Conscious Capitalism San Diego

2016 End of Year President’s Message

It’s the end of another year – already! I don’t know about you, but this year has flown by. At CCSD we had a flurry of activity at the beginning of the year, a period of reflection and inquiry in the middle, and one of our favorite events so far toward the end. 

QUICK RECAP

In January, we held our first Conscious Capitalism Assessment Workshop. Business owners converged at a half-day workshop, led by past-President R. Michael Anderson, to assess where their companies have challenges and help them define solutions for success. 

 

In February, our event at PIRCH on Creating and Sustaining a Conscious Culture through Rapid Growth and Expansion was a resounding success. Mark Tomaszewicz, then Ambassador of Joy at PIRCH, shared with business leaders the benefits and strategy for creating a culture that drives both joyful experiences for their customers and resounding profits for their bottom line.

  

We were fortunate to welcome Conscious Capitalism co-founder Raj Sisodia, PhD in March. In addition to a powerful presentation by Raj, the program featured a dynamic panel of  C-suite executives, including: JP McNeill, Founder & CEO, Renovate America; Pablo Fernandez, Founder & CEO, Secret Table and Susannah Stewart; then Chief Sustainability Officer at Chuao Chocolatier, who shared their best practices for leveraging Conscious Capitalism in their businesses. 

 

Raj co-authored a book called “Shakti Leadership: Embracing Feminine and Masculine Power in Business”with Nilima Bhat, who joined us in April, to share with a room full of business leaders how to leverage both feminine and masculine conversation styles to ensure effective, mindful communications in challenging situations. 

We collaborated with CC Los Angeles, CC Orange County, and CC Arizona to bring you two great webinars over the summer. One was with The Container Store Founder,Kip Tindell. The other was with former Trader Joe’s President and Founder of Daily Table,Doug Rauch.

In May we launched our Conscious Culture Roundtable, a peer-based learning and support program for C-suite and culture leaders from leading conscious organizations in SD County. This monthly gathering provides an opportunity for business leaders of purpose-driven companies with established conscious practices to share and learn from each other. 

 

November saw one of our favorite events so far: local legend Ken Blanchard spoke to us in his beautiful personal way about Servant Leadership and then provided an opportunity for those present to ask questions. 

SOME CHANGES AFOOT

In March, Conscious Capitalism, Inc. hired a new co-CEO, Alexander McCobin. Alexander brings a wealth of experience, enthusiasm and ideas — all of which are hugely beneficial to the movement and the local chapters. As you might expect, as with most big organizational changes, there’s been quite a bit of change, upheaval and navigating the unknown as they sort things out and develop new processes and guidelines.

In October the board met with Alexander and we’re extremely excited about the direction of the movement and the support we’ll be getting from the International parent organization. We’re all learning together. With new guidance and direction from CC, Inc, we will be able to align our strategy and offerings with theirs in order to create a more global movement.

CC, INC. — WHAT, WHY AND HOW

Vision:Conscious Capitalism, Inc.’svision is a world where businessisandis recognized asthe greatest force for good.

Purpose: Elevate humanity through business by changing the way business is done and the way it’s perceived

New Strategy:

1. Outreach to business people and future business people
2. Provide support to our businesses with conscious content
3. Work with businesses and communities to curate their stories
4. Advocate stories of conscious businesses

 WHAT’S HAPPENING NOW

The main role of the local chapters affiliated with CC, Inc. will be to implement the strategy on a local level. How we do that will be different for each chapter and the needs of the market.

With new guidance, vision, purpose and support, we’re evaluating who our target market is here in San Diego. Our endeavor is to determine what that target audience wants from affiliation with CCSD and then determine what we can realistically do with a small volunteer board and limited financial resources.

The board has had ongoing discussions about strategy and capacity building throughout the year, and we’ve been addressing some foundational questions so we can move forward stronger.  In January we will meet to develop a strategy for managed growth for the coming year that will build on the new framework provided by CC, Inc. We’re excited about some of the new ideas and possibilities and look forward to sharing them with you.

 WHERE YOU COME IN

At some point in the past two years something about the Conscious Capitalism movement has inspired or captivated you. In addition to fanning the flames of a movement we all believe in, we’d love to know what you want from involvement with the chapter. If you have any input for us, please let us know by early January so we can include your ideas in our strategy session.

