Lester de Souza

06/04/2024

My recent learning - and which I look forward to more of. There is much I don't know OR much to learn!

My experience is the learning from I Don't Know applies to all! The support needs to be adapted to each one as needed.

04/10/2024

Investors play a key role in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and ensuring human rights globally.

It's not just about financial returns; it's about fostering economic resilience and empowerment.

The UN estimates a $5.4 trillion annual investment is needed in 48 developing economies to achieve these goals.

Accelerated collaborative efforts from governments, investors, companies and civil society are needed.

04/03/2024

Looking for ways to boost your small business's social media presence?

I am always learning.

Check out these top tips and tricks from TriNet! From engaging content to strategic use of hashtags, there are many things you can do.

These are US focused but would apply with adjustments anywhere.

Don't miss out on connecting with new customers and growing your brand online.

These valuable small business tips will help you structure and execute your business plan to help create success and profit.

03/27/2024

The latest insights from the 5th Europe Sustainable Development Report reveal a hard truth - at our current pace, the EU is set to miss a third of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.

Amidst stalling progress and even regression in several areas, including environmental sustainability and social targets, the time for decisive action is now.

During a pivotal session led by the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), leaders emphasized the critical role of civil society in driving the SDGs forward.

With challenges compounded by recent crises, our collective effort and meaningful engagement are more crucial than ever.

The pivotal role of civil society in driving forward the implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) took centre stage during the plenary session of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC). The discussion made it crystal clear that the UN and EU need to work t...

03/20/2024

Are we overlooking the power of spirituality in the world of business?

In an era where profit often takes precedence, integrating spiritual values could be the key to creating profitable, purposeful, and ethical workplaces.

From ensuring employee well-being to fostering sustainability, spirituality might be the untapped resource companies need to thrive.

What's your take on bringing spirituality into the workplace?

Writer Annie Dillard famously said, “How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives.” According to the WHO, most of the world’s population spend one-third of their adult life at work. In fact, the average American…

11/15/2023

Discovering your "Ikigai" is like finding the map to a fulfilling and purpose-driven life. 🌟?

Ikigai, a Japanese concept, translates to "a reason for being."

It's the intersection of what you love, what you're good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for.

The journey to finding your Ikigai might not be straightforward, but it's worth every step.

It involves deep self-reflection, exploring your interests and talents, seeking opportunities to make a positive impact, and aligning these aspects with your livelihood. 🧘?‍♂️

11/08/2023

Joint ventures are the ultimate teamwork in the business world.

Whether a startup or an established company, here are some incredible benefits of embarking on joint venture projects:

🤝? Shared Expertise
💰? Distributed Costs
🛡?️ Risk Mitigation
🚪? Access to New Markets
🔌? Resource Amplification
🚀? Faster Growth
📚? Learning and Development
🌈? Diversification

Consider the possibilities joint ventures offer. It's not just business; it's a journey towards shared success! 🌟?

11/03/2023

Drawing on experience in the 50th year of life in Canada and in contemplation of the next several decades: what does working together mean for you and your business?

Core values affect what business is about. When the values are in alignment, there is balance between personal and business work. It is when you are paid to do what is ideal for you in multiple aspects.

This view is expressed in the Japanese term ‘ikigai’ which does not have a direct translation in English. Ikigai is expressed variously as your purpose in life, your ideal role at work, how you can keep busy for the best life and other combinations. In business, your ikigai - both personal and business reason for being - might be aligned and expressed as your brand. If so, you can bring your brand to all your activities.

Each one working towards shared goals according to their ikigai may be a form of working together.

Over the last week I was privileged to join together with a family to celebrate the burial of their Dad and husband. I met BG about 40 years ago when he was working as a commercial driver and I was working as a priest. At his initiative I provided spiritual guidance for him and his family which also helped them make friends in the community. The depth of BG’s spirituality and those of his family and the friends he made is seen in their community of friends which has lasted 40 years. Those friendships continue. When ikigai is aligned, it results in community and longevity along with other life enhancing characteristics.

BG and I have changed our revenue streams over the years while maintaining the goals which were aligned with core spiritual values.

An ancient form of working together which has gained renewed attention is termed ‘synodality’. Etymologically, synodality is from the Greek - Syn = together, and Odos = a road, a way or street. It is what can happen when we travel on a road together. The road provides the physical context in which one can listen deeply to the Eternal Spirit. It is a spiritual experience in the physical context of the road or way.

What would this look like in a business context?

Each one travelling for different business purposes and doing it together for mutual benefit. BG, his family and friends and I all had different purposes for doing what we were doing. That project ended because we are mortal. The attention to the Eternal Spirit in each other transcends mortality. We were physically able to spend time together 'Syn' on the same 'Odos' for 40 years and yet had very different lives.

Living with mortality and the Spirit means our revenue sources can change over time even while each one’s identity and brand remains the same.

For those who would like to chat about such arrangements, there are options. Are there roads we can travel together? Each one in integrity with their ikigai and open to the immortal Spirit in each other.

With BG gone from this mortal life, who will I enter into synodality with? Happy to chat!

11/01/2023

Have you ever felt like there's something missing in your life, a sense of purpose or a reason to jump out of bed in the morning?

If you've pondered these questions, you might be on the journey to finding your "ikigai," a concept deeply rooted in Japanese culture that can guide us toward a more fulfilling life.

In essence, it's the convergence of four essential elements: what you love, what you're good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for.

If you can align your interests and values with the world's needs, you can uncover a purpose that will be both personally fulfilling and sustainably rewarding.

10/25/2023

Are you ready to unlock the full potential of your career and business by embracing your complete self?

Now is the time to embark on the journey of self-discovery and spiritual growth. This holistic approach is not only essential for personal growth but also carries significant weight in corporate leadership.

Just as a tree reaches its branches toward the sky while staying rooted in the earth, let us strive for spiritual growth while keeping our feet firmly planted in reality.

Leaders who embrace their wholeness and encourage the same in their team foster thriving organizations.

10/18/2023

When natural disasters strike, the legal implications can be as overwhelming as the disaster itself.

This comprehensive guide provided by Thomson Reuters addresses key considerations and strategic advice for your general counsel. Knowing what general counsel is capable of can help you navigate through these challenging circumstances effectively.

For a more in-depth understanding of this crucial subject, I strongly recommend reading the full article here:

What a General Counsel can achieve during a natural disaster, all while keeping a legal twist.

02/27/2023

Blessings come to us in many ways. It has been my privilege to spend time with my Dad and I look forward to sharing the blessings for years to come.

He lived for 105.25 years - yes, you are reading it right - one hundred and five years and 3 months to the day.

More information on him is available online - link is posted below in the comments section.