The Enlightened Enterprise Movement
For Pioneers That Know "There's Got To Be A Better Way"
Today, with the inauguration of Donald Trump, and the rise of populist opportunists like him, nobody should be in any doubt that a new world order is emerging.
There is nothing enlightened or progressive in what is being offered. The populist parties have no real solutions to the 21st century challenges we face. Instead they follow the tried and tested formulas of those who produced conflict and devastation in the past. We are seeing history repeat itself, so we know what to expect unless we are being wilfully blind.
Those former ‘leaders,’ that created the conditions in which populists always arise, are to blame. They have been more concerned with playing politics than addressing real problems, and were too weak to prevent politics being corrupted by the political donations and lobbying activities of big business. They even allowed themselves to be corrupted.
Not all enterprises, and not all leaders, are part of the problem. Most are not. But few are prepared to step forward and step up when needed. They are the Enlightened Leaders of Enlightened Enterprises. They don’t only know “there’s got to be a better way,” they are the pioneers that invent, innovate, collaborate, and create the real solutions to real problems.
Those that achieved huge scientific and technological breakthroughs in the Enlightenment era three centuries ago, and the inventors that capitalised on those inventions in Industrial Revolution, were called pioneers. Some also invented new systems. Their new ways of doing things led to great progress.
The Rochdale Society of Equitable Pioneers, established in 1844, were founders of the co-operative movement, and offer us another example of the kind of pioneers we need today. Those who find new solutions to real problems.
Raghuram Rajan, a former Chief Economist and Head of Research at the International Monetary Fund, a former Governor of India’s central bank, now a professor at the University of Chicago, and author of books including “The Third Pillar: How Markets and the State Leave the Community Behind” (2019), warned us we would face the situation we experience. He said,
“Markets and the State have not only separated themselves from the community in recent times but have also steadily encroached on activities that strengthened bonds within the traditional community.” But the reality is far worse. The state has been captured and corrupted by the markets in many countries, and in America especially.
He warns us that when the three pillars cannot hold each other to account societies fail. Enlightened Leaders of Enterprises know this. They see the need to maintain a healthy an balanced relationship between the three pillars/ They know none can thrive in a failed state.
Looking beyond selfish short-term interests is essential, but also a great challenge in an increasingly complex and volatile world. The pioneers therefore need the support of like-minded people and organisations with whom they can join forces to achieve ‘the better way’ they seek. This publication will facilitate the joining of forces and celebrate those who are enlightened leaders, both as individuals and as companies.
The Enlightened Enterprise Academy aims to be a catalyst for the Enlightened Enterprise Movement, and The Better Way book project will be a key part of that.
The Salon will seek to bring members together to forge collaborations, just as the 18th Century Salons supported the first Enlightenment.
The magazine, book project and salon are all available now for as little as $8 per month each. For members of the Enlightened Enterprise Academy they, and all future publications, are free. Each publication and our members will support the development of the Movement. , and we hope you will join us.
BECOME A MEMBER
All our publications are free to members, and there are many other member benefits. DOWNLOAD THE BROCHURE
