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There is a great emphasis on instant gratification in conventional business. There is a misconception that making the most money in the shortest amount of time is the primary goal. In all actuality, it is about creating a sustainable business that can continue to grow over time. Sustainable business practice values the employee because they are an integral part of the organization. If employees aren’t happy, production rates decrease, goals aren’t met, and metrics are lowered. Businesses who implement sustainable development value the triple bottom line: the social, the environmental, and the economic, while simultaneously making a positive impact to begin with. Initially implementing sustainable practices keeps the government from regulating the business and is therefore seen as an incentive. Non-profit organizations promote business when positively impacted by the business.

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During the filming of this video, in 2011, Christina Keller was a Project Manager at Cascade Engineering. As of 2018, Christina Keller has been the president and CEO of Cascade Engineering. (https://www.cascadeng.com/christina-keller). Keller has traveled to many countries from graduating high school in Switzerland, to experiencing the value of social network in Africa, to seeing Costa Rica’s environmental biodiversity and organic exports in person. Christina Keller worked for non-profit organizations like Environmental Resources Trust and Solar Light for Africa. She taught micro-business classes in Peru, and has an MBA with an emphasis in sustainable global enterprise from Cornell University. (Hauenstein Center, 2011).

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Cascade Engineering is working in partnerships with Honduras, the Dominican Republic, and Haiti to implement these filters into households within the respective countries. The partnerships are funded through the governing bodies within the countries; along with donations made from people in the United States. The goal is to provide safe and clean water to reduce disease around the world. Cascade Engineering is working toward a system where Hydraid Biosand Water Filters can be bought and sold, rather than working strictly through donation.

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Christina Keller finalizes her presentation by providing three key leadership lessons. First, an important part of leadership is your following. People follow leaders they respect and find credible. People want to follow leaders who provide insight to their objectives. Second, it is important to set your team up for success by providing open communication. Third, do not take all of the credit or set blame on your team.

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