From Environmentalist to Change Agent: Transformative Journey

It’s been over 20 years since I sat in a classroom with Mark Anielski. At the time, he was my economics professor at the Bainbridge Graduate Institute. BGI was the very first triple bottom line MBA program in the US. 

In 2002, I had a track record as a professional do-gooder, working in the state of Utah for a number of organizations, including at the time, Robert Redford’s Sundance. 

Transitioning from Environmentalist to Business Professional

And, after a decade of environmental work, I felt that if I wanted to understand the language of business and to be understood as an environmentalist, I imagined having some letters after my name would help. I saw this program as a way to bridge a gap and apply how to be a more effective change agent. I wanted a program that was attempting to do what other schools were not: how to do the social, environmental and cultural cost-accounting inside a business on behalf of the planet.

The Bittersweet Journey of Transformation

I’m remembering this as a bittersweet, deeply transformative time. I’m reminded of the professional and personal costs, including an abrupt departure from the job I loved at Sundance and divorcing my best friend (who was also in the program…yikes!). There was a deep shift happening inside of me that I felt was the only compass that mattered. I didn’t know this at the time, but this experience was the prelude to my work now.

I invite you to listen to this two-part interview with my dear friend, who will always be a great teacher for me.

Episode 106, The Value of Wisdom: The Price of Presence, Part 1 and Part 2.

Please check out Mark’s other Economics of Well-Being episodes, his work as a well-being economist, and his projects including working with the Opaskwayak Cree and K’ómoks First Nation people.

I’d love to know what you think, so please reach out with your thoughts or questions. And if you’d like to work with me, click the Get In Touch button at the top of the page.