- by Kevin Xu, CEO of MEBO International
My father was a remarkable doctor. Growing up, I witnessed his unflagging devotion to alleviating his patients’ pain. He worked with burn victims, so he was constantly confronted by suffering. But he never wavered in his dedication. I used to wonder how he could be so committed. Then, I realized that his resolve came from his altruistic perspective.
Helping other people was my father’s life’s work, and that gave him the courage to show up even when it was challenging. This sense of purpose motivated him to create groundbreaking burn regeneration therapy and provide life-saving support to victims of the 2008 earthquake in Wenchuan, China. His others-first mentality empowered him to create meaningful change every day.
Although I decided to pursue a career in business instead of medicine, my father’s example inspired me to help others as well. That’s why I jumped at the chance to become a member of the Clinton Global Initiative. The initiative facilitates collaboration among governments, nongovernmental organizations, and local leaders to help communities solve crises caused by natural disasters, gender-basedviolence, and education gaps.
The initiative provides me with a way to contribute and live up to my father’s legacy. But it has also taught me that corporate social responsibility isn’t just about helping people out of the goodness of one’s heart. It’s an increasingly important aspect of a sound business strategy.
Social Responsibility Matters to Consumers
Consumers want to buy from companies that are mindful about the impact they make on the world. One recent study showed that “90 percent of shoppers worldwide are likely to switch to brands that support a good cause.”
