Beyond the B

In this episode, Ryan Honeyman is joined by Erinch Sahan (Doughnut Economics Action Lab) and Vincent Stanley (Patagonia) for a candid, thought-provoking conversation about the ongoing tensions within the B Corp movement. From Nespresso to Dr. Bronner's, we examine the question of whether multinationals threaten the credibility of the B Corp community—or whether they are essential to scaling impact. Together, we examine the fault lines between purpose and profit, ownership and extraction, and integrity versus storytelling—raising timely questions about the future direction, identity, and integrity of the B Corp movement.View the show notes: https://go.lifteconomy.com/blog/b-corp-tensions-erinch-sahan-vincent-stanleySupport the showWe want to hear from you! Please reach out at beyond@lifteconomy.com with suggested topics and/or feedback about the show.

In this episode, Grace Son, Senior Manager on the Standards Team at B Lab Global, unpacks the new Government Affairs and Collective Action (GACA) impact topic within B Lab's updated standards. Drawing from her experience in finance and four years at B Lab, Sun explains how these requirements push companies beyond individual actions toward systemic change through responsible lobbying, collective action, and tax transparency.View the show notes: https://go.lifteconomy.com/blog/new-b-corp-standards-government-affairs-collective-action-grace-sonSupport the showWe want to hear from you! Please reach out at beyond@lifteconomy.com with suggested topics and/or feedback about the show.

B Lab has released its first-ever brand awareness report--providing valuable insights into the current state of recognition for B Corps worldwide. In this episode, we delve into the findings with two influential leaders from B Lab: Charlotte Levitt, the Global Director of Marketing and Communications, and Michele Bradley, the Data Analytics Manager on B Lab's Insights Team.View the show notes: https://go.lifteconomy.com/blog/b-corp-brand-awarenessSupport the showWe want to hear from you! Please reach out at beyond@lifteconomy.com with suggested topics and/or feedback about the show.

Many people have an opinion about Nespresso becoming a Certified B Corporation. But very few have ever heard their side of the story. In this episode with Lucy Bai, Sustainability Manager for Nespresso US, we strive for a balance of genuine curiosity about the things Nespresso is doing well, and tough but fair questions about places where there is concern.View the show notes: https://go.lifteconomy.com/blog/nespresso-b-corpSupport the showWe want to hear from you! Please reach out at beyond@lifteocnomy.com with suggested topics and/or feedback about the show.

The new B Corp standards have finally arrived! In this episode, Ryan Honeyman and Emmy Allison share their first impressions and key takeaways from the 1,130-page update. What's changed? What's stayed the same? And what does it all mean for companies striving to build a more just and regenerative economy? Join us as we explore the early implications, the process behind the changes, and what to watch for as implementation begins.View the show notes: https://go.lifteconomy.com/blog/new-b-corp-standards-key-takeawaysSupport the showWe want to hear from you! Please reach out at beyond@lifteocnomy.com with suggested topics and/or feedback about the show.

Last month, B Lab Global made an announcement that affects some small-to-medium existing B Corps. If your B Corp is due to submit for recertification between July 1 and December 31, 2025, and you would like to be evaluated under Version 6 (i.e., the current version of the standards), you must submit your assessment by June 30, 2025 — six months earlier than many of us expected.If you miss that deadline, or your submission date is in 2026 or later, you will be moved onto the new standards (new B Corps still have until the end of 2025 to submit under Version 6 of the standards).Emmy and Ryan explore why this change caught many off guard, what it means for businesses of different sizes, and how companies can navigate the revised timeline. Whether you're directly affected or just keeping up with the evolving B Corp landscape, this episode offers essential insights to help you stay prepared.View the show notes: https://go.lifteconomy.com/blog/last-call-current-version-v6-b-corp-standardsSupport the showWe want to hear from you! Please reach out at beyond@lifteocnomy.com with suggested topics and/or feedback about the show.

