Join our host Nathan Stuck, Chair of B Local Georgia, as he guides us in these short and impactful conversations with some of the most purposeful, inspiring leaders in the Peach State. These featured guests are proving that a stakeholder-driven economic s
Today’s guest is Gary Whitehurst, CEO and Co-Founder of Brighter Investing—an investment firm that helps its clients align their personal purpose and passion with the places they invest their money. Gary brings a unique background to this work, leveraging his decades of experience in the investment and wealth management industry to build something different, a socially and environmentally geared impact investing firm. In this episode, Gary shares what led him to launch Brighter Investing, how their approach differs from mainstream investment firms, and why redefining risk and value is essential to creating lasting impact. He demystify some of the impact investing buzzwords, defining what ESG is and isn't, and explaining how it is used to help investors make decisions in line with their own personal risk tolerance. And Gary even tells us about their newest endeavor, launching an investment fund focused on social justice. Whether you're a seasoned investor, social entrepreneur, or just curious about what it means to invest with purpose, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss. RESOURCES RELATED TO THIS EPISODE Visit https://brighter-investing.com/ Follow Brighter Investing on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/brighterinvesting/ Follow Gary Whitehurst on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/garywhitehurst/ CREDITS Theme Music
Today, Nathan Stuck sits down with Brandy Hall, Founder and CEO of Shades of Green Permaculture, an Atlanta-based company transforming landscapes—and lives—through regenerative design and ecological stewardship. With nearly two decades of experience, Brandy has built a values-driven company that not only restores land but also fosters meaningful jobs and long-term impact in her community. In this conversation, Nathan and Brandy dig into her journey from solo entrepreneur to visionary leader of a thriving team, how she learned to build systems that support sustainability, and what it truly takes to grow a mission-aligned business in a profit-first world. Brandy shares vulnerable insights about the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, the realities of running a values-led company, and why she believes in progress over perfection. Whether you’re a purpose-driven entrepreneur, business leader, or simply someone curious about how business can be a force for good, you’ll walk away inspired and energized. RESOURCES RELATED TO THIS EPISODE Visit https://shadesofgreenpermaculture.com/ Follow Shades of Green Permaculture on social media at: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shades-of-green-permaculture/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shades_of_green_permaculture/ Sign up for the Shades of Green bi-weekly newsletter at https://shadesofgreenpermaculture.com/newsletter-sign-up See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Today, you’ll learn from Adria Marshall, Founder and CEO of EcoSlay—a Georgia-based, Black woman-owned haircare company with a dedicated fancbase and a clear commitment to doing good. What started as a side hustle mixing natural ingredients in her kitchen while working as a software developer has grown into a thriving business with sustainability and social impact at its core. In this episode, Adria shares her unexpected founder journey, how she defines success on her own terms, and the intentional choices that led EcoSlay to become a certified B Corporation. For anyone building, supporting, or simply curious about values-aligned businesses, this episode is for you. RESOURCES RELATED TO THIS EPISODE Visit www.ecoslay.com Follow Ecoslay on social media: https://x.com/Ecoslay https://www.facebook.com/ecoslay/ https://www.instagram.com/ecoslay/ Follow Adria on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/ecoslay/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Today, Nathan Stuck is joined by Lexie Newhouse, Program Director at Boomtown Innovation. Lexie is a powerhouse in the entrepreneurship space, working to bridge the gap between startup concepts and small business success. With experience in policy advocacy, ecosystem building, and direct support for founders, she’s passionate about helping businesses thrive—not just by tracking outputs, but by measuring real-world outcomes. In this conversation, Lexie and Nathan talk about the importance of innovation in small business, the barriers entrepreneurs face, and the policies shaping the future of entrepreneurship. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, an executive, or just a fan of small business and small business owners, you won’t want to miss this episode. RESOURCES RELATED TO THIS EPISODE Visit https://btinnovation.com/ Check out https://www.startupatlanta.com/ Follow Lexie on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/lexienewhouse/ CREDITS Theme Music
On today’s episode, Nathan sits down with Marie Davis, Executive Director of the Georgia Center for Employee Ownership. Nathan and Marie explore how businesses can transition to employee ownership, a move that preserves the founder's legacy and empowers their employees in the process. Marie shares her personal connection to this work, reflecting on how her family's business could have possibly lived on if her parents had known about employee ownership models. Marie will also break down the different forms of employee ownership from ESOPs to employee ownership trust to co-ops, and discuss how these models provide real financial and cultural benefits for businesses and their teams, or as she puts it, a “win-win-win.” If you're a business owner, an entrepreneur, or just someone interested in how companies can build lasting wealth for employees, this is an episode you won't want to miss. RESOURCES RELATED TO THIS EPISODE Learn more about the Georgia Center for Employee Ownership at https://www.gaceo.org/ Learn more about Joma Construction at https://www.jomaconstruction.com/ Follow Marie on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariebdavisinatlanta/ Visit https://www.blocalgeorgia.com/ CREDITS Theme Music
In today’s episode, Nathan Stuck sits down with Jenny Morgan, founder of Pact Three and author of the book Cancel Culture in Climate. Pact Three is dedicated to helping businesses align their values with impactful action. Jenny’s career spans hospitality, tech, and sustainability consulting, where she has used her entrepreneurial spirit and passion for inclusivity to help organizations navigate the intersection of profitability and purpose. Through her work in the B Corp movement and beyond, she’s transformed businesses, events, and industries into more conscious, community-focused spaces. In this episode, they dive into Jenny’s journey from hosting women in tech events to leading sustainability initiatives, her strategies for fostering empathetic conversations that inspire change, and her vision for making sustainability and B Corp certification more inclusive and accessible. Stay tuned for an inspiring conversation about leadership, sustainability, and how collaboration and transparency can drive meaningful progress for businesses and communities. RESOURCES RELATED TO THIS EPISODE Learn more at www.cancelcultureinclimate.com Follow Jenny at https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennycmorgan/ CREDITS Theme Music
