In our view, values and principles are the foundation upon which our lives, careers and relationships are built. So, we asked folks we admire to open up to us about the values and principles that matter most to them.
Peter G. Kalivas | Founding Artistic & Executive Director
Mutual Appreciation and Understanding are principles that matter to me that lead to respecting one another rather than making assumptions about each other. The more we know, the more we understand and appreciate and the more we have the potential to achieve; particularly together. Read more>>
Howard Blackson | Urban Designer
Every urban design decision is made within a range of extremes. Such as with tuning strings on a guitar string, from too sharp or too flat, each string (decision) has a place that works better with the strings next to it. When coordinated, they work together to make a pleasing sound. Trying to achieve that balance, or harmony, is a principle I use when addressing design at the building/lot, block/street, and neighborhood/community. Aspiring towards equilibrium, or harmony, is the most appropriate urban design response for a neighborhood to achieve its Equity, Environmental, and Economic Sustainability goals. Read more>>
Mikey Knab | Restaurateur & Advocate
It’s tough to choose one, as I think a combination of a few is closer to being foundational for me. Those would be: empathy, patience, and kindness. My perspective is that the greatest outcomes arise from understanding each other, which takes objectivity and time. To improve our outlook as a society or community, I think we must commit to kindness, but it won’t matter if we haven’t taken the time to get to know each other first. Read more>>
Arlene Smith | Partner in Draft Enders
What matters the most is helping the world with our product. Draft Enders lowers energy costs for any building it is used in. World climate change is the most important problem and challenge of our times and it needs to be dealt with now if we want a world tomorrow. Read more>>
Dune Johnson | Family Entertainer, Author & Teacher
I provide family entertainment services (I’m a magician, juggler, game show host, and more), but the principle that I drives me, and my business, is that my true commodity is actually joy. Joy seems so unattainable, but the standard definition of Joy is simply, a feeling of great pleasure and happiness. It’s easy to see that I’m in the business of Joy, but isn’t just about every other business in that same pursuit as well? Don’t new cars bring great pleasure and happiness? When your pipes are broken, don’t you feel great pleasure and happiness when the plumber fixes the problem? When we leave the grocery store, we may not feel real joy, only exhaustion, but as we feed our families throughout the week, doesn’t that food bring with it the possibility of joy? The times that business don’t bring joy is when they somehow shoot themselves in the food by disappointing their customers. Read more>>