Two weeks ago (11/5), we had the pleasure of hearing a talk by
Mr. Timothy Gavin. Mr. Gavin is the founder and CEO of Code:Red, a company that
helps investment professionals with research management technology. More
importantly, he is the younger brother of our own Fr. John Gavin. Instead of regaling
us with tales from our advisor’s youth, however, he chose to talk about living
as a Catholic in the business world.
Mr. Gavin began by noting that business and capitalism
are often popularly portrayed as calamitous and corrupt (think of films like It’s a Wonderful Life and Wall Street). In the face of this negative
portrayal, one wonders if Catholics should be involved in business at all. Also
considering Our Lord’s admonition that it would be easier for a camel to pass
through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter heaven, and the spiritual
prospects for Catholics in business seem bleak. Yet, in that same passage,
Christ also reminds the apostles that in God all things are possible. Thus,
with the help of grace, it is possible for a Catholic businessman to use his
talents for the good.
Also consider capitalism and democracy: there are elements
of good and bad in both, and we have to consider to what degree capitalism
rewards greed. To some degree it can, but it can also reward creativity and
create jobs. It can also produce positive social outcomes. For example, when a
tsunami strikes in Asia, citizens of the United States give their own money to
aid relief efforts, not the government. On the other hand, in more socialized nations
(like in Europe) citizens do not often react to these disasters, expecting
their governments to provide relief money.
Pope St. John Paul II saw that in communist nations
individuals exist to serve the elites. He considered capitalism a better economic
system, but warned that it needed to have its root in charity to succeed. Without
charity, capitalism becomes just as bad as communism.
Pope Francis, although he has spoken on the dignity of
being employed and the value of industriousness, has also been critical of
Trickle-down Economics. Yet, as Cardinal Dolan has noted, we need to be mindful
that “capitalism” in third-world countries is much more exploitative than
American capitalism.
Mr. Gavin then shared some lessons he’s learned about
living the faith in the business world.
He first told us about the need for total honesty. For example,
he told us how if his company notices that one of their clients is paying for
more servers than they need, they offer to reduce the cost. Although these clients
sign contracts that would allow the company to charge them a higher rate, this
would effectively be stealing. By begin honest, one can foster good relations
with clients and others.
With regard to employees, it is important to offer them
room to succeed. Yet, when an employee is put into a position they are
ill-suited to, he drags down the rest of the company. Moreover, many such
mismatched people find themselves struggling in their positions, and often are
relieved to be let go because they are failing. Those in business should also
remember to give back to newer employees. They must remember where they came
from and help out people just entering the business world. One should also be
generous, and not feel the need to recklessly spend all the money one makes.
Finally, as a father Mr. Gavin tries to instill the
virtues of work ethic, charity and good manners into his children. He tries to
be home by the evening so as to eat dinner with his family and help his
children with their homework. He also avoids working evenings and weekends to
the best of his ability, so as to maximize his time with his family.
We thank Mr. Gavin for his very interesting presentation.
It’s good to hear about living the faith in a profession many of us may be
entering into.
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