The great crossroad—Defining our collective 2030 vision

There exists a tremendous potential that each of us can embrace if we allow a new consciousness to rise within us. I believe that to realize our ultimate potential, we must live in harmony with both our masculine and feminine energies, our mind and heart, and serve as an example of the world we wish existed.

Throughout my journey as an award-winning entrepreneur and medicine woman, I learned that being driven solely by my personal desires did not bring out the best in me as an entrepreneur, friend, or human being. It was only when I directed my life towards a purpose greater than myself, expanding my vision and potential, that I found true fulfillment, happiness, and health.

Although times of uncertainty, change, and evolution can be perceived in various ways, the highest level of perception, that of the shaman, challenges us to ask different questions. We must contemplate how this time is evolving us spiritually, serving as a catalyst for us to overcome our fears and finally manifest the calling that we have always felt within. This is an opportunity to stand up, speak out, raise our personal standards, reject mediocrity, and embody our true potential, capable of making a significant impact on our staff, leadership, environment, and the world at large.

In the words of Mother Teresa, "I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the water to create many ripples.". Even the smallest actions can make a difference, and a handful of conscious entrepreneurs can indeed create a movement that influences the world.

A tipping point of consciousness occurs when an idea crosses a threshold, tips, and spreads like wildfire. We can be that flame that illuminates, enlightens, and enlivens the world in our corner, becoming the change we wish to see by following our hearts and being the example of our higher selves.

In Malcolm Gladwell's book "The Tipping Point," he refers to the Law of the Few, which states that a small group of people are linked to everyone else in just a few steps, known as the six degrees of separation. The 1960s experiment, the "small world experiment," supported this concept when Stanley Milgram found that people are connected by six degrees of separation. Milgram discovered that a few well-connected people, known as the connectors, are connected to a disproportionate number of individuals. To create a tipping point, we need connectors with strong social networks, mavens who accumulate and share knowledge, and salesmen who persuade others about new ideas.

I hope that this book helps you identify which of the above roles you can play and encourages you to spread the message. Start by having conversations around the dinner table about these themes, and raise the consciousness of those around you to become aware of the times we are living in. These conversations can extend to the boardroom, marketing meetings, consumer market research, and even your journal as you inquire into the type of business, vision, and leadership you want to embody.

As the Buddha said, "We are what we think. Everything we are arises from our thoughts. With our thinking, we create the world.". This is our opportunity to dream a new world into being. When I sat with the shamans in Peru, I watched in awe as they harnessed the power of their thoughts, emotions, and imagination. They would wake up each morning, pray on the coca leaves, and align themselves with their higher selves and a new vision for their lives. They understood that they had the power to create the world they wished to see.

Why this matters for our everyday happiness

On a business level, I believe that as entrepreneurs, we are looking for a genuinely different way to grow and scale our companies, one where our happiness doesn’t decline as our business grows.

In today's fast-paced and demanding business landscape, entrepreneurs and business owners often find themselves facing burnout, a lack of happiness and fulfillment, and mental health challenges. However, there is a growing recognition that success does not have to come at the expense of personal well-being. Now, more than ever, business owners are seeking a better way to grow and scale their companies while prioritizing their own happiness and fulfillment.

Let's explore the signs that indicate this desire for a transformative shift in the way businesses are run.

Burnout and Overwhelm

• According to a study conducted by Gallup, entrepreneurs work an average of 52 hours per week, with 39% working over 60 hours per week.
• A survey by The Alternative Board (TAB) revealed that 89% of business owners reported working weekends, and 63% experienced high levels of stress due to their workload.
• The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes burnout as an occupational phenomenon resulting from chronic workplace stress, affecting performance, well-being, and personal fulfillment.

Lack of happiness and fulfillment

• The Deloitte Global Millennial Survey 2020 found that 63% of millennials believe business success should be measured by more than just financial performance.
• A survey conducted by Harvard Business Review highlighted that only 7% of entrepreneurs felt their businesses were "extremely fulfilling." .
• Gallup's State of the Global Workplace report revealed that only 15% of employees worldwide are engaged and find their work fulfilling.

Mental health challenges

• According to a study published in the Journal of Business Venturing, entrepreneurs are twice as likely to experience depression compared to the general population.
• The Mental Health Foundation reports that 72% of entrepreneurs surveyed have experienced mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, and mood disorders.
• A survey by the National Small Business Association (NSBA) found that 70% of small business owners reported experiencing moderate to high levels of stress.

Desire for authentic connections

• Edelman's 2021 Trust Barometer revealed that 61% of consumers believe that a company's commitment to building trust is more important than its products or services.
• A survey conducted by Cone Communications found that 87% of consumers are more likely to buy from a company that advocates for an issue they care about.
• The Harvard Business Review reported that authentic connections with customers can lead to increased customer loyalty and advocacy.

 Embracing a purpose-driven approach

• Nielsen's Global Corporate Sustainability Report stated that 73% of consumers surveyed are willing to pay more for products and services from companies committed to positive social and environmental impact.
• According to the Global Impact Investing Network (GIIN), the estimated size of the global impact investing market reached $715 billion in 2020, reflecting increasing interest in investments that generate both financial returns and social impact.
• B Lab, the nonprofit behind B Corp certification, reported that there are over 4,000 certified B Corps worldwide, representing a growing community of purpose-driven businesses.

No doubt you are in the same place I have been, and that is that the current business landscape is witnessing a paradigm shift, with more and more business owners recognizing the need for a better way to grow and scale their companies. Statistics on burnout, lack of happiness and fulfillment, mental health challenges, and consumer preferences support the notion that business owners are seeking alternative approaches. By prioritizing well-being, embracing purpose-driven strategies, fostering authentic connections, and valuing personal growth, business owners are redefining success and finding a path that leads to not only financial prosperity but also happiness, fulfillment, and improved mental health. The time is now for business owners to embrace a holistic approach that transforms their businesses, their well-being, and the planet at large.

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This is an excerpt of the best-selling book by Samantha J. called "Illuminator; click here for the full copy: https://www.iamsamanthaj.com/books

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