Films

“Reality proves Possibility” – a documentary series produced by Michael Pirson, Ph.D., professor, James A. F. Stoner endowed chair in Global Sustainability, and area chair Leading People and Organizations; and Emmy award-winning filmmaker Alison Bartlett, highlights the stories of businesses that truly serve humanity. The series is providing reasons for hope that humanity can do better than the current doom and gloom through a humanistic approach to management. Many global problems already have been successfully addressed through this philosophy, yet few people are aware of it.

Pirson and Bartlett also co-produced the inspiring documentary, “Zen Brownie,” released in 2023 and now available on YouTube. The film, which was awarded a Special Mention from the 2023 Impact DOCS Awards Competition, is narrated by Academy award-winning actor, Jeff Bridges. It tells the story of Yonkers, NY-based Greyston Bakery, a business built upon a deep commitment to ideals and policies that unlock human potential. Bernie Glassman, an aeronautical engineer who became a pioneer in the American Zen Movement, founded the business in 1982. Through its unique and inclusive Open Hiring® policy, Greyston welcomes job applicants from all walks of life who are struggling economically. It provides the opportunity for them to earn a living wage without the complications of being scrutinized during hiring. Once hired, employees receive ongoing training and development to enrich their work and lives.

Pirson explained that Greystone’s dignity based hiring process implements what social psychologists all know… “trust that you place in other people, typically gets trust back.” This management model serves as a living illustration of the ways kindness, compassion, and inclusivity can be a foundational part of a thriving business. “The film shows how a small, successful bakery has demonstrated the transformational potential of an optimistic, human-centered approach to business. Through its partnership with Ben & Jerry’s and the many lives and livelihoods Greyston has transformed, this story which we have captured will continue to have an impact for years to come,” Pirson noted.

The film has won several accolades at film festivals across the globe. You can watch “Zen Brownie” here on YouTube or below:

Professor Pirson also recently completed a documentary on SEKEM, an Egyptian company that for 40+ years has transformed deserts into oases, creating several world-leading companies in the process. Actor Ben Stiller supported this film with narration and other films are in the works.

Pirson, also is founder and director of the Gabelli School’s Center for Humanistic Management, a research center with active outreach to practice and policy, and a commitment to developing novel pedagogical approaches with a focus on social innovation. The Center’s research was recently featured in a series of videos, produced by Pirson and Kimberley LaMarque Orman, associate clinical professor of communications and media management. These videos focus on empowering students and members of the global business community with an optimistic, human-centered approach to business. Watch them here: https://bit.ly/42bMzSA

Through projects like “Zen Brownie” and the Humanistic Management & Communication video series, Pirson brings to life the metamorphic changes that can occur if we believe in the value of each and every individual and provide them with the chance to flourish and grow.