Redefining Success: It's About More Than the Bottom Line

December 2024 - In today’s world, business success is no longer just about profits it’s about the impact we make on the lives of others. True success happens when growth and innovation align with societal good. It’s about creating opportunities, fostering inclusivity, and making life better for those who face challenges.

As a leader, I’ve built my career around championing people seeing their potential, addressing their needs, and ensuring that the organizations I lead focus on service, integrity, and creating meaningful change. Whether it’s through disability services, education, or community initiatives, my leadership is driven by a commitment to doing the right thing.

Here’s what true organizational responsiblity looks like in action:

• Championing People: Every person deserves to feel valued and supported, regardless of the challenges they face. My work in disability services is just one example of how I strive to make a difference. By redesigning care models to focus on person-centered, strength-based approaches, we’ve empowered individuals to live with dignity and independence. Beyond disability services, I’ve led organizations that prioritize people—building systems that address inequities and create opportunities for everyone to thrive.

• Fostering Ethical Leadership: Integrity is the foundation of any successful organization. For me, fostering ethical leadership means prioritizing transparency, accountability, and doing what’s right, even when it’s hard. Whether it’s advocating for inclusive hiring practices or making decisions that benefit the greater good, I’ve always focused on leading with honesty and purpose.

• Investing in Service-Driven Organizations: I’m passionate about working with companies and nonprofits that put people first. These organizations have a unique ability to transform lives, whether by supporting underserved communities, empowering individuals with disabilities, or providing innovative solutions to everyday challenges. For example, leading a team to expand community programs that provide job opportunities has not only improved lives but strengthened the organizations I’ve been privileged to serve.

• Promoting Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB): Innovation comes from diversity, and inclusion ensures that every voice is heard. I’ve worked to embed DEIB into the core of organizational cultures, prioritizing hiring practices, leadership development, and workplace environments that celebrate differences and promote belonging. This not only fosters stronger teams but also leads to better outcomes for the communities we serve.

Leading with Purpose

I’ve learned that when we align our work with a greater purpose, we create something much more valuable than financial success, we build trust, loyalty, and connection. By focusing on service-driven organizations, championing people, and fostering inclusivity, we create workplaces and communities that thrive together.

Reflection:

What does organizational responsibility mean to you?

• Are you aligning your leadership with a mission to serve others?

• How are you making life better for those facing challenges?

• What actions can you take today to create a positive ripple effect in your organization and beyond?

All content on this blog belongs to the author, Bert Strassburg. If you'd like to share, modify, or distribute anything, please reach out for written permission. Feel free to contact me with any questions at:  bert.strassburg@gmail.com.