Episodes
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Changemakers from One Young World Series
Host Carol Cone talks with Katie Hodgetts and Dr. Adewumi Babatunde Enoch, two impactful leaders from the One Young World Summit, to discuss how personal purpose drives meaningful environmental and social change. Katie, founder of The Resilience Project, shares her journey in climate activism, emphasizing the need to support young leaders in addressing climate anxiety and burnout. Adewumi, a public health advocate from Nigeria, discusses his work with Quinta Healthcare, focusing on womenâs health equity through cancer screenings and education. Together, they explore how personal motivations fuel resilience and how cultivating purpose can address pressing global challenges in both health and climate action.
This episode is part of our multi-episode series featuring some of the worldâs most influential changemakers who attended the 2024 One Young World Summit, a global forum that brings together young leaders from 190+ countries to accelerate social impact.
Resources + Links:
Katie Hodgettsâ LinkedInAdewumi Babatunde Enochâs LinkedInOne Young World(00:00) - Welcome to Purpose 360(00:13) - One Young World Series(01:31) - Katie Hodgetts(02:19) - Climate Change(04:28) - Resilience Project(07:34) - Finding and Engaging(09:10) - Mental Health Anxiety Around the World(09:56) - Social Media Exacerbation(11:06) - Workshops(12:52) - The Idea(14:32) - Personal Purpose(15:59) - Fueled by Anger(16:34) - The Power of Social Connectedness(17:52) - Have More Climate Anxiety(19:10) - Dr. Adewumi Babatunde Enoch(20:40) - The Summit(22:13) - Quinta Healthcareâs Focus(24:17) - Scaling the Work(25:33) - The Summit(27:03) - Sponsors(28:46) - Advice(30:10) - Wrap Up -
Changemakers from One Young World Series
Host Carol Cone interviews Per Heggenes, former CEO of the IKEA Foundation, on his commitment to empowering refugees and addressing the global issues causing an increase in refugees, such as climate change and poverty. Per shares insights from his tenure, highlighting successful organizational and governmental programs and policies. Per also encourages young leaders to push for impactful change, asserting that businesses can be both profitable and purpose-driven, aligning with the values of todayâs conscious consumers.
This episode is part of our multi-episode series featuring some of the worldâs most influential changemakers who attended the 2024 One Young World Summit, a global forum that brings together young leaders from 190+ countries to accelerate social impact.
Resources + Links:
Per Heggenesâ LinkedInIKEA FoundationOne Young World(00:00) - Welcome to Purpose 360(00:13) - Per Heggenes(01:29) - Per Heggenesâ Background(03:07) - Perâs Time at IKEA(04:47) - Foundationâs Focus(07:50) - Programs(10:26) - One Young World Board(11:58) - Refugees(17:19) - Canadaâs Success(19:58) - Applying AI(22:07) - Advice for Young People(24:15) - Advice to Leaders(26:08) - Wrap Up -
Episodes manquant?
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Changemakers from One Young World Series
Host Carol Cone speaks with two inspiring changemakers: Annie Lu, co-founder of H2Ok Innovations, and Rebecca Daniel, founder of The Marine Diaries. Annie discusses how her company uses AI and sensor technology to make manufacturing more sustainable by optimizing processes and reducing waste, water, and energy consumption. Rebecca highlights critical issues like climate change and overfishing and discusses how The Marine Diaries connects people with ocean science through storytelling and immersive experiences. Together, they offer valuable insights into the intersection of technology, environmental sustainability, and youth-driven solutions.
This episode is part of our multi-episode series featuring some of the worldâs most influential changemakers who attended the 2024 One Young World Summit, a global forum that brings together young leaders from 190+ countries to accelerate social impact.
