Day one of the Conscious Company Global Leaders Forum was filled with incredible connections, moments of fun and levity, and deep dives into actionable wisdom from conscious leaders and experts across industries. We are truly grateful for the tapestry of inspiring changemakers who have gathered here at 1440 Multiversity in the redwoods outside of Santa Cruz.
The Highlights
The day opened with Conscious Company Media co-founder Meghan French Dunbar settling the crowd into the values of the event and introducing core elements and tenets of the coming experience.
“We are asking you to embody conscious leadership while you are here,” CCM co-founder Meghan Dunbar opens up the space #CCLeadersForum pic.twitter.com/GWkgsAEs8i
— CONSCIOUS COMPANY (@ConsciousCoMag) June 7, 2017
At the urging of our chief expansion officer Aaron Kahlow, hugs were in order!
Pro facilitator Rand Stagen then took breakout groups through introductory exercises meant to open up the crowd and create some vulnerability. The final message was that, both at the Forum and in our workplaces, we are responsible for how engaged we are. Not just in the moment, but in bringing our values and impact to the front.
Group exercises exploring how we are all responsible for our own levels of engagement at #CCLeadersForum pic.twitter.com/07ESoTL1YP
— CONSCIOUS COMPANY (@ConsciousCoMag) June 7, 2017
The SVP of Clif Bar and Company’s human resources, Shanon Di Donato, talked about the struggles of growth, and why its so valuable (beyond the bottom line).
“If we don’t grow our brand, we can’t grow our impact,” – Shannon Di Donato of @ClifBar #CCLeadersForum pic.twitter.com/oUt9zsO05z
— CONSCIOUS COMPANY (@ConsciousCoMag) June 7, 2017
The breakout sessions were possibly the most potent and valuable elements of the Forum, happening after almost every panel discussion and immediately moving the theoretical to the concrete as attendees discussed how to apply the talks to their own businesses.
Later we had the pleasure of hearing a riveting panel on corporate advocacy from Patagonia’s Rick Ridgeway, Beneficial State Bank’s Kat Taylor, and Seventh Generation’s Joey Bergstein, three leaders making serious impact. Here are some standout quotes.
“We should expect more, not less, and hold to high standards the institutions of society” -Kat Taylor of @BeneficialState #CCLeadersForum pic.twitter.com/tj1eAlA6UN
— CONSCIOUS COMPANY (@ConsciousCoMag) June 8, 2017
“Young people come to Patagonia largely because of our commitment to activism” – Rick Ridgeway of @patagonia #CCLeadersForum pic.twitter.com/sf5GXKmoy4
— CONSCIOUS COMPANY (@ConsciousCoMag) June 8, 2017
“Make your incentive structure tied to delivering impact on the issues you’re focusing on,” – Joey Bergstein @SeventhGen #CCLeadersForum pic.twitter.com/lgVCPidjde
— CONSCIOUS COMPANY (@ConsciousCoMag) June 8, 2017
To close out the evening, the legendary activist and author Lynne Twist reminded us that business is the frontier, the space the play, and the battleground for saving the world.
Overall, the day was an illuminating exploration of purpose and impact, and we are so excited to see what the rest of the week brings!
