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Thrive. Connect. Contribute.

by Tony Loyd

We tell positive stories of people who, thrive in life, connect with others, and contribute to the world in the face of adversity.

We ask and answer this one question:

"Tell me about a time when you were resilient."

Why "Thrive. Connect. Contribute."? You are here on earth to connect with others and contribute to the world. But before you can connect and contribute, you must first practice self-care. In other words, you must thrive. Thrive. Connect. Contribute. In that order.

Copyright: 2020 Culture Shift Companies

Episodes

Learning to Thrive, with Susan Hay, Thrive Health Magazine

17m · Published 12 Aug 19:55

Susan Hay hit rock bottom. Then she launched a global health and nutrition brand.

Susan Hay is the Founder and CEO of Thrive Health Magazine, a health and nutrition magazine. She also runs Thrive Media, a digital branding agency for Health, Food, and Fitness Brands.

After a 20-year career in branding and design, the lifestyle began to take its toll. “I began to find that my health was deteriorating,” Susan explains, “because of the stressful lifestyle and eating rubbish food. If I’m honest with myself, I knew I wasn’t thriving for several years. I wasn’t happy. I was stressed, and I was working no end of hours.

“That’s when I hit rock bottom. And for me, the transformation was about how food can make you feel better.”

She began to examine her life, starting with the food she was eating and the people with whom she was sharing time. She trained as a Holistic Nutritionist.

In 2014, Susan released the first issue of Thrive Health Magazine. The goal is to clear up confusion about health and nutrition by publishing expert articles.

“There’s a lot of confusing information out there. It’s hard for people to focus and get on the right path. That’s why the magazine started and still thrives today.”

Despite her apparent expertise in managing brands, Susan knew nothing about magazine publishing. “It was such a passion project,” Susan confesses, “It was such a passion project, it was almost as if it was out of my hands. It just came together in the form of a magazine because of my background.”

Today, Thrive Health Magazine enjoys subscribers in 25 countries.

Because of Susan’s background in branding, a lot of other health, nutrition, and wellness brands began to reach out. “I love working with startup brands that have a good core mission. Some bigger corporate brands will start a food brand, and because they have a marketing budget, they can push it out to the masses. Where, smaller brands that have a far better product, struggle with that.”

So, Susan launched Thrive Media to work with brands in food, health, and nutrition to help them build a brand and a business online.

One offering from Thrive Media is Thrive Brand Academy. “In 2020, I am focusing on helping brands in health, food, and wellness to learn about launching an ethical brand online,” Susan says. “I’m helping brands to grow their audience.”

To start, Susan suggests that those who are interested start with her Brand Clarity Quiz.

Learn More about Susan Hay and Thrive Media and Publishing:

  • Thrive Health Magazine: https://thrive-magazine.co.uk
  • Brand Clarity Quiz: https://thrive-magazine.co.uk/brand-quiz-page
  • Twitter: https://twitter.com/thrivefeelalive  
  • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThriveFeelAlive
  • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrivemagazine/
  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susanhay

Stories of Resilience, Part 4

21m · Published 28 Jun 19:58

Uncharted territory.

This is the final installment from a storytelling class by Dane Stauffer, featuring storytellers who are 55 years old or older.

Today’s storytellers are talking about their in uncharted territories. Whether they are trapped in an apartment, puttering in a garden, in an unfamiliar landscape with a parent, or on the open road, they are finding ways to be resilient.

Ann Davey, I’m Sheboygan

Bio: I'm expanding my horizons in my retirement with improv and storytelling. It keeps me busy and learning new things is always good for mental health.

Sandra Eliason, Harmony

Bio: I am a retired physician who has turned to writing full time. I enjoy getting together with people, which is on hold now in person. I enjoy reading. I am currently reading all the books I have collected meaning to read over the years and am making a dent. I’m currently trudging my way through "War and Peace." I enjoy walking and visiting with my kids and grandkids, currently socially distanced in backyard. I enjoy storytelling and writing. I am currently learning to allow myself to be lazy, to sit and read or write with no guilt. And I am trying hard to get my house in order to downsize.

