Dewitt Jones once said, “Don’t aim to be the best in the world. Aim to be the best for the world.”
These words represent something very close to the heart of Mezzanine. We are excited to be a part of pioneering a new wave of businesses that exist for more than just financial profit, that there is a way to turn the stigma of capitalism on its head and impart value and depth to every touchpoint.
On the 22nd of September 2016, Conscious Capitalism Australia (CCA) partnered with Mezzanine and launched CCA in Newcastle.
Local Newcastle businesses were invited to join in on the night for a common purpose: to see their business take part in the greater good of this world. Conscious Capitalism is a not-for-profit organisation that initially took form in the US, with CCA finding its beginning in 2011 with a few volunteers who organised the annual summit in Sydney. It was worth the push to bring the movement to Australia because CCA is about the ‘business world’ catching up to where the rest of society is going, with the meaning of success being redefined and becoming more about the influence you have as a business to touch the lives of the people around you. The brand and memberships were established within the time between then and now, leading to the decision to knuckle down and cast vision over the future of CCA and what role it would play in the everyday lives of these values-led businesses.
Within the co-working space INNX on the Newcastle West end, the night began with a delicious spread of food, accompanied by a glass of champagne or a bottle of some local Imbibe Living Water Kefir – the founder being one of the panellists. Other local names on the Q&A panel were CCA’s Executive Director Siobhan Doran, Mezzanine’s Directors Luke Burrell and Nikki Wright, New River Leadership’s Naomi Nash, Common Cause Australia’s Eleanor Glenn, UQ Power’s Heidi Pollard, Imbibe’s Felicity Evans and OzHarvest Newcastle’s Neil Slater. Personal business journeys were shared with a side of insight into what it means to be a conscious business, the microphone was passed around to guests who wanted to unpack Conscious Capitalism’s four principles further (Conscious Leadership, Stakeholder Orientation, Conscious Culture and Higher Purpose). The new membership program was also introduced, with guests and panellists alike left to mingle for the rest of the night.
At Mezzanine, we believe in the transformative power of purpose-driven business to create meaningful change, making us deeply aligned with the Conscious Capitalism movement in Australia. Its principles mirror our own commitment to embedding purpose at the heart of brand strategy, fostering conscious leadership, and building strong, values-based cultures. The movement’s focus on balancing profit with societal impact resonates with our work of empowering organisations to become positive forces in their communities.
A Conscious Capitalism chapter in Newcastle excites us as it aligns with our mission to foster purpose-driven growth. Newcastle’s vibrant community of innovators and socially conscious organisations makes it an ideal hub for this movement. It’s a chance to connect with like-minded businesses, amplify local impact, and lead conversations on balancing profit with purpose—something we’re deeply passionate about.
About Conscious Capitalism
Conscious Capitalism Australia champions the principles of Conscious Capitalism within the unique Australian context, supporting businesses that prioritise purpose and societal impact alongside profit. The Australian chapter fosters collaboration, learning, and leadership to inspire a new standard of business success that benefits all stakeholders, including employees, communities, and the environment.
At its core, Conscious Capitalism is built on four tenets:
1.Higher Purpose: Beyond profits, businesses commit to meaningful goals that positively impact society.
2.Stakeholder Orientation: Decisions balance the needs of all stakeholders, not just shareholders.
3.Conscious Leadership: Leaders cultivate trust, integrity, and vision to drive long-term success.
4.Conscious Culture: Values-based cultures empower innovation, engagement, and resilience.
Conscious Capitalism Australia offers resources, events, and a supportive network to guide businesses in applying these principles to thrive while driving positive change.
If you’re interested in becoming a member of CCA, click here.
See the full gallery of photos by Paul Walker on the CCA Facebook page.