Today’s guest is Talibah M. Bayles, a passionate advocate for minority small businesses, national speaker, and the founder of TMB Tax & Financial Services. Drawing on her family’s entrepreneurial legacy and her own experiences, Talibah empowers minority entrepreneurs with the tools and strategies they need to succeed. In this episode, Talibah shares her journey from growing up in a family of entrepreneurs to becoming a leader in financial literacy and small business advocacy. Talibah and Nathan dive into the principle of ‘strategy over emotion’ in business decision-making, the importance of building trust and relationships, and the balance between passion and profit in building a sustainable business. Join Nathan and he and Talibah explore practical strategies for eliminating uncertainty in business, understanding cash flow, and creating lasting impact in underserved communities. Tune in for an inspiring and actionable conversation! RESOURCES RELATED TO THIS EPISODE Visit Bankable.ceo Follow TMB Tax & Financial Services on social media at: Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/tmbtaxesllc Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/tmbtax/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbIpfLQ3M2vUfe4jnUeJPGw Follow Talibah on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/in/talibah-bayles-tmbtaxes And check out Bankably at https://gobankably.com/ CREDITS Theme Music
We have a special episode for you today. As we close out 2024, Nathan and Quentin take a look back as Nathan shares his thoughts on and learnings from some of this year's episodes. From employee retention to sustainability, and of course, BLD Southeast, Nathan shares his thoughts and learnings from this year. B the Change Georgia has hosted many guests who showcase how businesses can positively impact their communities while achieving their goals, and we’re excited to look back at a few of the amazing conversations from 2024 We hope this episode is both inspiring and entertaining and we encourage you to go back and listen to the amazing guests we had on the show. RESOURCES RELATED TO THIS EPISODE Visit https://www.blocalgeorgia.com/ Visit https://bldsoutheast.com/ CREDITS Theme Music
Nathan Stuck sits down with Jay Bailey, the President and CEO of the Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs. Jay is a visionary leader whose mission is to empower and uplift the next generation of entrepreneurs and business owners. With a passion for building communities and creating spaces for underrepresented voices, Jay has dedicated his career to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in Atlanta and beyond. In this episode, Jay shares his inspiring journey—from his early entrepreneurial ventures to leading a center that honors the legacy of Herman Russell, one of Atlanta's most influential business leaders. We'll explore how Jay's experiences have shaped his vision for the Russell Center, the importance of community in entrepreneurship, and why creating lasting impact is his ultimate goal. Tune in to this episode about the power of perseverance, the significance of community support, and Jay's commitment to cultivating an ecosystem where black entrepreneurs thrive. RESOURCES RELATED TO THIS EPISODE Visit the H.J. Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs website at https://russellcenter.org/ Follow Jay Bailey on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaybailey CREDITS Theme Music
Today Nathan Stuck sits down with keynote speaker, leadership coach, author, and former award-winning NFL Linebacker Rennie Curran. Rennie shares his journey from the world of professional sports to building a successful career as an entrepreneur and speaker. He offers valuable insights on the importance of personal branding, the challenges that come with career transitions, and how accountability and self-awareness play essential roles in personal and professional growth. Rennie and Nathan also discuss the value of transferable skills, continuous learning, and why helping others is a rewarding part of personal growth. Stay tuned to learn more about embracing challenges, building a strong personal brand, and setting yourself up for success in any career transition. RESOURCES RELATED TO THIS EPISODE Visit renniecurran.com Follow @renniecurran on social media LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/renniecurran/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/RennieCurran53/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/renniecurran/ X/Twitter https://twitter.com/renniecurran53 YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/renniecurran CREDITS Theme Music
Today you'll learn from Enrique Alvarez, Managing Director at Vector Global Logistics, a company dedicated to changing the world through supply chain operations. Enrique is passionate about the intersection of purpose and business, and under his leadership, Vector has grown to include global offices while maintaining a results-based culture. In this episode, Enrique shares how Vector Global Logistics has built a culture of purpose that attracts top talent, better suppliers, and loyal customers. He and Nathan also dive into how the company's humanitarian work and disaster relief efforts are integrated into its business model. Enrique opens up about balancing business growth with personal values, and how to instill confidence in teams to take risks and make mistakes. Stay tuned to learn more about how purpose can be a competitive advantage, the power of honest storytelling in business, and the value of B Corp certification in today's market. RESOURCES RELATED TO THIS EPISODE Visit https://vectorgl.com/ Follow Vector Global Logisitics on Social Media: LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/vector-global-logistics/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/VectorGL/ Instagra https://www.instagram.com/vector_global_giving/ Twitter/X https://twitter.com/VectorGlobal YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/VectorGlobalLogistics Follow Enrique at https://www.linkedin.com/in/enrique-alvarez-64332a2/ CREDITS Theme Music
Today you'll have the opportunity to learn from networking and leadership consultant, speaker, startup advisor, and journalist, Adam Marx. Adam is the founder of The Zero to One Networker. He draws on more than a decade of experience in the music and startup tech industries to teach others how to cultivate powerful relationships using strategies of patience, consistency, authenticity, and value creation. Adam shares how his background in music journalism helped him fall into the world of networking, where he built relationships with both artists and professionals. He also introduces his '300 Club' concept, explaining how a small group of key voices can drive conversations and create lasting impact. We discuss overcoming imposter syndrome, staying engaged in your community, and how networking is about much more than just fundraising. Stay tuned to hear how you can build relational capital and why it's more important than followers or views. Oh, and you may get to hear the story behind Adam's signature orange sunglasses and my red jacket! RESOURCES RELATED TO THIS EPISODE Visit https://www.zerotoonenetworker.com/ Follow Adam on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/adammarx13/ Follow The Zero-to-One Networker on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-zero-to-one-networker CREDITS Theme Music
How can a large organization successfully implement and sustain zero-waste initiatives while engaging their people and community in long-term environmental responsibility? In today's episode, Nathan Stuck sits down with Dawn Brown, to discuss the journey of sustainability and environmental stewardship at the Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Dawn is Senior Manager of Stadium Tours and Education Programs plus Sustainability at Mercedes Benz Stadium. Mercedes Benz Stadium is the first professional sports stadium worldwide to achieve LEED Platinum (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification in 2017 and TRUE (Total Resource Use and Efficiency) Platinum certification. You'll learn about the role of education and empowerment in fostering a sustainable culture, how sustainability has become part of the stadium's DNA, and how Mercedes Benz Stadium is looking to make a global impact through the playbook they developed for other organizations who want to achieve zero-waste.. Tune in to hear how Mercedes Benz Stadium is leading the way in sustainability, one small but impactful step at a time. RESOURCES RELATED TO THIS EPISODE Learn more at https://www.mercedesbenzstadium.com/sustainability Follow Dawn on social media at LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawn-brown-802797170 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/altadawn/ CREDITS Theme Music
