The original intention became a driving force for the internationalization of local businesses.

During the period of preparing for graduate school exams, I kept reflecting on what I truly wanted. After gradually learning about social enterprises and B Corporations through reading magazines, I hoped to work for a local company related to the environment in the future, not only contributing to the environment and society but also promoting Taiwan’s best practices internationally, growing with the company, and becoming a global enterprise someday.

While being a graduate student, I also interned at DOMI, Taiwan’s first B Corp, in the business and brand marketing departments. During these six months, I participated in major company events and continuously applied the knowledge I learned at school to company projects. I planned projects like the "Campus Ambassador" and "Energy Summer Camp," hosted and designed the "Energy-Saving Workshop," participated in the "New Taipei City Service Industry Energy-Saving Participatory Budget," and set up the "Future Energy Citizen Pioneer Forum Website." Through these projects, I learned how to connect the core values of various activities and eventually create more meaningful and innovative activities or products. Thanks to the company's working environment and colleagues' guidance, my ideas were no longer just fantasies, but actualized with the full support of the company. When I realized these efforts truly impacted society and the environment, I became more certain that I was on the right path.

Seeing the power of the team through collaboration.

I initially joined DOMI with high expectations, and even though the company was small with only about twelve people, everyone shared the same goal. I observed that my colleagues worked incredibly fast, and the organization was very flat, with no distinction between supervisors and subordinates. Everyone could ask for assistance, and my colleagues were always willing to help each other, which I valued most. When people in an organization are willing to help one another, the organization grows quickly. During team-building sessions, we got to know each other's backgrounds and expertise, so we knew who to approach for specific skills.

Every month, DOMI holds a staff meal gathering, and one colleague is chosen to plan the event’s theme and content. In November, I was selected to organize the December Christmas Party. I planned a gift exchange and office decoration, creating many fun challenges for the team to unleash their imagination and make the office feel festive. I discovered that the interactions among the team were very close-knit. When one group lacked materials, others would actively help and even discuss better ways to decorate. That day, I also had more direct interaction with the CEO’s three daughters. Despite not being fond of children, I found myself holding their little hands, cutting out heart-shaped patterns together. It was like my relationship with DOMI, which grew over time through shared experiences. After the event, some colleagues privately told me that I had done an excellent job, and I was deeply moved and felt a sense of accomplishment. Even though it wasn’t a large event, the effort put into the planning was a valuable experience.

Unforgettable tree planting memories, truly meaningful.

On April 8, 2017, DOMI held a "Tree Planting Party" at Pingxi Sankenting, inviting partners, customers, and the CEO’s EMBA classmates, as well as customers’ families. We planted 150 swamp cypress trees and read the company’s energy-saving picture books to children. I realized the company's founding philosophy of "family" and its many activities targeting children. Children find it easier to accept energy-related knowledge, and their reactions can influence their parents’ thoughts and behaviors. On that day, my partner and I planted four trees. One tree provides enough oxygen for a person for ten years, which deeply moved me, as it was my first time planting a tree.

Not just a project, but it influences the future direction.

I initially joined DOMI in the business department, assisting with the "Poverty Stoplight Energy Poverty Traffic Light" (PS) project. PS is a product introduced through collaboration with the Paraguay Foundation, aiming to understand and solve the issues faced by poor households through various resources. DOMI had previously replaced LED light bulbs for over a thousand energy-poor households in Taipei. It was an enlightening experience because I learned that poverty is not just about income, and the impact of lighting goes beyond illumination—it also affects education, living environment, and attitude. The PS plan included six areas with fifty questions, helping poor households assess themselves and start making improvements. The program collaborated with various foundations and associations, aiming to involve more social resources in tackling poverty.

This project left a deep impression on me, making me realize the strong link between education and poverty. I hope to integrate this project into my future marketing efforts, improving the company’s image and helping uplift the lives of lower-income groups.

The CEO holds weekly meetings with each department to review progress. Due to his entrepreneurial experience, he communicates effectively and always expresses sincere gratitude after asking colleagues to complete tasks. Though simple, this is something rare in many companies, where superiors assume employees should follow instructions without appreciation. This experience helped me realize the importance of corporate culture. DOMI is an idealistic company that strives to contribute to society and the environment, and most of the team shares these values, working hard to achieve their goals. When corporate culture aligns with employees’ characteristics, it strengthens organizational commitment and citizenship behaviors.

A joyful team trip that strengthens unity.

At the end of February, the company held an employee trip for the annual celebration. It wasn’t just a relaxing trip, but also an excellent team-building opportunity. Through interactive games, the CEO discussed the company’s 2017 strategic goals, which strengthened the team’s cohesion. When everyone is aligned with the same goals, it’s easier to reach a consensus and empathize with colleagues. I learned that employee trips aren’t just a reward but a chance to bond and understand each other’s strengths and organizational capabilities, becoming key resources.

From being influenced to becoming a driver of change.

Previously, I wasn’t particularly interested in environmental issues, nor was I very eco-conscious in my personal life. However, at DOMI, energy-saving slogans were everywhere, and environmental champions constantly reminded everyone of their responsibility to be eco-friendly. They even photographed non-compliant behaviors and uploaded them to the company group chat, encouraging self-correction. Last December, I led an energy-saving workshop at the company, where all staff discussed energy usage and set future goals and strategies. This year, our electricity bill in January and February was 70% lower compared to last year, amounting to only about NT$2,000, which was a significant achievement. In the second meeting, we presented the results and discussed the next steps.

Besides our office, we invited other offices in the building to join the energy-saving workshop, hoping to reduce overall energy consumption and expand this model to more buildings and companies. By sharing this modular energy-saving behavior with more organizations, we can create more convincing and significant change.

In 2017, I participated in the "Campus Energy Ambassador" event organized by the company and the New Taipei City Economic Development Bureau. I worked with students from my department to organize workshops and exhibitions at schools. It took about two months to plan and prepare. I knew it wasn’t easy or particularly fun, but I did my best, hoping participants could feel our efforts and the message we wanted to convey. The outcome may not be as expected, but the lessons learned in the process are the most valuable and can be applied in the future.

During my time at DOMI, I learned many things not taught in school. It also allowed me to see how the theoretical knowledge from school is applied in the business world. Using what I learned on company projects gave me a sense of accomplishment. I hope to continue maintaining this learning motivation in the future.

Written by Tsai Chia-chi (Carol)

Department of Business Administration at National Taipei University.