With the completion of the inaugural TEDxBGI, a dream of mine has come to fruition. I was initially drawn to Bainbridge Graduate Institute because of the quality of people who form its community. Since my first day, I’ve found the ideas coming to, through, and from BGI the sort that inspire me to live a life of purpose. Very early on I thought this was an environment well suited for the mission of TED. In organizing the first ever TEDxBGI I had the opportunity to work with some amazing people. I hoped to bring about a fun event that would encourage people to open their minds and think critically about the business as an institution and how we can play a role in using it as a tool to make this world a better, more sustainable place.
I spent countless hours learning about each of our speakers, coaching them on their presentations, and, most importantly, coming to know them as individuals who care about the systems in which they are a part. From the first speaker through the last, I was impressed by what each brought to their presentations, but more impressed by who they are off the stage. Before I introduced each speaker, I recalled the person I had come to know in order to honor his or her true essence. For me, the most powerful part of TEDxBGI was not the event, but the introspection that occurred before, during, and after it. It is with a renewed sense of purpose, and with more passion than ever before, that I approach the next chapters in my life.
I sincerely hope that you enjoy(ed) TEDxBGI and allow it to serve as a conduit for sparking conversation and action.
Michael B. Maine is an MBA candidate at Bainbridge Graduate Institute. His passions include socially responsible business, photography, culture, art, and people. He maintains a blog at michaelbmaine.com and can be found on Twitter at @michaelbmaine.