conscious business

Conscious Content: 181 businesses shift to valuing all stakeholders

August 31, 2019

Hello CCSD Community

Here is our bi-weekly Conscious Capitalism content share. We hope you find it informative and inspirational.

In the news

Did you hear? 181 of America’s largest businesses agreed that the purpose of business is to create value for ALL Stakeholders. The Shareholder model is not working. The majority of the members of the Business Round Table signed and released this updated Purpose of a Corporation statement this week. This statement ends with “Each of our stakeholders is essential. We commit to deliver value to all of them, for the future success of our companies, our communities and our country.” Conscious Capitalism Stakeholder Orientation tenet couldn’t agree more.

Impact

Ideas, beliefs, philosophies, culture tend to shift over time. Sometimes for the better, sometimes not. Sometimes it’s what is needed at the time, but that time is limited. This 2013 Washington Post article shares how the impact of believing in Maximizing Shareholder value influenced IBM and how it wasn’t always like that. It also touches on how the Business Roundtable (mentioned above) previously believed and stated the importance of all stakeholders. But from 1997 until this week, the focus was on shareholders. It appears we are in the middle of another shift. Hopefully, this one is for the better.

Informative Read

The Fetzer Memorial Trust would like to gift you the new biography of its founder, “John E. Fetzer and the Quest for the New Age” as a way of sharing his inspiring journey.

As a pioneer in the broadcast industry, owner of the World Series Detroit Tigers, advisor to two presidents and one of the 400 wealthiest individuals in America, John E. Fetzer was an example of the principles of Conscious Capitalism long before the term gained popularity.

Underneath these worldly achievements, he was a significant figure in the consciousness movement and was driven by living a life inspired by higher purpose and meaning. This biography reveals how his lifelong spiritual and scientific search contributed to his success both personally and in the practical world of business.

Conscious Capitalism San Diego is happy share this book with you, our community. To receive your copy, CLICK HERE and fill out the short form. We hope it inspires you on your own journey of conscious unfoldment.

Inspiration

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Conscious Content: Simon Sinek’s new book, CC + B Corps, Farmer’s Footprint

August 23, 2019

Hello CCSD Community

Here is our bi-weekly Conscious Capitalism content share. We hope you find it informative and inspirational.

In the news

Conscious Capitalism? B Corps? CSR? You might be wondering what these have in common, or not. This Medium article by B the Change might help clarify some of this for you. You will learn how Conscious Capitalism and B Corps support each other and how they both go beyond CSR.

Impact

Several of you attended our May event in which we hosted a screening of Farmer’s Footprint film. Thank you for being there with us! Farmer’s Footprint mission is to regenerate 5 million acres of farmland by 2025. To do so, they believe “Every successful revolution must be founded on education and shared values. Your participation will serve as a template and catalyst for many more grassroots leaders to follow. Without your participation, our reach as a non-profit would be limited.”

To help their reach be limitless, they created a simple Farmer’s Footprint film screening toolkit and guide to support change in your community. Take a look and get started HERE.

Informative Read

Simon Sinek’s newest book, The Infinite Game, challenges our current model of Capitalism. In his interview with Conscious Company Media, Sinek says ” The form of capitalism that we have now is not the capitalism that Adam Smith envisioned. It’s bastardized. Milton Friedman theorized that the responsibility of business is to maximize profit within the bounds of the law. But what about ethics? Milton Friedman clearly never ran a business, because if all you focus on is money, your business will break. Even Henry Ford said that business that’s made only to make money is a weak kind of business. There’s only one thing on the planet that is obsessed with growth for growth’s sake — and that is cancer.” The Infinite Game is out in October but you, of course, can pre-order your copy today.

Inspiration

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Conscious Content: Interface’s Mission Zero, green jet fuel, and how to make waves at work

August 9, 2019

Hello CCSD Community

Here is our bi-weekly Conscious Capitalism content share. We hope you find it informative and inspirational.

In the news

Aviation currently accounts for approximately 2 percent of global emissions and is projected to grow. Finding a way to replace fossil-based jet fuel with a renewable alternative will be key for the future of the aviation industry and our planet. Luckily some companies are seeing the importance of this and are investing in our future. Velocys is a renewable fuels firm which created a method of transforming household waste into sustainable transport fuels. Shell and British Airways are funding $3.5 million to build a U.K. refinery plant to make green jet fuels out of household waste. Learn more about their initiatives here.

