Business as a force for good

In many ways, the modern world is a reflection of what business can achieve. From life-saving medicines to everyday technologies, enterprise has helped shape a better quality of life across generations. And yet, despite these contributions, a common belief persists: that the purpose of business is simply to make money.

This gap between what business has done and how it is often understood raises a deeper question. What is business really for, and who does it serve?

It is within this context that Siklab: Igniting Business as a Force for Good, held at De La Salle University, gathered students, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders to reflect on the role of business today. More than just a forum, it became a space to rethink business not only as an economic activity, but as a platform for leadership, responsibility, and nation-building.

At the heart of the conversation was a simple but important idea: purpose and profit are not opposing goals. Rather than being an “either-or” decision, the challenge for future leaders is to bring both together, building enterprises that are financially sustainable while creating meaningful impact.

The program was designed to move from a global perspective to local practice. It began with broader ideas shaping business today, then shifted toward real experiences from Filipino entrepreneurs who are putting those ideas into action. In many ways, this flow mirrors the journey of young leaders who will eventually have to translate principles into real decisions.

At the center of the discussion was keynote speaker Fr. Oliver Williams, who offered a reminder that reframed how many in the room understood business. He described it as a noble vocation, one that has the capacity not only to generate wealth, but to improve lives.

Drawing from his work with the United Nations Global Compact, he explained that the purpose of business extends beyond profit. While financial sustainability is essential, businesses are also responsible for creating value for a wider group of stakeholders. This includes employees, communities, and the environment, alongside investors. In this view, profit is not abandoned, but placed within a broader purpose.

Examples shared during the talk made this idea tangible. Companies such as Unilever and Nestlé have shown how business can support communities while remaining profitable. By investing in farmers, improving product quality, and building long-term partnerships, these companies are able to grow while also uplifting those they work with. It is a model that reflects the idea that purpose and profit can move together.

But if these approaches already exist, why are they not more common?

For Fr. Williams, the issue is not the lack of systems or frameworks, but the lack of formation. Business education often focuses on technical skills such as finance, marketing, and operations. While these are important, they do not always shape the values that guide decisions. As a result, many enter the workforce prepared to perform, but not always prepared to lead with purpose.

He emphasized that a good leader is first and foremost a good human being. In practice, this means refusing to separate professional decisions from personal values. It means recognizing that every business decision carries consequences that extend beyond the organization itself.

While the keynote grounded the conversation in global ideas, the panel discussion brought these reflections closer to home. Filipino entrepreneurs such as Ann Dumaliang, Juca Lacsina, Ariestelo Asilo, Raf Dionisio, and Victor Baguilat Jr. shared how they are building businesses rooted in purpose.

Their stories showed that purpose often begins with something deeply personal. For some, it came from seeing the struggles of farmers who could not bring their products to market. For others, it was shaped by a commitment to protect the environment or preserve cultural heritage. In each case, business became a way to respond to real and immediate needs.

What stood out most was how purpose was embedded in everyday decisions. It was not treated as an add-on or a branding strategy. It guided how products were priced, how partnerships were formed, and how success was measured. Even small choices, such as keeping prices fair rather than maximizing profit, reflected a deeper commitment to doing what is right.

The panel also emphasized the importance of working with communities, not just for them. Instead of positioning people as beneficiaries, they approached them as partners. In some cases, communities themselves rejected one-sided assistance, choosing instead to collaborate and build solutions together. This shift creates a stronger sense of ownership and dignity.

At the same time, the panelists acknowledged that this path is not easy. Balancing financial sustainability with social impact requires constant effort. Market pressures, rising costs, and uncertainty make it challenging to stay aligned with one’s values. But these difficulties also reinforce the importance of having a clear purpose to guide decisions.

For the students in the room, the message was both practical and personal. Pursuing a purpose-driven path may not always be the easiest choice, but it is one that can lead to more meaningful outcomes. It requires not only skill, but also clarity and conviction.

One reflection from the discussion captured this idea well. The pursuit of wealth alone, while appealing at first, can feel empty when it does not contribute to something larger. The real question is not just how much one can earn, but what kind of impact one chooses to make.

As the conversations came to a close, it became clear that the future of business will depend on the kind of leaders it produces. Leaders who understand that success is not only about growth, but also about responsibility. Leaders who see business as a way to contribute to society, not just benefit from it.

Siklab, which means to ignite, is an invitation to carry these ideas forward. Because in the end, change does not begin with systems alone. It begins with individuals who choose to lead with purpose.

Madriella L. Mendoza is the Communications Officer of the PHINMA-DLSU Center for

Business and Society. She specializes in event organization, social media strategy, and

marketing. madriella.mendoza@dlsu.edu.ph.