A KINDER WORLD OF COMMERCE:
Giving Thanks to Our Legacy Brands for a Resounding Success
Written by Elizabeth McCabe
The University Club of Santa Barbara played host to the second Legacy Hour, an initiative of A Kinder World of Commerce (AKWC) on September 18, 2024. This unique and impactful event brought together community leaders, businesses, and nonprofit organizations to foster connections and promote socially responsible commerce.
The event, curated and led by co-founder Monica Lenches, began with a heartfelt welcome, acknowledging the event’s sponsors, including Michelle Apodaca with Deckers Brands, Jeff Bochsler with Rate Mortgage, and Megan Bierney with Unite to Light, among others. Lenches also extended her gratitude to all the Legacy Brands present and her dedicated team for their invaluable contributions in organizing the event.
The event’s format was designed to foster connection, reflection, and purpose. Attendees began with a short meditation, allowing them to center themselves and reflect on their intentions for the event. This set a thoughtful tone for the afternoon, encouraging participants to engage meaningfully with one another.
Monica introduced the concept of A Kinder World of Commerce, an educational campaign aimed at promoting socially responsible business practices. AKWC highlights businesses that prioritize the “triple bottom line”—People, Planet, and Profit—referred to as Legacy Brands. Lenches also shared her vision for AKWC’s future, which includes evolving into an alliance, A Kinder World Alliance (AKWA).
The highlight of the event was the “Musical Shares” activity. Six pod leaders, representing different Legacy Brands, were invited to share either their company’s purpose, vision or mission, emphasizing the importance of purpose-driven business. The humorous twist on traditional musical chairs—now with actual music and seating—provided a lively and engaging format for participants to connect and learn from one another. The activity featured three rotations, giving attendees the chance to hear from different leaders, ask questions, and discuss how they incorporate socially responsible practices into their daily operations.
Pod leaders inspired their groups by sharing examples of how they put their values into action. This led to in-depth conversations about how businesses can be a force for good in their communities. The exchange of ideas and experiences left a lasting impact, with many attendees expressing a desire to implement similar values in their own organizations.
The event concluded with a raffle, where attendees had the chance to win prizes, including a free ticket to Unite to Light’s Glow Gala and a $25 gift card to Sunkissed Pantry. Following the raffle, the event transitioned into open networking, where participants enjoyed lively conversations over refreshments.
Enhancements from the First Event
The success of the event was evident not only in the meaningful connections made but also in the positive feedback from attendees. After the first Legacy Hour, Monica sent out a survey and was delighted with the feedback.
“One hundred percent of those who responded said they felt inspired, that they learned something, and would come to another Legacy Hour,” she says with gratitude. “Participants asked for tables and chairs, so we accommodated that request to make their experience more comfortable and engaging.”
“They also wanted more time in each of the pods as well as an additional pod rotation, so we extended the event to three hours.” With people’s busy schedules, Monica was touched by their response and their dedication to learning and growing.
“We also asked ourselves how we could better align ourselves with our core values and realized while we enjoyed handing out a beautiful program/directory at the first event, trees were impacted. And with that, we shifted to a nearly paperless event using QR codes to minimize waste,” she explained.
Rave Reviews
Those in attendance were touched by the Kinder World of Commerce event. As Monica says, “People came to learn, connect, and have meaningful conversations about things that matter.” This special event left an impression on participants, who had nothing but praise for the successful night.
“You know it’s been an exceptional event when a group of strangers turns into fast friends, and no one wants the night to end! Even during the bustle of a busy workday, Monica seamlessly guided us through a calming meditation, offered clear instructions for movement and meaningful conversation, and inspired us to embrace a kinder, more conscious approach to business. The atmosphere was special—completely ego-free—creating space for instant connections and truly authentic discussions.”
– Abbey Ziv, Life & Leadership Coach/Hope Ranch Resident
– Abbey Ziv, Life & Leadership Coach/Hope Ranch Resident
“The group of individuals present was inspiring: each story with a unique path grounded in goodness. Despite so many different industries, the synergy was high. I walked away fulfilled and renewed in my vision for my business and how I might have more of an impact in our community.”
– Jeff Bochsler, Rate Mortgage/ SVP of Mortgage Lending
– Jeff Bochsler, Rate Mortgage/ SVP of Mortgage Lending
“This second edition of Legacy Hour was masterfully curated by Monica Lenches, whose visionary and thoughtful approach shone through once again. The event brought together inspirational guests whose insights and experiences will leave a lasting impact.”
– Marine Schumann, Brighten Solar Co.
– Marine Schumann, Brighten Solar Co.
Building Momentum
A Kinder World of Commerce continues to build momentum, with plans for future events aimed at promoting socially responsible commerce and building a kinder, more sustainable world.
As AKWC continues to grow, the vision for a more interconnected and responsible business community is coming to life, one event at a time.
