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What’s in a name? That which we call a rose

By any other name would smell as sweet.

– William Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet

Who is Xenia Technology Solutions (XeniaTech)?

Xenia Technology Solutions, A Benefit Corporation, proudly stands as Louisiana’s first and only technology company registered as a benefit corporation. XeniaTech (zē-nē-ə-tek) balances traditional business values with an unwavering commitment to environmental and social good. We believe that doing well in business means doing good in our community. As a benefit corporation, we have voluntarily and legally committed ourselves to creating a meaningful positive impact on society and the environment through our daily operations. Our mission is to elevate our clients’ technology solutions with a cloud-first approach to maximize the positive economic, social, and environmental benefits for our community.

What is Xenia?

The ancient concept of xenia (Greek: ξενία) describes the sacred relationship of trust between a host and a guest. Xenia nurtures interdependent relationships based on dignity, respect, and trust. Exploring the nuances of xenia unveils a rich tapestry of principles that have guided human interactions throughout history. Many high school students first encounter the concept of xenia while studying Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey. In these epic tales, the treatment of guests underscores the importance of hospitality in ancient culture. Likewise, in Tennessee Williams’ A Streetcar Named Desire Blanche DuBois famously reminds us, “Whoever you are—I have always depended on the kindness of strangers.” These ancient and modern examples highlight the universal nature of hospitality, a concept that transcends borders and unites humanity in a shared obligation to care for one another. These stories remind us that the principles of xenia are not historical relics but rather timeless values that resonate today. It is a bond that thrives on reciprocity, one that is mutually beneficial and symbiotic. Simply put, xenia is a moral imperative to “Be excellent to each other.”

What does Xenia have to do with Benefit Corporations?

Benefit corporations are designed to serve an expanded business purpose that considers all stakeholders, not just shareholders. At Xenia Technology Solutions, we strive to embody the essence of xenia for the benefit of our entire stakeholder community. Xenia is more than just a name; it represents a profound philosophy of hospitality that resonates deeply within our company’s values. The connections we foster are not merely transactional; they transform us as a public benefit company. As we serve our stakeholders, we honor the spirit of xenia, striving to create a community where everyone benefits from interdependent relationships rooted in dignity, respect, and trust. Xenia elevates our interactions and carries the weight of a religious obligation as we uphold this sacred bond. As a benefit corporation, it is our honor and privilege to serve our stakeholders in the fulfillment of our mission to create a positive impact on society.

More Than Words

Unfortunately, it is common for companies to greenwash their corporate activities with marketing phrases like corporate social responsibility (CSR) or environmental, social, and governance (ESG). At Xenia Technology Solutions, and among Benefit Corporations in general, we embrace a healthy skepticism toward companies whose superficial words and half-hearted deeds do not always align with the public good. As a Southern company, we recognize that a certain genteel charm might be used to distract, or worse, purposely mislead stakeholders about a company’s primary motives. By incorporating as a benefit company, we embraced a legal framework for corporate behavior that transcends traditional business values focused solely on profit maximization (the Friedman doctrine). Instead, XeniaTech adopted a structure that meets the challenges of the 21st century, emphasizing the idea that business profitability and public benefit go hand in hand.

Conclusion

As our name suggests, Xenia Technology Solutions embodies a genuine commitment to interpersonal connections that are rooted in dignity, respect, and trust. As we consider the modern implications of xenia, we realize that this ancient wisdom is incredibly relevant today. By fostering genuine relationships based on mutually beneficial interests, we are committed to upholding the spirit of xenia in our business practices as a Louisiana benefit corporation. Put another way, XeniaTech is committed to saving the world, one hard drive at a time.