Resources + Links:
Annie Luâs LinkedInRebecca Danielâs LinkedInOne Young World(00:00) - Welcome to Purpose 360(00:13) - Annie Lu(01:31) - About Annie(02:19) - H2Ok(04:31) - The Client(05:05) - Example(07:13) - Savings(07:52) - Germination(11:00) - Youth in This Space(13:09) - Advice(15:05) - Rebecca Daniel(15:20) - About Rebecca(16:05) - Marine Diaries(18:12) - Ocean Issues(18:40) - Coral Bleaching(21:42) - Other Ocean Challenges(23:17) - Awards(25:05) - Mentors(26:55) - Getting Into Conservation(28:12) - Connecting with Rebecca(28:37) - Sponsorship(29:34) - Last Word -
Changemakers from One Young World Series
Host Carol Cone speaks with three inspiring young leadersâAbideen Olasupo, Lillian Olivia Orero, and Gitanjali Raoâabout their impactful work in harnessing the potential of artificial intelligence for social innovation. Abideen, co-founder of FactCheckAfrica, talks about combating misinformation in Nigeria through community engagement and fact-checking. Lillian, a gender and technology lawyer and founder, discusses her work with SafeOnline Women Kenya addressing online safety for women and girls. Gitanjali, an MIT student and innovator, shares her efforts in empowering students globally through innovation workshops. The conversation highlights the role of AI in advancing their missions and the importance of collaboration and empathy in driving positive social change.
This episode is part of our multi-episode series featuring some of the worldâs most influential changemakers who attended the 2024 One Young World Summit, a global forum that brings together young leaders from 190+ countries to accelerate social impact.
Resources + Links:
Abideen Olasupoâs LinkedInLilian Olivia Oreroâs LinkedInGitanjali Raoâs LinkedInOne Young World(00:00) - Welcome to Purpose 360(00:13) - One Young World(01:29) - Artificial Intelligence(01:57) - Introductions(08:01) - Audiences(18:38) - Reaching Out(21:59) - Entrepreneurial Advice(24:30) - Finding Partners(26:25) - Wrap Up -
Changemakers from One Young World Series
In this debut episode, the first in an exclusive series from the One Young World Summit, Paul Polman, former CEO of Unilever and co-author of Net Positive, joins host Carol Cone to discuss the urgent need for courageous leadership in todayâs world. Paul shares insights on how businesses must adopt regenerative, restorative practices to address climate change and inequality, and how young leaders are key to driving this transformation. He also explores how companies can move beyond corporate social responsibility to embrace a "net positive" approach, where they give back more than they take.
This episode is part of our multi-episode series featuring some of the worldâs most influential changemakers who attended the 2024 One Young World Summit, a global forum that brings together young leaders from 190+ countries to accelerate social impact.
Resources + Links:
Paul Polmanâs LinkedInNet PositiveâStakeholder Capitalism Still Makes Business Senseâ (Harvard Business Review)One Young World(00:00) - Welcome to Purpose 360(00:13) - One Young World ⢠Paul Polman(02:11) - Book Update(04:06) - Most Important Question Asked at Conference(05:09) - Purpose Progress(06:54) - Being More Courageous(09:04) - Gen Z Leaders(10:31) - Wrap Up -
In 2004, the PNC Foundation was faced with a challenge: it had focused grantmaking on meeting the unique needs of the communities in the companyâs 12 markets. While this enabled custom solutions to local challenges, the PNC Foundation struggled to clearly articulate the impact its philanthropy was driving.
Recognizing the need to align grantmaking with one cause, the PNC Foundation first turned to employees for input. Overwhelmingly, employees expressed a passion for early childhood education. This led to the launch of PNC Grow Up Great, a $500 million, multi-year, bilingual initiative aimed at preparing children from birth to age five for success in school and life. Fast forward to today, Grow Up Great is celebrating its 20th anniversary, having positively impacted more than 10 million children through grants and educational programs across the U.S.
We invited Sally McCrady, Chair and President of the PNC Foundation, to share how Grow Up Great has sustained lasting impact over two decades. She highlighted the programâs strategic direction, driven by strong leadership engagement, active employee volunteerism, and a commitment to asking, âIs this going to help children?â By staying true to this mission and fostering a culture of service, Grow Up Great has become a powerful force for early childhood education, inspiring long-term success both within PNC and in the communities it serves.
