Two years ago, I wrote a post on the IBEC blog showing an example of Corporate Social Responsibility by highlighting the rise of Chobani Yogurt and its founder Hamil Ulukaya. It is a great case study for BAM startups. You can read it here.
Last month, Ulukaya presented a TED Talk which is riveting. If you only have 4 minutes, watch the 4-minute version and you will have much to think about.
If you have 17 minutes, watch the full TED Talk and you may have an idea for your business or a new startup.
What does he say?
- Spreadsheets are lazy, they don’t tell you about people; they don’t tell you about community
- The playbook that guides CEOs in the last 40 years is broken.
- There is a difference between profit and true wealth.
- The New Anti-CEO playbook sees people again – it sees beyond profits, money and shareholders – it is about employees first and about community – they build success.
- Business is in the best position to bring social change, not government.
- The CEO should not report to a board, but to the consumer, the reason the business exists.
- People often just need another chance – to develop dignity of work, strength of character and human spirit (30% of Chobani’s work force is immigrants and refugees).
Perhaps the most powerful thought is in relation to how a kingdom business (Business As Mission) project should start, and it is so different than most of the well-meaning startups today. Ulukaya says:
- Each startup business should go to struggling communities and rather than ask for tax breaks, ASK, “How can I help you?”
4 minute version: here.
17 minute full TED Talk: here.
Larry Sharp, Director of Training, IBEC Ventures
larry.sharp@ibecventures.com