A pastor at a Sri Lankan church closed his sermon with words that struck me deeply:
“Let your words reflect your values and allow them to lift up those around you.”
Those words stayed close to my heart and meant so much to me.
When I started my business, 50 Acres, I asked myself: What values define me? What will guide my company?
Drawing from my work, my faith, and my ethics, I settled on five core values. They keep me grounded in business and shape every decision I make. They’re not just words – they’re the heartbeat of 50 Acres, uniting everyone who works with me toward a shared purpose.
Think of them like the rules of the road. Whether it’s a quiet one-lane country road or a bustling city highway, we all know the rules that keep us safe.
These values are 50 Acres’ company culture, no matter where we come from. So, here are my five core values that drive 50 Acres:
1: Integrity
2: Respect
3: Perseverance
4: Collaboration
5: Leadership
Picture them as a pentagon – not ranked, but equal, interlocking, all for one and one for all. Each one matters just as much as the next.
Here’s what they mean to me.
Integrity: Being honest and doing what’s right, always.
It builds trust with my team, my customers, and my partners.
Trust is everything.
Respect: Putting people first; our customers, our employees, and our partners. When we listen and deliver what they need, we don’t just grow sales; we build loyalty.
Perseverance: Pushing through tough times. It’s how we grow, innovate, and come out stronger.
Collaboration: Working together, inside and out. Teamwork turns our strengths into results – better ideas, better morale, better everything.
Leadership: Giving back and doing good. We’re committed to our communities and the planet, from eco-friendly tea packaging to supporting causes that matter.
From day one, 50 Acres pledged 10% of our pre-tax revenue to philanthropy, serving communities in Sri Lanka and the USA. Our tea, our packaging – it’s all made with care for the environment. These values aren’t just mere words; they are actions for us.
One final thought: We live by our values. We stand by them. We know they’ll carry us far.
