That was the question (or one of them) when C3MD hosted our first in-person Conscious Cocktails event of the summer (and really, the last two years) this month! It was great to see so many familiar faces, and quite a few new ones, as we gathered together. We mixed, we mingled, we indulged in delicious artisan drinks and craft beer– most importantly – we had great conversations about striving to be conscious leaders.
The threat of thunderstorms drove our mighty group indoors, giving us an opportunity to enjoy the cool atmosphere of our venue, Sapwood Cellars Brewery. A conscious business themselves, Sapwood provided the perfect backdrop for the theme of the night: How do you marry consciousness and capitalism?
Guest speakers Kashonna Marrow of SK Leading Forward and Simply Kashonna, Camille Mazelev of Maze Consulting LLC, and Indigo Ink Digital Printing, Co-owner Liz Richardson, started off the discussion with some interesting insights into how they find themselves putting conscious leadership at the forefront of their business practices. Although new to the Conscious Capitalism movement, Kashonna and Camille shared valuable insights in line with our four tenets and stressed the importance of taking time for self-care, putting the individual first, and answering to your own individual “calling” or, as we like to call it, a higher purpose. “When you do what you’re called to do,” Kashonna offered, “you may get tired, but you won’t give up.”
C3MD President Liz Richardson shared ways that Indigo Ink supports environmental change like planting trees to offset paper use through their partnership with PrintReleaf™. But what she’s most focused on, specifically after enduring the last two years with her team, is the value she finds in bringing the needs of her team to the forefront of her business plan.
As we discussed the ways we all practice conscious capitalism within our businesses, the “elephant in the room” was still there – the fact that we as a society are still living through a pandemic that affected the businesses and well-being of so many. The similarities among us all? Resiliency! The pandemic offered time to step back, reassess, and reevaluate how we could all continue to be more conscious and intentional in our practice of business.
Another common theme among our attendees? Authenticity, home, and openness in and among our communities, and how wonderful it is when we find like-minded businesses to work with and for.
Don’t miss another opportunity to meet together in person this summer. We’re currently putting together August programming, which will take place at the Howard County Conservancy. Check back soon for details!
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