There’s a saying that always makes me bristle: “It’s just business.” It’s often used to justify questionable decisions, to dismiss hurt feelings, or to rationalize behavior that wouldn’t fly in any other part of life. For some reason, people think that when it comes to business, all integrity can—and should—be thrown out the window.
I’ve been in the business world for years, and I’ve seen incredible innovation, collaboration, and generosity. But I’ve also witnessed some of the most underhanded behavior imaginable, all excused with a casual “It’s just business.” It shocks me every time. Business decisions impact people—employees, customers, suppliers, and communities. To pretend that business exists in some moral vacuum where ethics don’t apply is, frankly, a cop-out.
What’s even more troubling is how normalized this mindset has become. In the pursuit of profit, some businesses cut corners, mislead customers, and exploit partnerships. If the same actions were taken in personal relationships—lying, cheating, or taking advantage of someone—they’d be universally condemned. Yet in business, some seem to wear these tactics as a badge of honor.
But here’s the thing: business doesn’t have to be that way. In fact, I’d argue that long-term success comes from doing the opposite. Businesses that prioritize integrity, transparency, and fairness aren’t just doing the right thing—they’re building trust. And trust is the foundation of loyalty, whether from customers, employees, or partners.
In my own journey as a business owner, I’ve made it a point to reject the “just business” mentality. When I started Domo Tea, I made deliberate decisions to prioritize local suppliers, even when it wasn’t the cheapest option. I’ve walked away from deals that didn’t align with my values, even when it would have been financially advantageous to say yes. And while that hasn’t always been the easiest road, it’s the one I can walk down with my head held high.
At the end of the day, business is personal. It’s about people—real people with dreams, families, and livelihoods. Every decision we make in business ripples out and affects lives in ways we might not even realize. To me, that’s all the more reason to bring our full integrity to the table, every single time.
So the next time someone shrugs off their actions with “It’s just business,” I hope we can all challenge that mindset. Business isn’t separate from the real world—it’s a part of it. And in the real world, integrity matters. Let’s make sure it matters in business, too.