Dr. A.T. Ariyaratne, Walter Link: Buddhist Leadership in Business & Social Movements

Buddhist Leadership in Business, Social Movements and Public Service
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Explore the integration of inner and outer aspects of Buddhist View and Practice with hands-on leadership in the world of business, civil society and public service.
With Dr. A.T. Ariyaratne(hailed as Gandhi of Sri Lanka) and Walter Link who have worked on this challenge for a combined 80+ years in organizations around the world.
Dr. A.T. Ariyaratne, founded 55 years ago Sarvodaya, Sri Lanka’s largest social movement that has helped to shape many aspects of Sri Lanka’s life. As a multi-ethnic and non-religious organization Sarvodaya’s work is based on Buddhist values, which are being implemented in a particularly well though through leadership approach that is a much-considered model throughout the world. Sarvodaya has supported 15.000 villages and urban centers in diverse ways, including to develop an empowering governance system, build thousands of pre-schools, community health centers and libraries, roads and other infra structure, establish thousands of village banks and cottage industries; promote biodiversity and solar energy, advance multi-cultural understanding and peace. Dr. Ariyaratne who received countless awards is often called the Gandhi of Sri Lanka. Jack Kornfield refers to him as a living Buddhist treasure. At the same time Ari, as his friends call him, is a very approachable social entrepreneur with a great sense of humor and many years of experience of how to bring the depth of Buddhist wisdom into the world of action.
Walter Link is a close friend of Ari, chairs Sarvodaya International and as senior strategy advisor, leadership coach and social investment banker helps to keep Sarvodaya as relevant in the 21st century as it was in the 20th. Walter is presently working on transforming Sarvodaya’s Micro Finance NGO into a fully regulated model Bank and on developing other businesses using the Sarvodaya model. Walter is a teacher of Buddhist practice and of the Diamond Approach, which he adapts in his work with companies and NGOs around the world. He was a co-founder of SVN Europe and of Empresa in the Americas that helped pioneer the corporate responsibility movement. He presently launches Global Leadership TV - which explores the integration of inner and outer work by some of the world’s most innovative leaders - with a very personal dialog with the frontrunner of Brazil’s presidential election, Marina Silva who is deeply committed to spiritual practice and sustainability. www.globalleadership.tv