By Erin Weber
This past spring, entrepreneur and environmental champion, Paul Hawken, gave a riveting commencement address to the graduating class of the University of Portland.
What is inspiring about Hawken’s speech is the eloquent way in which he reframes the hiring freeze and overwhelming challenge of climate change with a refreshing, hopeful message: “You are Brilliant, and the Earth is Hiring.” A realist might scuff that the Earth might need the help, but can’t pay the bills. Yet, some of the most well respected and successful companies were launched in recessions, including the likes of Microsoft, HP, FedEx, GE and MTV (see insideCRM.com for more).
I could continue highlighting some of the other interesting points Hawken made, but I believe the message will only ring home if you read if for yourself. The speech can be viewed in its entirety on the University of Portland website:
http://www.up.edu/commencement/default.aspx?cid=9456&pid=3144