Listen for insights on:
Managing a philanthropic initiative so it remains relevant and impactfulWorking alongside and supporting partners in growing their capabilities and offeringsEngaging employees through skills-based volunteerismResources + Links:
Sally McCradyâs LinkedInGrow Up GreatGrow Up Great Advisory Council and PartnersDonors Choose(00:00) - Welcome to Purpose 360(00:13) - PNC ⢠Sally McCrady(01:48) - About Sally and PNC(04:04) - Genesis of PNC Grow Up Great(09:06) - Volunteerism(12:26) - Structure(15:12) - Recruiting(16:31) - Whatâs Next?(19:51) - Long Term(21:47) - Structural Elements(25:23) - Flash Funding(26:06) - Purpose in an AI-Driven World(27:31) - Last Thoughts(28:36) - Wrap Up -
Aflac is proving that a well-crafted philanthropic initiative can thrive by continuously adapting to the evolving needs of those it serves. Launched in 2018 as part of Aflacâs Childhood Cancer Campaign, My Special Aflac DuckÂŽ is a soft and cuddly companion that was designed to support children undergoing cancer treatment by helping them prepare for medical procedures, express their emotions, and engage in distraction therapy. Created with input from child life specialists and psychologists, My Special Aflac DuckÂŽ offers a range of interactive featuresâfrom medical play accessories to calming Soundscapesâall aimed at making a childâs journey through treatment more manageable.
Aflacâs commitment to My Special Aflac DuckÂŽ has not waned since the initiativeâs launch. Instead, Aflac has continued to distribute the medical companion to pediatric cancer patients (at no cost to them) and has evolved it to support children with sickle cell disease, another population facing long, difficult treatments.
We invited two Aflac executives who worked on the duckâs development to speak to the programâs success and evolution: Jon Sullivan, Director of Corporate Communications, and Buffy Swinehart, Senior Manager of Corporate Social Responsibility. They share insights on how companies can sustain and grow their social impact efforts and remain true to their mission while making a real difference.
Listen for insights on:
How to pitch philanthropic opportunities to a CEODeveloping a public and philanthropic initiative that can stand up to scrutiny in public relationsThe importance of grounding philanthropic initiatives in data and researchResources + Links:
Jon Sullivanâs LinkedInBuffy Swinehartâs LinkedInMy Special Aflac DuckÂŽThis robot duck eases children through cancer treatmentsParents and Caregivers Report a Reduction in Anxiety and Distress in Young Cancer Patients Using the My Special Aflac DuckÂŽ(00:00) - Welcome to Purpose 360(00:13) - Aflac(01:09) - Meet Jon and Buffy(05:08) - MSAD's Origin Story(09:18) - Describing the Duck(14:35) - Initial Rollouts(19:00) - Sickle Cell Duck(20:29) - Other Innovations(21:50) - Research and Credibility(23:50) - Stories(26:57) - Advice for Authentic Ideas(32:30) - Purpose in an AI-Driven World(33:17) - Last Thoughts(35:11) - Wrap Up -
Sixty percent of the global population handwashes their clothing in rivers, streams, and buckets. While living and volunteering in a remote village in India, Nav Sawhney witnessed firsthand the immense burden this chore placed on women like his neighbor Divya. Determined to find a solution, Nav returned to the UK, founded The Washing Machine Project (TWMP), and created the manual "Divya" washing machine. However, TWMP faced challenges scaling its impact to reach more people who desperately needed it.
Meanwhile, in the United States, the Whirlpool Foundation had developed a similar off-grid manual washing machine, recognizing that this same laborious task deepens social inequities and stunts personal advancement. With the vast resources of Whirlpool engineers, the Foundation was well-equipped to produce these machines yet struggled to find an effective distribution method.
The subsequent, serendipitous collaboration between TWMP and the Whirlpool Foundation is yielding incredible impact at scale. We invited Nav Sawhney, Founder of TWMP, and Deb O'Connor, Managing Director of the Whirlpool Foundation, to speak about the origin of their "one plus one equals three" relationship, their human-centric approach to Whirlpool employee engagement, and the significant âunlockâ their work together will have on women and girls worldwide, including Navâs friend Divya and her family.
