Business as an Instrument for Societal Change

This book reflects over a decade of dialogue with the Dalai Lama, spanning the period before and after the economic crash. His Holiness the Dalai Lama rarely speaks directly on the topics of leadership, business and economics. Through this set of unique conversations between the Dalai Lama and business experts, we see that in the current business reality, where societal and environmental demands can no longer be ignored, the only way to create long-lasting value is by integrating sustainability principles in business strategy and operations.Through in-depth dialogue between His Holiness the Dalai Lama and a number of leading social and economic thinkers, this important book sheds light on the most pressing questions that we, as a global society and economy, now face. Can we achieve a harmonious society on this planet? Is it possible to be an effective and efficient business manager "and" an ethical manager? Can we attain a morally inclusive excellence?The book is unique in that it clearly makes the link between spirituality and the practical solutions needed to address many of the deep-rooted problems that we encounter across the globe, such as extreme social inequality and continued financial collapses. The dialogue, which has been on-going over the last 15 years, provides a snapshot in time of the development in thinking over this period. The dialogue reflects the author's own personal journey as a successful banker, who recognizes the importance of embedding values in business goals and activities.The book is a highly readable and intelligent exploration of how we can shape a sustainable global economy by embracing innate human and humane behavior, focusing on dialogue, understanding individual's motivations, and promoting personal leadership and a sense of responsibility. While recognizing the need for change in external structures and governance mechanisms, these inspirational conversations strongly highlight the importance of the untapped inner realm of leaders' mindsets to effect change. The Dalai Lama stresses the need to continually seek to understand reality and to find practical solutions which support our spiritual needs as individuals and a community. He achieves this in his now unmistakable joyful, engaging and light-hearted way. This book has the power to change your way of thinking.