Socially-conscious entrepreneurs and business leaders who have successfully combined profitability with environmental stewardship and social responsibility in the production of their own quality product or service will be the spotlight of Pepperdine University’s 2013 Socially, Environmentally, and Ethically Responsible (SEER) Symposium on November 8th in Malibu, Ca. Hosted by Pepperdine’s Graziadio School of Business and Management, the 2013 SEER Symposium provides a forum for exploring the complexities of issues such as sustainability, corporate social responsibility, and ethics – and how these tie into entrepreneurship, innovation and producing a superior product that generates financial growth.

Admission is open to the public and free for those who register at bschool.pepperdine.edu/events/seer-symposium. Seating is limited.

“If you want to hear stories from some of the most inspirational, socially-minded, and successful business leaders working today, join me for this symposium,” said co-host Dr. Michael Crooke, former CEO of Patagonia, an assistant professor of strategy at Pepperdine and founding faculty lead of the SEER Certificate program available to MBAs at the business school.

Speakers:

Mark Bowles, Founder and Chief Marketing Officer, ecoATM, invented the first and only company to use automated self-service kiosks to evaluate and purchase consumers' used electronic items for resale or recycling.

Chris Mann, Co-Founder and CEO, Guayaki, infused the tea-like yerba mate beverage startup with the seemingly contradictory missions of promoting the restoration of South America's rainforests and empowering its indigenous peoples while also being a responsible, sustainable and profitable company.

Ayr Muir, Founder and CEO, Clover Food Lab, driven to create a business that reflected his passion for sustainability, leads a chain of vegetarian fast food restaurants.

Rick Ridgeway, Vice President of Environmental Affairs, Patagonia, Inc.; Founder and CEO, Adventure Photo and Film, has overseen sustainability initiatives including Freedom to Roam, Common Threads and the Footprint Chronicles, and he is a co-founder of the Sustainable Apparel Coalition, an apparel and footwear industry-wide group seeking ways to reduce the environmental and social impacts of the industry.

Greg Steltenpohl, Founder and Former CEO, Odwalla, Inc., the juice and beverage supplier, led that company through its transformation from a startup to a publicly-held corporation and currently serves as CEO of Califia Farms, a grower-owned company dedicated to featuring California-produced products.

Marilyn Tam, Former CEO, Aveda Corp., is a successful entrepreneur who founded and built four companies, in addition to being an internationally-recognized speaker, author and consultant, as well as previously served as president of Reebok Apparel and Retail Group and as vice president of Nike, Inc.

Registration:

2013 SEER Symposium will be held Friday, November 8, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., at Pepperdine University, Drescher Graduate Campus Auditorium, 24255 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA 90263. The program includes a fast pitch competition between Pepperdine student entrepreneurs. For more information or to register, go to bschool.pepperdine.edu/events/seer-symposium.

About Pepperdine University Graziadio School of Business and Management
Founded on the core values of integrity, stewardship, courage and compassion, Pepperdine University’s Graziadio School of Business and Management has been developing values-centered leaders who advance responsible business practice since 1969. Student-focused, experience-driven and globally oriented, the Graziadio School offers fully accredited MBA, Masters of Science, bachelor’s completion and non-degree executive business programs for business professionals, entrepreneurs, managers and senior executives at all stages of their professional and personal development. More information: bschool.pepperdine.edu/newsroom.

Pepperdine University Graziadio School of Business and Management

Pepperdine University Graziadio School of Business and Management

Pepperdine University’s MBA Certificate in Socially, Environmentally, and Ethically Responsible (SEER) Business Strategy, led by lead faculty and former Patagonia CEO Michael Crooke, allows students to complement their MBA degree with courses and activities that will prepare them to incorporate their own values and ethics into a successful career in 21st century business; apply SEER values to companies large or small, across a diverse range of industries; and lead the next wave of great organizations.

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