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