That whole “authenticity” thing…

I love meeting people at the end of a presentation or speech.  There is the usual flurry of quick hellos, a traffic jam of business cards that exchange hands, and some quick-fire meetings.  For someone like me, it is an adrenaline shot of social inspiration.  I always leave those moments realizing just how many people I want to know, learn from, and share with…

…and then there was New York last month.

At the end of a presentation at Social Media Week, I met a woman — CV Harquail — who took those few quick minutes after the speech to tell me about her organization in such a compelling (and brief) way, that she’s had me following her ideas ever since.  Her perspective on the world, how organizations can better the world, and her challenge to me as a professional and person shows that the “elevator pitch” can still take you somewhere these days.

And it all came down to a singular word – “authenticity.”  Fascinating.

CV gave me some immediate feedback about the panel presentation about how organizations are approaching CSR (corporate social responsibility) and the question about whether or not businesses, non-profits or NGOs are really doing something both inside – and outside- their organizations that is improving the world.  She told me the panel had her thinking about how we should be thinking about what happens when we want to tackle a major problem in the world without getting at the root causes (or the business model) that is the source of the problem itself.  I won’t do her approach justice here, so I recommend you visit her blog and learn here.  This is a great question.  And it is one that (agree with her approach or not), we all should be asking ourselves.

I had come to the defense of an MTV colleague during the panel.  I imagine this is why she wanted to chat with me.  I am a big fan of organizations that ask themselves honestly what they can be doing to make a difference both inside and outside of their immediate business model.  But what about aligning them?  She asked me some good questions about what my organization does in this regard.  I am one of those people who believes firmly in the Confucian ideal that it is “better to light one candle than curse the darkness.”  But today, we have ways to turn on the light switch as well.  And this is what CV – and her blog – have challenged me to think about.  We say we want to get at the root of big problems – but are we really trying?  Or are we just whacking away at some of the symptoms?  These are great questions.

So CV has me thinking more about getting my image, actions and identity in line with one another.  This is an “authentic” goal that every PR, communications and international development communications person should have at the top of the agenda.  I’m taking it on as a personal and professional goal.  This was an elevator pitch that got me thinking….and will help me get to a higher floor.  Thanks, CV!