about

Kyosei Defined

With roots in ecology, the literal translation of the word involves two Japanese characters - kyō (kyo) which means working together and sei (say) which means life. Taken together, their most literal interpretation is cooperative living or symbiosis.

The twentieth century saw the word begin to be applied to the business environment - most notably by Ryuzaburo Kaku, Chairman of Canon Inc. His goal was to foster the understanding that long-term business success can only be founded upon a respect for the interconnectedness any business has with people, communities and the environment. We have adopted his definition of kyosei - "living and working together for the common good." - as our own. For more on the origins of kyosei and an exploration of examples of kyosei in today's world, see our blog (kyoseiblog.com).

Our Mission, Vision and Values

At a fundamental level our name - Kyosei - says it all. Kyosei represents our mission, our vision, and our values. It is the fundamental guiding principle behind our approach. All of our products and services are designed to build the capacity of individuals and organizations to live and work together for the common good.

Mission: Your Potential - Realized.

First and foremost, our mission is to help people and organizations actualize their potential. Employing proprietary models and systems, we work to engage the spirit of entrepreneurship within each individual. We do this because true entrepreneurship is not just about business - it's about the power to create. So whether you're an individual, an entrepreneur, or an employee in a corporation, if we can pinpoint your passion for effecting lasting, positive change - we can turn that desire into powerful results for you, your team, business and ultimately, the world.

Vision: A Thriving World

We are committed to creating a healthy, just, soulful, and prosperous society where people and businesses can live and work in harmony with each other and the environment.

Our Values

Our values represent who and how we believe we need to BE in order to fulfill our mission, achieve our vision, and provide a level of service that will differentiate us both now and in the future.

We value:

'True' Entrepreneurial thinking

We believe entrepreneurial thinking is not only for business and that it is a mindset founded on and sustained by passion, mindfulness, creativity and systems thinking. By cultivating and mastering these competencies in ourselves, we can help people and organizations systematically enhance their ability to live in harmony with each other and the planet. Our actions model our beliefs that:

You don't have to be an entrepreneur to be entrepreneurial.
The entrepreneurial spirit lives and thrives in individuals and therefore can be present in businesses and organizations of all types and sizes.
The 'true' entrepreneurial spirit is positive, visionary, solutions-oriented, curious, open-minded and inclusive.
Entrepreneurs criticize by creating. They are eager to learn, explore, push boundaries and challenge conventions. They don't stop at the first right answer.

Authenticity

Authentic action is the cornerstone of integrity and sustainability for both individuals and organizations.

Our actions model our beliefs that:

Life-Work Integrity™ -- the state of wholeness that results from alignment between who you are and what you do - is the foundation for individuals, (and hence organizations) to thrive in harmony with each other and the planet.
Authenticity requires an ongoing commitment to cultivating awareness of and alignment with the Kyosei model's "Four Core Passions."
Authenticity requires the courage to step beyond ego needs (for recognition, power, status, and financial gain) to act in alignment with our natural moral compass. In essence, authenticity means that we walk our talk even when it is not easy or convenient to do so.
Authentic action requires creativity, patience, and discipline in order to find the place of integrity where both the individual and collective good can be served.

Systems Savvy (the kyocentric approach)

Whether high-tech or high-touch, we believe in the power of systems to transform people and business for the better and, more importantly, to ensure that this positive change is sustained over the long-term. Technology, when designed with respect for both human nature and natural systems, can accelerate the realization of our potential to create a better world. In Kyosei speak, we call this kyocentric.

Our actions model our beliefs that:

An understanding of natural systems is fundamental to designing systems that will stand the test of time.
Technology, when designed with respect for both human nature and natural systems, can accelerate the realization of our potential to create a better world.
Creativity, courage, discipline, and persistence are necessary to learn to use technology in ways that decrease rather than increase our ecological footprint.
The best systems are a Result of Note™ - that is, a system, habit, or commitment that once created or implemented does not need to be revisited, but may be iteratively improved.
Sharing information for the benefit of all is ultimately a greater generator of prosperity than hoarding it. Web-enabled systems are key to enhancing both business profitability and contribution to a better world.

Mindfulness

Mindfulness is a foundational practice for personal responsibility, which in turn is the foundation for social responsibility. We strive to be mindful that all of our actions and decisions foster Kyosei.

Our actions model our beliefs that:

Social responsibility begins with a commitment to personal responsibility and accountability. We take the time to be mindful of whether our personal choices are in integrity with the practice of kyosei.
Individuals and organizations abide by the "precautionary principle" which states that if an action or policy might cause severe or irreversible harm to the public or the environment, in the absence of scientific consensus that harm would not ensue, the burden of proof falls on those who would advocate taking the action.
Conscious capitalism requires the consideration of the impact on the whole, both immediate and long-term, in all decisions.