Wow. The college admissions scandal that broke into the headlines this week included several individuals who live right in my Laguna Beach neighborhood, or very nearby. I can’t stop thinking about these parents—many of them well-regarded pillars of their communities. At last count, 33 parents are being charged with racketeering, and they will likely serve prison time. 

How could someone with an impeccable career, a vast accumulation of wealth, and nothing but a sunny horizon ahead, make such poor decisions as to bribe a coach or make a payoff to get their child into an elite school? It’s a terrible example these people have set for their kids, their employees, and their communities. 

BlackRock CEO Larry Fink has spoken again, and this year he’s raising the bar. 

A year ago, Fink wrote a letter to CEOs that sent shockwaves through the business community. Directed at those companies where BlackRock invests, Fink set out an imperative for companies to take a longer-term view of business value. Some responded skeptically to his challenge, while others struggled to find a path to that vision.

This year Fink gets more specific, advocating for practices BlackRock believes will drive sustainable, long-term growth and profitability. He is also looking for business to step up to some very real challenges.

As we begin 2019, I’ve been reflecting on what it means to be a purposeful leader.  For the CEOs I work with, purpose and values inform both their personal approach to leadership and how they build higher performing organizations. These leaders are not only focused on the long-term success of their own companies – they are also working together to build a better world. It’s inspiring to talk to them about their vision of what business can be.  

It’s easy to get caught up in our busy lives, but the new year is a good time to pause. Here I’ve outlined a set of questions that I hope will help you reflect on yourself, your company, and your community and get clear on what you want to accomplish this year.