Sunday, March 16, 2008
3 Weeks to Paris
It's official, I did my last big long run today. I'm finally tapering! I did 30K/18M solo, which was a true test of my body, mind and spirit after having just recently recovered from the flu. I pulled every trick in the book to get the job done, but enjoyed the challenge. Special thanks to Coach Kel and Amy, my old running buddy, both there in spirit whether they realized it or not. I ran Austin with Kel and Chicago with Amy so they have a special place in my running heart. They are two of the most energetic, inspiring runners I know. I would not be the runner I am today if I hadn't met them. So a big thank you! I'm taking you to Paris with me as well ;) I'm off to Greece for a 10 day vacation with the PlowParents this weekend, so we'll see what that does for my running...
Friday, March 14, 2008
Chocolate and Women
I attended a great event at a multinational corporation (let's call it "Chocolate" for the purposes of this). It was all about creating "shared value" in the communities it works in. As a former PR pro, I was skeptical. I know good spin when I see it. But I've also had opportunities to work with amazing leaders who believe in good business, so I can spot those pretty quick as well and Chocolate had some good eggs.
The company has been heavily criticized over the years for promoting infant formula in developing countries in the 70s - and rightfully so (and by now if you're bright you've broken the code of Chocolate). But today, it seems to have a good formula. There approach is beyond compliance, philanthropy and corporate social responsibility (CSR) and all other buzz words. Their values are incorporated into their business model, something that many claim, but fail to deliver. Case and point: another giant that rhymes with "lap." They're great at CSR by many standards, but their business model fundamentally limits their ability to control issues like child labor because of price pressures and supply chain setups. (Of course, I'm over simplifying for the purposes of not boring you with a rant and more code words, but you get the point.)
So I clearly drank the Chocolate water and and am a beliver that big companies are not all bad. Granted, they are certainly not perfect...and many are far from it. But maybe they would be closer to perfect if there was just more chocolate. Profound, I know.
Now for the women part...At the event, it also came to light that the women's movement somehow missed Switzerland. (which has nothing necessarily to do with Chocolate.) I think I've mentioned before, there are actually cantons in Switzerland that just gave women the right to vote in the 90s! Unbelievable. In job interviews here (as in other countries) it is perfectly normal to ask a woman what her plans are for having children. Now while there is something to be said for being transparent, something tells me they don't actually ask men that question... Certainly if I decided to start a revolution and become the next Gloria Steinem, I would not necessarily kick it off in Switzerland, but there does seem to be some work here.
The company has been heavily criticized over the years for promoting infant formula in developing countries in the 70s - and rightfully so (and by now if you're bright you've broken the code of Chocolate). But today, it seems to have a good formula. There approach is beyond compliance, philanthropy and corporate social responsibility (CSR) and all other buzz words. Their values are incorporated into their business model, something that many claim, but fail to deliver. Case and point: another giant that rhymes with "lap." They're great at CSR by many standards, but their business model fundamentally limits their ability to control issues like child labor because of price pressures and supply chain setups. (Of course, I'm over simplifying for the purposes of not boring you with a rant and more code words, but you get the point.)
So I clearly drank the Chocolate water and and am a beliver that big companies are not all bad. Granted, they are certainly not perfect...and many are far from it. But maybe they would be closer to perfect if there was just more chocolate. Profound, I know.
Now for the women part...At the event, it also came to light that the women's movement somehow missed Switzerland. (which has nothing necessarily to do with Chocolate.) I think I've mentioned before, there are actually cantons in Switzerland that just gave women the right to vote in the 90s! Unbelievable. In job interviews here (as in other countries) it is perfectly normal to ask a woman what her plans are for having children. Now while there is something to be said for being transparent, something tells me they don't actually ask men that question... Certainly if I decided to start a revolution and become the next Gloria Steinem, I would not necessarily kick it off in Switzerland, but there does seem to be some work here.
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