On today's episode, we flip the script as our Producer and the Co-Founder of Chat With Leaders Media, Quentin Thomas, interviews Nathan Stuck about this year's BLD Southeast conference. BLD which stands for B Corp Leadership Development is a conferences organized by B Local Community leaders to strengthen and support the local B Corp movement as well as all purpose and mission driven entrepreneurs who will be in attendance. This year's BLD Southeast will take place in Atlanta, Georgia on September 11th and 12th. Stay tuned to learn more about this year's event, including the amazing speakers, excursions, and opportunities to connect with other people who are passionate about using their influence as a force for good. Thank you to everyone who has contributed to making this an event you won't want to miss. RESOURCES RELATED TO THIS EPISODE Learn more about this year's BLD Southeast, hosted in Atlanta, Georgia at https://bldsoutheast.com/ Learn more about B Corp Leadership Development and find your B Local community at https://usca.bcorporation.net/b-corps-leadership-development/ Visit https://www.blocalgeorgia.com/ CREDITS Theme Music
On today's episode, Nathan sits down with Scott Koloms, President and CEO of Facilities Management Services, pbc (or “FMS”), and Founder and CEO of Canopy KY. FMS is a janitorial services company that believes investing in their people will be good for business and positively impacts the communities they serve. Canopy KY is a nonprofit on a mission to grow Kentucky businesses to positively impact people, our planet, and our future. In our conversation, Scott shares his journey into entrepreneurship and the importance of finding common ground to make positive impacts. We also discuss how sometimes we need to adapt our language to communicate the importance of social impact and sustainability in business and the value of celebrating the journey. Stay tuned to learn how Scott has integrated his belief that “doing good is good for business” into his organizations, empowering his teams to positively impact stakeholders throughout the communities they serve. RESOURCES RELATED TO THIS EPISODE Visit https://canopyky.org/ Visit https://facilitiesmgmt.com/ Follow Scott on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottkoloms/ CREDITS Theme Music
On today's episode, Nathan Stuck sits down with Phillip Scroggin, Chief Marketing Nerd at Sol Insights. Phillip is a Certified Marketing Professional with the American Marketing Association and the host of the weekly business podcast: Good Morning, Market. He's also the founder and Managing Director at Sol Insights, a growth marketing firm based in Savannah, Georgia, centered on everyday businesses. You'll hear Phillip share his journey into leadership, his unique approach to supporting small businesses in a non-traditional business hub, and valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs on balancing passion and profit. Stay tuned to discover how Phillip's commitment to community and strategic thinking can inspire and guide your own business endeavors. RESOURCES RELATED TO THIS EPISODE Visit https://www.solinsights.com Follow Sol Insights on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/sol-insights/ CREDITS Theme Music
Today Nathan Stuck sits down with Heather Orrico, Vice President of Enterprise Sales at Comcast Business. Heather shares about the Comcast RISE program, which was originally created in 2020 to help small businesses impacted by COVID-19. Today, the program continues to support the growth of small businesses and entrepreneurs dedicated to uplifting their local communities. This year's funding opportunity closes on Friday, May 31st and is open to small businesses in Atlanta, GA, Houston, TX, Jacksonville, FL, Richmond, VA, and Southern Colorado. You'll discover why Comcast chose to invest in Atlanta and the state of Georgia, how you can take advantage of these investment opportunities, and how programs like RISE positively impact entrepreneurs, businesses, and the communities they serve. Stay tuned to gain valuable insights from Heather and discover how you can leverage opportunities like Comcast RISE to drive growth and make a meaningful impact in your community. RESOURCES RELATED TO THIS EPISODE Visit https://www.comcastrise.com/ to learn more and apply Follow Heather on LinkedIn CREDITS Theme Music
Whether you know him as a rebel with a cause, analytics junkie, optimist, cynic, serial envelope pusher, cult creator, or superhero, you're guaranteed to learn from today's conversation with Joey Womack, Founder and CEO of Goodie Nation. What started as a hackathon project, Goodie Nation has evolved into a community for post-accelerator social entrepreneurs and diverse founders, investors, coaches, and companies in the innovation space. As we shift to Part 2 of this conversation, you'll hear why the way the B Corp community measures impact stands out to Joey, why KPIs are essential to making a real impact, and his advice for identifying your purpose in life. Stay tuned as Nathan and Joey dive into the importance of authenticity and purpose in building a business that not only makes a profit, but makes a difference. If you haven't listened to part 1 of this conversation, be sure to check out our previous episode here. RESOURCES RELATED TO THIS EPISODE Visit www.goodienation.org Follow Joey on social media at: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joeywomack/ X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/joeydigital Subscribe to the Goodie Nation mailing list at https://goodienation.org/mailing-list/ CREDITS Theme Music
Whether you know him as a rebel with a cause, analytics junkie, optimist, cynic, serial envelope pusher, cult creator, or superhero, you're guaranteed to learn from today's conversation with Joey Womack, Founder and CEO of Goodie Nation. What started as a hackathon project, Goodie Nation has evolved into a community for post-accelerator social entrepreneurs and diverse founders, investors, coaches, and companies in the innovation space. In Part 1 of this conversation, you'll hear the evolution of Goodie Nation into a pre-accelerator program eliminating the relationship gap for many promising entrepreneurs, the importance of community in connecting and supporting entrepreneurs, and the state of the black tech ecosystem in Atlanta and the role it plays in shaping not only Atlanta, but everything. Stay tuned to delve into Joey Womack's journey and the impactful work of Goodie Nation, as we uncover insights into entrepreneurship and community-building. And be sure to follow B the Change Georgia to catch Part 2 of this discussion. RESOURCES RELATED TO THIS EPISODE Visit www.goodienation.org Follow Joey on social media at: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joeywomack/ X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/joeydigital Subscribe to the Goodie Nation mailing list at https://goodienation.org/mailing-list/ CREDITS Theme Music
