8 REAL-LEADERS.COM / SPRING 2022 Do you ever wonder why some people can turn a bad situation into good? When I ask business leaders around the world what the best thing about the pandemic has been, most of their answers have resoundingly been: “We like the decrease in business travel and more time with our families.” They also point out the convenience and value of easily connecting with other leaders across the globe via Zoom. Many have also experienced an awakening of some sorts, re-prioritizing their values and how they want their businesses to function going forward. The idea of either becoming an impact business or elevating their existing impact business for greater profit and exponential social purpose is high on their list. This “Great Reflection” period, as I call it — regarding people who deeply care about the health and survival of our world and want to use their business as a force for good — is both exciting and inspiring! These are the superheroes of today since impact businesses can have such a profound positive effect on our society and the next generation. I’d like to personally thank all of them because I know leading a triple bottom line organization can be a unique challenge that requires significant dedication. We all can show our gratitude, as well, by checking out the new “Real Leaders 200” ranking of Top Impact Companies around the world, featured in this special edition. The more we support these impact businesses through our purchases or investment power, the stronger we are collectively. Starting on page 44, you’ll see numerous examples of far-sighted leaders who are taking risks and making a difference, such as Arnerich Massena, which aligns investments with values, or King Arthur Baking Company, which inspires community connections through baking. Two other equally important priorities coming from this “Great Reflection” mindset have been a keen focus on mental health and the need for peer-to-peer collaboration. Re-evaluating the worklife-balance dynamics for each leader and their employees has been a daunting task for some, yet a EVER WONDER WHY? What Really Makes You Happy? “The greatest discovery of our generation is that human beings can alter their lives by altering their attitudes of mind. As you think, so shall you be.” —WilliamJames positive revelation for others. The remote work adjustment has streamlined many sustainable business practices and has allowed employees to spend more time connecting with family, friends, and communities. Many leaders have told me they’ve adopted new thinking and HR policies that offer more frequent, or permanent, home office and mental health opportunities. A happier, healthier work team is good for everyone. It can allowmore time for creative thinking, which can translate into more innovation and success. Collaborating with other purpose-driven leaders is also paying off. Many leaders are moving away from their silos and joining together with other values-aligned leaders in groups such as the Real Leaders Impact Collaborative, which provides a confidential environment to address their greatest challenges and opportunities. On a personal note around mental health, I find that I am looking more closely at the little things in life that bring me joy. Music is one of my passions that I’ve learned to appreciate more deeply because it can be soothing and emotionally transformative. Recently, I encouraged one of my own family members, Jillian Van Ness (who is the founder of Grow Resilient Families and a talented songwriter, composer, and singer, in addition to a fulltime mom taking care of two little ones during COVID-19) to share one of her soothing songs titled Resilience Reprise with our Real Leaders audience. It was written with raw honesty about the heaviness of the pandemic, yet with a positive intention to think differently anytime things feel too difficult. Every time I listen to this original song, it always warms my heart. I hope you enjoy this beautiful song, as well, and feel free to share it with anyone who may benefit from the music and the message. Julie VanNess, CEO Julie@Real-Leaders.com The Real Leaders Impact Collaborative Listen to “Resilience Reprise”
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