Irina Baranov, Council for Relationships

Matthew and Terces Engelhart, of Cafe Gratitude, spoke at CCPA about their intention was to influence, empower and create leaders who are ready to make a difference in the world, ready to build sacred commerce and sacred communities. They asked people to share openly – particularly the difficult things – the things that they didn’t particularly want to share – to create something new.

Businesses can be the places where people “wake up,” they said. There is no absolute “truth” in business (or in life) – just viewpoints.  All we need to do is try them on for size and see if they fit. Whatever experience we are having, we are creating it.  We can always exercise power in choosing what kind of experience we wish to have (personal and professional).

The Engelharts create communities of amazing, caring human beings. During an interview, they try to talk people out of working for them. But they eventually hire committed, passionate, caring people.

Every employee gets daily “clearings”: 3- to 5-minute conversations about distractions that include being fully heard, the possibility of forgiveness and the likelihood of acknowledgement. The listener/”clearer” does not react and or offer solutions. Listening is the highest form of loving, the Engelharts said.  It is empowering. 

Read more about Cafe Gratitude.