Mr Johnson used this moment to immediately switch from the world's best basketball player to the public face of HIV/AIDS. As the movie says: at that moment, everyone suddenly "knew" someone who was HIV positive. The movie includes his wife Cookie, Larry Bird, Arsenio Hall, and a number of the others involved in that moment that so many remember still. And although the movie is ostensibly about Magic, it more so leads one to think of the changes in our society that have happened in the relatively short 20 year span since.
It is a heartfelt movie with a purpose ... and yet it's still a joy to watch. It airs on Sunday, March 11, 2012 at 9pm on ESPN, and I'd suggest you catch it if you can.
The movie also inspired me to think again about the "win/win/win"mandate that I constantly seek. Besides being a fantastic movie to help raise awareness of HIV/AIDS treatment, it's also brilliant on many other levels: it enhances Mr Johnson's fantastic brand; it is a great tool and will help many as it relates to HIV/AIDS, and it will most likely provide financial support to his Foundation. It's a perfect win/win/win ... and perhaps if we were all more consciously aware of the opportunities like this which surround us, perhaps we'd look around and find -- or better, create! -- more win/win/wins in each of our own lives and businesses.
That said, what better time to start than now: Let me (or your public) know what your favorite win/win/win moments (products/services) are, and let's bring more attention to the organizations that are doing what matters.
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Perhaps it's just because this is where I'm now focused... but it feels like everywhere I look, business is turning towards a more broad balance sheet: it's not just that the finances are in order; but that heart, passion, or the planet figure into the bottom line. (Sir Richard Branson of the hundreds of Virgin companies writes clearly abot this in his new book "Screw Business as Usual") And yet, somehow it seems that the giant companies of the world (Monsanto, are you listening?) are 10 years or more behind the game... or almost worse: they'll talk as if they care, and yet it's transparently obvious that their "caring" is just another marketing ploy.
Amazingly, though, we're the ones who actually hold the power in this. Spend your money only with companies that are making a positive difference in the world ... and it won't be long before the big corporations follow.
A few examples of companies (each close to my heart) that incorporate cause into what they do are Virgin (coordinated by Virgin Unite), KOR Water, Magic Johnson's many companies (operating closely with his Magic Johnson Foundation), and Promark Financial ... just to name a few.
I believe the next big push will be for transparency ... how can we know that we support the deeds of the companies we're buying from? Behind the scenes, Tethos is supporting an initiative in this vein, and I'd love to hear any thoughts you have on the matter. How can we make better choices on spending with companies that do what matters? Let me know what you think...
]]>During the thought process I was prodded by Reshma: "Jason, why do you keep them so separate? Integrate!" And Mike caught the perfect moment as I talked: "Stop! What did you just say? '...do something that matters...' Yes, that's your key, right there!"
So the decision was made: do something that matters, not just in my personal life, but in my professional life as well. Rebrand. Only accept projects that made a difference.
Appropriately enough, just as I launched the company with our first project (for Virgin Unite, Sir Richard Branson's non-profit) I received Sir Richard's book, Screw Business as Usual. And wouldn't you know it, but his whole book was essentially the same idea: doing good can be good business. It inspired me to push even harder on Tethos; as it truly provides the opportunity to do good for the planet, and do good for my family.
Here we are, then. I've uncovered Tethos' purpose: We spread ideas that matter. (Wait... let me state that after legal review: TethosTM. We spread ideas that matter℠.) So now I ask you: what's your purpose? Is your personal purpose integrated with everything you do ... and if not, how are you working towards it? What matters for you, and why are you not doing it?
If we can help -- personally or professionally -- please don't hesitate to contact me through www.tethos.com. For, as Margaret Mead has famously said: "A small group of thoughtful people could change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has."
]]>For example, we're currently working on branding Rock the Kasbah 2011, a large gala in support of Virgin Unite and The Eve Branson Foundation. Hosted by Richard Branson and Eve Branson, top artists help raise money to support opportunity for youth. From the logo creation, website, ticketing, tee-shirts, social media, 100+ page commemorative hardbound book, to helping name the ice cream, it's been an incredible ride.
What can Tethos do for you? Let's chat.
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