I have a dream*... about a Human Business

I dream about a time when organisations and their leaders recognise that businesses are constructs of our collective imagination and as such can be re-imagined at any time. They are brought into being by people - for people and upheld by our social, political and economic structures and beliefs. The shape and form of a business and its subsequent impact potential, is therefore only limited by the imagination of those who create and maintain them.

I dream about organisations that recognise that their success is built on the shoulders of communities and as such, act on their responsibility to nurture, support and delight the very people who create their success. The people who buy their products, the people who follow them on social media, the people who work for them.

I dream about a time when businesses will honour their obligations to our communities and our planet. Not by considering the impact on social and ecological systems after they write their business plans, but by operating strategically from a place of service and genuine commitment to do work (and make money in a way) that amplifies the beauty and richness of our societies and environments.

I dream about a time when employees get compensated for their passion, their ideas and their commitment to serve their communities - rather than bums on seats.

I dream about comprehensive health and well-being provisions as part of employee benefits that integrate the current duality of work vs home life. A time when, among other things, organisations recognise that comprehensive, gender-agnostic parental leave policies are the key to long-term sustainability of their business. Without healthy employees, and without them being able to choose to have children, there are no future workers, there is no future talent and there are no future customers (and of course, no future tax payers who fund wage subsidies in times of crisis).

I dream about conscious business owners and valued employees who recognise their profound and privileged role in society. Who muster the courage to operate authentically from a place of joy and vulnerability. To dream boundlessly about how we wish to live and think critically about the role we play in our communities - and act upon our truths and our dreams.

These are the types or organisations I want to work with. These are the types of organisations I want to help design. Are you with me?

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Sarah is actively leading the manifestation of her dreams. Through her boutique design agency REFRAMR, she co-creates customer experiences and organisational futures built with creativity, empathy and joy. As the founder of the CX Collective, Sarah leads an international community of over 4k customer advocates who help organisations shift focus from profit to people.

Working with Sarah means being vulnerable, open and committed to your own growth. You'll be tethering at the edge of your comfort zone most of the time - but you'll discover yourself, your strength and your potential in a whole new light. Curious? Take your first step here or sign up to her newsletter for weekly inspiration into your inbox.

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* "I Have a Dream" was coined during a public speech that was delivered by American civil rights activist Martin Luther King Jr. during the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom on August 28, 1963, in which he called for civil and economic rights and an end to racism in the United States.