Listen for insights on:
The âWashing Divideâ and its impact on inhibiting economic growth and social inequalityIntroducing employees to a social issue and inviting them to be part of the solutionBalancing empathy and action when working directly with beneficiariesResources + Links:
Deb OâConnorâs LinkedInNav Sawhneyâs LinkedInSustainable Brands: How Whirlpool, Washing Machine Project Are Bridging âthe Global Washing DivideâMeet the Divya Washing Machine(00:00) - Welcome to Purpose 360(00:13) - Whirlpool(02:02) - Meet Deb and Nav(04:51) - Washing Machine Project(05:48) - First Reaction(08:11) - Global Washing Divide(09:29) - Design(11:44) - The Name(15:44) - Kolams(16:46) - Insights to These Relationships(17:51) - Employee Involvement(19:00) - Committment(20:20) - Reception(22:34) - Number of Machines(23:42) - Purpose in an AI-Driven World(25:03) - Final Thoughts(26:49) - Wrap Up -
Every day, we make small decisions to lead more sustainable lives. These choices reflect a growing awareness of the impact humans have on the planet. Yet when it comes to banking, many overlook the influence our choice of financial institution can have on the environment and in our communities. Where we choose to save and invest our money can align withâor work againstâour personal values. This is where Walden Mutual Bank comes in, offering an opportunity to make a more conscious and positive impact through everyday financial choices.
Walden Mutual Bank is driven by a mission to support the sustainable growth of local communities. The bank offers consumer savings accounts, grow local accounts, and CDs which fund loans for local sustainable food, farm, and community businesses across New England and New York, enabling customers to contribute to a healthier, more resilient regional economy.
We invited Charley Cummings, Founder and CEO of Walden Mutual Bank, to share his insights on building a reputable banking institution in a mutual structure and how it has successfully funded underrepresented borrowersâall while supporting a sustainable regional economy.
Listen for insights on:
How traditional business can implement a mutual structureHow this funding approach enables businesses with distinct ecological priorities to secure specialized loansServing underrepresented businesses and borrowersResources + Links:
Charley Cummingsâ LinkedInWalden Mutual BankUnderstanding What âMutualâ MeansPartner Story: A.R.C. Shellfish HatcheryPartner Story: Carl King, Vermont Natural Beef and Kingston Place(00:00) - Welcome to Purpose 360(00:13) - Walden Mutual Bank with Charley Cummings(01:40) - Charleyâs Background(05:29) - Investors(11:09) - Stories of Beneficiaries(16:49) - Risk and Relationships(21:09) - More Loan Data(23:06) - Depositors(25:24) - Long-Term Vision(28:18) - Customer Base(28:54) - The Banking Industry(30:38) - Last Thoughts(33:00) - Wrap Up -
In 2026âtwo years from nowâthe United States will celebrate its 250th birthday, making it the perfect time to show America some love by sprucing up neighborhoods across the country. Since 1953, the nonprofit Keep America Beautiful has been inspiring and working alongside people nationwide to beautify their communities.
Keep America Beautiful is inviting everyone to join the Greatest American Cleanup. In addition to calling upon individuals, families, clubs, and community groups, Keep America Beautiful is rallying 25,000 local governments and leaders across the country to commit to a declaration of independence from litter, calling on everyone to plant trees, clean up litter, and improve recycling practices. Importantly, this effort transcends party lines, bringing people together in a time of political divisiveness to pursue a common goal.
We invited Jennifer Lawson, President and CEO of Keep America Beautiful, to introduce the Greatest American Cleanup and share how the organization will inspire people to contribute to a cleaner, greener, and more beautiful country.
Listen for insights on:
How you can get involved in the Greatest American CleanupMaintaining relevance and impact as a nonprofit for 70+ yearsPositioning and leading an organization that transcends partisan dividesResources + Links:
Jennifer Lawsonâs LinkedInThe Greatest American CleanupMLK Community ImprovementKeep America Beautifulâs Do Beautiful Things Podcast(00:00) - Welcome to Purpose 360(00:13) - Keep America Beautiful(03:15) - Jenny Lawsonâs Back Story(04:55) - KABâs Purpose and Legacy(05:56) - Misperceptions(07:46) - Vision(08:47) - Being Purple(10:20) - Getting Outside(11:49) - Americaâs 250th Birthday Plans(14:35) - Companies Involved(16:17) - MLK Corridors(18:02) - Overall Drivers(20:27) - Keeping It Relevant Over Time(24:24) - Looking Forward(25:22) - Action Steps(27:20) - AI and Purpose(27:59) - Last Thoughts(28:31) - Wrap Up -
The COVID-19 pandemic forced a reevaluation of many aspects of society, and the sports industry was no exception. Deemed "non-essential," professional sports and recreational activities ground to a halt â in one instance, in the middle of a professional game. This classification served as a wake-up call: if sports wanted to remain relevant, it would need to evolve and adapt.
