Whether you interpret this economic model as capitalism with broad sharing of resources (think Uber, Airbnb, co-working spaces) or more personally, the giving of your talents and gifts, the Pope's underlying message to Congress this morning and to the US, has been:
"Shed your fears and share your gifts for the greater good of all".
Pope Francis diplomatically implored the US to keep its borders open (we are, after all, the legacy of previous immigrants), to be accepting of people regardless of contrary data, and to collaborate on minimizing climate change. His messages were clearly in terms of, "we," "us," vs. "I," or "me."
For examples of how the sharing economy is moving full-steam ahead, just look to the multiple car, room/hotel, or office-sharing services that are popping up across the US and overseas. Technology has enabled these business-service models, yet it's the combination of technology and human beings' innate desire to give and connect that make them successful. The sharing "genie" is out of the bottle with no turning back.
During his two-day DC visit, the Pope demonstrated his willingness to share - to walk-the-walk - among the throngs of thousands with little regard for their individual titles, incomes, classes, nationalities, religion, education, or age.
His words were pointed and meaningful - his actions even more astounding given his world-leader position and the stark differences from his predecessors. This pope is not one of pomp and circumstance, instead, simplicity and connection with the people.
  • He opted to feed and eat with the homeless at DC's oldest Catholic diocese, St. Patrick's (est. 1794), in downtown Washington. Pope Francis felt it was more important to spend time with those in need vs. to lunch at the invitation of Congressional leaders, John Boehner and Nancy Pelosi, et al.
  • Stayed in the spartan accommodations of the Vatican's US embassy vs. a top-tier, global-brand hotel
  • Chose to ride with his entourage in a small, four-door Fiat sedan vs. the typical black limousine, ubiquitous for DC luminaries.
So while Pope Francis' DC message was largely about sharing as individuals and as leaders, we can transfer the concept to our economic approach. Companies that are siloed with tiers of upper management will eventually go the way of the dinosaur; those that engage customers and build a sense of community, will flourish. 
The sharing premise is universal, whether or not we agree with the Pope's doctrines or the Vatican's policies.
Thanks for reading and for your insights.
Credit:Tom Sommers,