Impact

What happens when a global public company in one of the world’s dirtiest industries decides to become a leader in environmental stewardship? Well, a lot. Interface, Inc. sells high-quality carpets. They are also committed to what they call “Mission Zero” – their promise to eliminate any negative impact the company may have on the environment by the year 2020. And they are well on their way to doing so. Interface not only disrupted their industry but have proven to other large, international organizations, that they too can do business better.

Informative Read + Worksheet

You might not have an official “leadership” title at work. But you can still make waves, according to Bethany Hilton. Check out her blog and go through her worksheet. You will learn how to respect the existing boundaries of your company while still testing the limits. Don’t let a title, or lack thereof, hold you back.

Inspiration

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Conscious content: social accounting, cure for stupidity, LAZ Parking, plus more!

July 19, 2019

Hello CCSD Community

Here is our bi-weekly Conscious Capitalism content share. We hope you find it informative and inspirational.

In the news

Have you heard of Social Accounting? If not, no worries. You can learn about it here in this June ASU article. According to ASU’s Elizabeth Castillo, “social accounting is a holistic way for the firm to strategize and communicate how it creates value for its stakeholders and society.” Sounds like a powerful tool to us! Several countries and companies are starting to practice and see the benefits of Social Accounting as well (see the last paragraph in the linked article above).

Impact

Purpose is a hot topic these days. You’ve probably talked about (or wondered about) your org’s Purpose within the last few months. Higher Purpose is one of Conscious Capitalism’s four tenets. But what really is corporate Purpose? Or better yet, Dane Smith over at FSG challenges, what is a corporate purpose worth having? He shares that companies typically fall short in 4 main ways:

1. It lacks significance
2. It lacks authenticity
3. It isn’t profitable
4. It isn’t implemented seriously

Informative Read

Most people aren’t intentionally stupid. But we all have our stupid moments, whether we are conscious of it or not. Eric M. Baily may have the cure in his new book, The Cure for Stupidity: Using Brain Science to Explain Irrational Behavior at Work. It’s the #1 New Release on Amazon right now, so maybe people are channeling their smarts when deciding to read this.

In Practice

If you ever parked in a public parking lot, you’ve likely parked at one time or another in a LAZ parking lot. We are proud to have them as part of our CCSD community and to share that they are Conscious Capitalism, Inc.’s Featured Partner of the Month.

LAZ Parking is a parking management, transportation, and mobility company founded in 1981 by three childhood friends. Today, LAZ operates over one million spaces in thousands of locations and provides parking management services in several different industries.

You can read more about LAZ and how they practice Conscious Capitalism in their CCI business profile page. AND watch a video on their partnership with Ten By Three, a charity that reduces poverty in developing countries by using a unique Prosperity Wages model. You will for sure get the warm fuzzies.

Inspiration

Forty-one student teams came away with a total of $57,000 at this year’s Fowler Global Social Innovation Challenge hosted in San Diego. Team’s social innovation ideas included solutions in wireless technology impact, the diversity of female voices, leadership in sustainable business ventures, and new ways to use recycled tires. Winning teams will be posted on the link above soon.

CCSD was a proud sponsor and is excited to welcome 17 new student members to our local chapter.

Help us WELCOME: Momo Bertrand, Charles Bullard, Kyle Duffy, Grace Obrien, Tyler Schiller, Nisreen Al Sabie, Robbie Beyer, Ana Dominguez, Blake Dunkleberger, Matteo Hernandez, Austin Hirsh, Amy Kame, Camille Morales, Julia Stewart, Ian Western, Casey Myers, Patricia Cosulich

photo cred: USD Center for Peace and Commerce Fowler GSIC facebook photos)

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Conscious Content: Chobani Founder’s anti-CEO Playbook, A&W Winning Business, Regenerative Farming, Plus More

June 21, 2019

Hello CCSD Community

Here is our bi-weekly Conscious Capitalism content share. We hope you find it informative and inspirational.

In the news

The annual Milken Institute’s Global Conference was held earlier this month. A theme that emerged during the conference was around the need to reform capitalism. If not, the consequences will be dire. You can get a short summary here in this LA Times article with the more racy title, Reform capitalism or face revolution, billionaires are told at Milken Conference.

Impact

How and where you choose to spend your money matters. Organizations that have a higher purpose and live it through the actions they take are winning a lot more business than those that are not. Read how A&W won this CEO and father’s business by living its higher purpose in this Forbes article.

