CEO Corner

Learning Givers Gain From 1 of the Greatest Givers of the 20th Century

I recently returned from another terrific week of visiting BNI members across India.  I wanted to share one experience that sets an example for us all. As you know, BNI avoids religion and politics because they can be divisive. Instead, we focus on collaboration and on generating referrals for BNI Members. 

While in Kolkata for a BNI Members’ Day event, I visited the compound where Mother Theresa lived as well as many who shared her work and mission. Along with several BNI leaders including Bimal Samal, Rahul Agarwal, and Rahul Mohata, our excellent Executive Directors for the region, I spent time learning about one of the 20th Century’s greatest humanitarians.  

Mother Teresa, who was born in 1910, devoted her life to helping the poor, the sick, and the homeless. For many years, she worked in the slums of Kolkata, aiding what were then some of the world’s poorest people.  Her singular goal was to help “the unwanted, the unloved, the uncared for.”  She was famous for working with individuals with leprosy, a long-lasting infection, and in doing so put her own safety at great risk.  While she reached out to individuals in need, she also saw a world in need and so she founded a charity organization – Missionaries of Charity – that scaled to over 5,000 participants operating schools, shelters and aid offices in 120 countries.   

As we learn about this remarkable woman, I can’t help but think about BNI. Mother Teresa exemplified what we call Givers Gain®.  And did so passionately and selflessly.  She sets an example for us all – even today.   

How can we honor her passion and selflessness?   

Perhaps the referral we give to a fellow BNI Member will change their life.  Perhaps it will enable them to give more referrals to other BNI Members. Perhaps it will help them support their family, and respond to those in need in their communities. Perhaps our work together in BNI gives our lives deeper meaning.  I believe it does.     

In the words of Mother Teresa, “I can do things you cannot, you can do things I cannot; together we can do great things.” Let’s recommit to Givers Gain® and let’s give as much as we possibly can to those around us.  As we do so, each of our lives will have more significance and meaning, and BNI will have an even bigger impact on the world around us.   

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