Reclaiming Innovation for the Greater Good: A Reflection

Last week, I attended an event at Brightwater that prompted deep reflection on the role of faith communities in shaping society. A quote from Greg Dees stood out:

“What happened to the church? My field wouldn’t exist in business schools if it wasn’t for the loss of interest in social entrepreneurship and innovation in the church. It’s as if you all had a meeting somewhere around 1970 and decided to quit your interest in entrepreneurship and innovation. For much of American history, anything that was truly innovative, particularly for the social good, was done by people of faith.”

This statement invites us to consider the historical impact of faith communities in pioneering social change. They built hospitals, schools, and charities, often leading the way in innovation for the common good. Over time, this focus shifted, and much of this work transitioned to secular institutions.

Values, Business & Innovation Today

What if entrepreneurs today embraced principles of integrity, compassion, and service as foundational to their business models? Viewing businesses not just as profit-driven enterprises but as platforms for positive transformation can lead to sustainable success and societal benefit.

This perspective isn’t confined to any particular belief system; it’s about recognizing that aligning our work with core values can lead to solutions that not only generate revenue but also uplift communities and contribute to the greater good.

The question is: Are we willing to redefine success to include the well-being of others and let these values guide our innovation?

This is exactly what we dive into in my new group coaching program, where like-minded business owners come together to wrestle with these big ideas and develop practical strategies to grow their businesses while making a lasting impact.

If this resonates with you, I’d love for you to be part of the conversation. Drop a comment below or reach out, and I’ll send you more details on how you can join us.