Responsible Business Partner Spotlight - Q&A with Tim Smith from Shaklee

Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Posted by Healthy Child

Tim Smith - Senior Director Sustainable Development - Shaklee Corporation

We had a moment to ask Tim about his work with Shaklee and what inspires him to work towards sustainability.

HC: What is your job description?

TS: As the Senior Director of Sustainable Development for Shaklee Corporation I’m responsible for the planning and implementation of innovative sustainability programs. This includes working with non-governmental, non-profit, for-profit, and philanthropic organizations to advance ecologically sound and sustainable business practices that benefit our planet.

HC: What motivates you to do the sustainable development work you are doing?

TS: I have always gravitated to companies with social and philanthropic values. This includes Levi Strauss & Co. early in my career and over 20 years with the Shaklee Corporation. My motivation comes from a deep appreciation for the shared values among my colleagues and Shaklee Independent Distributors. The philosophy of “Living in Harmony With Nature” has been a part of the company’s culture since its founding by Dr. Forrest C. Shaklee in 1956. My personal mission statement was derived from an acronym for SHAKLEE: Sharing, Helping And Keeping Lives Enriched Everyday. If you spend any time with the “Shaklee family” of distributors you will quickly understand the source of my values and motivation.

HC: What is innovative about your business?

TS: Shaklee was founded by an entrepreneur who was a pioneer in the fields of health and ecology. Our current CEO, Roger Barnett, is also entrepreneurial and he motivates his staff to be creative in developing the best natural health products. Our scientists and marketing managers are constantly looking for ways to improve product formulas and packaging in support of healthier lives and a healthier environment. And our Sales and IT managers seek out innovative training methods and motivational tools to enhance the business opportunity.

HC: What is your favorite part of the work you do?

TS: I enjoy conducting research on sustainability and finding impressive partners to help make people and the planet healthier. One of my favorite opportunities in the past year was collaborating with Healthy Child Healthy World. I thoroughly enjoyed attending events and exchanging ideas with some of the Healthy Child Directors, Advisors and staff. I was thrilled to collaborate with this leading child advocacy organization and help expand its reach. Shaklee Distributors in the U.S. and Canada shared the Creating Healthy Environments for Children video with thousands of people and supported its important educational message about protecting children from harmful environmental exposures.

HC: What gives you hope?

TS: I have hope in our desire to seek out strong leadership and connect with other people who possess similar values and become effective advocates for change.

HC: If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?

TS: Knowledge is power, and I have a passion for learning and harnessing resources to make things better. There is so much valuable information available to us, but so little time. I would love to have the ability to read and comprehend at lightning speed (like the android named Data on Star Trek, but retaining all of my human characteristics).