This year we had a wide variety of presentations, ranging from the “Boxing and the Common Good” and Islamic perspectives on Business and Society, to how Accounting or Financial Services might benefit from thinking about faith and Catholic Social Thought

Adam Frost has done extensive research into the history of illicit entrepreneurship in socialist China, particularly in the Maoist era. Beginning in the 1950’s, with the enactment of systems of rationing and distribution, there emerged in China vast illicit networks operating in circumvention of the planned economy. Within these networks, a broad class of specialists, ranging from petty traders of ration coupons to large-scale arbitragers, sought opportunities to profit from inefficiencies in central planning. Referred to by communist officials as “speculators and profiteers,”  these individuals were branded the economic enemies of socialism and became the targets of recurring anti-capitalist campaigns. Yet, as this research will show, these “speculators” were actually the PRC’s first generation of entrepreneurs who not only facilitated the functioning of the socialist economy but also helped pave the way for China’s marketizing reforms.

After graduating from Baylor, Luke Carlson worked for Conoco Phillips for 9 years, holding many roles including global auditor, asset analyst, economist planner, and supervisor. He then worked for over 3 years helping structure deals for the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce. He presently works at Refined Technologies, where he oversees and develops various ventures. He shared what it means to run a business with expectations to create overflow and benefit for others.

Jim Anderson has spent the bulk of his career in middle management, dealing with the real and practical tensions which come while making management decisions as a Christian.  As an entrepreneur he has started a number of companies, and has developed many software solutions through his career, although he has mostly managed people.  He discussed the tensions one faces when considering stockholder and company interests, as well as other stakeholders and the common good.    He and his wife Cindy live in Virginia.

Professor Greenspoon, in addition to being widely published in areas regarding the Jewish Bible and texts of scripture,  has edited a number of interesting books including “Jews in the Gym: Judaism, Sports, and Atheletics” and “Jews and Humor”.  His knowledge of the Jewish wisdom tradition is extensive, and he spoke on a Jewish approach to business, providing insights into how the Jewish tradition has developed and how its scriptures are interpreted in contemporary culture.

Charlie Camosy is the author of Resisting Throwaway Culture: How a Consistent Life Ethic can Unify a Fractured People (2019), as well as 4 other books and numerous articles on ethics including popular outlets such as USA Today, Los Angeles Times, San Francisco Chronicle, Washington Post, Newark Star-Ledger, America and Commonweal. He spoke to the students about having a consistent life ethic, and how to avoid polarizing tendencies of contemporary political and social media discourse.

This year’s annual symposium during Creighton’s Mission Week will highlight a panel of guest speakers speaking about how to use business to help the marginalized and disenfranchised. It will take place Thursday afternoon, with a reception to follow.

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