Founder and Chairman Ray Anderson Speaks on the Interface Journey and Sustainability
The story is now legend — the “spear in the chest” epiphany Interface founder and Chairman
Ray Anderson experienced when he first read Paul Hawken's, “The Ecology of Commerce” while seeking inspiration for a speech to a company task force on the environment. Fourteen years and a sea change later, Ray is a sought-after international speaker who gives nearly 100 talks each year to audiences hungry for a message about the company that is proving the business model for sustainability works.
As last year wrapped up, Ray had spoken to audiences all over the world, finished a 13-city North American book tour and had given over 100 interviews about the Interface story. His new book,
Confessions of A Radical Industrialist, published this past September in the U.S. and Canada, and launching this year in Europe and Australia, brought inspiration to audiences from business people to students. So much so that San Diego State University purchased his book for their "Common Experience" program that engages the entire campus in reading and discussing a book. 2010 will find Ray busy traveling to spread the Interface message and continuing to tour to promote his book.
Ray’s Carbon Footprint
Ray doesn’t take the environmental impact of his travel lightly. Each year, the carbon footprint for Ray’s journeys is calculated and trees are planted to offset the carbon emissions associated with his trips.