We invited Neill Duffy, Chief Executive & Founder at 17 Sport, the worldâs first sports impact company operating at the intersection of sport, business, and purpose, to discuss this necessary evolution and how industry leaders have driven progress. Neill highlights the transformative potential of the sports industry, noting examples of how athletes, sporting goods companies, and events like the Olympics and Paralympics are driving social and environmental progress. From breaking barriers for underrepresented groups to incorporating sustainable practices at major events, the industry is showing that it can be a catalyst for positive change.
Listen for insights on:
Progress and impact from the International Olympic Committeeâs Agenda 2020+5Sustainability planning ahead of the Paris OlympicsThe evolution of storytelling in sports activationSpecific examples of sporting events and companies embracing social and environmental strategiesResources + Links:
Neill Duffyâs LinkedInLegacy Sport: How to Win at the Business of Sport in the Age of Social GoodAllianz MoveNowAthletes for GoodThe Ocean Race: Racing with PurposeAdidas Breaking Barriers(00:00) - Welcome to Purpose 360(00:13) - 17 Sport ⢠Neill Duffy(01:49) - Neillâs Background(03:35) - Why 17 Sport?(04:12) - Definition of Purpose(04:47) - Olympics(06:58) - Purpose and the IOC(11:53) - Accelerating the Shift(13:47) - Whoâs Leading(15:49) - SuperBowl(20:26) - 17 Sports Initiatives(25:42) - The Athletes(28:04) - Behind the Athletes(29:51) - Lightning Round(31:38) - Last Thoughts(32:20) - Wrap Up -
Countries around the world are anticipating the start of the Paris Olympics, a celebration of the unifying power of sports.
For many, an introduction to sports begins at a young age. From participating in a sport to watching games with family, sports plays a pivotal role in shaping youth, teaching invaluable life skills such as teamwork, leadership, and resilience and encouraging healthy lifestyles through active play. But unfortunately, children are dropping out of sports at alarming rates. Not only does this impact their lifelong health, but it influences whether children will grow up to become sports fans.
We invited Kevin Martinez, Vice President of Corporate Citizenship at ESPN, to highlight programs central to ESPNâs mission to serve sport fans anytime, anywhere. Kevin discusses several of ESPNâs programs, including Don't Retire, Kid; Foundation V; and ESPNâs partnership with Special Olympics, and highlights ESPNâs aim to support and nurture both athletes and fans, reinforcing the idea that sports are for everyone.
Listen for insights on:
The business and community value of investing in sportsBusiness areas that corporate citizenship professionals need to be aware of to expand their impact and make the business case for social impactMaintaining connections and communication with other corporate citizenship professionals to drive greater overall impactResources + Links:
Kevin Martinezâs LinkedInESPN x Special OlympicsV FoundationThe Emperor of All MaladiesDonât Retire, Kid(00:00) - Welcome to Purpose 360(00:13) - ESPN's Kevin Martinez(01:09) - Kevinâs Background(04:14) - Intuition(06:53) - Sports(08:06) - ESPNâs Purpose(09:30) - Programmatic Work(12:48) - Kids in Sports(16:40) - Equity in Sports(20:27) - Olympics(22:23) - Last Thoughts(25:03) - Purpose and AI(27:56) - Wrap Up -
What does purpose have to do with movements? StrawberryFrog, a movement marketing agency, were faced with this question when clients came to them with a purpose statement but were unsure how to activate it. This led to a pivotal realization: purpose activation is essentially a movement, where a group of people rally around a shared purpose to drive change.
Inspired, StrawberryFrog decided to enter the purpose field, focusing on mobilizing employees and consumers around a purpose, in addition to conducting innovative research. Their primary research tool, the first-of-its-kind Purpose Power Index (PPI), empirically measures how well companies activate purpose at the core of their business. The PPI reveals key insights, from what drives purpose to how it enhances employee engagement and retention.
We invited Chip Walker, Head of Strategy, to share key insights from StrawberryFrogâs work and research with purpose, highlighting the transformative power of purpose and showing that, when companies move beyond merely defining their purpose to actively living it, they can ignite powerful internal and external change.
