Sanctuary Sunday - Sustainability Economics

I hope all of you are enjoying a relaxing Sunday.

I have been blogging more on the topic of sustainability lately, perhaps because of recent environmental disasters such as our Gulf Oil Spill here in the US and the news that 2010 is going into the record books as the hottest in recorded history.

At the risk of creating some dissonance in your delightfully serene sanctuary, I want to give you some "mind candy" to contemplate.

The concept is not that complex, so please pardon me if I paraphrase a line from a popular song which states, "'we've got the whole world in our hands".

Few understand the economics that have provided the underpinnings for the changes that have occurred over centuries, not just decades, in our environment. This is the more complex part of the discussion, and a full treatment of this topic cannot be given justice in one blog post. When we get together face-to-face at an upcoming WWRG Summit, I will cover this in detail.

I had the honor of being accepted for post-graduate work at the Harvard Business School where I received a certificate in Private Equity and Corporate Governance. This area of study is a subset of economics, and the forms of Capitalism that dominate our world economic system.

At the risk of oversimplification, there are basically two forms of Capitalism currently in practice today in the free world.

The first is Anglo/US capitalism and stems from the USA and focuses on short-term maximization of shareholder value.

The second is less widely publicized. It is based on concepts of social justice and recognizes the interdependence of businesses and their local communities. For a full treatment on this topic may I suggest a book that my friend Therese Necio-Ortega, Executive for the Peninsula Hotel group was a contributing expert on entitled Leadership for Sustainable Futures: Achieving Success in a Competitive World by author Gayle C. Avery.

Regardless of whether you believe in one form of capitalism or another, we are still living on the same planet, one that was created long before either existed, or humans for that matter. Without an understanding of what drives the decisions our leaders make, and the honesty with which they make them, a clear picture of how we have arrived where are today cannot be brought into view.

Please consider joining a global initiative such as the Awakening the Dreamer movement I mentioned in an earlier Sanctuary Sunday post. This group, and others, will help educate you on the severity of the problem and suggest ways that you may help solve these pressing issues, and hold our world leadership accountable for their actions.

Why? Because the sanctuary we call Planet Earth is in danger of quickly becoming a cesspool instead.

SDG - JBHIV

Lifestyle Lifter's - A Dream Holiday in Europe

I know many of you enjoy this segment of the WWRG blog, so while our guest blogger, Evie, continues her hiatus, I offer a suggestion for what a "fantasy holiday" in Europe might entail.

When I was growing up in Asia, my family frequently took advantage of the lengthy summer vacation period and traveled to Europe.

Two of our favorite destinations were Greece and Italy.

These two countries are once again top of my list as would France.

My fantasy holiday would begin in Greece. A trip to Greece is never complete without a visit to Mykonos. Mykonos is so beautiful, it is no accident that it has become one of the most desired destinations in the world. And if you add the cosmopolitan lifestyle, the sophisticated nightlife and the historic treasures of the nearby Delos to its stunning natural beauties and picturesque villages, you’ll have the recipe for an unforgettable holiday.

Although one of the smallest islands of the Cyclades complex, Mykonos is definitely the most famous, thanks to its treasure of natural beauty, rich history, cosmopolitan character combined with a wild nightlife, as well as plenty of local color.

My next destination would be Italy. I would hire a car and drive south to Tuscany where olive groves and some of the finest vineyards abound. As a serial "foodie", this journey would not be complete without dining on authentic Tuscan cuisine while enjoying a view of the rolling hills and beautiful villas.

I would then proceed directly to the glamorous French Riviera. A boat trip along the scenic coastline would include iconic towns such as Nice, Cannes, and St. Tropez and of course, Monaco. After enjoying the private beaches and world-class restaurants there I would complete my fantasy holiday in Paris. After several days at the Peninsula Paris (opening in 2012), I would regretfully return to the U.S., no doubt a few pounds heavier, but many burdens lighter!

BTW - did you know that Tokyo has now passed Paris as the Michelin Guides "city with the world's best restaurants"?

I have another fantasy holiday in Asia to tell you about in a future Lifestyle Lifter's post.

Thursday's Truth - Think Globally, Act Globally

As many of you know, I spent a considerable amount of my childhood traveling with my family. Perhaps the most impressionable years during this period were spent in Asia, predominately Manila and Tokyo.

My father, an executive with a global information technology firm, had access to virtually any hotel available when he traveled throughout Asia.

Inevitably, he chose a Peninsula Hotel.

If memory serves, we have stayed on more than one occasion at:

The Peninsula Hong Kong - We had several Christmas celebrations here as it was my late Mother's favorite shopping destination!

The Peninsula Bangkok - during a global tour that included Malaysia, Taiwan, the Middle East, and Europe.

The Peninsula Manila - built after our time, but I frequently recommend it to clients and business associates that travel there.

The Peninsula New York - We stayed here on our trips back to the States each year.

I only wish there had been a Peninsula property in Hawaii. It was a frequent stopover when flying Cathay Pacific across the Pacific Ocean. Our family had to settle for the Honolulu Hilton.

I was recently reminded of what differentiates a truly grand hotel from a merely great one during a recent visit to the Peninsula New York.

As many of you know, I love a high tea served in grand style and have enjoyed meeting many of my friends and clients there when they visit NYC. It is no wonder that regardless of which Peninsula property you visit, the level of service and comfort are consistent. The luxury of the surroundings is without compare.

Few know, however, that the Peninsula group of hotels is also one of the most socially responsible.

Their Corporate Sustainability Vision is outlined on their website as follows:

"HSH aspires to manage its businesses and operations to high ethical and social responsibility standards as a leading hotel and property group. We are committed to integrating sustainable practices and principles across our operations in a balanced way whilst providing an exceptional level of service to our customers."

I am so looking forward to the opening of the Peninsula Paris in 2012. Formerly the Majestic Hotel and the French Foreign Ministries Centre International de Conferences, it is currently undergoing a fifty million Euro redevelopment. As many of you know, Paris is one of the venues I have selected for a future WWRG Retreat.

As Women of Wealth, I know that social responsibility is high on your list of priorities. Many of you have made a conscious decision to support organizations and brands that "walk the talk".

And you also know how committed I am to raising awareness among my network when I come across those that share our values.

Next time you choose to stay at a Peninsula property, rest assured that both you and our Planet are in good hands.

Or should I say "White Gloves".