Susan Temple, Dad, After Mom

Bio: I raised five daughters and taught kindergarten for many years. When my 30-year marriage ended suddenly five years ago, I began a journey of self-discovery that led to my becoming a Life Coach and Emotional Freedom Techniques Practitioner. Now I get to help others on their own journey to self-discovery. I love supporting folks as they find more peace and freedom in their lives.

Mary Britt Delaney, Biking, Summer 1974

Bio: I am an Irish woman, native of St Paul. I enjoy listening, learning, and sharing experiences. A favorite quote comes from a Navajo Indian Prayer: "As I walk, the universe is walking with me." I wonder what is next?

Learn More about Dane Stauffer and Aroha Philanthropies:

  • Dane Stauffer: https://danestauffer.com
  • Aroha Philanthropies: https://www.arohaphilanthropies.org

Stories of Resilience, Part 3

19m · Published 27 Jun 21:08

A shift in perspective.

Welcome back to part three of a four-part series on Stories of Resilience. One of the ways to build resilience is to reframe something, to see it in a new way.  

These stories come from a storytelling class taught by Dane Stauffer. The class is part of a Creative Aging initiative from Aroha Philanthropies. The class is targeted for those over 55 years old, with some participants in their 80s. The goal of the program is to upend the narrative on aging.

These stories are told via Zoom during the pandemic.

Today we hear stories about a shift in perspective. One story is about an eye infection that led to a new way of seeing things. Another is about a new way of seeing Passover. And one is about a cat who changed her mind.

The first story comes from Ruth Lauritzen. She finds a way to have grace for her much younger self.

Ruth Lauritzen, The Lesson

Bio: I am retired from a career in teaching and design. I most enjoy theater, music, reading, and the outdoors. I look forward to returning to live performances in the not too distant future (fingers crossed). My hubby and I miss our family and friends.

Nancy Winter, A Little Eye Problem

Bio: I am a 68-year-old, never married, no children retired mortgage banker. I’m a single-family homeowner planning to stay in my home as long as possible. I have lost both of my siblings and parents to diseases and am wanting to share stories of care giving with humor and compassion and the importance of taking care of yourself. Travel was a passion of mine having been to over 45 countries with unique stories. I have friends living in multiple states of all ages, interests, life experiences, opinions, goals and am always open to new friends. 

Laurie Kamman, The First-Ever Passover Zoom-Over

Bio: Laurie Kamman is a native Minnesotan. As a journalist she worked in public radio and television. Prior to the Pandemic she enjoyed traveling and learning about other cultures through food and art. She hopes to resume this passion in the not too distant future. She is a daily walker. She also loves to challenge herself by trying new things. At 64, she is continuing to develop her skills as a storyteller. She believes we get to know ourselves and each other through the stories we share. She divides her time between the Twin Cities and Charleston, South Carolina.

Nancy Gagliardi, Morgan’s Easter Story

Bio: I am a retired elementary school teacher, wife, stepmom, grandmother, Auntie, friend, and animal lover. I enjoy people and getting to know them through their stories. Navigating life the best I can and enjoying the ride. Grateful to have discovered this storytelling community.

Learn More about Dane Stauffer and Aroha Philanthropies:

Dane Stauffer: https://danestauffer.com

Aroha Philanthropies: https://www.arohaphilanthropies.org

Stories of Resilience, Part 2

25m · Published 26 Jun 20:21

Resilience doesn’t have to look a certain way.

Resilience can look a lot of ways. Today, we’re going to hear four different people give their response to the prompt, “Tell me about a time when you were resilient.”

These stories come from a storytelling class taught by Dane Stauffer. The class is part of a Creative Aging initiative from Aroha Philanthropies. The class is targeted for those over 55 years old, with some participants in their 80s. The goal of the program is to upend the narrative on aging.