Listen for insights on:
The primary drivers of purposePurposeâs role on an employeeâs hierarchy of needsKey purpose gaps at organizationsStrategies for measuring purpose internally and externallyResources + Links:
StrawberryFrogPurpose Power IndexStrawberryFrog Case Studies(00:00) - Welcome to Purpose 360(00:13) - StrawberryFrog(01:54) - Chipâs Background(04:11) - Movement Marketing(06:29) - Relationship with Work(06:49) - Favorite Client(09:58) - Purpose, Merger, and New Brand(11:58) - Internal Activation(16:02) - Purpose Power Index(21:12) - Metrics(24:45) - Purpose Gap(26:27) - Measurement(28:38) - Convincing the C-Suite(29:50) - Purpose in an AI World(31:42) - Last Word(33:40) - Wrap Up -
Even with a supportive family and access to quality education, opportunities for meaningful and inclusive work can be scarce for people with disabilities once they reach adulthood. The transition from school to the workforce is often overlooked, exposing a systemic failure to provide equal opportunities for all individuals, regardless of cognitive or physical ability.
Ultranauts, a company born from a recognition that cognitive diversity could lead to strategic business success, embodies the transformative power of leveraging neurodiversity in the workforce. The companyâs approach defies conventional hiring practices by prioritizing abilities over societyâs perceived limitations. By recognizing the unique talents inherent in neurodiverse individuals, Ultranauts not only addresses a glaring market gap and conducts a profitable technology company (with a Net Promoter Score of 100), but has also pioneered a model of inclusive employment for other companies to implement.
We invited Rajesh Anandan, Co-Founder of Ultranauts, to discuss the companyâs founding and how its model has proven to be effective for both employees and customers, proving that inclusion isn't just a buzzword, but a strategic imperative for business success.
Listen for insights on:
The business value of cognitive diversity in work teamsMisconceptions that burden neurodiverse adultsStrategies to drive greater inclusion between employees, regardless of cognitive diversityResources + Links:
Rajesh Anandanâs LinkedInAbout UltranautsUltranauts Case StudiesUniversal WorkplaceTeamX(00:00) - Welcome to Purpose 360(00:13) - Ultranauts ⢠Rajesh Anandan(02:21) - Meet Rajesh(09:10) - Mission(10:08) - What Is Neurodivergent?(11:20) - Hiring Using Cognitive Diversity(12:40) - Key Benefits(14:57) - Customers(16:47) - Why Hire Neurodivergent Persons?(18:23) - Universal Workplace(26:46) - Last Word(31:07) - Wrap Up -
Does acting on values hurt the bottom line? According to Daniel Aronson, Founder and CEO of Valutus, the answer is noâin fact, the converse is true. In his new book, The Value of Values, Daniel shows that making ethical choices can actually increase a company's profits and competitive advantage, often without much extra cost or risk.
Using research and real-world examples, Daniel explains that the true business value of ethical actionsâlike taking strong steps to fight climate change, supporting job seekers, or creating an inclusive workplaceâis higher than most people think. He finds that these actions can bring returns four to ten times greater than expected.
Daniel joins host Carol Cone to talk about The Value of Values and how the book can help business leaders improve profits, gain customers, and advance their careers by making ethical choices. This book is a valuable resource for anyone looking to lead with integrity in todayâs business world.
Listen for insights on:
Three primary perceived obstacles to investing in valuesQuantifying values-driven investments for customers, operations, risk reduction, and employeesSteps to take as a sustainability employee to bring concrete and relevant data to the CFOResources + Links:
Daniel Aronsonâs LinkedInThe Value of ValuesCurated Valuation Resources for Purpose 360 Listeners OnlyValutus(00:00) - Welcome to Purpose 360(00:13) - Value of Values Book with Daniel Aronson(01:43) - Daniel and Valutus(03:35) - Why Write It?(06:20) - Eureka Moment(07:39) - Showing There Was Value(09:25) - Submerged Value(11:19) - List of Submerged Values(13:37) - Proving the Submerged Value(14:36) - Financial Outcomes(17:01) - The Values Are Left Off Spreadsheets(19:07) - Why Quantify Values(20:36) - Danielâs Favorite Case(23:56) - Response(24:43) - Making the Case for Values(27:17) - Optimism / Pessimism(29:08) - Last Thoughts(30:21) - Purpose and AI -
We are facing a tragedy of the commons â and have been for a while. At worst, businesses are taking advantage of the planet and society and arenât holding themselves fully responsible for the damage they are doing. When companies release excessive carbon into the air or keep wages low, the resulting environmental damage and societal burdens are paid for by the average citizen and the taxpayer.
