Feature-Building Values - Driven Organisations

By Timothy A. Edward

In a world obsessed with scale and speed, we often overlook the quiet strength of small beginnings. Yet, history and experience shows us that the most transformative organisations - those that shape industries, communities, and even nations - often start with little more than a dream, a handful of committed individuals, and a deep sense of purpose. Whether in Sri Lanka or across the globe, the journey from seed to tree is marked not by size, but by the values that nourish growth.

The Why and What We Do

Constantly ask why we are doing what we are doing. Despite small beginnings - seed your vision with faith and strategy.

Small beginnings can lead to great impact. I am always intrigued by seeds. How small they look. But, when you plant them, after some years, some of those tiny seeds grow to become so gigantic. Even our lives begin as a small seed. Over the years, we grow and start to influence and become a blessing not only in our country of birth but all over the world.

Take the story of MAS Holdings in Sri Lanka. What began as a modest apparel operation has grown into a global apparel tech powerhouse, driven by a commitment to sustainability, innovation, and ethical practices. Their journey was not just about garments - it was about weaving values into every thread of their business.

Consider Airbnb. It started with three air mattresses in a San Francisco apartment.  The platform grew by connecting travellers with hosts who could rent out spare rooms and entire homes, transforming the hospitality industry. Today, it is a billion-dollar company that redefined hospitality. But its growth was anchored in a clear mission: to help people belong anywhere.

Sometimes what we do might look the least important, but over the years, it can grow and only time will determine how many people might end up benefiting through our actions. Believe insignificant beginnings can have the power within them to spread all over the world.

The Quiet Rise of Big Change

Start small; because smallest ideas and actions can grow to become very large institutions and entities. I know of an organisation that began with 5 dollars and today it is very vast and widely spread throughout the world. Big change often begins quietly.

Another example, the Sarvodaya Movement began with a single village and a vision for self-reliance. Today, it touches thousands of communities, empowering people through grassroots development.

Then, think for a moment about Muhammad Yunus and the impactful story of Grameen Bank in Bangladesh.  This is another testament of how a small experiment in microcredit became a global movement, lifting millions out of poverty and earning a Nobel Peace Prize.

Culture is the Soil Where Innovation Grows

A little influence can permeate everything. Be a positive catalyst in your environment - be it family, business, community or country. We need to check from time-to-time what kind of influence we are exerting in our environment, whether it is positive or negative. Our influence and the culture that we promote have permeating qualities - they work starting from within to affect everything.

As a case study, Dilmah Tea is more than a tea company. It is a culture of integrity and kindness. Merrill J. Fernando built it on the philosophy of ‘making business a matter of human service.’ That culture has permeated every aspect of the brand - from fair wages to community upliftment.

Patagonia – an outdoor clothing and gear brand known for its high-quality, durable products and strong commitment to environmental activism and sustainable practices, is another shining example. Their culture of environmental stewardship and ethical business practices has inspired a generation of conscious consumers and entrepreneurs.

Pursue Purpose with Passion and Sacrifice

When we find something of great value, like for example, our life purpose - what we really want to do in life - our life mission, then we can invest into that purpose with all our heart and joy, the purpose for which we are born.

In life there are things that are of great value: like family, relationships, life goals. These are of great value and we should be prepared to pursue them with all our might.

Consider this story: Malala Yousafzai’s pursuit of education for girls began with a simple blog. Her passion and sacrifice turned her into a global icon for human rights and education.

From Seed to Significance

Small beginnings are not a weakness - they are a sacred opportunity. Whether in a village in Sri Lanka or a garage in Silicon Valley, the journey of building values - driven organisations begins with purpose, is nurtured by culture, and blossoms through sacrifice. The world needs more leaders who protect the DNA of their organisations and invest in the soil of values. Because when the roots are deep, the tree can weather any storm. As ancient wisdom says, ‘Do not despise the day of small beginnings.’