You might be an Iconoclast

Iconoclast: a person who attacks cherished beliefs, traditional institutions, etc., as being based on error or superstition.

This inspiring word was brought back to my attention by one of my VIP customers. He’s an amazing man. His curriculum includes many letters after his name, from MBA from a prestigious business school to an Engineering degree from which he graduated with honors. He has reached very senior levels in the corporate world. He has managed hundreds of people and millions of dollars. Of course, there is so much more that describes him, which goes beyond the CV: he’s a great dancer, an avid runner, a dedicated son, a caring friend and more.

He was a very senior executive for one of the most unethical companies in the world. At some point he couldn’t take it anymore. He couldn’t continue supporting the corporate dogmas of this monstrous company. He was no longer behind the omnipresent “Greed is Good” doctrine.

He quit.

He knew that what he didn’t want, but what did he want?

The latest download of his own personal mission is

to build a better world

Yes, literally with landmarks, constructions that bring hope and possibilities to people.

After several bad experiences with other corporations, he has now found a little piece of heaven. He has now a job in the most organized company he has ever seen. They are professional, sensible, punctual… BUT he’s just not happy! There’s something missing.

The psychologist who assessed him before being offered this last position told him that he didn’t fit the characteristics of all other executives hired by that company. In fact, it was almost impossible to classify him. That the best word he could use for him was Iconoclast.

Wow! What a statement! To tag this builder as a destroyer!

Well, I like to see it as Schumpeter: this is the season of creative destruction. My customer is a great example of what this means. He can no longer remain in the world of keeping the status quo. He has now the sense of urgency of living a meaningful life TODAY!

• If you don’t fit in any classification that the good old corporate dogmas provide
• If you know that you could transform the world / the economy into something more human and humane
• If you know this cannot wait any longer

You might be an Iconoclast

So, how can you transform the dogmas of the corporate world why staying in the corporation? Challenging!

I have a lot of respect for the change agents that are attempting to build the heart centered economy from within the corporations. I not only see it as challenging, but close to impossible. You have to deal with politics, “this is the way we have always done it” and simply the general addiction to security.

I’m an advocate of building a brand new economy. Yes, this is entrepreneurship, innovation, uncertainty, risk… Yes! Something brand new!

I don’t even suggest to destroy the old economy. No! We don’t need to do anything against the unethical and cold-blooded corporations. Just see how many of those are going bankrupt and all by themselves.

If we all, the free agents, builders of the heart centered economy, concentrate in supporting each other, building our expertise, building new business models, something brand new and tremendously powerful will emerge. In fact, it’s emerging. I see more and more heart centered entrepreneurs all around the planet generating abundance for their customers, their partners and themselves.

If you are in the process of quitting the old economy, congratulations! and welcome into a brand new game, a game of cooperation, openness and honesty.

If you have already quit, surrender to the calling of your heart. Follow his command and all the resources you’ll need will be yours.

Welcome to the club of the Iconoclasts.