These stories are told via Zoom during the pandemic. You can here Dane tell the backstory here.

For the next three episodes, we are going to present stories of resilience. What is surprising is the variety of these stories. It’s an important lesson.

Resilience doesn’t have to look a certain way.

Today, we present four stories of a gym class, clothes pins, September 11, and Pine-Sol.  

Michelle Westlund, Hang On

Bio: I'm originally from Ohio and am a huge Ohio sports fan. I work in marketing at Bethel University. I am also a grad student at Bethel Seminary. My biggest life accomplishment is my three adult kids, who are now my three best friends.

Bettiana Luisa LaSorella, The Curse

Bio: I live a life of wonderful adventure - - even though I hardly leave my kitchen. Children, books, stories, nature, and good friends have helped me through most of life's lonely, fearful, and hard journeys as well as the happy ones. I keep dancing in my living room, reading, riding my bike, camping, cooking, and being surprised. Gratitude eases my days and love eases my nights.

Kim Vasquez, A Year of Resilience...I Think.

Bio: Kim is the Founding Artistic Producer of Gray Lady Entertainment, Inc., a Producer on the Broadway musical sensation Be More Chill running in London (pre-COVID) and a newly appointed Artistic Associate at Park Square Theatre in St. Paul (2021). Having lived and worked in NYC and Massachusetts for nearly 30 years she is thrilled to be back in the Twin Cities performing Storytelling with Dane Stauffer.

Lesley Novick, The Power of Pine-Sol

Bio: Lesley was born, raised, and formally educated in and around Minneapolis. After graduation from the University of Minnesota, she left Minnesota for what turned out to be a 23-year career working for an international hospitality company that brought her back to Minneapolis. Looking for a change and a chance to be her own boss, she became a Realtor and has been helping people buy an-d sell homes for 23 years...so far.

Learn More about Dane Stauffer and his storytelling class:

  • Dane Stauffer: https://danestauffer.com
  • Aroha Philanthropies: https://www.arohaphilanthropies.org

Stories of Resilience, Part 1, Dane Stauffer

21m · Published 26 Jun 14:30

Tell me about a time when you were resilient.

===

Special Note: This episode was recorded before the killing of George Floyd. Should this interview have happened later, Dane and I would have had a different conversation with a different tone. We present this interview in solidarity with all who are working to dismantle systemic racism.

===

Dane Staffer is a busy guy. He is an actor, writer, singer, director, improviser, educator, and sought-after party guest. In a word, he is a creative.

For the last three years, Dane has taught a storytelling class at the Park Square Theatre in St. Paul, MN. The class is part of a Creative Aging initiative from Aroha Philanthropies. The class is targeted for those over 55 years old, with some participants in their 80s. The goal of the program is to upend the narrative on aging.

Unfortunately, during the winter, Park Square Theatre was unable to host the class. However, they gave Dane permission to continue the class elsewhere.

Dane went into improvisational mode. “I am so glad that I am steeped in improv,” Dane says. “Because two of the basic ideas of improv are ‘yes, and,’ and ‘adjust accordingly.’”

Dane found a room in his apartment complex, contacted interested students, and scheduled the first class for March 17, 2020.

With the class location settled and students enrolled, Dane traveled to the west coast. While there, news of the Coronavirus broke. Meetings began to cancel, and so Dane caught a class back home.

Minnesota went on lockdown, and the class was canceled. This was particularly bad news for Dane. He makes his livelihood from entertainment and education.

Again, Dane called on his improvisational skills. If the goal is to upend the narrative on aging, why not go all in and conduct the storytelling class via Zoom. “One of the stereotypes of this age group is that technology is not our thing,” Dane explains. “I pitched it as a beta test, because I believe in learning on the job.”

After a rocky start, the students became proficient in Zoom.

Typically, Dane’s storytelling class ends with a capstone presentation in a theater. Think of it as The Moth meets AARP. The stories can vary widely on topics.

