The Ripple Effect
Each time a man stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope, and crossing each other from a million different centers of energy and daring, those ripples build a current that can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance.
Robert Kennedy
Last week I had the opportunity of spending three days in New Orleans with a group of Certified B Corporation business leaders from around the globe talking about a lofty dream – creating an inclusive economy.
The B Corp Summit concluded with the above quote. We all left the meeting with a renewed sense of passion for creating a robust, yet purposeful economy.
Topics ranged from offering short-term interest free loans for employees trying to make a car payment, to open-door hiring policies giving previously incarcerated individuals a place back at the table. At a Women CEO dinner, we talked about ways to provide more capital to women; to start to really change the landscape of today’s C level suite.
With the zen of slow cooking business actively engaged in promoting conscious capitalism through creating an inclusive employment model, I found the time in New Orleans stimulating. It was also a reminder that things are changing, and in my opinion, for the better. In this contentious political climate, it was wonderful to meet so many people, who were truly committed to being a “Force for Good in the World.”
One woman, Barbara Alink, created The Alinker a bicycle for people who have physical challenges giving them accessibility to mobility. I learned about a woman named, Vicki Saunders, who launched a crowd funding site called SheEO for women, who need access to interest free short-term capital. She has an audacious goal of raising $1B to create a perpetual fund for women entrepreneurs. In one memorable break-out session I sat with a group of business leaders discussing how we could create more collaborative approaches to working with our suppliers/vendors/customers and staff. A fantastic afternoon was spent listening the impassioned work of Beautycounter, Ben & Jerry’s and Dr. Bronner’s. All three of these companies are actively working to change the landscape of the environment, health/well-being of individuals and economic equality through political activism.
On the heels of this conference I’m keeping this month’s inspiration short and simple. I’m encouraging all of you to take a moment and notice your own ripple effect. Where do you have impact? What can you do to make your piece of the world a little better? As we head into the season of rampant consumerism, I encourage you to bring a level of inquiry, awareness and engagement about where you spend your money. I believe that there is immeasurable good in the world and am inviting all of you to join us around that table and be a part of it.
Authors’ Note
On a Zen note, I had to share our exciting news and ask for your help! In June, we were approached by one of the key buyers at Albertsons in Oregon asking us to bring a little Zen to his state and all 141 of his stores this Fall. So we made the intentional decision to “scale up” and go for it!
Starting on October 17th and throughout the next three months Zen will be on full display.
Please spread the word to your friends and family in Oregon
We are thrilled that Albertsons has made a commitment to our young business and are doing all that we can to make it a successful endeavor!! We are asking for your help in being the change we want to see in the world!
Zen Moment
An inclusive economy creates opportunity for all people of all backgrounds and experiences to live with dignity, to support themselves and their families, and to make a contribution to their communities.
– Certified B Corp Policy Statement
