Is there a heart in corporate culture?
Posted by: Masami Sato in vision, effective giving, corporate, contribution, business on May 31, 2008
One of the biggest pieces of luck this week (there is so much magic happening right now), was meeting with the general manager of one of the biggest ratail chains in Australia at their Sydney headquarters to discuss how we could work together.
To be honest, before meeting this wonderful gentleman at the remarkable new office in the outskirt of Sydney, I had a feeling that working with a company this big may become a little limiting factor for us.
We have many interesting ideas, and in some ways, our vision could be perceived as a little too idealistic for some. I was very curious to see what would happen at this meeting.
When we arrived, we were stunned by the office complex that looked like a beautifully designed shopping mall - without shops (they in fact had some boutique shops, cafes and even a supermarket inside the building). The main hall was a massive open space with wide spacious staircases leading to office spaces with glass walls everywhere. We could see many of the meeting spaces from the hall. The lifts were all see-through with glass walls as well. There was this almost unexpected sense of joy and pride and unbeatable corporate culture present in the surroundings.
At the entrance, as I stood in front of a large black and white photograph (about 5m wide) on the wall that showed their very first retail store in 1924, I really felt the weight of the history behind this amazing business.
While we were waiting, a tall gentleman who looked much younger than I anticipated, (and was very handsome as well!) walked toward us and greeted us. As I was introduced to him (I wasn't actually supposed to be there), his first words were, "Oh, you are Masami. I just read your book. It was great!" I was simply astonished.
We had a great thirty minute meeting together. I wouldn't go into what was shared at this meeting because this is confidential (or we would rather say 'something to look forward to'). But one of the most important things we learned from the meeting with him was this - corporate people also deeply care.
His professional attitude, focus and the sense of dedication were so remarkable and obvious and he was so genuine at listening. We gave him some feedback about the 'dedication' we witnessed in what he was doing. He said, "It is exactly the same for people who excel in any area of life. It could be a sport player; it could be an author. When we totally dedicate ourselves to an activity, we excel in what we do without fail. It is the same for you."
We experienced a connection with this wonderful person we were most privileged to meet and share with. We didn't feel attached to the outcome of the meeting at all. We don't know what will happen as a result for here. It was simply so precious for us to have the time with him and see the real corporate attitude in the surrounding environment. I was so inspired.
I used to feel that it could become a limiting factor to start working with some of the massive corporate business players when we are not that big ourselves. I thought we might loose the sense of freedom and creativity in a bigger game. But playing big doesn't mean we enjoy playing the game less - not at all. It's still just a game no matter at what level we choose to play. But once we start really appreciating the game, we start connecting - through our heart. Totally.
We are so honoured to be able to work with all of the B1G1 members, partners and sponsors around the world. It doesn't matter if they are small businesses or large businesses. But everyone who sees the massive value in making a difference with what we do, we just connect as if we were old friends. And the more we expand and grow, the more each of us benefits from what we do together.
Many corporations tell very little about their contribution. We do not know a lot about their stories. But we realised that every successful and trusted company, actually has a long-standing giving culture built into their business.
There is no way to become truly successful without giving, sharing and connecting. It would be great to learn about this at school.
As customers of large companies that contribute and give back, when we buy from them, we get to be part of the giving that they have done on our behalf.
We all deserve to know what difference we are making everyday. And running a business or being a customer becomes ever more interesting and inspiring journey when we can feel that we have a part to play in the giving.
To be honest, before meeting this wonderful gentleman at the remarkable new office in the outskirt of Sydney, I had a feeling that working with a company this big may become a little limiting factor for us.
We have many interesting ideas, and in some ways, our vision could be perceived as a little too idealistic for some. I was very curious to see what would happen at this meeting.
When we arrived, we were stunned by the office complex that looked like a beautifully designed shopping mall - without shops (they in fact had some boutique shops, cafes and even a supermarket inside the building). The main hall was a massive open space with wide spacious staircases leading to office spaces with glass walls everywhere. We could see many of the meeting spaces from the hall. The lifts were all see-through with glass walls as well. There was this almost unexpected sense of joy and pride and unbeatable corporate culture present in the surroundings.
At the entrance, as I stood in front of a large black and white photograph (about 5m wide) on the wall that showed their very first retail store in 1924, I really felt the weight of the history behind this amazing business.
While we were waiting, a tall gentleman who looked much younger than I anticipated, (and was very handsome as well!) walked toward us and greeted us. As I was introduced to him (I wasn't actually supposed to be there), his first words were, "Oh, you are Masami. I just read your book. It was great!" I was simply astonished.
We had a great thirty minute meeting together. I wouldn't go into what was shared at this meeting because this is confidential (or we would rather say 'something to look forward to'). But one of the most important things we learned from the meeting with him was this - corporate people also deeply care.
His professional attitude, focus and the sense of dedication were so remarkable and obvious and he was so genuine at listening. We gave him some feedback about the 'dedication' we witnessed in what he was doing. He said, "It is exactly the same for people who excel in any area of life. It could be a sport player; it could be an author. When we totally dedicate ourselves to an activity, we excel in what we do without fail. It is the same for you."
We experienced a connection with this wonderful person we were most privileged to meet and share with. We didn't feel attached to the outcome of the meeting at all. We don't know what will happen as a result for here. It was simply so precious for us to have the time with him and see the real corporate attitude in the surrounding environment. I was so inspired.
I used to feel that it could become a limiting factor to start working with some of the massive corporate business players when we are not that big ourselves. I thought we might loose the sense of freedom and creativity in a bigger game. But playing big doesn't mean we enjoy playing the game less - not at all. It's still just a game no matter at what level we choose to play. But once we start really appreciating the game, we start connecting - through our heart. Totally.
We are so honoured to be able to work with all of the B1G1 members, partners and sponsors around the world. It doesn't matter if they are small businesses or large businesses. But everyone who sees the massive value in making a difference with what we do, we just connect as if we were old friends. And the more we expand and grow, the more each of us benefits from what we do together.
Many corporations tell very little about their contribution. We do not know a lot about their stories. But we realised that every successful and trusted company, actually has a long-standing giving culture built into their business.
There is no way to become truly successful without giving, sharing and connecting. It would be great to learn about this at school.
As customers of large companies that contribute and give back, when we buy from them, we get to be part of the giving that they have done on our behalf.
We all deserve to know what difference we are making everyday. And running a business or being a customer becomes ever more interesting and inspiring journey when we can feel that we have a part to play in the giving.


