This month marked the launch of the Global Executive Seminar, the University of San Diego’s first foray into executive education, bringing together an incredible inaugural cohort of leaders for a 3-day intensive on campus and throughout San Diego during the 2025 Intersession period. Coming from all walks of life, both professionally and personally, these Fellows join the Executive Seminar to explore “Business for Good” frameworks to transform and reimagine traditional business models, addressing challenges like environmental degradation, inequality, and employee disengagement, while emphasizing socially innovative approaches that prioritize societal impact over profit.
Group photo of the Global Executive Seminar Fellows with Professors Paula Cordeiro, Juan F. Roche, Karen Hanken, and Graduate Assistant and MS in Conflict Management and Resolution student Kelsey Coney
“The Global Executive Seminar brings together an extraordinary cohort of leaders committed to reimagining business as a force for good. Their energy and collaboration in these first days set the stage for meaningful impact in their organizations and communities,” said Dr. Paula Cordiero, the program's founding faculty member.
The first leg of the Seminar started in San Diego at the Kroc School where the Fellows convened to start their “learning safari” over a 3-day intensive study period.
On the opening day, participants shared their reasons for joining the seminar and their aspirations to adopt better business practices that they could implement within their own organizations. The cohort—composed of a Chief Medical Director, nonprofit and corporate CEOs, founders, and other leaders—brought a rich variety of perspectives, united by a collective drive to create business models that prioritize people and purpose.
Photo of Seminar Fellow Scott Tritt during a discussion of "What does 'Business for Good' mean to you?"
This first day was supplemented by a discussion around the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and how those 17 goals can guide businesses looking to make a meaningful impact in their respective industries. The group also explored Doughnut Economics, a model that emphasizes the need to balance human and planetary needs within a business model. Together, these and other concepts such as the about the circular and regenerative economie,s laid the foundation for understanding how businesses can operate as forces for good, aligning profitability with purpose and societal benefit.
Day two took the fellows to Taylor Guitars, a local purpose-driven business, renowned for its commitment to sustainability and employee ownership. The visit offered a firsthand look at how a company can integrate environmental stewardship into its operations while driving innovation and success.
Fellows learning about how the neck of a Taylor Guitar is assembled
During the visit, the GES Fellowsthey explored Taylor Guitars groundbreaking initiatives in sustainability, including their responsible sourcing of urban woods, the replanting of ebony and koa trees, and the innovative use of streaked ebony to reduce waste. Fellows also gained insights into how Taylor Guitars' commitment to transparency and fair labor practices aligns with their success as a global industry leader.
Group photo of Seminar Fellows with Taylor Guitar's tour guide
During the visit, the Fellows had a conversation with Bryan Bear, the VP of Finance, and Scott Paul VP of Operational Sustainability and Innovation to learn more about how Taylor Guitars became an ESOP and how the company integrates sustainability into every aspect of its operations. They shared how the company balances environmental stewardship with business growth through continuous innovation, demonstrating that profitability and purpose can coexist. This discussion highlighted Taylor’s leadership in driving sustainable practices in the industry and provided a compelling example of how businesses can align values with success.
Day 3 was jam-packed with learning opportunities as the Fellows visited another standout local organization, Dr. Bronner’s. At the facility, participants were divided into two groups—one group had the opportunity to dive into Dr. Bronner’s extensive commitment to sustainability, equity, and employee well-being, with insights led by one of their very own participants, Kevin Lee. From regenerative organic farming practices to fair trade supply chains, the session shed light on how Dr. Bronner’s has embedded sustainability into every level of its operations.
The other group embarked on a behind-the-scenes tour of the production facility, where they witnessed firsthand the incredible thought and technology that goes into running an efficient, environmentally responsible space—one that, unsurprisingly, smells amazing. The visit wrapped up with an engaging conversation with COO Michael Milam and VP of Operational Sustainability & Innovation Darcy Shiber-Knowles. Their discussion offered a candid look at the challenges and opportunities of scaling sustainability in business, reinforcing how purpose-driven leadership can drive both impact and innovation.
Seminar Fellows learning the history of Dr. Bronners
In the afternoon, the cohort participated in a dynamic panel discussion featuring local B Corporation leaders: Kristin Carroll, CEO of Rescue, The Behavior Change Agency, David Lynn, Founder & CEO of Mission Driven Finance, and Scott Henderson, CEO & Founder of Doing Good Works. This was a riveting conversation about how each of these professionals Non-Profits found ways to make lasting impacts as certified B-Corporations and how they continue to effect change through their work.
The San Diego leg of the Seminar concluded with Fellows feeling energized and inspired as they prepared to continue their learning safari. The next phases will take them into virtual classrooms and on-site learning experiences in Spain and Rwanda, where they will engage with local organizations and deepen their understanding of “Business for Good” in action. Stay tuned for more updates as the Fellows continue this transformative journey!
