A group of thirty Columbia Business School students recently ventured out to Stanford University for the 2005 Net Impact Conference, "Bridging the Gap: Leading Social Innovation Across Sectors." We joined over 1300 professionals and MBA students for a weekend devoted to exploring innovative social enterprise issues.
The conference kicked-off with a keynote address by former Vice-President Al Gore, who currently serves as Chairman and Co-Founder of Generation Investment Management, a company focused on socially responsible investing. Mr. Gore highlighted climate change as one of the most significant challenges our civilization faces, and emphasized the importance of integrating issues such as environmental sustainability into business decisions. He challenged the audience to make a personal commitment, regardless of what type of organization or sector one ends up working in, and to "remember right is right - even if the people we are working for aren't doing it, these values have to be integrated." Mr. Gore was particularly engaging, weaving lighthearted political humor into his address. He closed with a comment about the role of the current administration in addressing sustainability issues, saying "we have everything we need, we have technology and ideas. The only thing missing is political will, and in a democracy political will is a renewable resource." Mr. Gore's address was an inspiring beginning to a weekend packed-full of content.
There were over 50 panels spanning topics such as business and the environment, using business skills in the nonprofit sector, corporate social responsibility, international development, leadership, social entrepreneurship, and socially responsible investing. A few snapshots from panels I attended:
"Navigating a Career in Business and Public Service" brought together leaders who have held positions in business and in the highest levels of government service. The leaders noted similarities between careers on Wall Street and in the public sector, and emphasized the tremendous general education a career on Wall Street provides for those looking to pursue public service careers in the longer term.
A thought leader spotlight followed, "Reducing Global Poverty through Business and Social Entrepreneurship," which examined how leaders at the Acumen Fund, Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship, and Technoserve are affecting change by helping grow businesses in developing countries.
"Non-Profit-Private Alliances: Creating Strategic Value for Both Parties" considered the creative and mutually beneficial relationship between Disney Worldwide Outreach and First Book. First Book is a national nonprofit focused on literacy that distributes Disney's unsold books to children who most need them. The benefits on both sides are significant. For Disney, the partnership is well-aligned with their mission, providing creative content to children and families, and donating versus remaindering unsold books is cost neutral. As a result, thousands of books are donated to those most in need.
Gary Hirshberg, President and "CE-Yo" of Stonyfield Farms (the 3rd largest yogurt company and #1 organic brand in the world) provided another keynote address. Mr. Hirshberg leads the company, while maintaining a strong ethic "to believe in the primacy of the shareholder as long as it is equal and equitable with the rights of the farmer and community." Stonyfield has built a lasting relationship with consumers by maintaining a strong focus on sustainability. The company has demonstrated that it is possible to lighten its ecological footprint while simultaneously maximizing profitability. For example, Stonyfield Farms realized significant cost savings by developing zero emission factories that operate more efficiently, and by increasing the efficiency of packaging. (Stay tuned for a likely Social Enterprise Event in the spring, visiting Stonyfield's operations in Vermont.)
In addition to extensive exposure to ideas, experiences and high impact leaders in social enterprise fields, it was invigorating to spend a weekend together out in sunny California. Meals and cocktails were enjoyed outdoors, and comprised of local organic and sustainably produced ingredients. At the final gala dinner at the Moscone Center in San Francisco, Columbia Business School's Social Enterprise Club was honored with the 2nd place Net Impact Chapter of the Year Award, which recognized the activities and achievements of the Club, as well as the strong interest Columbia students show in the field.