What does inclusion mean to me? #BInclusive

Last week I attended my third B Corp Champions Retreat. I had attended before the 2013 Edition in Boulder, CO and 2014 Edition in Burlington, VT. This year's edition theme was inclusion and how to build a more inclusive economy.

I had an unique opportunity to speak and share some of my thoughts in a great panel facilitated by the B Lab Global Partners Manager, Olivia Muiru, who is about to lead the Global Movement in East Africa. Laura Tenison, co-founder & CEO of the UK B Corp JoJo Maman Bebe, and Christina Smith from North Carolina B Corp The Redwoods Group brightly shared the stage with me.

"What does inclusion to you", started asking me, Olivia. When I think about inclusion, some words come up to my mind:

Inequality: by definition inclusion means there are exclusion. In a world where 15M+ people left their homes last year due to war or poverty, where 62 individuals are as wealthy as half the planet, we must tackle inequality if we want to build a more inclusive economy with shared and durable prosperity to all.

At the B Corp I co-founded Din4mo, we believe in the power of business to alleviate inequality by reducing vulnerability, raising families assets and reducing transaction costs. We accelerate and invest in businesses that transform lives and develop communities.

Internality: We must move from externalities to internalities by understanding we are part of something much bigger than us. And consider not only our own benefits, but also how the planet and society will benefit from us. That requires to re-think and disrupt ourselves to build more innovative business models.

Innovation: B Corps are about creating markets in existing needs and not the opposite as business as usual. 

Inspiration: there is no finish line for inclusion. The journey must be inclusive. Our job, as a global community, is to inspire change and multiply hope. we are messengers of hope. Hope that a more inclusive economy with shared and durable prosperity is not only possible, but also achievable. and that requires us consistency, coherence and integrity.

Do you have any thoughts on how to build a more inclusive economy with shared and durable prosperity to all? Join us and take action. If you a B Corp, join us particularly on the The B Corp Inclusion Challenge. Improve up to 3 metrics and help us raising the bar by using your business as a force for good.

Photo Credit: Charlotte Sewell, B Lab UK & UK B Corp Cook