In this case, given the COVID-19 pandemic and the rich life experience of the participants, Dane and the students decided to focus on a single prompt.

“Tell me about a time when you were resilient.”

The stories are as varied as the participants. The participants talked about the polio outbreak, about September 11, 2001, about World War II.

“I think it’s important that we show up authentically, even if it’s imperfect, rather than waiting until we get it all right,” Dane says. “So, my goal is to create an opening where we can generate stories.

“What we know from telling stories live is, the power of sharing your story ripples out into the community. My friend T. Mychael Rambo says ‘Every person is a library.’ And the only way someone is going to hear your story is when you share it.” 

Coming Up!

Dane has recorded twelve stories from his class. Over the next three episodes, we will share four short stories on the topic of resilience.

Learn More about Dane Stauffer:

Dane Stauffer: https://danestauffer.com

Facebook Group, Improvise Now: https://www.facebook.com/improvdane

Aroha Philanthropies: https://www.arohaphilanthropies.org

Thinking at the Systems Level, with Brian Krohn, SafeDistance.org

17m · Published 16 Jun 14:32

When faced with a systemic problem, Brian Krohn thinks at the systems level.

Systems resist change, whether we are talking about systemic racism, institutional policies, or a global pandemic. To meet systemic challenges, you must think at the systems level.

Brian Krohn has spent his career changing stubborn systems.

It’s 3 AM on March 10, 2020. Brian is frantically sketching on a giant whiteboard in his basement workshop. The COVID-19 pandemic has landed on the US coasts. Misinformation is everywhere, and no one seems to be doing anything. No one seems to understand the scale of what is coming. Brian has an idea that might help. But can an idea spread faster than a virus?

The idea was simple.

“The only effective tools we have to fight COVID-19 are testing, contact tracing, and social distancing, Brian says. “There were several problems. The US fumbled its testing program. Contact tracing requires an invasion of privacy that Americans won’t tolerate. Social distancing and quarantine can only be effectively implemented on a massive scale, such as a state shutdown.”

Brian’s idea? Build a way for users to share their symptoms anonymously at the neighborhood level.

“The neighborhood, or census block group, is big enough to maintain privacy. Yet, it’s small enough that individuals and communities can act.”

The goal was for people to see what was going on in their neighborhood. They would get clear personalized social distancing recommendations. This would allow them to contain COVID-19 without giving up civil liberties.

But for this idea to work, it would require:

1. Institutional backing from trusted institutions and people (hospitals and universities), and

2. Widespread adoption from users to participate.

How though could one guy in his basement at 3 AM muster that kind of support?

He started texting everyone he knew. Before dawn, he had connected with friends at the University of Minnesota. He found collaborators at the HealthPartners Institute, the research arm of HealthPartners. HealthPartners is the largest healthcare provider in Minnesota.

But then, they ran into a series of bureaucratic hurdles.

“Our collaborators at the University of Minnesota were great,” he explains, “but, because of the COVID-19 crisis, key decision-makers were swamped. HealthPartners stepped up and supported this innovative idea.”

With institutional approval, Brian and a small team built an app to trace the pandemic at the neighborhood level. They submitted it to the big tech companies. Nothing. They were blocked.

“First, they didn’t believe HealthPartners was a health organization. Then, they sat on it for ten days so that they could launch their COVID symptom recommender. We thought we were dead at that point. However, their system still didn’t help users and communities to take action, so we pushed forward.”

As of today, SafeDistance.org has launched a Web App. They have an iOS app. However, the Android app is still not available.

“We have growing grassroots support from doctors and neighbors. We are in this for the long haul. COVID-19 is not going away any time soon. The Spanish flu took two full years and three waves of deaths to conclude. We are going to need ways to come together and to look out for each other. Otherwise, the self-inflicted damage may be greater than the damage from the virus.” 

