Announcing the Inaugural SMU+GSV Mission Summit!

Adam Smith wrote the Wealth of Nations in 1776 which effectively was the birth of capitalism. The “invisible hand” guided people to pursue their own interests in a free market, which leads to beneficial social and economic outcomes.

That same year, Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence, which declared that all people were created equal with the right to “life, liberty and pursuit of happiness.” In his inaugural address, George Washington spoke about a different type of “invisible hand’ – that people were really motivated by having purpose and meaning to their lives.

While Capitalism has been the greatest creator of wealth and raising the standard of living for hundreds of millions of people around the World, it’s also been under attack, especially among young people. Polls among Millennials and Gen Z consistently show that Socialism is viewed more favorably than Capitalism despite the former’s abysmal track record.

In 2021, Michael Carter and I co-authored “The Mission Corporation,” a best-selling business book on how contemporary capitalism can change the world, one business at a time. We think Capitalism is still the answer, but it needs a “refresh.”

There is a growing tidal wave of businesses that combine purpose and profits which we are calling the “Mission Movement.” We believe the truly great businesses of tomorrow will have the ambition of a for-profit and the heart of a non-profit. Effectively, George Washington’s invisible hand merged with Adam Smith’s.  

In addition to host university SMU, partners in the inaugural Mission Summit include Hoque Global and American City Business Journals.

On May 22nd-24th in Dallas, Texas we will gather leaders to promote powerful ideas to help accelerate the Mission Movement…Changing the World for Good! 

For more information, including in-person registration, visit smugsvsummit.com