And, as always, we’re looking for individuals who are passionate about elevating humanity through business, who are comfortable with a bit of ambiguity as we build a sustainable organization, and who have the time and commitment to roll up their sleeves and help us make it happen. Does that sounds like you? Then reach out to us and let us know whether you have interest in being on a committee or on the board or just in sharing your unique skills and talents with us.

In particular, we could use people with expertise in public relations, communications, program and event planning, and finance.

However we engage with this purpose going forward, whether we do it together or each in our own way, we want to thank you for being part of the movement to bring about a paradigm shift in business.
 

Warm regards,

DJ King

President

Conscious Capitalism San Diego

  

Chairman’s New Year Message

Conscious Capitalism San Diego

Chairman's Year-end Message

Dear Conscious Capitalists

Not so long ago, leaders like John Mackey (Whole Foods), Doug Rauch (Trader Joe’s), Herb Kelleher (Southwest Airlines) and Jim Senegal (Costco) were regarded as anomalies. Now that their businesses have withstood the test of time, consistently outperforming competitors, more and more leaders and their advisors are ready to hear what has always been true — capitalism is most fruitful through self-aware leaders, meaningful work, and high-integrity relationships.

Ten years ago, I developed a coaching system to help clients regain passion for work and develop a more cohesive, conscious culture. At the time, I felt marginalized because of my philosophy and out of sync with predominant theories of management and “productive” culture. In 2013, in search of my “tribe,” I attended the Global Conference on Conscious Capitalism in San Francisco. There, I found inspired, visionary leaders of industry-leading companies generating exceptional profits while providing employees with meaningful work and contributing to the welfare of their broader communities. Having finally found my “tribe,” I returned to San Diego excited to create a local CC chapter.

I had no plan and no experience starting a not-for-profit enterprise. What I had was faith that if the CC principles were as crucial and high-potential as I foresaw, that people, ideas, and resources would find their way to me. Sure enough, with the momentum of local interest generated by the 2014 San Diego-based Conscious Capitalism Global Conference, CCSD (the San Diego chapter of Conscious Capitalism) came to life in January of 2015 with the creation of a board of directors and unifying guidance of a mission, vision and development strategy.

December 2015 concluded CCSD’s first year in operation. In this short time, CCSD has emerged as a CC chapter network leader and innovator, establishing exemplary standards of professionalism, systems and leadership culture. While we have just begun the journey, I’m thrilled to share some of our initial successes:

2015 CCSD ACCOMPLISHMENTS

  • A big-splash launch event in May drawing almost 300 attendees, with our partner, University of San Diego’s Institute for Peace and Commerce
  • Presented 2 webinars about legal and capitalization needs and solutions for purpose-driven, for-profit companies
  • Kicked off Conscious Connections – Beyond Networking event series in October
  • Formed a board of directors comprised of 10 accomplished, selfless, passionate professionals
  • Obtained 501(c)3 not-for-profit designation
  • Raised a membership base that ranks among the largest of the 25 CC chapters worldwide
  • Attracted the financial support of 6 corporate partners, all model conscious businesses themselves
  • Designed and launched a first-class website
  • Added new leadership, skills and energy to a newly elected, expanded 2016 CCSD Board of Directors
  • Began to fill out key committees with CCSD members who want to take an active role in furthering the CC movement

These successes couldn’t have been done without the heroic efforts, time, heart and expertise from our Board and other volunteers, along with the resources from founding corporate and community partners. Some of their names and profiles are shown at ccsandiego.org/board and ccsandiego.org/corporate-partners. There are more — too numerous to name here, appreciated nonetheless.

To kick this year off, we have educational and community-building events scheduled for each of the first 4 months of 2016! If you haven’t already calendared the events, visit ccsandiego.org/upcoming-events to see what’s coming.

Thank you for your past participation and for helping fulfill the CC promise of elevating humanity through business!

I wish you and yours a conscious and connected New Year!

