|
 After taking a one-year break, the Symposium on Spirituality, Values, and Business returned to Babson College for the eleventh Symposium. The theme of the Eleventh Symposium was How to Grow Your Business by Integrating the Gandhian Philosophy of Satyagraha Into Your Core Values. Satyagraha is the word Gandhi used to describe his philosophy for change and it refers to "the power and strength born of truth, love, and nonviolence." The speakers and panelists were business leaders who shared their stories with uncommon honesty. There were many opportunities for attendees to participate in dialogue with each other as well as the speakers during the day.
 The 2009 Aaron Feuerstein Spirituality and Business Award was presented to Equal Exchange, a worker-owned cooperative that is a leader in both its cooperative business model and its fair trade practices. (Sign-up to visit Equal Exchange at the next SBN On Tour on April 30.) Congratulations to Rob Everts, Virginia Berman, and all of their co-workers and co-owners!
Photo from the right: Susan Labandibar, SBN President, and Laury Hammel, SBN Executive Director present the 2009 Aaron Feuerstein Spirtuality and Business Award toRob Everts and Virginia Berman of Equal Exchange.
 Participants ended the day feeling simultaneously more peaceful and challenged to address these important issues from the perspective of Satyagraha. The Glavin Family Chapel was a delightful place to hold the symposium and one participant commented that this event served as a retreat for her because she had so many opportunities to be introspective. Thank you to Babson College and the Director of Spiritual Life, Bonnie-Jeanne Casey, for hosting this special event.
Photo: Participants at the Symposium in the light-filled Glavin Chapel.
Click here for more information on the Symposium.
  
Photo above left: Susan Labandibar CEO of Tech Networks of Boston tells how she works to incorporate her core vlues into her business to Symposium participants.
Photo middle: Symposium speakers Susan Labandibar, Glynn Lloyd of City Fresh Food, and Rob Everts of Equal Exchange answer questions from the audience.
Photo above right: Rob Everts co-director of Equal Exchange tells Symposium participants how his values shaped his career path leading to his current position.
 
Photo left: The weather was nice enough to hold one of the Facilitated Working groups on the patio outside Glavin chapel.
Photo right: Susan Labandiabar, SBN President and owner of Tech Networks of Boston.
|