Informative Watch

“In an appeal to corporate leaders worldwide, Chobani founder Hamdi Ulukaya calls for an end to the business playbook of the past — and shares his vision for a new, “anti-CEO playbook” that prioritizes people over profits. “This is the difference between profit and true wealth,” he says.”

Inspiration

We had the pleasure of being with Dr. Zach Bush, MD at our May 28th event. His research, science, and stories around our biggest health crisis were both worrisome and inspirational. Check out what he and his team are up to at Farmers Footprint and learn how they plan to regenerate 5 million acres of farmland by 2025. You can also watch their 20-minute documentary here.

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5-10-19 Conscious Content Friday

May 31, 2019

Hello CCSD Community

Here is our bi-weekly Conscious Capitalism content share. We hope you find it informative and inspirational.

In the news

Have businesses contributed to some of our modern health and well-being issues? To simply put it, yes. Could businesses also be the solution and betterment of our health and well-being? According to this HBR article, the answer is yes AND could also be a competitive advantage for organizations.

Impact

San Diego is 1 of 5 cities out of 143 to win a $3 million grant from the AdvancingCities Challenge supported by JPMorgan Chase. This is a 5-year initiative focused on inclusive growth and greater economic opportunity. San Diego will use this grant to fund a new collaborative program called Advancing San Diego.

“The Advancing San Diego program is going to be a game-changer and will provide resources to underserved communities that need it most,” said Mayor Kevin L. Faulconer. “It’s going to lift up our small businesses, prepare San Diegans for skilled jobs and make a real difference in people’s lives. It’s also going to level the playing field so that no matter where you grow up in San Diego, you have access to opportunity.”

If you are a business or educator interested in participating in the Advancing San Diego initiative, fill out the quick form HERE.

Informative Listen

Check out episode nine of the World Changing Women Podcast and hear Eileen Fisher share how she turned her hand made garments to a $300 million dollar brand. And continues to challenge her industry by working toward becoming one of the most sustainable clothing brands in the world, becoming an ESOP, and practicing a collaborative leadership structure.

In Practice

This week we are excited to highlight local San Diego Conscious Capitalism start-up, reVessel.

reVessel’s purpose is to change the course of human and environmental health by shaping a sustainable future for generations to come. The company was born out of a need for thoughtful alternatives to safely travel with food. To kick the dependence on convenience food, single-use packaging, and chemicals, they developed their flagship product known as the Adventure Kit.

In addition to climate neutrality within their first year of operations, they are committed to global impact with a portion of proceeds going back to funding the conversion of chemically-dependent farmland to regenerative organic practices and ocean rehabilitation and preservation. A portion of proceeds of their “Spring into Action” pre-sales campaign will go back to local organizations moving these missions forward. So Spring into Action HERE and pre-order your Adventure Kit before the end of May!

Inspiration

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4-26-19 Conscious Content Friday

May 10, 2019

Hello CCSD Community

Here is our bi-weekly Conscious Capitalism content share. We hope you find it informative and inspirational.

In the news

Ray Dalio, Founder of Bridgewater Associates, has been trending in the news lately. He has joined the likes of other heavy hitters in the financial world, like Larry Fink of Blackrock, calling for a need to reform capitalism. You can read about it directly from him in his Linkedin articles. These are quite long and technical but are direct from him. A shorter summary could be found here.

Impact

The Conscious Company Leaders Forum took place earlier this week in Northern California. If you were no there, that’s ok. You can get a sense of all the highlights and experience people had here. There are some good links to leaders and organizations that shared their stories throughout the forum. And great images of people connecting. Enjoy!

Informative Listen

Last week Raj Sisodia talked to The Work Hard Play Hard podcast on the power of Conscious Capitalism in business and life. Take a listen here.

Inspiration

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4-12-19 Conscious Content Friday

April 25, 2019

Hello CCSD Community

Here is our bi-weekly Conscious Capitalism content share. We hope you find it informative and inspirational.

In the news

Fastco’s 3rd annual World Changing Ideas is here. The winners include 17 solutions to solve some of the planets real problems. World Changing Ideas “celebrates businesses, policies, and nonprofits that are poised help shift society to a more sustainable and more equitable future.”

Impact

Conscious Company Media’s new issue is out. It highlights 20 game-changing founders of color and what their conscious companies are up to to create more equity and inclusion in the world. Click here to take a peak inside this issue. CCSD Members receive a discount to access full content and membership. Ask us how.

