A Certified B Corporation

Intelligent Execution

You know that we have been talking about social responsibility and using tourism as a force for good from before it was popular. Before the word sustainability became a household buzzword. At Big Five, the legacy of my father is simple, bring those that were marginalized like my parents and I to the light, and lift them up so they can do the same for others.

Well in 2015, Big Five set out on path to prepare for one of the most stringent audits on the planet, becoming a certified B Corporation. 10 years later, after a grueling assessment and audit process that went through our financials, our operation, and our footprint, I am so honored, to share that Big Five is officially a certified B Corporation. Out of 350 million businesses worldwide, we are among the now less than 10,000 that can say, we put our company to one of the hardest tests a company can endure, to prove to us, and most importantly, you, that our words and our work towards social responsibility passed this rigorous test. It’s a testament to the people I work with, heroes in their own right, and to all of you, our partners and your clients.

I don’t believe in coincidences, so you can imagine the lack of surprise when we noticed that on the week that we introduce the next letter in my father’s alphabet of emotional intelligence, J for Joy, an alphabet he was working on until his passing in 2024, that it matched up with this amazing announcement.

 

J – Joy  Embracing the essence of Joy: Finding Beauty in Life’s Simple Moments

The importance of finding Joy through acceptance. It encourages us to embrace the present moment, accept things as they are, and find contentment within ourselves. It reminds us that happiness does not depend on external circumstances or achievements but rather on our attitude and perspective.

What is joy?  Joy is about embracing the present moment with gratitude and appreciation. It’s about finding beauty in life’s simple pleasures. But joy is not always easy to come by. It requires a shift in perspective, a willingness to let go of worries and anxieties, and a commitment to living with purpose and mindfulness. It’s about choosing to focus on the good, even in the midst of adversity, and recognizing that happiness springs from within.

Simple formula find what brings you Joy and go there…

So how can we cultivate joy in our lives? It starts with self-awareness and self-care—taking the time to nourish our minds, bodies, and spirits. It means surrounding ourselves with people who uplift and inspire us, and engaging in activities that bring us joy and fulfillment. But perhaps most importantly, cultivating joy is about cultivating gratitude, and being truly thankful for the blessings we have been given.

Ultimately, Joy isn’t a destination; it’s the path we tread, marked by Letting Go of Expectations, Embracing Imperfections, Practicing Mindfulness, and Gratitude for the Present. It’s a journey that unveils itself one precious moment at a time. Let’s invite the beauty and marvels of the world into our hearts, letting joy light our way toward a life brimming with meaning, purpose, and love.

Joy blossoms when we acknowledge the goodness around us.

 

My father wrote, a few days before his passing, “Excellence is never an accident. It is always the result of high intention, sincere effort, and intelligent execution.” I believe this was what he meant.