True Community: What I Learned at WPPI

Celebrating with Greg Gibson, Matt Mendelsohn, Brooks & Leigh Whittington, Tyler and Pam Wirken, Joanna Pinneo

It’s the question.

“What did you learn during the whirlwind WPPI week?”

And there is one thing –– maybe the most important thing I will ever learn.

Pepper Nix and Mitch Burt challenged me to think about it. My husband and business partners demonstrated it to me with continued acts of patience (even when I didn’t deserve it!) Me Ra Koh reinforced its meaning with her infectious warmth.

It is at the core of business, particularly a business built on a foundation of relationships.

It is the true meaning of community.

The word “community” is often used to describe a group of people who are linked by geography or by a common interest. True community, however, is much deeper –– and quite rare. True community is a group of people who, regardless of their backgrounds and beliefs, are able to accept and transcend their differences, enabling them to communicate effectively and openly.

I believe the most important business principle is to love people without any expectations. When we don’t expect anything in return, we understand what it means to love unconditionally. And when we understand what it means to love unconditionally, we discover the true meaning of community.

In my opinion, a fulfilled life is one lived in community, rooted in unconditional love for each other.

"What life have you if not life together? There is no life that is not in community…"

-- T.S. Eliot