An Evening with David Gelles

Celebrating our 75th year, the nonpartisan World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth educates and engages our community in national and global affairs to inspire informed dialogue vital to democracy.

David Gelles is an award winning reporter for the New York Times. He currently writes for the Climate desk, and previously wrote for the Business section and was the “Corner Office” columnist. His reporting has won EMMY, George Polk, Gerald Loeb, and SABEW awards.

Global Business Reimagined: The Patagonia Approach 

What role should businesses play in addressing the world’s most pressing challenges?

Join us for a conversation with New York Times climate correspondent and bestselling author David Gelles as he discusses his new book, Dirtbag Billionaire, the inside story of Patagonia and its unconventional founder Yvon Chouinard. Drawing on exclusive access to the company and its leadership, Gelles will explore how Patagonia transformed from a small climbing outfitter into a global brand known as much for environmental activism as for commercial success.

At a time when corporations face growing expectations from consumers, governments, and investors worldwide, Patagonia has emerged as a powerful case study in rethinking the purpose of business. This discussion will examine how one company challenged traditional models of business, pioneered new approaches to corporate responsibility, and influenced a broader movement toward socially and environmentally conscious practices across the global economy.

We’ll explore the evolving relationship between profit, leadership, and global stewardship – and what Patagonia’s example may signal for the future of business in an interconnected world.