Having known Raj Sisodia for more than a decade, I consider it an honor and a privilege to have learned so much from him. I have been with him since 2013 when he and a few allies started the Conscious Capitalism "CC" chapter in Mexico. Since then, the movement has expanded greatly throughout Mexico, particularly since we partnered with Tec de Monterrey to create the Conscious Enterprise Center. Since then, I've adopted numerous of his ideas and tried to apply them to the different chances that have come my way in both my personal and professional life, using them all over.
This year, at the Tec de Monterrey Annual Board of Trustees Meeting, I had the opportunity to expand my knowledge about Raj and his important allies. I was fortunate to hear Bob Chapman, one of his co-authors, speak to us about his book and his experience as an entrepreneur who has lived by the motto of "always putting his employees at the center." This is among the best ways to illustrate his accomplishments over the years with an example. Above all, a prosperous and inspiring businessperson exemplifies how to simultaneously generate economic, social, and environmental value through their own life.
Over the years, Bob has employed an acquisition-focused approach and a culture he refers to as "Truly Human Leadership." This not only helped the company boost revenue by almost USD 3 billion, but it also significantly increased employee satisfaction both inside and outside the workplace.
His viewpoint has changed over time to include an understanding of and compassion for every employee. Bob says, "People share gifts they didn't even know they had and feel safe, appreciated, and a part of the team when you genuinely care about them. But you need both; you can't create a supportive culture without first offering the stability of a strong business plan." Although the business model is crucial, the culture plays a crucial role in realizing its full potential. Developing your listening skills can also make you a more compassionate and encouraging leader and person.
Let's say we start incorporating Bob and Raj's ideas. In that scenario, we have the chance to move past the conventional paradigm, where capitalism is only focused on maximizing profits, and instead adopt a concept that encourages a more moral and holistic view of business, where we can demonstrate conscious leadership.
In this sense, I believe the following characteristics and actions are essential to consistently identify in a Conscious Leader:
- People should always come first.
- Perform your civic obligations.
- Show consistency between your words and actions.
- Engage in active listening.
- Recognize and interact with the local community.
- Promote the welfare of the general public.
- Honor differences.
- Be mindful of the surroundings.
- Promote the Development of a Legal Culture.
- Always assess environmental, social, and economic performance at the same time.
More Conscious Leaders are needed in the nation and around the world. We need leaders in every industry who are true to themselves and aligned with CC, who support comprehending the needs of all stakeholders and creating a chain of command.
Years pass on the CC path, but what counts is genuinely being consistent and congruent—CC needs to be embodied in all facets and levels of the organization. Reducing funding for social and environmental projects or focusing only on measuring economic performance is not a viable option during uncertain economic times.
Starting a business based on conscious capitalism is a lifetime endeavor, but it's also a sustainable one, and it provides a model for what it means to be a truly conscious leader.
Dr. Francisco Suárez Hernández, Director of Public Affairs and Strategic Relations at FEMSA, and Strategic Business Affairs and Health Division Corporate Affairs. Former Chairman of the Board of the World Environment Center.