Malcolm Avner
Chairman
Conscious Capitalism San Diego

 

2016 CCSD BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Chairman of the Board — Malcolm Avner
President — DJ King
Secretary — Kori Joneson
Treasurer — Lindsay Sacks
Past President — Michael Anderson
Membership — Bill Dooley
Partnerships — Danielle Grassi
Technology — Mikel Bruce
Communications — Joanne Aarstol
Volunteers — Mehrad Nazari
Programs — Ruby Gualberto
Ad Hoc — Sarah Emerson

Upcoming December Webinars

We’re happy to announce two upcoming webinars in partnership with our corporate partner, Barbera Corporate Law about Structuring Your Conscious Enterprise and Raising Capital for Conscious Ventures. Please see the webinar topics and registration links below. 

 

DECEMBER 4TH

Structuring Your Conscious Enterprise – Conscious Content Friday LIVE

Join corporate and social enterprise attorney Francesco Barbera in a discussion of legal structures currently being implemented by mission driven entrepreneurs and executive teams to drive their impact models — from benefit and social purpose corps to other hybrid entities and for-profit/non-profit structures. Francesco will discuss the features, benefits and detriments of different models and will take questions from webinar participants about structural questions relating to their particular impact model.

Sign up HERE

 

DECEMBER 11TH

Raising Capital for Conscious and Impact-Driven Ventures – Conscious Content Friday LIVE

Access to growth capital is one of the most critical elements to generating positive impact at scale. Join social enterprise attorney Francesco Barbera in a discussion of methods and vehicles impact entrepreneurs and executive teams are using to raise growth capital for their enterprise. We will discuss both traditional, non-traditional and non-obvious funding methods as well as new crowdfunding and public offering mechanisms coming online as a result of the JOBS Act. We will also discuss common misunderstandings that result in delay or failure in the capital raising process. This webinar will feature a live Q&A component and will target to both entrepreneurs and executive teams, non-profit leaders, as well as impact investors.

Sign up HERE

 

July 2015: A Note from our President

Hats off to everyone who attended our inaugural event at USD on May 11th. It was standing room only with over 280 people in attendance — a majority of whom were San Diego business leaders.

It may seem like we’ve been quiet lately, though there’s been a lot going on behind the scenes. Beginning in August, we have at minimum one event per month, with most having two or more, all packed full of value.

I’ve been connecting with a lot of you over the past few weeks and I want to answer some of the important questions out there.

What’s the mission of the San Diego chapter?

Our mission is to foster the adoption of conscious capitalism and activate the potential of purpose-driven organizations to maximize value for all stakeholders. We do this through education, mentorship, business community engagement and modeling conscious business practices.

Basically, we want to get as many on board with the Conscious Capitalism principles as we can.

Here’s how you can help with that. If you belong to, or know of any organization that might have an interest in Conscious Capitalism, introduce us to them.

That includes any company, association, networking group, or whatever.

We will come out to any San Diego based organization — at no charge — and give an introduction to the movement and principles of Conscious Capitalism.

Someone come to mind? Reach out to me or Bill Dooley, who is our Membership & Partnership chair and we will get in touch right away.

What’s the value of becoming a Member?

In the post-event survey we sent to all of you last month, you told us that you were most interested in attending events with expert speakers, followed very closely by participating in peer-based learning and networking events.

While anyone can attend our larger events (though members get discount and event benefits,) there are two member-only benefits that you may enjoy.

The first is Peer-Based Learning, which are small, intimate events designed to leverage the vast knowledge we have in our membership already. In these you will both share your experiences as well as learn best practices from other members, all while developing close relationships.

Our first two will be in August and September. Be on the lookout for dates in the next few weeks.

The second are Member-Only Webinars, where you will learn more specific topics from internationally acclaimed experts in an online format. This includes topics like B-Corps, Servant Leadership, Creating and Sustaining a Conscious Culture, and more. The library will also be kept online for the membership to access on-demand.

Not a member yet? Get on board! Click here to sign up now.

How can I get more involved?

Let us know! We are looking for volunteers, committee members, and there are both current and future board positions to be considered.

Contact Malcolm Avner if you believe in the cause and have some time and space to move this game-changing movement forward.

Remember, love is the most powerful force in the universe. Business is number two. Let’s put them together and really affect some change.

Consciously,

R. Michael Anderson

Welcome to CCSD

San Diego, buckle your seat belts.

As a city, once again, we’re going to be leaders.

We did it with wireless, conventions, biotech, education, and fish tacos. Now we’re poised to be frontrunners in another new wave of business.

