By simply capitalizing on core strengths and knowledge, companies

Host: The afternoon light filters through the wide windows of a sleek, modern café, casting sharp shadows on the whitewashed walls. The clink of coffee cups and the low hum of conversation are barely noticeable, drowned out by the soft whir of an espresso machine in the corner. Jack sits at a table near the window, his hands clasped together, a half-empty cup of coffee in front of him. Jeeny is across from him, her eyes thoughtful, her fingers fidgeting with a piece of paper. There’s an unspoken tension between them, something unfinished, but it seems like they’ve come to an unspoken agreement — today, they’ll talk.

Jeeny: She breaks the silence, her voice quiet, almost curious. “You ever think about what’s really important in business, Jack? I mean, all this talk about profits, growth, scaling... it’s never enough, is it? There has to be something more.”

Jack: He raises an eyebrow, a slight smirk playing on his lips. “You mean like saving the world while making a buck? It sounds idealistic, Jeeny. It’s all well and good to talk about doing good, but when it comes down to it, people are in it for themselves. They want to build something that gives them a return. That’s the reality.”

Host: The air feels thick with conflict, the flickering of light across Jack’s face highlighting the sharpness of his words. Jeeny, however, remains calm, her voice steady as she looks at him, clearly unshaken.

Jeeny: “But don’t you think there’s more to it than just profits? I mean, look at what Yunus said — by capitalizing on our core strengths and knowledge, businesses can create real, sustainable impact. It’s not just about earning money, it’s about creating change, about contributing to society in a way that matters.”

Jack: He leans back, his eyes narrowing as he considers her words. “So you’re saying businesses should just throw aside their competitive edge for some grand social mission? It sounds noble, but how do you create value without turning a profit? How do you make a difference without focusing on what brings in the money?”

Jeeny: She pauses, letting the question hang in the air for a moment. “That’s the thing, Jack. Sustainable doesn’t just mean long-term profit. It means creating something that lasts, that benefits the world. Businesses don’t have to choose between doing good and making money. It’s about finding that balance. By focusing on strengths, businesses can create impact while being financially viable. Think about companies like Patagonia, who focus on the environment and still make money. They prove it’s possible.”

Host: The light in the café seems to shift, casting a warmer glow now. Jack’s face softens, but there’s still a skeptical edge to his voice.

Jack: “Patagonia’s a rare case. Not every company can just jump into sustainable practices and expect to thrive. The world’s not built for that kind of thinking. You’ve got to be able to compete, to dominate the market. If you’re focused on just doing good, you’ll get run over. Yunus might have an idea, but the real world is different, Jeeny.”

Jeeny: Her eyes never waver, the strength in her gaze steadfast. “But that’s the point, Jack. The real world is changing. More and more, people want to align their values with the companies they support. It’s about evolving the way we think about business. By focusing on core strengths and knowledge, companies can actually create value for both their customers and the world. The impact can be tangible — and profitable.”

Host: The tension in their words builds as the world outside the café continues on, but for a moment, it feels like time stops, as if the very idea of business and ethics hangs between them.

Jack: He shrugs, leaning forward with a slight chuckle. “Alright, let’s assume you’re right. How do we scale that? How do we get businesses to see that the core strengths they have aren’t just for profit, but for purpose? That’s the challenge, isn’t it? Changing the system.”

Jeeny: Her eyes brighten, and she leans in, her voice almost urgent now. “That’s exactly it! The system needs to be shifted. But we can do that by demonstrating that businesses can create real social value and still succeed. Think of it like a new business model — capitalizing on what you already do well, while also focusing on the social. It’s not just about one or the other, it’s about both. That’s how sustainability in business becomes possible.”

Host: The rain has stopped, leaving the streets outside glistening, the pavement reflecting the light like liquid glass. Inside the café, Jack’s face shows a hint of contemplation, but there’s still a flicker of doubt in his eyes.

Jack: “You think people will really buy into that? I mean, yeah, it sounds nice — but people don’t always act with the greater good in mind. There are too many short-term gains to be had. And that’s what keeps the world spinning.”

Jeeny: “It’s about showing them that it’s not just a short-term gain. That by focusing on social impact, businesses can create something that’s more lasting. Yunus didn’t just talk about giving back — he showed how you can build something that does both. There are companies out there demonstrating it every day.”

Host: The air in the café feels charged, the quiet buzz of conversation slowly returning as their words linger. Jack sits back, his fingers tapping the side of his cup, a faraway look in his eyes.

Jack: “Maybe. Maybe there’s some truth to it. Capitalizing on core strengths, creating something that matters beyond just making money. It sounds like it could work… But it’s going to take a lot to convince people that doing good is just as important as doing well.”

Jeeny: She smiles softly, her voice genuine, filled with hope. “I think it’s already starting. People are tired of just buying products. They want to invest in something that matters. And businesses that can tap into that — that demonstrate real, sustainable impact — are the ones that will thrive.”

Host: The light outside the window shifts once again, this time a soft golden hue as the sun begins to set. The world outside seems to slow, and for a moment, it feels like Jack and Jeeny have found a small piece of understanding between them. Though their conversation is far from finished, it feels like they’ve crossed a threshold — toward a new understanding of what it means to succeed in business, and what it means to make a difference.