The other day in class we were discussing the trend towards social enterprise (i.e. business doing 'good') and the notion that business, big and small, are recognizing the role they play in changing the world (or call it what you will)

I'm not here to comment on the merits, motives and outcomes of socially driven business (I could go on forever - and perhaps I will later) but my professor made an interesting comment that I couldn't help but notice.

"You guys are going to be the ones that make the difference, not me"

I didn't make a big deal of it, but the more I thought about it, the more I realized how loaded a comment like that is.

While I concur that perhaps we do have the power (and it is up to us to make the difference) I sometimes question if that's the general sentiment of many business leaders today. Is it hopeless up there; easy to pass off to us?

Then I got to thinking, "what does making a difference" really entail? I see lots of companies trying to make a difference (say, by lowering emissions and donating funds to different causes - all of which are absolutely noble) but I wonder if there isn't more that needs to be considered. Are business leaders still moving in the "wrong" direction, only at a slower pace? Does there need to be a fundamental shift in the way that we (the ones to make the difference) perceive and act within the context of business?

A good friend of mine (and an esteemed economist, might I add!) said, "Nathan, don't be too optimistic. Be opportunistic, and go where needs exist"

There's a big conversation going on about the role of entrepreneurs in the social movement; a shift from the mutual exclusivity of for-profit and not-for profit. I do think our generation is capable of bringing about change, but it's difficult if you're in a workplace that isn't your own. In that sense it's partially contingent on today's business leader's willingness to foster a culture where change can take place.

Then again, you can just start up your own business and foster your own culture of change.