We hear the term "swimming with the sharks" used frequently in business as a competitive anecdote. But people do it. I did it. And I must say that it was one of the most relished adventures in nature that I have done. (For those unfamiliar with my work, I have done a lot of nature adventures.)
There was and is a point to swimming with the sharks 35 miles off the coast of Mexico. The open water swim-where you are fitted with snorkel, mask, and flippers and then dive into the water where dozens of whale sharks are feeding-was to raise awareness about WildAid, an organization supported by Branson and his Virgin Group of companies. If you have flown on Virgin airlines recently, you'll likely have seen a video of Branson standing in front of some exotic animals talking about WildAid. The nonprofit organization (wildaid.org) has a mission to end the illegal wildlife trade by reducing demand through public awareness campaigns and providing comprehensive marine protection. The illegal wildlife trade is estimated to be worth over $10 billion per year and has drastically reduced many wildlife populations around the world.
The type of sharks that I swam with, for example, are often killed for shark fin soup. These sharks are whale sharks-gentle giants. Getting up close and reaching out to touch them, then getting whisked along in their wake and floating along with them is a scene right of out Finding Nemo. It is the type of kinetic experience that fosters appreciation: appreciation for the beast, its beauty, and our place in nature's ecosystem.
WildAid creates awareness through hosting experiences such as these, as well as campaigns to educate chefs and fish buyers around the world. It's important work.
Now for the impact side of all this. The boats and eco tours of the sharks, which congregate at this particular spot near Cancun, Mexico, for three months every summer to feed, are licensed to local operators and guides. This helps the local community, as well as, of course, the world at large.
This, my friends, is what impact investing is all about: finding and investing in businesses such as these.
Branson, whom I interviewed for a forthcoming feature story on impact investing, wrote a book last year entitled Screw Business As Usual.
So too may change the usual business meaning behind "swimming with the sharks."
It's time to get out from behind the desk and experience businesses that can change the world.
Experience your impact.