Purpose with Action to create Sustainable Impact and Economic Security

How are we as individuals contributing? 

Like anything in life, we can look at things through our own lens and keep doing what we have always done, or we can take the opportunity to better understand how we contribute to the lives of others. 

No matter who you are, what ecosystem you live and work in, you have an impact. Pausing to better understand each touch point that you are a part of requires consciousness, willingness, and drive. Once you have these, you begin to understand that nothing is as it appears at a surface level.  

Our approach, when considered with depth and wisdom, will change the lens in which we do business and live life. There is nothing that we eat, drink, and survive on that does not involve someone else in the supply chain, yet we seldom think about how it is sourced and our positive or negative impact; by not asking questions, or worse still, staying silent, when we do know. 

Ethics and Integrity together with Respect are our core values. With these in mind, we often pause to listen so that we can better understand how we can enrich those whom we connect with. 

Fundamental Needs to Thrive 

Self-Reliance and Economic Security are fundamental needs that enable people to thrive. It is no longer acceptable for us to think or believe that surviving is enough. It is no longer ethical for us to think that equity is acceptable if only 5% or 10% is allocated to those in marginalised communities and cultures. It is no longer acceptable that we look at risks without seeking out solutions to keep up with the status quo and what we have always done.

As innovators and intellectual beings, who are capable of finding solutions to take people to the moon and beyond, it is time that we looked deeper into how we are each contributing to the millions of people across the world that continue to be marginalised and faced with economic devastation, poor health, and little to no enrichment in life because they have no access to all the things we take for granted. 

Planning for solutions beyond our Tenure 

It is no longer acceptable that business leaders, policy makers, or we as individuals set timelines for action that are likely to go beyond our own tenure as we are contributing to the issues that we are all taking about and yet wanting someone else to solve. This is an opportunity to stand in alignment and to seek out preventative measures as well as solutions that bridge the gaps that have widened exponentially over the past decade. 

Procurement practices play a significant role in shaping economic security and redistributing wealth at a local level just as much as it does on a global basis. Governments, together with large enterprises, play a major part in this area as they have a significant purchasing power, so how they wield it can have a far-reaching impact on equity and distribution. Whilst I recognise that there is no easy turnaround in how their buying power is distributed, I am asking that we are all invited to sit at the table to enable change to be part of the discussions.

Responsive action 

When we are willing to address the existing inequity that is seen and understood by developing responsive policies that enable genuine access, enhancing education, and equipping everyone in the supply chain to have visibility and a voice, we will find solutions that minimise the gaps that exist in our social ecosystems. 

It is no longer about us doing a job and fulfilling what is in front us; it is about us understanding if the work that we do either contributes to the welfare and wellbeing of others or not.

Having a mindset that understands that change for one needs to benefit us all, is how we foster economic empowerment whilst mobilising generational change. 

Collaboration with stakeholders including community organisations, industry associations, and advocacy groups to develop and implement equitable policies can help ensure that practices are responsive to the needs and priorities of everyone involved.

Developing outreach programs and technical assistance to minority-owned businesses including workshops, training sessions, and one-on-one support to improve their financial position, competitiveness, and ability to bid on contacts not only helps distribute wealth but also begins to bridge the generational socio-economic status that exists.

Changing societal norms 

Overall, overcoming resistance to diversified economic growth and personal wealth requires a multifaceted approach that involves leadership commitment, social responsibility, stakeholder engagement, data-driven decision-making, and collaborative efforts to drive change.

By addressing concerns and building support demonstrating the benefits of inclusion through to grassroots, governments and companies can pave the way for more equitable and inclusive practices.