WORLD CAFE LEGACY HOUR:
TRANSFORMING BUSINESS
THROUGH COLLABORATION
“The Legacy Hour is proving to be an incredible blend of community, inspiration, and tangible takeaways. The thoughtfulness, competency, engagement, and inspiration each attendee brings to life, their business, and the world, motivates me to become ever more present, creative, and consistent with my approach to each. The world is truly a better place because of what each one is doing. Bringing them all together ensures the ripples are extending out much further with greater impact. Thank you, Monica, for curating these times together.” - Jeff Bochsler with Rate Mortgage, SVP of Mortgage Lending
On February 12, 2025, the University Club of Santa Barbara became a hub of inspiration and meaningful connection as A Kinder World of Commerce hosted its 5th Legacy Hour. With a full house and a powerful theme—Transforming Commerce with Kindness: Impact Through Collaboration—attendees engaged in dynamic conversations that left a lasting impression.
The World Café-style event, founded by Fielding University graduates Juanita Brown and David Isaacs, provided an interactive setting where thought leaders, business professionals, and community members explored topics that matter deeply to them.
The structure of the event allowed participants to rotate through three 20-minute discussion tables, facilitated by pod leaders Jeff Bochsler (Conscious Consumerism), Wendy Kout (Social Justice), Kerri Burns (Community Engagement), Stacy Rebich Hespanha (Environmental Stewardship), Carley Haut (Sustainable Leadership), and Jack Azar (What You Can Do to Stop the Coup). This format ensured a broad exchange of ideas and perspectives, fostering collaboration and learning among attendees. Monica described, “The quality of people who participated made all the difference—open, honest, and respectful conversations created a safe space for meaningful connections.”
A Community Rooted in Purpose
The Legacy Hour is not your typical networking event. As Wendy Kout, co-founder of Arts for Change, put it, “Monica Lenches’ A Kinder World of Commerce gatherings offer the opportunity to be in community with caring local business and thought leaders. Educational and inspirational, this is networking for growth of self and betterment for all in Santa Barbara and beyond.” Attendees didn’t just exchange business cards—they engaged in discussions that emphasized integrity, social responsibility, and sustainability in business.
Eric Cardenas, Director of Impact and Advocacy at the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, reflected on the evening: “Monica and her team hosted yet another inspiring Legacy Hour event, but this one felt more personal. The genuine connections and conversations reflected the trying times we are all living through, but through a lens of hope, care, responsibility, and justice. It felt great to be in a room full of like-minded leaders upholding progressive business values.”
Theresa Huerta, a passionate community member, shared, “A Kinder World of Commerce, for me, is intentional, meaningful community. From the moment I discovered it, it resonated deeply and continues to inspire me. Imagine a gathering of business leaders focused on doing good for our local community—not as an initiative, but as the core business goal. At Legacy Hour events, I gift myself time to be present and connect with people who inspire meaningful, thought-provoking ideas.”
Encouraging Mindfulness and Self-Care
Before the discussions began, Monica led a short meditation to help attendees become present and grounded. Additionally, a digital Mental Wellness First Aid Kit was shared, emphasizing the importance of self-care and mindful media consumption during these difficult times. Attendees were encouraged to step back from the constant noise of broadcast news and instead seek independent, ethical news sources that respect democracy, social justice and the rule of law.
Support from Local Sponsors
This Legacy Hour was made possible through the generous support of sponsors, including Rate Mortgage (Jeff Bochsler), Stroll Hope Ranch (Cindy Feinberg), and Marine Schumann with Brighten Solar. Their contributions helped create a welcoming space for deep, thought-provoking conversations.
Looking Ahead
The evening concluded with organic networking, allowing attendees to continue conversations sparked during the discussions. The energy and enthusiasm in the room were undeniable, reinforcing the impact of bringing together like-minded and like-hearted individuals dedicated to reshaping commerce with kindness.
For those inspired to join this growing movement, the next Legacy Hour is set for April 16, 2025, in partnership with the Illuminate Film Festival. Attendees can look forward to another evening of insightful dialogue and community-building as they explore the power of social responsibility through the lens of the filmmaker.
Together, we are proving that business, when driven by care and integrity, can be a powerful force for good.