Learn More Brian Krohn and SafeDistance.org:

SafeDistance.org: https://app.safedistance.org/

Modern Logic: https://modernlogic.io/

HealthPartners Institute: https://www.healthpartners.com/institute/

Brian Krohn on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-krohn/

Connect to Contribute to the World with Stefan Phang

19m · Published 12 Jun 17:14

Stefan Phang is driven to make a difference. He creates shared value through connections.

For more than thirty years, Stefan Phang has been working to protect children and end human trafficking. “When a family is in deep poverty, sometimes, the only thing they can sell is themselves, or their children,” Stefan explains.

Stefan has first-hand knowledge of the world of the underserved. He grew up in a shanti in Penang, Malaysia. “There was no running water. The toilet was an outhouse with a blue pail in a hole in the ground. When the pail was full, it was my job to take the pail to the river and clean the pail. I grew up in that kind of squalor. I joined gangs to protect myself from being bullied.”

Stefan went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in Microbiology and a master’s degree in Molecular Epidemiology. He is an accredited Child Protection Advocate

Today, Stefan works to end poverty and child trafficking, but not by working for a charity or an NGO. He is the Global Director for Creating Shared Value (CSV), at Diversey. Diversey is a provider of cleaning, sanitation, and maintenance products, systems, and services.

Turning Waste into Shared Value

“In a megacity in Asia, you stand on the seventh floor of a hotel. You look across the road, and you see a slum. You don’t have to go far to find the poor.

“There is this disparity between the luxury of this hotel, and across the road, you’ve got squalor. So, I was looking for a way to bridge this gap. How do we get resources from those who can provide it, to those who need it?

“When I go to talk to someone, and I ask them for resources such as cash, they will give me a little bit of money. So, what you do is, you ask for something that they’ll never say no to. You ask them for things they are going to throw away. You ask them for your trash.”

Stefan mapped the waste streams of hotels. Every year, a typical 400-room hotel generates 3.5 tons of solid soap waste. That same hotel generates about two to three metric tons of used linens such as bedsheets, pillowcases, and more.

“If you map the waste that a luxury five-star hotel generates, a lot of it can be recycled or upcycled into something useful. People can make a small income out of it,” Stefan explains. “If someone has a way to make money, they don’t have to take the drastic step of selling their children.”

Working with luxury hotel chains and local NGOs, Stefan created two community resilience programs. Soap for Hope converts used guest soaps into new soap bars. Linens for Life converts condemned hotel linens into useful items such as school uniforms. These programs provide work and income for underserved communities.

Being a Connector During COVID-19

According to Stefan, “During the COVID-19 pandemic, all communities are under lockdown. But not all lockdowns are created equal. The poor, underprivileged, and underserved suffer the most. These communities need sanitation and protection from the virus.

“These programs are designed to be community-based. But, how to do this now under lockdown? Also, how do we distribute these items to communities in need under lockdown conditions?”

Stefan and the teams did not give up. They converted the Linens for Life program to make facemasks. “We have distributed 150,000 soaps and 50,000 face masks. We deliver to slums and rubbish dumps. We are working globally, from Argentina to India to Indonesia. “

Stefan explains the drive that keeps him going. “There is a cliché that says that there are 3 types of people in the world. Those who make things happen. Those who watch things happen. And those who wondered what the hell happened.

“The needs out there are simply too great for me to say ‘well, there's nothing I can do from here’. I have Wifi. I have email. I have social media.

“You have choices. You can choose to be a person who make things happen. You can watch things happen. Or, you can wonder what the hell happened. For me, I made the choice to make things happen. 

Resilience Through Community, with Michelle Maryns of We Sparkle

17m · Published 11 Jun 18:37

Michelle Maryns is building a stronger and more inclusive economy by equipping underestimated entrepreneurs with tech-enabled business tools.

 

Special Note: This episode was recorded before the killing of George Floyd. Should this interview have happened later, Michelle and I would have had a different conversation with a different tone. We present this interview in solidarity with all who are working to dismantle systemic racism.


