In a recent revelation, Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff attributed the genesis of his company’s philanthropic ethos to a profound encounter with Indian spiritual leader Mata Amritanandamayi during a visit to Kerala in 1996-97. This meeting, he says, was pivotal in shaping the core values of Salesforce, now a $248 billion enterprise.
Benioff recounted that while discussing his vision for a new technology and business model with Mata Amritanandamayi, she emphasized the importance of altruism, advising him to “do something for somebody else” in his quest to change the world. This counsel resonated deeply with Benioff, leading him to integrate philanthropy into Salesforce’s foundation. He established the 1-1-1 model, dedicating 1% of the company’s equity, products, and employee time to charitable causes—a framework that has inspired over 10,000 companies globally to adopt similar practices.
Reflecting on the encounter, Benioff described the setting as “like a scene from a movie,” with the spiritual ambiance of the Kerala village leaving a lasting impression. He regards Mata Amritanandamayi, affectionately known as “Amma,” as a significant influence on his life and business philosophy, maintaining a relationship with her to this day.
This narrative underscores the profound impact that spiritual guidance can have on corporate leadership and the integration of compassionate values into business models.
