In this presentation, give on November 28 to a group of NYU students in Shanghai, I speak about several topics to help frame sustainability and the role of social entrepreneurs in bringing solutions to the market throughout the presentation, I worked to show my own history, highlight the importance of having a tangible relationship to the issue, and the importance of build a platform built on knowledge and real solutions.

1. My Name is Rich
and
I am a serial socialpreneur

2. … and I am here to tell you
about how people can change
the world

3. Developed the project based class Sustainability and Responsible Leadership
•To institutionally support society by leveraging its students, faculty, alumni
•Improve student awareness of the social and environmental challenges in China
•Teams will conduct research, develop external partner, & present business plan
Develop long term capacity within the various actors (NGO, MNC, academic, gov’t,
and citizen) to create stable/ sustainable solutions
•Provide a platform where civil sector professionals can share best practices
•Conduct research, study problems, assess program, & create partnerships
•Work with social entrepreneurs and NGO leaders to develop capacity
•On campus research, develop student leaders, clubs, mentorships, internships
Established in 2004, Hands On China’s mission is connecting people – both
locals and foreigners in Shanghai who want to become involved as volunteers in
community activities with local charities who need assistance.
• Coordinates volunteer opportunities for active professionals, according to their
availability and personal interests
• Support project partners with direct donations, fundraising planning and execution,
community project design/implementation
• Design and manage a variety of community relations programs for private sector
partners in Shanghai – CorpWorks!
About Me

4. What is a Socialpreneur?

5. I have No Idea!
… But here is why I do it
Developing platforms that bring positive change to the world is
AWESOME
Migrant Student Photography Program
• To build the long term photography and art program that
enabled
• growth and development of student interests
• Built confidence through accomplishment
• To develop teacher capacity and encourage retention
• Now up to 60 students
Hands On Chengdu Community Flowers
• Deploy shipping container community centers
• Training Centers, Children’s libraries, medical clinics
• 10 year equipment lifetime
• 2 centers in process

6. I have No Idea!
… But here is why I do it
I work with people who are AMAZING
•Selfless
•Passionate
•LOVE THEIR JOB

7. I have No Idea!
… But here is why I do it
To accomplish AMAZING things that help others

8. My First Steps

9. Personal Goals Lead to Action
What I want to be known for when I die:
• A Good Businessman
• A Philanthropist
• A Scholar (of anything)
• A family man
So, I took my first steps
•Helped foreign firms enter the China market
•Went to Mongolia with Habitat for Humanity
•Started a blog

10. Meet Fractured Realities

11. Fractured “Sustainability”
World Concern China’s Realities

12. Economic Cycles  Global Economic downturn freezes debt markets and reduces demand
 Interest in corporate roles and responsibilities grow
 Regulations and austerity measures add cost to SME
• Environmental awareness has taken quantum leap
 Domestic / International press coverage
 Public support, NGO engagement, and regulations
Environmental
Degradation
 24/7 Full press coverage on TV, newspaper, blogs, &twitter
 Public awareness of problems with industry, and calls for changes
 Ongoing investigative reporting into other areas / other companies
Supply Chain
Failures
 24/7 Full press coverage on TV, newspaper, blogs, &twitter
 Public awareness of problems with industry, and calls for changes
 Ongoing investigative reporting into other areas / other companies
Price Inflation
 Public acknowledgement of system failure and call for change by party
 Cost of talent increasing due to supply shortages and costs of living
Labor Issues
Local Catalysts

13. Something was not gelling with me.
NGOs were all on the climate change bandwagon
The Discovery Channel was telling me I could live a sustainable life of
luxury without sacrifice
No one was willing to tell Starbucks that the paper cup was an
unsustainable business model
… and while we were being told that climate
change was the biggest issue we would face as
humanity, COP 15 closed without resolution.
Ministers went home, NGOs packed up their
polar bears, and the media tuned off
.. and yes… this paper cup is still unsustainable

14. So, I took a step back.

15. Starts With Community
Simple truth: If you don’t care about
your community, “sustainability” as
we understand it is unachievable

16. Communal Sustainability
How do cities organize communal life and maintain social harmony?
How can Better City Better Life really be achieved?
What can business contribute to these processes?

17. … or you get

18. Rebuilding Community
How do cities organize communal life and maintain social harmony?
Cities have to provide 5 things
• Urban Planning
• Economic Development
• Quality of Life
• Safety and Security
• Environmental Stability
Systemic gaps get interesting
• Issues of Migrant Populations
• Elderly Care
• Wellness and Health
Niche enterprises can help, and make, millions

19. What is a Social Enterprise?
什么是社会企业？

20. product/ service model
fundraising / revenue model
Social
Impact
Profit
What is a Social Enterprise?
什么是社会企业？

21. What is a Social Enterprise?
什么是社会企业？

22. What is a Social Enterprise?
什么是社会企业？

23. What Does that mean for you?

24. “The last century, if you wanted to
grow, I believe you should find a good
opportunity. [..] but today if you want
to be a great company think about what
social problem you could solve. “

25. Retooling Leaders
1) New mission and vision
2) Understanding of “externalities”
3) A business plan for change
4) Focus on systems and building
5) Commitment to execution

26. Redefining Solutions
… Which is where social entrepreneurs can come in

27. Get Engaged and
Be The Change!
参与 ,
成为变革的力量 !
A Single Step By a Single Person

28. Learn More :
HandsOn China www.handsonchina.org
Collective Responsibility www.collectiveresponsibility.org
Cleaner Greener China www.cleanergreenerchina.com
Follow my Tweet!
Hands On Shanghai @handsonshanghai
Collective Responsibility @chinaCSR
Cleaner Greener China @greenerchina
My Sites
Email Me rich@collectiveresponsibility.org

29. Q&A
“In the end, environmental, social and economic sustainability
cannot be separated. A sustainable planet must include a
sustainable human civilization – resilient human systems that
respect the complicated relationships among poverty, human
rights, economic development, environmental health, and
human success”
- Institute for the Future, 2008
Richard Brubaker
Founder and Managing Director, Collective Responsibility
Founder and Executive Volunteer, HandsOn China
Adjunct Professor, Sustainability and Responsible Leadership, CEIBS
rich@collectiveresponsibility.org