There were Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups set out at every place-setting Thursday for Executives In Action’s “Business Smarts, Caring Hearts Book and Breakfast” fundraising event at the Fairmont Hotel.
The symbolism was simple, explained Andrea Sutcliffe, executive director of the group, which pairs up senior executives in transition with nonprofits needing leadership help. “Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups” are so good because they consist of a blend of chocolate and peanut butter, Sutcliffe told the breakfast guests. Similarly, “nonprofits and executives, together, are amazing.”
Executives in Action, founded in 2009 by husband-and-wife team Ashlee and Chris Kleinert, has now matched hundreds of executives with hundreds of nonprofits seeking assistance with specific projects. Among the charitable organizations receiving help: Girls Inc., Heroes on the Water, the Dallas Children’s Theater and the North Texas Food Bank.
That EIA has struck a chord in the community was demonstrated by Thursday’s attendance. According to Chris, who’s president and CEO of Hunt Consolidated Investments, they were expecting about 150 to turn up, initially. But then they got 300 RSVPs.
Some of those attendees, no doubt, were lured by the prospect of hearing keynote speaker Charles Duhigg, a New York Times reporter and author of the best-selling book, “The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do In Life and Business.”
Duhigg didn’t disappoint.
Introduced by former Dallas mayor Tom Leppert, who served ably as the morning’s emcee, Duhigg delivered a fascinating talk about how businesses and individuals have achieved success by transforming habits.
Whether you’re establishing a regular exercise routine or leading a billion-dollar company like Alcoa or Starbucks, the reporter explained, turning positive “willpower” into a regular habit is the key to achievement and excellence.
“Identify your keystone habits and stick a lever in to change them,” Duhigg advised. “Give the community this tool, and it will help it be a better community.”
Presenting sponsors of the “Business Smarts, Caring Hearts” breakfast were the Kleinerts and Nancy Ann and Ray Hunt, who are Ashlee’s parents.