Today Nathan Stuck sits down with Christopher Marquis, Sinyi Professor at the University of Cambridge and author of The Profiteers: How Business Privatizes Profits and Socializes Costs. Chris' research examines business sustainability and social entrepreneurship, and he is passionate about how academic research can help people around the world address some of the biggest crises of our day — including climate change, inequality, and discrimination. Chris and Nathan discuss the B Corp movement and its impact on business as a force for good. He emphasizes the importance of future-proofing businesses, employee engagement, investor interest, and consumer support in driving the adoption of B Corp principles. Tune in as we delve into how the B Corp movement is redefining success in business and paving the way for a more sustainable future. RESOURCES RELATED TO THIS EPISODE Click here for a special Profiteers pre-sale offer for B Corps (expires April 30th) Visit https://chrismarquis.com Follow Chris on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-marquis/ Subscribe at https://chrismarquis.substack.com Christopher Marquis's books: Better Business: How the B Corp Movement Is Remaking Capitalism The Profiteers: How Business Privatizes Profit and Socializes Cost Mao and Markets: The Communist Roots of Chinese Enterprise CREDITS Theme Music
How can entrepreneurs effectively harness the power of community engagement while being a connector to drive meaningful change in both business practices and social impact initiatives? In today's episode, Nathan Stuck sits down with Lizy Freudmann, founder of the strategic marketing company, One More Thing. With an interest in behavioral economics and consumer behavior, Lizy built her business around working with clients to drive specific behavioral outcomes from the customers they look to serve. In this conversation, Nathan and Lizy delve into the importance of building relationships within your community and the transformative impact of curiosity and continuous learning. Lizy shares her journey of relocating to New Orleans and the influence it has had on her work, the importance of intentionality in supporting your community, as well as her pioneering efforts in becoming the first B Corp in Louisiana. Stay tuned as we uncover the significance of being a dot connector and explore the role of business as a force for good with Lizy Freudmann. RESOURCES RELATED TO THIS EPISODE Follow Lizy on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/lfreudmann/ Visit https://www.onemorethingllc.com/ Follow One More Thing on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/one-more-thing-llc/about/ CREDITS Theme Music
In today's episode, you'll learn from Brandy Amidon, the Co-President and CFO of Brains on Fire, a creative marketing agency with offices in Greenville, SC and Los Angeles, CA. In addition to serving in a “typical” CFO capacity while nurturing her team within a small business atmosphere, Brandy serves as the first female and youngest Mayor of the City of Travelers Rest. During this episode, Brandy talks about the importance of building trust and community. You'll hear about the evolving landscape of branding, the value of company culture and the role it plays in attracting both employees and clients, and the benefits of being part of a B Corp community. Tune in to this episode as Brandy dives into the crucial aspects of building trust and community–from the small business office to the mayoral office. RESOURCES RELATED TO THIS EPISODE Visit https://www.brainsonfire.com/ Visit https://www.brandyamidon.com/ Follow Brandy on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandy-amidon-701a7220/ CREDITS Theme Music
How can businesses in the construction and development industry balance growth and profitability with a genuine commitment to social and environmental responsibility? In today's episode, Nathan Stuck sits down with Jon Williams, President and CEO of W&A Engineering and the Better Communities Collaborative. Jon shares the journey that shaped his commitment to community service, from working in a family grocery store to starting a small landscaping company. W&A Engineering is now a multidisciplinary firm with offices across the United States. We'll hear how Jon navigates generational differences by creating a work environment that blends traditional values with evolving perspectives, the decision to pursue B Corp certification, and his mission to not only overcome negative perceptions of the development industry, but influence others to pursue more conscious design and community impact. Stay tuned to hear practical steps that you can take to create lasting, positive change in the communities you impact. RESOURCES RELATED TO THIS EPISODE Visit www.waengineering.com Follow W&A Engineering on Social Media https://www.instagram.com/waengineering/ https://www.facebook.com/WandAEngineering/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/wandaengineering/ Follow Jon on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/waengineering/ CREDITS Theme Music
On today's episode, Nathan Stuck sits down with Jennifer Singh, the Sustainability Catalyst at ATDC. Jen has more than 15 years of experience in building and scaling innovative businesses at both startups and large corporations. She brings that experience to ATDC by supporting early-stage companies at the forefront of solving our climate and environmental challenges. Jen and Nathan discuss her role as a Sustainability Catalyst in supporting startups, the importance of meaningful connections, the evolving narrative of sustainability as a business imperative, and the positive impact of climate-conscious practices on both the environment and profitability. Stay tuned as we explore the transformative power of technology and collaboration in shaping a sustainable and environmentally conscious future. RESOURCES RELATED TO THIS EPISODE Learn more about ATDC's Sustainability Program https://atdc.org/industry-programs/sustainability/ Subscribe to ATDC's Mailing List https://atdcsustainability.substack.com/ Follow Jennifer Singh on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifersingh2/ CREDITS Theme Music
How can individuals and businesses turn food waste into a healthier planet? Today Nathan Stuck sits down with David Paull, co-founder and Chief Impact Officer at CompostNow. With a decade of experience in food systems work and social entrepreneurship, David has been a key player in the Atlanta community, including serving as a commissioner on the East Point Local Food System Ecosystem Commission and as a board member on the Southface Institute's Board of Directors. In this conversation, Nathan and David explore David's journey into the world of composting, the importance of regenerating soil health, and the significant role CompostNow plays in creating a closed-loop system to tackle food waste and improve agriculture practices. Tune in to hear David's story as well as learn the environmental impact of composting. You can also hear his advice for individuals and businesses looking to adopt more sustainable practices. RESOURCES RELATED TO THIS EPISODE Visit https://www.compostnow.org/ Follow CompostNow on social media at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/compostnow-llc/ https://www.instagram.com/compostnow/ https://www.facebook.com/CompostNow/ CREDITS Theme Music
In today's episode, Nathan Stuck sits down with a guest who is reshaping the fashion industry for a sustainable future. Tanjuria Willis is the Founder of Atlanta Sustainable Fashion Week and Owner of eKlozet Luxury Consignment Boutique. She joins us to share her incredible journey from electrical engineer to a leader in sustainable fashion. In this episode, Nathan and Tanjuria delve into Tanjuria's motivation behind launching Sustainable Fashion Week, explore the lesser-known aspects of the fashion industry, and learn how Atlanta Sustainable Fashion Week looks to make an impact far beyond Atlanta. Tanjuria also shared her vision for the future of Atlanta Sustainable Fashion Week and how achieving B Corp certification aligns with her commitment to society and sustainability. Tune in for an enlightening conversation filled with insights and practical steps to make more sustainable fashion choices. RESOURCES RELATED TO THIS EPISODE Visit https://sustainablefw.com/ Follow ASFW at: https://www.facebook.com/atlsfw https://www.instagram.com/atlsfw/ Follow Tanjuria on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/tanjuriawillis Also referenced in today's episode: https://goodonyou.eco/ https://remake.world/ CREDITS Theme Music