Informative Read

Hiring on Purpose: How the Y Scouts Method Is Revolutionizing the Search for Leaders. Sometimes the candidate who looks ideal on paper may not be right for your business. This book helps you “look beyond the resume and focus on human factors like values, vision, and purpose to acquire and retain leaders that will drive results and move your business forward.””

In Practice

This week we are excited to highlight local San Diego Conscious Capitalism company, Mamma Chia.

Mamma Chia is an organic chia-based food and beverage that offers only the highest quality chia products that provide vitality and energy. Mamma Chia’s mission is to share the Magic of Chia®. They are a conscious and sustainable company that honors and uplifts both the soul of humanity and the soul of the planet.

Founder and CEO, Janie Hoffman, discovered the power of chia seeds during her own health journey. She wanted the Mamma Chia product to not only have a positive health impact on customers lives but also have a product that prompted a positive environmental impact. Learn more about their story here.

Inspiration

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3-22-19 Conscious Content Friday

April 12, 2019

Hello CCSD Community

Here is our bi-weekly Conscious Capitalism content share. We hope you find it informative and inspirational.

In the news

The rise of Conscious Capitalism from the perspective of Louis Gagnon, CEO of Total Brain. “In short, the idea behind conscious capitalism is that capitalism, in and of itself, must change if it is to prevail as an economic system. It argues that prioritizing the interests of shareholders above all other stakeholders can no longer work. It demands corporations use their resources more wisely. It requires that all stakeholders be truly considered in decision-making.”

Impact

As the head of Heineken USA and Heineken Mexico, Dolf van der Brink has learned to use the power of people and purpose to apply smart, impactful, and profitable practices. “By letting go of fear and stereotypes, something van den Brink has had to do multiple times in his career, he says, he has learned an important lesson “A big part of humanity is suppressed in organizations and bureaucracies. But when you can find a way to tap in that, and appeal to people’s passions and unleash their energies, amazing things can be done.” Read more about specific examples here in this FastCo article.

Informative Read

Brené Brown does it again with her new book: Dare to Lead: Brave Work. Tough Conversations. Whole Hearts. This books was developed from over 7 years of research with transformative global leaders. Brené writes, “Leadership is not about titles, status, and wielding power. A leader is anyone who takes responsibility for recognizing the potential in people and ideas, and has the courage to develop that potential.”

In Practice

Branch Out Market is a curated social impact market. They partner with nonprofits who are teaching a skill, working with women, young artisans, or refugees to help create economic opportunities and income streams for their projects. By partnering with these organizations they hope to help them focus on their missions and help in creating a stable and reliable access to market. Please read their stories online and browse through the market as if you were walking the streets of Guatemala, Tanzania, South Africa, India, and more combined!

Inspiration

Larissa Fawkner, our Business Membership co-Chair and outreach extraordinaire has been out and about all over our community. She inspires us to share and serve every day. Make sure if you see her around you say hi and play her very creative Conscious Capitalism Jeopardy game.

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3-1-19 Conscious Content Friday

March 22, 2019

Hello CCSD Community

Here is our bi-weekly Conscious Capitalism content share. We hope you find it informative and inspirational.

In the news

It is no secret that the apparel industry has a huge environmental and social footprint. There are several newer, more environmental and ethically friendly apparel organizations popping up. However, four older brands, like Fruit of the Loom and Hanes, have also committed to revamp their strategies to reduce their negative impact on the world and support their consumer demands.

Impact

Informative Read

Get Your Head Out of Your Bottom Line: And Build Your Brand on Purpose, by Bethany Andell. This book explores what could happen if executives shift their focus from solely improving the bottom line to the company’s long-term health and non-monetary impact on the world. And how to do it!

In Practice

From the founder:
“I am a strong believer in capitalism as a resourceful and efficient way to solve the worlds challenges. Don’t get me wrong, we need charity, but we also need jobs. After working with farmers in South Africa for a few years I saw how their sense of purpose was critical to their success and happiness. My job was to bridge the gap to market, with each opportunity our farmers worked harder and were able to improve their skills and resourcefulness. I joined Conscious Capitalism because I knew that in order for Branch Out Market to be successful I needed to meet and collaborate with like-minded individuals. This is how we will make the world a better place!” – Rachel McKinney

Every partner we represent has a story, every product they create makes an impact.