Article contributed by Declan Scott.
Recently I was fortunate enough to be asked to present at the BNI Wellington Big Breakfast event at the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa. Samuel Gibson was originally scheduled to speak but sadly passed away after suffering a head injury while taking part in a half-marathon http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11639317. Samuel had a strong relationship with BNI and had spoken to hundreds of members over the years so understandably many attendees were impacted by his passing.
Declan Scott, The Spirited Business Network, THE RESILIENCE INSTITUTE, Spirited Business Ltd Network.
I wanted to connect with Samuel’s story in my speech that discussed the importance of authenticity and spirit in business. I am an entrepreneur and business owner dedicated to helping change the face and culture of business by helping to create a renewed sense of purpose and passion for people in the workplace. Since moving from Ireland, I have worked and lived in many countries. Connecting with people and various cultures has taught me a lot about business and its true purpose.
Since moving to New Zealand I’ve helped cofound a group called SHE Universe https://www.facebook.com/shechocolat which includes a harbourside restaurant, event centre and gourmet chocolate company. Other initiatives include working with the team at the Resilience Institute in New Zealand as well as founding The Spirited Business Network , which works to bring greater authenticity and awareness to business.
I want to remind people of the power of business to act as a medium for good and to uplift humanity. That’s what I spoke about at the Big Breakfast and the BNI audience seemed to really connect with the message about regaining our own power and responsibility for our lives by living up to who we truly are and finding our groove. This may be because of the strong values both The Spirited Business Network and BNI have about bringing people together, inspiring others and helping people along on their business journeys.
Like many in the audience I am a businessperson who has had to overcome significant challenges and Fundamentally, I wanted to bring more self-awareness as well as community awareness into the workplace.
By establishing a more meaningful connection to others we can enhance the value of connection that BNI enables. If you truly embody the values of BNI’s philosophy of Givers Gain, you will not just get more business, but you will also grow in business and benefit in so many other ways. It’s all about operating with integrity and creating a more meaningful experience in business and life.
Supporting people to connect with greater purpose and embracing the challenges leads to business growth. We need to change business culture by establishing greater leadership and supporting others. Think of it like this:
If you are in business for what you get, you will make a living. If you are in business for what you give, you will make a life.
