Few occasions could be imagined that
would serve as greater evidence of the
unquenchable spark of the human spirit than
holding an event organized around the
genesis of value creating business against the
backdrop of systemic global economic
volatility.  It is appropriate, at this juncture
in the story of modern social evolution to take an honest stock of where we’ve been,
where we are, and where wisdom invites us to craft a more ethical and suitable future. 
Regrettably, when words like “economic crisis” are invoked, we respond with rather
unsophisticated reflexes.  Reflexes, by their very nature necessitate rapid, unconsidered,
hyperactive responses short on the consideration of consequence or collateral damage. 
Reflexes do not seek, nor do they function with, considered consequence.   So it is, that
when we hear talk of “recovery” or “market resilience”, we fail to ask whether the
pathologic condition that precipitated the current instability is a condition to which we
should aspire.  Do we want to return to a nostalgic view of a few years ago?

Dr. David E. Martin
Executive Chairman, M·CAM
Batten Fellow, Darden Graduate School of Business
Administration, University of Virginia