effort to be a force for good.

When the call for change resonates from the echelons of the White House, it is bound to be heard by businesses, policy makers, and individuals alike. In times when we need restructuring and inclusive approaches in business and politics alike, when we need to be sustainable from inside out, when we need to accept responsibility for the future consequences of our decisions, and when we need to treat financial and climatic threats at the same priority levels, change is definitely good news!

This election highlights the importance of translating values into action – of translating the ideal of change to the action of co-creating change. It has brought into forefront what new heights good, inclusive leadership and motivated participation can achieve. With world leaders hailing Barack Obama’s victory, it has also opened our eyes to the ripple effect of change, and a new enthusiasm seems to be spreading globally.

Yes – the jubilant, idealistic part in me is overjoyed, but my cynical half is equally concerned. The promises of honesty and transparency Obama made in his winning speech are difficult to uphold, as it is difficult to remain idealistic in a brutally practical world.  Like Timothy Garton Ash from the Guardian eloquently puts, “..if he can run the country the way he has his campaign...then America will be in good hands. But a country is not a campaign...” There are massive economic, environmental and ecological challenges to face indeed.

But, as Obama has shown us, value driven change is possible, and as America has shown us, we are all ready for it. There is hope, and all of us, with Obama, are audaciously walking down the path of being global forces for good.