Christopher Marquis explores this reality in his new book, The Profiteers. He explains the systemic issues underlying today's most pressing global challenges, from climate change to inequality, shedding light on the ways in which businesses privatize gains while socializing costs. But at the heart of Marquis's work lies a call to action for leaders across sectors to embrace a new vision of business. The Profiteers serves not only as a wake-up call to the inherent flaws of our current system but provides a roadmap for a more sustainable and equitable future.
We invited Christopher Marquis, Cambridge University professor and author of other books (including Mao and Markets: The Communist Roots of Chinese Enterprise and Better Business: How the B Corp Movement Is Remaking Capitalism), to discuss how The Profiteers exposes the hidden toll of environmental damage, low wages, and systemic discrimination, calling for a paradigm shift in business practices.
Listen for insights on:
The exploitation of the âthe commonsâ by businessesHow governance alignment can help corporate sustainability efforts succeedExamples of creative thinking that led to social and environmental innovationResources + Links:
Christopher Marquisâ LinkedInThe ProfiteersPurpose 360: Igniting the B Corp Movement with Chris MarquisPurpose 360: Open Hiring for Wide Open Dreams with Greyston(00:00) - Welcome to Purpose 360(00:11) - The Profiteers Book(02:16) - Chrisâ Background(05:16) - Bookâs Genesis(08:34) - The Problem(13:35) - Public Commons â Who Pays the Costs?(15:27) - Regulation(16:48) - Danone(19:15) - Employees as Lever(20:30) - Other Stand Outs(27:27) - The Playbook to Recreate Our Economic System(30:53) - Purpose and AI(32:08) - Why Buy This Book?(33:12) - Last Thoughts(33:29) - Wrap Up -
Gen Z is an important stakeholder for companies: they're powerful consumers, passionate activists, and many are already part of the workforce. But when it comes to engaging Gen Z, older generations are the ones studying themâand deciding what will work best.
This felt counterproductive to 16-year-old Ziad Ahmed, who questioned why decisions about his generation were being made without them. And so Ziad founded JUV Consulting in 2016âwhen he and his co-founders were still teenagersâto help companies make decisions and create campaigns with diverse Gen Zers at the table.
We invited Ziad to speak about how, eight years later, JUV Consulting has created purpose-driven and inclusive campaigns for top companies, driven by the belief that the future revolves around co-creation, community, and challenging conventions.
Since this conversation was recorded, JUV Consulting was acquired by United Talent Agency.
Listen for insights on:
The fundamental topics and methods to engage Gen ZFinding common ground across generationsInvesting in and engaging Gen Z influencersResources + Links:
Ziad Ahmedâs LinkedInUTA Acquires JUV ConsultingZiad Ahmed on EarnedCoachtopiaJUV Consultingâs Pro-Living Campaign(00:00) - Welcome to Purpose 360(00:13) - JUV Consulting's Ziad Ahmed(02:48) - Who is Ziad?(04:21) - Getting Gen Z in the Room(06:46) - JUV Consulting(08:45) - Their Purpose(10:18) - Key Issues(12:17) - Impact(14:06) - Convincing Their Teams(15:23) - Coachtopia(18:30) - Developing Strong Relationships(19:02) - Z Confrontation(19:45) - Another Example(20:32) - Influencers(23:52) - Saying âNoâ(24:01) - Pro-Living(27:17) - Messaging in a Political Year(28:43) - Last Word(30:14) - Wrap Up -
"If a check would fix the problem, I would've written that check already," said Sam Johnson, founder of Johnson Outdoors. These words embody the company's ethos founded with a reverence for nature and a commitment to its preservation. Since its inception, Johnson Outdoors has steadfastly safeguarded the outdoors while nurturing consumersâ passion for outdoor adventure and enjoyment.
At the heart of Johnson Outdoors' success lies an unwavering commitment to its founding principles. As a family company, its leadership understands and protects the companyâs values and purpose. As an employer, the company hires individuals who share this deep-rooted respect for nature, helping foster a culture united in environmental stewardship and a love for spending time outdoors.
We invited Connor Leipold, Johnson Outdoors Spokesman and SCUBAPRO Brand Manager, to share his insights. This initiative continues to inspire and empower outdoor enthusiasts worldwide, demonstrating our collective commitment to preserving the natural wonders that serve as our playground.