On today's episode, Nathan Stuck sits down with Chad Livsey, the founder of The Chad Livsey Project. The Chad Livsey Project's mission is to identify and improve distressed real property within the city of Atlanta, Georgia. Chad takes us on a journey through his family's legacy in The Promise Land, sharing how his great-grandparents' entrepreneurial spirit and his own family's commitment to community improvement inspired his path as a leader. We delve into Chad's transformative work, which involves turning trash-strewn streets into vibrant, clean neighborhoods, as well as his fight against eminent domain. Listen in to discover the impact of Chad's actions and how The Chad Livsey Project is helping create a brighter, cleaner, and more inclusive future for Georgia. RESOURCES RELATED TO THIS EPISODE Visit https://chadlivseyproject.com/ Follow The Chad Livsey Project on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/chadlivseyproject Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/theChadLivseyProject Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/chadlivsey/ Visit Delightful Vending at www.delightfulvending.com CREDITS Theme Music
In today's episode, host Nathan Stuck sits down with Dr. Valencia Belle, the founder of SCHOOLS. SCHOOLS (Success Can Happen Out Of Low Scores) affords high-quality, cost-effective standardized test preparation to scholars and scholar-athletes, occasioning 5-10 point ACT and 100 -200 point SAT average composite score increases with as little as five weeks of test prep. is an organization preparing students for standardized tests by providing achievement-building and investing in building the capacity of a learner's individualized educational strategies. Dr. Belle has a passion for reducing education debt and increasing the earning potential of students. You'll hear her story of going from a student-athlete to realizing the significance of the ACT score, SCHOOLS' mission to eradicate intergenerational poverty caused by student loan debt, and her journey as the first BIPOC female B Corp in Alabama and only the second overall B Corp in the state. Dr. Belle's story highlights how a clear mission and dedication to social impact can create meaningful change within communities and help pave the way for more businesses to follow suit. Tune in to hear her incredible journey. RESOURCES RELATED TO THIS EPISODE Visit www.schoolstestprep.com Follow S.C.H.O.O.L.S. on social media at: https://www.facebook.com/schoolsprograms https://www.twitter.com/CLEARED19 https://www.instagram.com/schoolsprogram/ Follow Dr. Valencia Belle on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/valenciabelle/ CREDITS Theme Music
In the second part of this two-part series, Nathan Stuck dives further into the depths of inclusivity and leadership with Adrianne Gordon of B Local Asheville, B EOS Network and BLD Southeast. Join us as we delve into how she challenges conventional notions, amplifies diverse voices, and dismantles barriers to access. Discover her refreshing perspective on the delicate balance between passion and self-care, embodied by her philosophy of a "beautifully spiced life." Adrianne's insights on avoiding burnout while championing the B Corp movement are a must-hear. We also unravel the story behind her venture, Practical Insight, and how she guides mission-driven companies toward manageable, measurable progress without sacrificing their team's well-being. Tune in for actionable advice and inspiration to create a meaningful impact without compromising on life's richness. RESOURCES RELATED TO THIS EPISODE Visit adriannegordon.com Follow Linkedin.com/in/adriannegordon/ CREDITS Theme Music
In this first of a two part series, Nathan Stuck dives into the world of coalition building and leadership with Adrianne Gordon. Her journey began leading a college gay-straight alliance, igniting her passion for diverse perspectives and genuine connections. Adrianne's unique superpower lies in creating effective structures, leading her to spearhead B Local Asheville's early years. Discover how she merged B Corp values with EOS tools, fostering a community of over 50 like-minded companies across the nation. Join us as we explore Adrianne's evolution through EOS, the power of progress over perfection, and her inspiring advocacy for authentic leadership. Stay tuned for the second part to uncover more of Adrianne's insights and experiences. RESOURCES RELATED TO THIS EPISODE Visit adriannegordon.com Follow Linkedin.com/in/adriannegordon/ CREDITS Theme Music
I'm your guide, Nathan Stuck and today you'll have the opportunity to learn from Jared Meyers, the Co-Founder of Florida for Good. Florida for Good is driving the initiative to promote corporate responsibility, helping businesses doing good to thrive in a purpose-driven economy. Jared is a co-founder or investor in six successful B Corps, as well as co-creator of the “For Good Movement,” a nonprofit that oversees Florida for Good and B Tourism. During this episode, you'll hear how Jared discovered B Corporations as, what he would call, the “only way” he wants to engage in business and how meeting like-minded leaders instilled confidence that business can do good while making a profit. Jared also shares why ethical and conscious business practices are not political, but they are simply caring for people. Have you ever wondered how businesses can truly make a difference in today's world? Then stay tuned as we sit down with Jared Meyers and learn from his transformative journey from a traditional travel company to a torchbearer for ethical, purpose-driven business practices. RESOURCES RELATED TO THIS EPISODE Follow Jared on LinkedIn CREDITS Theme Music
How can a closet full of mealworms help revolutionize the food industry? On today's episode of B the Change Georgia, Nathan chats with Akissi Stokes-Nelson and Karim Nelson, the co-founders of WunderGrubs. WunderGrubs is the company on a mission to revolutionize the food industry by promoting sustainable protein sources through edible insects. Nathan dives into Akissi and Karim's journey of connecting communities, farmers, and businesses through sustainable, affordable, and nutritious insect-based protein solutions. Discover how they navigated cultural barriers and misconceptions to insects as food, as well as how they balance social and environmental impact with financial goals, all while fostering a culture of innovation and teamwork. Prepare to challenge your taste buds and expand your perspective on food as we explore the fascinating world of WunderGrubs and their mission to revolutionize sustainable nutrition with edible insects. RESOURCES RELATED TO THIS EPISODE Visit WunderGrubs https://www.wundergrubs.com/ Visit Truly Living Well Center for Urban Agriculture https://www.trulylivingwell.com/ Visit Whitehall Terrace Community Garden https://www.aglanta.org/whitehall-terrace-community-garden Follow Akissi on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/akissi-stokes-nelson-832a822/ Follow Karim on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/karim-nelson-38924ba/ Follow WunderGrubs on social media at: LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/65440553/admin/feed/posts/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/wundergrubs/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/wundergrubs Twitter / X https://twitter.com/wundergrubs CREDITS Theme Music
