Navigating a fine line between business and Philanthropy

Many business people let money dictate their business and personal futures. It makes sense: a guy’s got to eat, right?

It’s not that easy. People can’t live on ruthless capitalism alone. A guy’s got to be able to sleep at night, too.

For me, many years of bold, unconventional business decisions have proven that incorporating my ideals, morals and values into a business model always returns more in the long run.

This can be something as simple as giving good advice over the phone (rather than rattling off a contact number) or as complicated as buying a boat, retrofitting it, and spending the summer saving migrant lives in the Mediterranean.

I started my company with the aim of helping people who were being overlooked by the system. By keeping this idea at the forefront, I’ve attracted some amazing colleagues, who work on my projects for this very reason.

Being diplomatic in business is a must. It’s true that not everyone will agree with your ideals & motives, but you should do them because of yourself.

I come up with some crazy ideas. Most of them don’t make it out of my notebook. But some of the best ideas I’ve realised began not as business models, but as ways to help people.

The autonomy of each and every individual is important to humankind. We all have different ideals and beliefs that make us unique.

I may not see an immediate financial gain, but in the end it’s not about the power of money that should persuade you, it’s the happiness in your soul. Navigating the fine line between business and philanthropy always seems to come back to me somehow. Someone grateful for human customer service sends 5 more clients my way. My colleagues, who are absolutely dedicated to their jobs. 3000 lives saved in one summer.