Random Thoughts: 2011 BGI Graduation

Robert Egger gives a damn fine speech, commencement or otherwise. I love his message of "you've got to go out and sell this cultural change" we all know is the only way to truly make progress. We need a message that meets people where they are, rather than where we think they should be. "Sustain" does not have to mean "Pain" if we talk about what we can accomplish together instead of what we must give up. His voice inspired all 62 graduates receiving their MBA in Sustainable Business from BGI on Sunday June 5, 2011. They also inspired those of us returning for another year of challenging learning and dynamic community. I look forward to walking across that stage next year, but not as much as walking the walk every day until that moment.

Friendship sometimes means telling your friends when they've done something to hurt you (or themselves). I don't think I hurt others in ways I used to when I was much more blind to my impact on their lives. But, I also know I'm still human and prone to mistakes and errors in judgement. It takes a big person to admit they're wrong and sometimes an even bigger one to accept an apology and forgive a transgression. While there was a lot of love emanating in the community this weekend, there were also some folks hurting from dreams unfulfilled, personal differences and disagreements, and even big audacious goals unmet. To those I've wronged, I apologize. To those who've wronged me, I strive to forgive.

Honoring those who've made the transition from graduate student to MBA this weekend brought out many tears of sadness and joy. We're sad to see them leave, those of us "left behind" and coming back next year. We're overjoyed to see them move out into the world and begin (or, continue) spreading the BGI story to their own workplaces and communities. BGI, if nothing else, teaches people how to see themselves within the group, how to learn through self reflection and how to persuade people in ways that touch them deep in their core. As one wise grad stated in our closing circle Sunday morning, the task of altering our current destructive trajectory may be impossible. But, maybe it's not. And even if it is, let's go ahead and try anyway.

I'm excited to see what this batch of graduates accomplish, just as I'm excited to begin my own year-long Entrepreneurship project with three amazing people (Eric, Tara and Brandon). Most of all, I'm excited to be a part of an incredible community of people who want to take thoughtful action to improve the condition of life for people all over the world. Thank you, BGI graduates, continuing students, faculty, staff, founders and board members. You each inspire me to keep fighting, singing, laughing, crying and most of all, believing.