Building Better Business Through Ethics and Innovation

Beyond Compliance: Moving Towards a Culture of Ethical Behavior in Business | KUMAR SUJEET SINGH KANHAIYA 

Ever wondered what it takes to turn personal struggles into an entrepreneurial achievement? When I sat down to listen to Andre Smith’s talk, I wasn’t expecting a story of overnight success—just a real, grounded conversation about combining ethics with innovation. Since, I had some challenges in education as well, I could relate to his path right away. 


A Transformative Session


The honesty of Andre's story was refreshing. He spoke about the difficulties he encountered and the turning points that led him to quit a stable job and launch Flip & Floss. Andre said, “I remember when I first attempted to go to York University, I didn't get in... I tried to get into the University of Toronto and I didn't get in because I never did a high school calculus.”. I could relate to that honesty because it made me recall my own hardships and the importance of persistence. His openness about his "fear of success" and importance of overcoming self-doubt gave his business ventures a human touch.


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Andre listed the three principles or Customer Experience Marketing (CXM) designing for impact, designing for people, and designing with purpose—which guide his work. His concept of "design with purpose" is more than a catchphrase for business; it's about knowing your "why" and allowing it to guide every choice you make. "Design for people" places a strong emphasis on being customer-centric and developing products that genuinely satisfy customers' needs. Last but not least, his dedication to bettering lives is shown in "design for impact," which aims to teach financial literacy to at least one million children.


Benefits of ethical - FasterCapital

Personal Reflections and Career Impact


As I listened to Andre, I couldn't help but think of my own journey. Like him, I've experienced what it's like to navigate a competitive environment and must change course when needed. His advice to "develop a customer-first mindset, network, and don't be afraid to pivot" sounded like an effective plan for my own marketing and business strategy career. I also resonated with his advice "you have to start putting yourself out there more. I was very shy about myself out there. I was nervous, but I started doing it." 


Going forward, I want to look for opportunities with companies that place equal importance on ethical business practices and financial success. I'm determined to improve my storytelling skills to not just market a product, but to share the impact behind it. Additionally, I'm eager to make an investment in my education by going to seminars and classes which narrow the gap in my understanding between ethical marketing and creative storytelling.


How to Create a Career Vision Board for Success | Creately


Conclusion


Andre Smith's presentation was an invitation to rethink what success means, not just a rundown of his professional accomplishments. His experience served as a reminder to me that moral business conduct, along with a readiness to change course and take chances, can promote both individual development and societal impact. His presentation and my personal experiences inspired me to pursue a career that prioritizes honesty, creativity, and genuine connection with others. I now have the confidence and clarity to work toward a future in which creating a positive impact and achieving business success go hand in hand.

 

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