From an early age, Michelle Maryns was interested in the economic empowerment of women of color. “My mom was the first entrepreneur I ever knew,” she says. “She had a successful fabric business back in Vietnam, but when my parents immigrated to Kansas in 1975 as part of the first wave of refugees, she didn't feel confident in continuing her business because of all the language, cultural, and systemic barriers. I always wondered what she could have accomplished if she had the tools, resources, and confidence to continue her entrepreneurial journey. That's why I've dedicated my own career toward issues of economic empowerment--especially for women of color like my mom.”

Michelle wanted to start a business like her mom. In middle school she participated in an after-school program on entrepreneurship. “I ended up competing against high school students in a business plan and stock market competition. I won both!”

The prize for the stock market competition was an all-expenses paid trip to New York to see the NASDAQ and the New York Stock Exchange. During that trip, one of her mentors who was a traditional investment banker told her that he didn't think she was cutthroat enough for the business world.

“I was only in middle school, so I took his words to heart and decided to pursue a path in public service. Over the years, I helped various startups on the side--including two of my brother's companies--but I was always afraid to take the leap and start my own venture.”

Genesis of We Sparkle

Michelle directed her energy toward public service. She completed a master’s degree in Public Policy from Harvard University. She worked at the U.S. Department of State, the American Academy of Neurology, and the Metropolitan Economic Development Association (Meda). But she was never able to ditch the feeling that she wanted to start a business.

On her journey, she experienced setbacks. Michelle reminded herself to not let others dull her sparkle. She developed a mantra, we sparkle. “It was a reminder to let your light shine, to help others to shine, so that together we shine,” she says.

It was another amazing woman in Michelle’s life, her mother-in-law, who finally made Michelle realize that if didn't take the leap and start her own venture, she would always regret it. “That's why I finally did it and I took the leap.”

In 2018, Michelle applied for and was accepted to the FINNOVATION Lab as a FINNOVATION Fellow. The FINNOVATION Fellowship is a nine-month incubator and fellowship program for purpose-driven entrepreneurs. This led to her startup, We Sparkle.

We Sparkle is a public benefit corporation that leverages technology to help small businesses save time and increase revenues. They are building a stronger and more inclusive economy by equipping underestimated entrepreneurs with tech-enabled business tools. Most of their customers are women of color. We Sparkle’s AI Assistant texts with customers to schedule appointments, answer their questions, educates them on your products/services, and encourages their reviews.

Learn More About Michelle Maryns and We Sparkle:

Michelle Maryns on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maryns/

We Sparkle on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WeSparkleOrg

We Sparkle on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/WeSparkleOrg

We Sparkle on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/WeSparkleOrg

Build Resilience, with Leticia Gonzalez-Reyes, 109 World

25m · Published 25 May 17:45

Leticia Gonzalez-Reyes thought she would spend this year building her nonprofit. Instead, she is building her resilience. 

Leticia Gonzalez-Reyes started 2020 with so much hope. “So many of us thought that 2020 was going to be THE year,” she says. She started the new year at a gathering in Vancouver. “I am not a New Year’s resolution person. But at the start of every year, I choose a word for that year. My word for 2020? BUILD.”

Leticia started her nonprofit 109 World five years ago. Like any startup, they have had their struggles. “For 2019, my word was FOCUS. That really helped 109. It felt like, in 2020, I was going to harvest all the fruits that I planted the previous year. In short, I thought the soil, the foundation was finally strong so I could start building my organization the way I always envisioned. That’s why my word for 2020 is ‘build.’”

109 World hosts retreats for people to renew themselves and to join in service projects. “What is self-care without a chance to put that into service in the world? On every 109 experience, we partner with local grassroots organizations. We positively impact communities and environments. Volunteering with them allows us to put our hands in the soil, break bread together, and truly gain perspective of our place in the world. In five years, we have supported over 400 alumni in adopting more sustainable and mindful ways of living.”

