Want To Do a Good Deed?

It’s invigorating to meet an empowered leader like Shari Arison. She is at the helm of several companies, and is always looking to make a difference. International Good Deeds Day, taking place this year on March 10, was her simple idea that today has a worldwide impact. Here are the highlights from a recent interview I had with Shari.

Helene: What gave you the impulse to start Good Deeds Day?

Shari: I’ve always thought about how I can create positive change. One day I thought of this idea, it was so simple – everyone can do a good deed. People think you need a lot of money or a position in order to give, but that is not necessary. A smile that brightens someone’s day is a good deed. Helping a lady cross the street or even just buying a coworker a cup of coffee to make them happy — these are good deeds, small acts of kindness. It’s taken off because everyone connects to it. 

We started seven years ago in Israel, with 7,000 people. It grows every year; last year it was 250,000 people and this year 370,000 people have signed up thus far. People hear about it around the world. We started GoodNet.org as a “gateway to doing good,” where individuals and organizations showcase how they are doing good – whether it’s for the environment, volunteering, philanthropy, etc. 

More and more people have asked to join in. In Washington, there are 3,000 people going out to do good deeds. In New York we are doing a kick-off event in Times Square on March 9. This year in Uganda they will be planting fruit trees to grow fruit for the community; in the Ukraine there are 5,000 students who are going to visit hospitals, senior citizens, and the needy.

Helene: Let's discuss the workplace because you’re such a terrific leader. Working women want to have greater influence – what will help them do that? 

Shari: I always say that women have insight and intuition; we need to take our unique qualities into the workplace – don’t try to be men, be the women that we are, with our values, caring, and compassion. That’s what I’ve done in all of my businesses – I’ve put my focus on values and in the long run it works. 

Helene: What is true power? 

Shari: I think true power is inner power. When people are connected to themselves and they are authentic, that resonates with others.

Helene: How do we quiet the negative voices that don’t allow us to step up?

Shari: It’s work. It’s a matter of recognizing them, whether they are in our own selves or in our surroundings. Acknowledge them, and then let them go. Focus on the good – what you want to see in the world, what you want to see in yourself, and what kind of person you want to be.

For more information on how you can get involved in International Good Deeds Day, go to GoodNet.org.