How can we simplify caregiving and support the caregivers themselves? How can businesses play a role in addressing the caregiver crisis to support their workforce? On today's episode, you'll have the opportunity to learn from Karina Muller, Co-Founder and Managing Director at Motivity Care, an organization revolutionizing caregiving management through a tech-enabled service solution. Karina has over 20 years of experience in the health and wellness industry, sports industry, caregiving management, and stress management. She shares her motivation for starting the organization and the personal experiences that fueled her drive to address the issue of elder care. You'll also hear Karina shed light on the challenges faced by caregivers, particularly women, while offering invaluable insights into self-care and managing caregiver guilt Tune in as we unpack the complexities of caregiving, the impact on women, and the transformative solutions we can implement now for a better future. RESOURCES RELATED TO THIS EPISODE Visit www.Motivitycare.com Follow Motivity Care on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/motivity-care/ Contact Motivity Care at info@motivitycare.com Follow Karina on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/karinamuller/ CREDITS Theme Music
Why should you see sustainability as a core aspect of your business operations and how can you integrate it seamlessly to drive profitability? Today Nathan had the pleasure of sitting down with Venkatesh Kini, Co-founder of Ubuntoo. Ubuntoo is an online platform that matches corporations and institutions to sustainable innovations and entrepreneurs around the world. In today's discussion, Venkatesh shares the story of founding Ubuntoo with Peter Schelstraete, delves into the challenges faced by companies when adopting sustainability practices, and addresses the common misconception that sustainability is separate from the core business. Stay tuned as Nathan and Venki explore the power of sustainable innovation and the transformative impact it can have on businesses and the environment. RESOURCES RELATED TO THIS EPISODE Visit https://www.ubuntoo.com/ Follow Venkatesh on LinkedIn Follow Peter Schelstraete on LinkedIn CREDITS Theme Music
How do you break into the circle of Investment Capital as a founder that doesn't understand the lingo or have the connections? You talk to people like Anastasia Simon at Techstars Atlanta & Techstars Impact, powered by Cox. Nathan sits down with Anastasia to unpack her story and how she helps underrepresented founders navigate this often confusing landscape so some of the most pressing problems can be addressed today. This is part two of this episode. Tune in to Part 1 here. RESOURCES RELATED TO THIS EPISODE Linkedin / @anastasianicole Twitter / @anastasiab Follow Paige Hendrix Buckner https://www.linkedin.com/in/paigehendrixbuckner/ Mandela SH Dixon https://www.linkedin.com/in/mandelash/ Twanna Harris https://www.linkedin.com/in/twannaharris/ https://www.kaporcapital.com/ MLN Ventures Open Venture Capital https://openventure.capital/ It All Media https://www.itallmedia.co/ CREDITS Theme Music
How do you break into the circle of Investment Capital as a founder that doesn't understand the lingo or have the connections? You talk to people like Anastasia Simon at Techstars Atlanta & Techstars Impact, powered by Cox. Nathan sits down with Anastasia to unpack her story and how she helps underrepresented founders navigate this often confusing landscape so some of the most pressing problems can be addressed today. RESOURCES RELATED TO THIS EPISODE Linkedin / @anastasianicole Twitter / @anastasiab Follow Paige Hendrix Buckner https://www.linkedin.com/in/paigehendrixbuckner/ Mandela SH Dixon https://www.linkedin.com/in/mandelash/ Twanna Harris https://www.linkedin.com/in/twannaharris/ https://www.kaporcapital.com/ MLN Ventures Open Venture Capital https://openventure.capital/ It All Media https://www.itallmedia.co/ CREDITS Theme Music
Have you ever wished that you had better mentors and advocates to set you up for success before you started your career? How do some people receive that “leg up” early in their career that seems to catapult their success and others lag behind despite giving it their all? Twanna Harris will share the story that led her to what she aspires to be today, “being the person she needed most when she was first starting out.” Today, Twanna equips aspiring entrepreneurs with the space, tools, coaching, and community they need to convert their talents and creativity into successful, purpose-driven business ventures. This is part two of this two-part interview. RESOURCES RELATED TO THIS EPISODE Visit https://www.tribalgood.org/ Check out Kahlil Greene at https://www.tiktok.com/@kahlilgreene Follow Bryan Stevenson with Equal Justice Initiative Check out Jalaiah Harmon Follow Sydney Hulebek Lebron James Team Check out Maverick Carter Follow Rich Paul Check out Issa Rae Follow Tawanna Harris at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/twannaharris/ https://www.instagram.com/twannaharris/ CREDITS Theme Music
Have you ever wished that you had better mentors and advocates to set you up for success before you started your career? How do some people receive that “leg up” early in their career that seems to catapult their success and others lag behind despite giving it their all? Twanna Harris will share the story that led her to what she aspires to be today, “being the person she needed most when she was first starting out.” Today, Twanna equips aspiring entrepreneurs with the space, tools, coaching, and community they need to convert their talents and creativity into successful, purpose-driven business ventures. This is part one of this two-part interview. RESOURCES RELATED TO THIS EPISODE Visit https://www.tribalgood.org/ Check out Kahlil Greene at https://www.tiktok.com/@kahlilgreene Follow Bryan Stevenson with Equal Justice Initiative Check out Jalaiah Harmon Follow Sydney Hulebek Lebron James Team Check out Maverick Carter Follow Rich Paul Check out Issa Rae Follow Tawanna Harris at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/twannaharris/ https://www.instagram.com/twannaharris/ CREDITS Theme Music
Today Nathan had the pleasure of sitting down with Dr. Joye Purser, the first-ever Senior Executive Regional Director for Cybersecurity for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. She is a nationally recognized global security leader with extensive experience in cybersecurity, enterprise risk management, pandemic recovery, and government budget oversight. Her career includes working for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the White House, the Pentagon, and the private sector, as well as serving on the board of Cyversity and volunteering in her community. In this episode, Nathan and Dr. Purser discuss what she wishes everyone knew about cybersecurity, what every business leader should know about malware, spyware, and ransomware for protection, and resources to help business leaders understand and build a solid cybersecurity culture. RESOURCES RELATED TO THIS EPISODE Visit Eastbysouthsolutions.com Follow Joye on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/joyepurser/ Visit the following websites: Cyversity.org YearUp.org WiCys.org ATLWorks.org CISA.gov CREDITS Theme Music
I know all of you care deeply about using your influence and business as a force for good or are at least looking for inspiration on how capitalism can elevate people and the planet. However, as my friend and guest today, Christina Maria Noel, points out… when you're trying to change the world, it's easy to put the world's weight on your shoulders, which is not sustainable. Social impact burnout is a real thing, my friends, and I want to help you avoid it by sharing Christina's vulnerable and helpful story with you today. We talk about her journey into the B Corp movement and how we all need to learn (including me) that you can't run at 120% all the time. This is a good conversation about choosing the projects you take on, running your life well, and knowing how to approach your mental health. Christina Marie Noel is an award-winning social entrepreneur, marketing strategist, & keynote speaker. During the ten years Christina has been a social entrepreneur, she has worked with more than 80 mission-driven organizations to develop and improve their marketing and business strategy. RESOURCES RELATED TO THIS EPISODE Visit https://noelandco.io/ Follow Noel & Co. at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/noel-and-co/ https://www.instagram.com/noelandco/ Follow Christina at: Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinamarienoel/ Instagram https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinamarienoel/ Subscribe to the Noel & Co. mailing list at https://mailchi.mp/noelandco/enewsletter CREDITS Theme Music