Past volunteer opportunities include clean drinking water projects, women and girls’ education, animal welfare, the refugee crisis, food security, and disaster relief. 109 World has partnered with over a dozen local grassroots organizations across 11 countries.

February of this year found Leticia visiting her family in Brazil. It was Carnival time. “Everybody was happy and looking forward to what 2020 had in store for all of us,” she remembers. “Coronavirus was not that big, that scary. It was not yet a global crisis.”

Entering Survival Mode

Then came Friday, March 6. The Coronavirus halted international travel.

“My phone had 22 WhatsApp messages, and seven missed calls. The 22 WhatsApp messages were follow-ups from 22 extremely rude emails in my inbox. People were freaking out that 109 World had not issued a statement about the pandemic. People wanted to know what our community should do.”

Community members had put down deposits. They wanted to know about refunds.

“I entered survival mode. I called my board to come up with an emergency plan.” With the board, Leticia decided to refund all deposits. She then called the hotels and other service providers, whom she had prepaid. Unfortunately, they were not willing to repay her.

Leticia spent the rest of the day on the phone with upset customers, assuring them that they would receive a refund.

Nearing Bankruptcy in Business and Life

“Giving the refunds, and not being able to get refunds ourselves, we only had one month of survival left.”

Leticia felt a sense of overwhelming fear. “I had palpitations, sweating, trembling, shortness of breath, nausea, and dizziness.” Her sister, who is a doctor, told Leticia, “I think you are having an anxiety attack.”

“I am someone whose work is to help people live a more mindful life. So, stress, anxiety, and business don’t continue to control their lives. And, for them to avoid burnout. Yet, here I am having my first anxiety attack. Honestly, I felt like a complete failure. I felt like I let my community down. I let my business down. And, I let myself down."

Learn More About Leticia Gonzalez-Reyes and 109 World:

Leticia Gonzalez-Reyes on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leticiareyes

Leticia Gonzalez-Reyes on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leticiacgr

109 World: https://www.109world.com

109 World on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/109world

Donate to 109 World: https://www.109world.com/donate/

Ethics in the Era of COVID-19, with Rob Chesnut, Chief Ethics Officer, Airbnb

26m · Published 13 May 22:32

Rob Chesnut is the author of Intentional Integrity: How Smart Companies Can Lead an Ethical Revolution.

As you continue your social isolation journey, what decisions will you make today? Some of us have serious decisions about how to provide for a family during an economic downturn. Others of us are trying to figure out how long we can go between showers. But for most of us, our decisions are not going to impact the lives of 150 million people. That’s the situation that Rob Chesnut found himself in earlier this year.

Rob Chesnut is the Chief Ethics Officer at Airbnb.

As a member of the Airbnb executive team, he and the team were faced with a decision that involved multiple stakeholders:

  • 150 million Airbnb customers.
  • 650,000 Airbnb hosts in 161 countries.
  • More than 100,000 local communities.
  • More than 7,500 employees in 34 cities worldwide.
  • Investors.

How can you possibly make a decision that impacts that many people? The Airbnb leadership team knew that they would have to make tough choices and tradeoffs. They didn’t have a playbook for how to handle a global pandemic. Nobody did. What they did have was a set of core values to guide them. And they had a way of thinking about ethical decisions. Rob Chesnut calls this Intentional Integrity. 

Learn More About Rob Chesnut and Intentional Integrity:

Book: Intentional Integrity: How Smart Companies Can Lead an Ethical Revolution: https://amzn.to/2T3zNTv

Intentional Integrity website: https://www.intentionalintegrity.com

Rob Chesnut on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ChesnutRob

Rob Chesnut on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robchesnut

Thrive. Connect. Contribute. has 35 episodes in total of non- explicit content. Total playtime is 11:12:47. The language of the podcast is English. This podcast has been added on November 27th 2022. It might contain more episodes than the ones shown here. It was last updated on February 23rd, 2024 03:43.

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