What helps people, helps business.

Opening Scene – Narrated by Host
The café was bustling with a quiet energy—the soft murmur of conversations and the clink of coffee mugs. Jack sat at a small table near the window, his coffee forgotten as he gazed out into the street. The sunlight streamed through the window, casting a warm glow across the room, but Jack’s thoughts seemed to be elsewhere, perhaps reflecting on the deeper connection between business and the human element.

Across from him, Jeeny noticed Jack’s distant expression. She could tell he was mulling over something important, likely about the intersection of helping people and business success. She decided it was the right time to introduce a quote that could bring clarity to their conversation, one that spoke to the power of aligning business goals with people’s needs.

Host: The calm chatter of the café filled the space, but Jeeny’s voice cut through, inviting a shift in the direction of their conversation. What was about to unfold was an exploration of how helping others could directly contribute to business success and fulfillment.

Character Descriptions
Jack
In his early 30s, Jack was someone who often reflected on the relationship between business and the broader purpose of serving others. His grey eyes were filled with curiosity, always seeking to understand how the motives behind business decisions could be tied to positive social impact. Jack admired businesses that prioritized people, but he sometimes wondered how that could be successfully achieved in a competitive world. His voice was steady, though it carried a hint of uncertainty about how to align profit-driven goals with the good of society.

Jeeny
Late 20s, Jeeny had a natural understanding of the human side of business. Her dark eyes were perceptive, always seeing beyond the transaction to understand the values that drive success. Jeeny believed that true business success came when a company’s focus was on helping others, not just making money. Her voice was calm but assertive, guiding Jack to think about how businesses could thrive by prioritizing people’s needs while still achieving success.

Host
The silent observer, attuned to the subtle dynamics of the conversation. The Host understood that the most profound realizations often came when people reflected on the deeper connections between business and people—how helping others creates a foundation for success that extends beyond profit.

Main Debate

Jeeny: She set her coffee cup down gently, her voice thoughtful. “Jack, I came across something by Leo Burnett that really made me think. He said, ‘What helps people, helps business.’ What do you think of that?”

Jack: He looked up, a small smile forming. “I really like that. It’s so simple, yet it sums up everything about purpose-driven business. The idea that by helping others, you actually help your business—it’s a mindset shift. It’s not just about making money or achieving success for the company; it’s about creating value for people, and in turn, that value will come back to you in ways that matter.”

Jeeny: “Exactly. Too often, businesses focus on profit as the ultimate goal. But if the primary focus is on helping people, whether it’s through great customer service, innovative products, or solving real problems, the business naturally thrives. When you provide genuine value, people want to engage with you. They want to support what you’re doing. That’s how trust and loyalty are built.”

Jack: “I think it’s a shift in perspective. We often think of business success as the result of a great strategy or smart financial moves. But Burnett’s quote suggests that the real secret lies in genuinely helping others—putting people first and creating solutions that improve their lives. That’s what generates long-term success.”

Jeeny: “Right. And the beauty of it is that helping people doesn’t just create goodwill, it creates sustainability. When a business is built on solving problems and adding value, it’s not a one-time transaction; it’s a long-term relationship. You end up creating a loyal customer base, a community, and ultimately a brand that’s respected.”

Host: The energy in the café seemed to shift as Jack’s expression softened, the meaning of Burnett’s words settling in. The conversation had shifted from abstract ideas about business to a deeper reflection on the role of businesses in the world—and how helping others was not just the right thing to do, but the key to long-term success.

Jack: “I think what I love about this idea is that it’s so human. Business isn’t just about products or services—it’s about how you can make people’s lives better, easier, or more enjoyable. The more businesses can center on those values, the more successful they will ultimately be. It’s not just about selling a product; it’s about creating something that truly helps people.”

Climax and Reconciliation

Jeeny: “Exactly. And it’s not just about financial transactions—it’s about creating a positive impact. When a business is built on helping others, it becomes part of a larger movement, a cycle of giving and receiving. And that’s what builds sustainable growth. Helping people leads to loyal customers, referrals, and word of mouth, which strengthens the brand and expands its reach.”

Jack: “And I think it also leads to a sense of purpose within the company itself. Employees are more likely to be motivated, passionate, and engaged when they know they’re part of something that’s making a real difference. That sense of purpose and impact flows through the entire organization, not just the customer-facing side.”

Jeeny: “Exactly. When businesses focus on people—on solving problems, providing value, and creating positive change—it fosters a culture of trust, respect, and genuine engagement. And that’s what makes a business thrive in the long run.”

Host: The light in the café seemed warmer now, as the conversation shifted toward a deeper understanding of the relationship between helping people and building a successful business. Jack had come to see that success isn’t just about profits—it’s about creating value, fostering relationships, and solving real problems.

Outside, the world continued at its usual pace, but inside the café, Jack had realized that purpose-driven businesses—those that focus on helping others—are the ones that achieve not only lasting success but also genuine fulfillment. By focusing on what helps people, businesses naturally thrive.