Listen for insights on:
How tapping into employee passions can inspire innovationSurpassing goals in the consumer and employee-driven Clean Earth ChallengeIdentifying like-minded partnerships and creating innovative preservation solutionsResources + Links:
Connor Leipoldâs LinkedInJohnson Outdoorsâ 54-year historyClean Earth ChallengeCoral Reef Restoration with Mote(00:00) - Welcome to Purpose 360(00:13) - Johnson Outdoors ⢠Connor Leipold(02:43) - Meet Connor(04:24) - Brands and Divisions(05:43) - Innovation in Products and Programs(07:39) - Their Purpose(09:19) - Legacy and Environment(11:34) - Superior Design, Low Environmental Impact(13:05) - Clean Earth Challenge(16:40) - Success Stories(19:17) - Partnerships(21:33) - Lessons Learned(24:59) - Sustainability Pillars(26:29) - Relationship with Mote(29:40) - Advice for Listeners(31:09) - Last Word(32:46) - Wrap Up -
At the heart of Eli Lilly's purpose lies a deep understanding: their insulin is more than just a productâitâs essential for peoplesâ health and survival.
This purpose, to unite caring with discovery to create medicines that make life better for people around the world, is embedded deeply within the organization. The company focuses on ensuring their medicines are inclusive to all patients by investing in clinical testing diversity and removing obstacles that might prevent patients from accessing their medicineâboth at and beyond the pharmacy counter. And, to ensure patients have reliable access to life-saving medications for years to come, Eli Lilly has invested $100 million towards achieving climate goals by 2030. Through this commitment, Eli Lilly is not only safeguarding the planet but reaffirming the companyâs dedication to the well-being of every individual who relies on their medicines.
We invited Jim Greffet, Head of ESG Strategy at Eli Lilly, to explain how the companyâs environmental and social commitments are grounded in purpose strategy, as well as how the company helps its employees lead purposeful careers.
Listen for insights on:
Purposeâs role in long-term strategyImproving health outcomes through philanthropic investmentsUnderstanding equity and inclusion at your company through the âemployee journeyâInspiring employees to identify environmental solutions and investing in themResources + Links:
Jim Greffetâs LinkedInESG at Eli LillyLilly 30x30(00:00) - Welcome to Purpose 360(00:13) - Eli Lilly(02:06) - Meet Jim Greffet(04:00) - A Day in the Life(06:53) - Purpose Statement(08:20) - Diabetes(09:04) - Living the Value of Accessibility(13:35) - Measuring and Scaling(14:22) - Local Investment(15:43) - DEI(17:31) - Level Up(20:34) - Societal Changes to DEI(21:58) - DEI and Supply Chain(23:00) - Environment(26:39) - Lightning Questions(28:46) - Last Words(29:55) - Wrap Up -
Caryl Stern's remarkable journey spans more than 30 countries and several high-impact roles, including former CEO of UNICEF USA, former Executive Director of the Walton Family Foundation, and present Chief Impact Officer at LionTree, an independent investment and merchant bank for creativity, community, and capital. From her inspirational upbringing (shaped by her mother who survived the Holocaust) to her innovative work at UNICEF, Caryl offers invaluable insights for navigating the complexity of a changing world. She shares poignant stories about the importance of urgency in helping children globally and how storytelling can mobilize support for essential causes.
Caryl also discusses her work at LionTree to drive social impact through innovative, for-profit solutions. Carylâs journey illustrates how a sense of responsibility to create a better world can accelerate impact.
Listen for insights on:
Mobilizing support and awareness for critical causesTransitioning to new opportunities and career pathsEvolving as a leader to meet the needs of your organizationResources + Links:
Caryl Sternâs LinkedInLionTreeCaryl Sternâs PodcastCarol Cone on Listen on Purpose(00:00) - Welcome to Purpose 360(00:13) - Lion Tree ⢠Caryl Stern(02:27) - Carylâs Background(06:52) - Leadership(10:02) - Listening and Learning(11:54) - UNICEF(18:55) - Balancing Heritage with New Ideas(21:56) - Walton Family Foundation(24:44) - LionTree(27:07) - Advice(28:59) - Wrap Up - Montre plus