Today Nathan had the pleasure of sitting down with Ian Bentley, the Founder and CEO of Parker Clay. Parker Clay sells handcrafted goods made in Ethiopia using premium material and promotes giving back to the community through sustainable development programs. In this episode, Nathan and Ian discuss the failings of the fashion industry, how the emergence of the conscious consumer has impacted business startups and ownership, and the unconventional fundraising initiative spearheaded by Ian and his business. RESOURCES RELATED TO THIS EPISODE Visit www.parkerclay.com Follow Parker Clay on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Venmo Follow Ian Bentley on LinkedIn Visit invest.parkerclay.com CREDITS Theme Music
Today's guest is Kashi Sehgal, the Founder & CEO of Retaaza. This social enterprise strives to make local food more accessible and affordable while directly supporting our communities' farmers. Kashi has become a seasoned entrepreneur in building businesses and nonprofits in education, sustainability, food systems, ethics, technology, entertainment, homelessness, and more. She also serves as Managing Partner and Co-Founder of Forethica – an ethics consulting company helping the world be more actively ethical. Nathan and Kashi talk about the importance of listening, iterating, and being a force for good in the world. RESOURCES RELATED TO THIS EPISODE Visit Retaaza's website Follow Retaaza on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter Follow Kashi Seghal on Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin, and Twitter Visit Kashi's website CREDITS Theme Music
M-Cultivo was born out of David Paparelli's Executive Masters at the London School of Economics, focused in Social Business and Entrepreneurship. Throughout his career, David has built access to market solutions for developing world agricultural producers. He spent 7 years growing Thrive Farmers International, a volume direct-trade specialty coffee importer in the US. Before that, he worked with nonprofits in East Africa and Central America on several economic development initiatives. He has always had a passion for empowering next-generation producers with practical solutions. Nathan sits down with David to discuss the market inequities around farming in the coffee supply chain and M-Cultivo's belief that they can change the entire coffee industry for the better, particularly the lives of the producers and their communities. RESOURCES RELATED TO THIS EPISODE www.m-cultivo.com https://www.linkedin.com/company/m-cultivo/ Instagram @mcultivo.coffee CREDITS Theme Music
Sterling Johnson currently serves as Director for the Partnership for Southern Equity's (PSE) Just OpportunityPortfolio, where he oversees administration of PSE's economic justice programs, including regranting, small business support, and workforce development initiatives. Prior to joining the PSE, he spent nearly 4 years providing consulting and project management services to over 40 state and local governments, including former mayor of Atlanta, Keisha Lance Bottoms' (through her Commission on Workforce and Economic Development.) In this second of a two part interview, Nathan Stuck sits down with Sterling to discuss the value of social utility and social contract, what he wishes everyone understood about the Partnership for Southern Equity, how his lived experiences fuel his personal purpose, and challenges he encountered entering the field of public policy and community economic development. About Sterling Johnson Sterling currently serves as Director for the Partnership for Southern Equity's (PSE) Just Opportunity Portfolio, where he oversees administration of PSE's economic justice programs, including regranting, small business support and workforce development initiatives. Sterling also provides subject matter expertise as a facilitator and consultant for other PSE clients. Prior to joining PSE, he spent nearly 4 years with Atlanta based law firm Griffin & Strong, P.C. as Director of Public Policy, providing consulting and project management services to over 40 state and local governments, non-profit organizations, and private businesses nationwide. His specialty areas include community economic development, government contracting and supplier diversity, workforce development, and inclusive economic ecosystems. Sterling also project managed more than 15 procurement disparity studies, managed supplier diversity programs on major public-private development projects, including Atlanta's State Farm Arena, and served as project manager for Living Cities' City Accelerator 4 and 6, which explored procurement inclusion as a tool for economic inclusion. He also has provided policy guidance to several mayoral administrations, including former mayor of Atlanta, Keisha Lance Bottoms' (through her Commission on Workforce and Economic Development), Birmingham (AL) Mayor Randall Woodfin, and Mayor David Briley of Nashville (TN), among others. He also consulted with the Shelby County government on passage of its 2022 Minority and Women Business program ordinance. Sterling obtained his master's degree in Public Administration with a concentration in Planning and Economic Development from the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies at Georgia State University and holds an undergraduate degree in Sociology from Furman University, where he was a Bill and Melinda Gates Millennium scholar, football letterman, and participated in Track and Field. In 2022, Sterling was also inducted into the Outstanding Atlanta class of 2022 and recognized as an Emerging Leader through the Bank of America Neighborhood Builders Program. He remains active in the Atlanta community as a graduate of the United Way VIP program, a board member with the South DeKalb Tribe, Board member and co-chair of the Diversity Committee for the Museum School, and as a member of the Clark Atlanta School of Public Administration advisory board. RESOURCES RELATED TO THIS EPISODE [Book] In Search for Our Mothers' Gardens [Book] Where Do We Go from Here: Chaos or Community? (King Legacy) Justice 40 Accelerator The Great Retention Podcast Partnership for Southern Equity Mareatlas.org CREDITS Theme Music