The question is: Are you ready to join us?

Let me introduce Conscious Capitalism.

The movement began with a book by John Mackey, CEO of Whole Foods, and thought leader Raj Sisodia.

We call it CC for short. This January, the founding Conscious Capitalism San Diego Board of Directors was created, and they honored me with the appointment of President of the Board. We will be the 20th Conscious Capitalism chapter internationally.

The definition of CC is simple. It means being in business for the greater good. When you engage in CC you:

• Consider all your stakeholders when making decisions
• Become a Conscious Leader yourself
• Have a Values-Based Culture
• Are in business for a Higher Purpose (rather than just for making profits)

I’m glad CC exists. Before I was introduced to the organization, I founded three international software companies, won 2013 Social Entrepreneur of the Year, and was on several lists of the fastest growing companies and the best places to work. Of course I was proud of those achievements. But strangely enough, I also felt a little alone.

In my own way I was doing my best to run my companies consciously. I treated everyone with respect. I looked out for all of my stakeholders, from my vendors to my larger community. Together we defined and lived by a positive set of values.

But it was hard. Although I felt this was the “right” thing to do, I was flying by the seat of my pants. As the leader of these three companies, I was charged with balancing the ups and downs of practical business matters with the vision of a conscious workplace. I faced challenges for which there were often no easy answers. Most of the time I was sure there had to be better ways of doing things, but I didn’t even know where to start looking.

Maybe you’re in the same boat today. You’re running or involved in a local business, and you’ve also got a sense of what’s really important in life. Things like personal, customer, and employee satisfaction. Respect for the environment and community. Values that go beyond the market value of your company. And now you want to make sure these two things aren’t mutually exclusive.

When I found CC, I knew it was the path forward for me—and my companies.

I know it can be the same for you.

Many of us already understand that running a conscious business is the best way to truly effect change in the world. And now you can implement the principles of conscious capitalism—principles that will drive your business to greater success while enriching your community—with the support of Conscious Capitalism San Diego.

These days I have a “tribe,” a community where I can learn, share, and grow. It’s the sort of mutually supportive environment I would’ve loved to have had back in the day—and which I am honored to be a part of now. When you join CCSD, you can have the same thing.

In our first year at CCSD, we have three objectives:

• Inspire
• Create Community
• Educate.

When you join CCSD, you become part of a community of like-minded people. This is a place where you can share, where you’ll feel valued and included.

It’s a place to be inspired hearing what other people are doing—and to share your own inspirations.

And it’s a place to get educated, to learn from best-in-class teachers about ways to incorporate the principles of CC into your business.

You may already be engaging many, if not all, of the principles of CC in your own way. But how much support do you get in doing them? Are you utilizing best practices? Are there ways for you to be more efficient, more productive? As part of the community at CCSD you’ll find the support—and answers—that can help drive your business to success.

Study after study shows that conscious companies outperform others. But more than that, running a conscious business just feels like the right thing to do.

I hope you’ll join us in this inaugural year of Conscious Capitalism San Diego. It’s certainly a journey I look forward to taking.

As a member of CCSD you can help spread the world-changing principles of Conscious Capitalism. Support your business, your employees and customers, your community and yourself. Join today.

Join today as a Student Leader, Thought Leader, or Business Leader. In addition to our thought-leading speakers you can engage in our unique peer-based learning. Click here to learn more about membership.

If your company wants to be Corporate Partner and be affiliated with this great cause, we have benefits that can help you differentiation, hiring, retention, and exposure. (Note that only organizations that are in line with our principles will be accepted as a Corporate Partner.)

At minimum, click here to get on the mailing list, as we have some powerful events coming up.

And if you have an interest in becoming a volunteer click here, and if you have a suggestion / connection to a Conscious business leader or thought leader that we may want to have speak, let us know by clicking here.

Be a leader yourself. Join this worthy cause. Get the word out. Share this on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and let your tribe know that you are a Conscious Capitalist.

And reach out to me directly. I want to hear what would bring value to YOU. president@consciouscapitalismsd.org

Consciously,

R. Michael Anderson
President, Conscious Capitalism San Diego
president@consciouscapitalismsd.org
(more about me → http://executivejoy.com/about/ )

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