Why we do what we do?

Let's be real - money makes the world go round, right? But here's the thing: success is no longer measured solely by profit. More and more companies are waking up to a simple truth: we can do well by doing good. Think about it. The old-school "profit at all costs" mindset is getting a major upgrade. Today's most exciting companies are crushing it financially while also taking care of their communities and the planet. It's like a three-for-one deal - profitable, purposeful, and sustainable.
Here's what gets us excited: imagining a business that doesn't force us to choose between making a living and making a difference. We can have both. Actually, we believe having both is the only way to build something truly lasting in today's world.
That's exactly where we want to be. We're not just chasing profits; we're after something bigger. But before we jump into the "how," we need to nail down our "what" and "why." As many say: we want to make the world a better place. It all starts with a crystal-clear purpose that drives everything we do.
Societal challenges - The Modern-Day Pickle
Let's face it: our society is in a bit of a pickle. If society were a person, it would be that guy at the gym who shows up in jeans, forgets how to use the treadmill, and leaves after taking selfies for an hour. While politicians and news anchors paint pictures of doomsday, we're too busy scrolling through cat videos to notice we've turned into that gym guy ourselves. And yes, myself included – we're so caught up in documenting our lives for the perfect Instagram story, we've forgotten how to actually live them.
In today's fast-paced world, we face numerous challenges that threaten our well-being. The digital age, while connecting us virtually, has led to social media addiction and decreased real-world interactions, impacting our productivity and mental health. Chronic stress, fueled by blurred work-life boundaries and financial pressures, takes a toll on our physical and emotional state. Our health suffers further from sedentary lifestyles and poor dietary habits, leading to rising obesity rates and chronic diseases.
Paradoxically, despite being more connected than ever, many experience profound isolation, fueling anxiety and depression. Perhaps most concerning is our disconnection from ourselves, manifesting as low self-esteem and a loss of intuition. While technology plays a significant role in our addiction, we must also acknowledge our own responsibility in perpetuating this cycle. We have all been guilty of getting caught up in the endless scroll, and in doing so, we have altered our habits and behaviours – the very fabric of our being.
The challenge isn't just technology itself - it's how we've allowed it to reshape our habits and relationships. We've become passive participants in our own lives, often choosing digital convenience over genuine human connection.
Why it matters? - "Houston, We Have a Problem"
Here's the kicker: we're not just talking about a bunch of people who can't put their phones down. We're watching the erosion of something fundamental - our ability to connect, create, and solve problems together. It's like we're all passengers on the same bus, but everyone's wearing noise-canceling headphones and pretending the other passengers don't exist.
We are a society that is struggling to find its footing. We are fat, we are lazy, we are depressed, we are lonely, and we don't even know our neighbours anymore. We've mastered the art of the awkward elevator ride - everyone is politely avoiding eye contact while simultaneously checking phones for messages we know aren't there.
And to make matters worse, we are becoming dumber by the minute. I mean, have you tried to have a conversation with someone lately? Between the constant 'just let me quickly check this' and 'sorry, what were you saying?', it's like talking to a part-time human. Our attention span is shorter than a goldfish's memory, and we can't even remember what we had for breakfast, let alone what we did last week.
Now, here's a brain teaser for you: How can a society that's more burned out than a forgotten pizza in the oven possibly cook up solutions for the future? It's like asking someone with a hangover to host a kids' birthday party - it's just not gonna happen.
But here's where it gets interesting: this isn't just another doom-and-gloom story. Have you heard the concept called 'asabiyyah' - the powerful social glue that holds societies together? That's what we're really after. Because a healthier, happier, more connected society isn't just a nice-to-have; we believe this sense of collective purpose and unity could be the secret sauce we need to tackle the big, hairy, audacious challenges of our time.
And maybe, just maybe, if we can figure out how to put down our phones long enough to look each other in the eye again, we might discover something amazing: that the real world is actually pretty cool, and that making a difference doesn't have to feel like a chore. Who knows? We might even have some fun along the way.
By Gabriel Zambrano