Truth, Beauty, and Building a Business
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Is profit good? Or is it evil? Is profit the purpose of business, or is it just a tool for measuring the health of a business? What is the social impact of profit? In this short episode, we explore what profit is and why profit must ultimately be placed in a moral framework of human …
A Colorado ski maker demonstrates how risk-taking entrepreneurs and investors help build businesses, stability, and opportunity in the communities in which they live and work. *** Volume 1 of The Good Society is a 6-part series that that focuses on the intersection between the human person and economics and explores themes of work and creativity, …
Explore the world of work, creativity and exchange through a farmer and winemaker as they show how cultivation tames nature into economic productivity. *** Volume 1 of The Good Society is a 6-part series that that focuses on the intersection between the human person and economics and explores themes of work and creativity, entrepreneurship, and …
Engage the Speaker Session for “Theology of Work” (AU2021). Original Lecture description below. In this session, we will explore the biblical and theological foundations for how we view our work in God’s economy. We will argue that work has intrinsic value and nobility because of its connection to the dominion mandate in Genesis and how …
Engage the Speaker Session for “The Case Against Economic Nationalism” (AU2021). Original Lecture description below. Economic nationalism is surging throughout the world and is attracting supporting from right and left. This lecture outlines the basic flaws of protectionism and industrial policy, and focuses on how they undermines the economic and political dimensions of the common …
Public policy often shapes markets—for good or for ill. Today many are convinced that much of economic progress is attributable to the raw innovation of the private sector in a free market economy. Others claim an entrepreneurial state is essential to an innovative economy. What are we to make of state-private sector collaboration? Is it …
Milton Friedman famously argued that the sole social responsibility of business was to create value for shareholders. This view was the predominant view for decades. In 2019, the Business Roundtable made headlines, by adopting a stakeholder capitalism model, which calls on businesses to look beyond profit maximization, and to consider other business constituents, such as …
An educated citizenry is fundamental to securing a free and flourishing society. Innovation, technology, and entrepreneurial endeavors are transforming education in many ways. This panel examines common myths about learning and the provision of education, highlights the great entrepreneurial efforts to improve its quality and accessibility, and explores what the future holds in providing an …
Entertainment is an important indicator of cultural values; by looking at what the culture loves, one can deduce what principles it values. However, according to Henrique Viana, Felipe Valerin, and Lucas Ferrugem, Founders of Brasil Paralelo, entertainment can also shape a society’s culture. At Brasil Paralelo, they are working change prevailing cultural winds and point …
The EasyTaxi app was founded by Tallis Gomes, has expanded to 35 countries in four continents, and now has merged with Cabify. He was featured in the Forbes “30 Under 30” list and has been elected as one of the most innovative youths in the world. Unfortunately, Brazil faces a challenge in reducing bureaucracy. In …
These key leaders will discuss universal and timeless leadership principles for challenging times. When you view people as the ultimate resource, new opportunities will open up for you and your business. These leaders will address principles such as bottom-up solution, empowering overlooked people, and working together.
Milton Friedman famously argued that the sole social responsibility of business was to create value for shareholders. This view was the predominant view for decades. In 2019, the Business Roundtable made headlines, by adopting a stakeholder capitalism model, which calls on businesses to look beyond profit maximization, and to consider other business constituents, such as …
Can success be paired with intentional and ethical leadership? John Mackey, founder and CEO of Whole Foods, shares how to develop yourself as a become a better leader. He and Acton President Fr. Robert Sirico will discuss the principles of conscious leadership, how to create a thriving culture within your business, and advice for businesspeople …
In 2019, Ezequiel Vazquez-Ger’s restaurant, Seven Reasons, was named the best restaurant in the Americas by Esquire. Hear the story of how he entered the restaurant business. He grew his business and even opened a second restaurant during the pandemic. Leaders in every industry can learn from his story of creativity, passion, and adaptation.
In this Engage the Speaker panel, JoAnn Flett, a consultant for Partners Worldwide and recipient of a US Fulbright scholar award, answers questions, delivers reading recommendations, and discusses her AU talk, The Theology of Business, with members of the audience. She delves deeper into the specifics of how businesspeople can embody a theology of business …
Theology is the study of God, who is above and beyond our world, while business and commerce seem to be man’s most worldly pursuits. How can the Christian reconcile the seemingly differing focuses promoted by theology and business? In this talk, Dr. JoAnn Flett, organizational consultant for Partners Worldwide and recipient of the Fulbright Scholar …
Somewhere within every man lies a great ambition — to achieve immortality. Businessmen, often the most driven among us, seek to build and create great institutions and legacies that will last far beyond their time on this mortal coil. In this talk, Frank Hanna reminds his fellow businessmen that immortality can only be achieved through …
In this session, we will explore the biblical and theological foundations for how we view our work in God’s economy. We will argue that work has intrinsic value and nobility because of its connection to the dominion mandate in Genesis and how the NT describes work as part of someone’s service to Christ. We will …
In this session, we will explore the biblical and theological foundations for how we view our work in God’s economy. We will argue that work has intrinsic value and nobility because of its connection to the dominion mandate in Genesis and how the NT describes work as part of someone’s service to Christ. We will …