Jared's Reflections

Jared Silliker, LT'25, Senior Sustainability Strategist, NBBJ

We began our Economy Possibility Day held at Microsoft by sharing our economic stories in small groups. Preparing for this discussion was a unique experience, as it prompted me to stitch together my parents’ and grandparents’ paths for the first time and reflect on their impact on my current livelihood. Listening to my classmates’ stories was fascinating, as we noted both similarities and differences in our experiences. 

After this grounding exercise, Brian Surratt, LT'07, and Chris Mefford, LT'08, provided an overview of how the economy functions and shared their perspectives as regional leaders. Chris led a fun exercise about hard economic choices, where we had to choose between two options and explain our reasoning. This exercise illustrated the intertwined nature of the economy, the environment, and our social structures. The resulting conversations illuminated the deep complexities and uncertainties involved, showing how even the best-laid plans can lead to unintended consequences.

During the panel discussion, I was most drawn to the voice and role of small businesses. Amelia Ransom, a seasoned DEI and HR leader, positioned small businesses as the mortar that holds together the bricks of large corporations. Laura Clise, Founder and CEO of Intentionalist, expanded on this by emphasizing that "community is the answer.”

At the end of the day, a small group toured Microsoft’s Thermal Energy Center, a recent infrastructure project providing renewable geothermal heating and cooling for their East Campus. Designed by my firm, NBBJ, this activity was a highlight for me as I had not toured the building before.

Earlier in the day, we touched on Microsoft’s role in driving the Pacific Northwest economy. While this can be viewed from many perspectives, I most appreciate Microsoft’s leadership on sustainable energy and buildings. The direct benefits are significant given the size of their campus footprint. Additionally, as an industry leader, Microsoft has the power to influence and inspire other companies to adopt sustainable practices.

Amy's Reflections

Amy Jiravisitcul, LT'25, Senior Data Analyst, Total Rewards, Gates Foundation

Since the Economy Possibility Day, I have been reflecting on what it means to choose the economy we want. As we read The Four Pivots as part of the curriculum, I find myself thinking about the second pivot, which invites us to shift from transactional to transformational relationships. This made me question how to reconcile the economy—a system built on transactions—with the responsibilities of being an antiracist leader acutely aware of the violence embedded in capitalism and colonialism.

In many ways, our choices in this domain feel predetermined. The cost of living, earning potential, lending and borrowing policies, budget decisions by elected officials, and the influence of lobbying and profit-driven marketing—all of these factors shape the economy we navigate. 

However, throughout the day, I was inspired by the power of our choices as consumers and the potential to align our spending with our values. Decisions around hiring, vendor selection, and procurement offer opportunities to support ethical practices and prioritize environmental stewardship, fair labor, and other core principles. Small businesses are vital to thriving communities, serving as spaces where we can create equitable opportunities and support business owners whose practices reflect these values.

The highlight of my day was a conversation about the feminist economy, facilitated by LT’25 cohort member Mai Takahashi in an open-space format. Our discussion explored how gendered divisions of labor and the undervaluing of care work have contributed to our experiences as gender-marginalized individuals in the workforce. This conversation left me feeling hopeful as we envisioned an aspirational future rooted in bodily autonomy, the socialization of reproductive labor, and fostering right relationships with global communities and the natural world.