Read about Human Nature president Anna Meloto-Wilk's trip to Davos, Switzerland for the World Economic Forum!

Read about Human Nature president Anna Meloto-Wilk's trip to Davos, Switzerland for the World Economic Forum!

By Anna Meloto-Wilk

Four years ago, Dylan, Camille and I started a dream of producing locally made all natural products that could uplift the lives of Gawad Kalinga residents and poor farmers. At that time, none of us knew anything about formulating natural products nor had any experience in manufacturing. But our dream consumed us day and night and we firmly believed that this was what God had intended us to do for the time being.

Fast forward to January 21, 2013.


Clockwise from bottom left: Anna with President Benigno Aquino III and Hapinoy founder Mark Ruiz; WEF session on the evolving role of business; Anna with Mark Ruiz and Doris Dumlao of the Philippine Daily Inquirer; the Congress Center; session on advanced manufacturing stressing the importance of workforce training to develop skilled workers; session on drivers of change emphasizing raising young leaders

 

I found myself overwhelmed by the winter landscape of Switzerland as I reflected on how I was now on my way to one of the most exclusive and prestigious events of the world traditionally attended only by captains of industries and heads of states – the World Economic Forum in Davos.

For the next week, I would be in the presence of global CEOs of the top multinational companies, UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon, IMF Head Christine Lagarde, British Prime Minister David Cameron, Microsoft Founder and Chairman Bill Gates, Grameen Bank Founder Muhammad Yunus, Hollywood actress and HIV activist Charlize Theron and many other prominent world leaders. I found it inconceivable that a representative from a start-up social enterprise in the Philippines would be invited into this forum to talk about global issues and how leaders can now address big problems like the international economic crisis, youth unemployment, poverty, health and environmental degradation. I then realized that it was only possible because the world is changing.

Social enterprises like Human Nature are showing the way towards more inclusive and sustainable ways of doing business. The discussion in the forum now revolved around themes such as “the evolving role of business” where CEOs and leading business academics were talking about “profit and purpose” as the new global imperatives and no longer just PR strategies. Profit is no longer king of the world and companies must not only protect shareholders but must bear in mind the well-being of all stakeholders.

Looking after the poor and the unemployable while being mindful of the consequences of our actions to the environment are intrinsic to the DNA of Human Nature. These are the reasons why Dylan, Camille and I started Human Nature in the first place – for business to look after the interests of those that society has neglected. It was a radical idea just four years ago but now it is central to the agenda of global leaders because the old capitalist adage “greed is good” popularized by the Hollywood blockbuster, Wallstreet, has failed us all. Since then, a new breed of consumers that are more conscientious and discerning of the products that they buy and companies that they support have emerged. Here in the Philippines, the early and loyal customers of Human Nature have led the way.

Values are also coming back into the table of discussions at a time of global disruption and economic depression. A well-respected British professor observed that “the current financial and economic crisis was brought about by an earlier values crisis”. We have forgotten about basic values of respect for life, stewardship of resources and equality in favor of selfish, short term gains. These observations are also not lost in the young. The millenials, or people born after 1980 are no longer just looking for money but meaning in their work. They want to make big changes in the world whilst pursuing their personal passions. Doing good and doing well are the new aspirations.

We are so honored to have some of the most talented and passionate employees here in Human Nature who have allowed us to scale up a fledgling social enterprise into a mainstream player. We are humbled by the support of our branch operators and dealers who have made our vision and mission their own. Our customers, employees, community partners, branch operators, dealers and suppliers are the reasons why we have been invited to be amongst the company of world leaders in Davos.

The other big highlight of the forum was President Aquino’s participation. My heart was filled with pride as he was introduced by the forum a “global icon of the fight against corruption”. Under his lead, the forum touted the Philippines as “the most improved economy in Asia” and “strongest economy in our region. The world is taking notice of the contributions of Filipinos everywhere. It’s our time to shine.

In December of last year, there was a big hoopla about the world coming to an end according to the Mayan calendar. Many people laughed it out or were relieved when December 21 came and went with the world still intact. But in some way, I think the world really did come to an end. The old world, that is. Something has shifted in the global consciousness and this year feels like the beginning of a new world – a world that is kinder and more inclusive; hopefully one that is on its way to a better one.

 

Anna Meloto-Wilk - Human Nature’s president and co-founder and Mark Ruiz, CEO and co-founder of Hapinoy (another social enterprise that is making major inroads in developing the human potential of sari-sari store owners) attended the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland as Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship fellows. Selected social entrepreneurs of the Schwab Foundation network participate in World Economic Forum events, thus providing unique opportunities for them to connect with business, political and media leaders.

The World Economic Forum is an independent international organization committed to improving the state of the world by engaging leaders in partnerships to shape global, regional and industry agendas. Incorporated as a foundation in 1971 and based in Geneva, Switzerland, the World Economic Forum is impartial and not-for-profit; it is tied to no political, partisan or national interests. This year, the WEF agenda has expanded beyond just purely economic issues to include discussions ranging from sustainability and values to art and business. The WEF served as the perfect venue for engaging global key players in elevating the crucial role and urgent relevance of doing business with a heart.