Sterling Johnson currently serves as Director for the Partnership for Southern Equity's (PSE) Just OpportunityPortfolio, where he oversees administration of PSE's economic justice programs, including regranting, small business support, and workforce development initiatives. Prior to joining the PSE, he spent nearly 4 years providing consulting and project management services to over 40 state and local governments, including former mayor of Atlanta, Keisha Lance Bottoms' (through her Commission on Workforce and Economic Development.) In this first of a two part interview, Nathan Stuck sits down with Sterling to discuss the value of social utility and social contract, what he wishes everyone understood about the Partnership for Southern Equity, how his lived experiences fuel his personal purpose, and challenges he encountered entering the field of public policy and community economic development. About Sterling Johnson Sterling currently serves as Director for the Partnership for Southern Equity's (PSE) Just Opportunity Portfolio, where he oversees administration of PSE's economic justice programs, including regranting, small business support and workforce development initiatives. Sterling also provides subject matter expertise as a facilitator and consultant for other PSE clients. Prior to joining PSE, he spent nearly 4 years with Atlanta based law firm Griffin & Strong, P.C. as Director of Public Policy, providing consulting and project management services to over 40 state and local governments, non-profit organizations, and private businesses nationwide. His specialty areas include community economic development, government contracting and supplier diversity, workforce development, and inclusive economic ecosystems. Sterling also project managed more than 15 procurement disparity studies, managed supplier diversity programs on major public-private development projects, including Atlanta's State Farm Arena, and served as project manager for Living Cities' City Accelerator 4 and 6, which explored procurement inclusion as a tool for economic inclusion. He also has provided policy guidance to several mayoral administrations, including former mayor of Atlanta, Keisha Lance Bottoms' (through her Commission on Workforce and Economic Development), Birmingham (AL) Mayor Randall Woodfin, and Mayor David Briley of Nashville (TN), among others. He also consulted with the Shelby County government on passage of its 2022 Minority and Women Business program ordinance. Sterling obtained his master's degree in Public Administration with a concentration in Planning and Economic Development from the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies at Georgia State University and holds an undergraduate degree in Sociology from Furman University, where he was a Bill and Melinda Gates Millennium scholar, football letterman, and participated in Track and Field. In 2022, Sterling was also inducted into the Outstanding Atlanta class of 2022 and recognized as an Emerging Leader through the Bank of America Neighborhood Builders Program. He remains active in the Atlanta community as a graduate of the United Way VIP program, a board member with the South DeKalb Tribe, Board member and co-chair of the Diversity Committee for the Museum School, and as a member of the Clark Atlanta School of Public Administration advisory board. RESOURCES RELATED TO THIS EPISODE [Book] In Search for Our Mothers' Gardens [Book] Where Do We Go from Here: Chaos or Community? (King Legacy) Justice 40 Accelerator The Great Retention Podcast Partnership for Southern Equity Mareatlas.org CREDITS Theme Music
Today Nathan had the pleasure of sitting down with Mark Hubbard, General Partner at Renew Venture Capital. Renew Venture Capital's mission is to solve society's biggest challenges by purposely renewing how we invest in and help build companies, all while leading with empathy. Mark has founded, invested in, or mentored thousands of enterprises from startups to global corporations in his almost 30 years in venture capital, global private equity, and institutional asset management. In this episode, you'll hear how Renew built an inclusive and diverse leadership team, what sets some founders apart from others, and the importance of investing in relationships. RESOURCES RELATED TO THIS EPISODE Visit Renew Venture Capital Follow Mark Hubbard on LinkedIn Read Mark's blog post, “Why did I choose Impact VC?” Visit PIXEL RECESS : A Design & Impact Venture Studio CREDITS Theme Music
Katherine “Kat” Shayne is the Co-Founder and CEO/CIO of CIRT. Before starting CIRT, Kat worked as a researcher focused on global materials management and marine litter for the Jambeck Research Group and UGA New Materials Institute, as well as an engineering and sustainability consultant. She has a passion for bridging science and technology with business and mitigation strategies in communities, especially with regard to waste management and new materials. She is a UGA 40 under 40 honoree, OneYoungWorld SDG 5 Lead 2030 Challenge winner, and a Google for Startups: Women Founders cohort member. Nathan unpacks Kat's founding story of getting into the field of Environmental Engineering and why it's so hard to answer the question, “Can I recycle/repurpose/reuse this?” RESOURCES RELATED TO THIS EPISODE Visit www.cirt.tech Follow Kat on LinkedIn Follow Kat on Twitter and Instagram Follow CIRT on Instagram and LinkedIn CREDITS Theme Music
Tia Robinson is the CEO & Founder of Vertical Activewear, a vertically integrated brand that sustainably manufactures apparel on demand in metro Atlanta. Tia launched Vertical Activewear in 2020 to help take the waste out of fashion, not only by creating a sustainable apparel brand but by also incorporating a sustainable supply chain in-house. Since then, the Yonkers, New York native has had the opportunity to use her over 15 years of marketing, merchandising, and wellness experience to encourage mindfulness and intentionality in the fashion industry by offering both DT2 and B2B solutions that lessen environmental impact and social damage. Nathan Stuck sits down with Tia to hear the founding story of Vertical Activewear, the ways her business is lessening the impact on the environment, and the process that helps her bake environmental sustainability into her decision-making framework. RESOURCES RELATED TO THIS EPISODE Visit https://www.verticalactivewear.com Follow Tia on LinkedIn CREDITS Theme Music
Looking for a path to empathy and being a more purpose-driven leader who is using their business as a force for good? Listen to this conversation with Jared Simmons, guided by Nathan Stuck. RESOURCES RELATED TO THIS EPISODE Follow Jared on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaredsimmons Visit https://outlastllc.com Follow Outlast on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/outlastconsulting/ CREDITS Theme Music
Bernie Burgener is the executive director of the Greenhouse Accelerator, where he helps to create sustainable local jobs by advising and financially supporting startup entrepreneurs with cleantech companies. Bernie grew up in Switzerland and then early in his career helped fund and grow businesses in various countries and industries in South America in a financial as well as a consulting function, working for a private investment company out of Lima, Peru. He then worked in various positions for a couple of decades with a global water treatment company out of Atlanta, eventually leading its international business development. Nathan Stuck sits down with Bernie to hear how he pivoted into a career more focused on sustainability, what makes him optimistic about the future of capitalism, and how we can have the ability to thrive while doing good. RESOURCES RELATED TO THIS EPISODE Visit GreenhouseATL.org Follow Bernie on LinkedIn CREDITS Theme Music
Mecca Moore Tartt is the Executive Director of Startup Runway Foundation, a 501c3 with a mission to connect top underrepresented founders with first investors. Backers include Presenting Sponsor Cox Enterprises, and Founding Partners Truist, Georgia Power, American Family Institute, Innovator's Legal, Avanta Ventures, and VAlor Ventures. Mecca is also the Co-Founder of A Weekend For Love one of the top luxury couples' marriage retreats, The Founder of the Wives Prayer Challenge which has 1500 women from over 65 locations around the world, and The Founder of the Self-Care Summit: A Women's Health & Fitness Empowerment Day, and now the creator of an e-commerce business which is focused on Christian apparel and has already sold 800+ products covering 21 states. Mecca a Power 30 Under 30 Recipient strives for excellence in all that she does and shows other women how to do it too. Nathan unpacks her story about leaving a successful career in medical device sales behind to pursue her passion for creating more opportunities for female and minority founders. RESOURCES RELATED TO THIS EPISODE Go to MeccaMooreTartt.com Visit StartupRunway.org Follow Mecca on Instagram and LinkedIn CREDITS Theme Music
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