In this episode, we speak with Marcel Fukayama, co-founder of Din4mo and a key leader in the B Corp movement, to explore the evolving landscape of B Corps, the role of policy in shaping the movement, and the challenges and opportunities ahead. Marcel shares insights on reducing dependency on philanthropy, navigating governance hurdles, and fostering deeper collaboration among B Corp leaders. He also reflects on the impact of COVID on the movement and the urgent need to reconnect with its core purpose.View the show notes: https://go.lifteconomy.com/blog/b-corp-ecosystem-building-policy-marcel-fukayamaSupport the showTake our new listener survey to help shape future episodes, get insights tailored to your needs, and make sure we're bringing you the most relevant conversations about the B Corp movement. www.lifteconomy.com/survey

The B Corp movement in the UK is growing at an unprecedented pace. In this episode, Chris Turner, Executive Director of B Lab UK, and Dyann Heward-Mills, CEO of HewardMills, explore what's fueling this rapid expansion. From the rise in purpose-driven leadership to the push for systemic change through the Better Business Act, we discuss how UK businesses are embracing B Corp certification and what this means for the future of ethical enterprise.View the show notes: https://go.lifteconomy.com/blog/b-corp-growth-in-the-ukSupport the showNew! Take our new listener survey to help shape future episodes, get insights tailored to your needs, and make sure we're bringing you the most relevant conversations about the B Corp movement. www.lifteconomy.com/survey

A new initiative called the "Purpose Pledge" launched earlier this week. The timing—coinciding with Dr. Bronner's decision to decertify as a B Corp—has led to questions about whether Purpose Pledge is designed to compete with B Corp certification. Folks are also understandably confused about why LIFT Economy is involved.In this episode, we set the record straight.What is the Purpose Pledge, and how does it differ from B Corp Certification?Why did LIFT Economy help co-create it?Why do we believe B Corp and Purpose Pledge are complementary, not competing?View the show notes: https://go.lifteconomy.com/blog/purpose-pledge-b-corp-setting-the-record-straightIf you haven't already, we highly recommend listening to our most recent episode with Farmer Cee Stanley for additional context: https://go.lifteconomy.com/blog/dr-bronners-decertifies-as-a-b-corpSupport the showWe want to hear from you! Email us at beyond@lifteconomy.com with requests for content, suggestions for future guests, and feedback about our episodes.

In this episode of Beyond the B, co-hosts Ryan Honeyman and Emmy Allison explore the recent decision by Dr. Bronner's to decertify as a B Corporation. Ryan kicks off the episode with a monologue offering both a generous interpretation of the decision and constructive feedback on how the announcement could have been handled differently.Then, Emmy and Ryan are joined by Farmer Cee (Clarenda Stanley), CEO of Green Heffa Farms and a leader in the B Corp community. As a Black woman in regenerative agriculture, a small business owner, and the first company to go through the B Lab Level program, Farmer Cee shares her candid reaction to Dr. Bronner's decision. She discusses the implications for small and historically excluded businesses, the importance of maintaining rigorous yet accessible standards, and the broader impact on the B Corp community.View the show notes: https://go.lifteconomy.com/blog/dr-bronners-decertifies-as-a-b-corpSupport the showWe want to hear from you! Email us at beyond@lifteconomy.com with requests for content, suggestions for future guests, and feedback about our episodes.

We are sharing this crossover episode from Next Economy Now, our other LIFT podcast highlighting the leaders who that are taking a regenerative, bio-regional, democratic, equitable, racially-just, and whole-systems approach to creating the new economy. Check out all episodes here lifteconomy.com/podcast.How can we move beyond shame and blame to foster collaboration in addressing climate challenges? In this episode, Jenny Morgan, climate strategist and author of Cancel Culture in Climate, discusses the intersection of B Corps, cancel culture, regenerative economics, and sustainable business practices.For full show notes, visit: https://www.lifteconomy.com/blog/jenny-morgan/Our newest session of the Next Economy MBA begins March 25th – join us! This nine-month learning journey is designed to provide emerging leaders of the Next Economy with the skills they need to help their organizations thrive.Learn more and sign up for a free intro with one of our facilitators: https://www.lifteconomy.com/mba.Special Offer for BtB Listeners: Use code PODCASTMBA to save 10% on tuition.Support the showWe want to hear from you! Email us at beyond@lifteconomy.com with requests for content, suggestions for future guests, and feedback about our episodes.

In this mailbag episode, we give an update on Beyond the B listener stats, answer your questions about the new B Corp standards, share the latest updates from B Lab, and explain how you can already begin to make progress on the new B Corp standards--before their official release!View the show notes. https://go.lifteconomy.com/blog/make-progress-on-the-new-b-corp-standards-todaySupport the showWe want to hear from you! Email us at beyond@lifteconomy.com with requests for content, suggestions for future guests, and feedback about our episodes.

In this episode, Vincent Stanley, longtime Patagonia executive and co-author of The Responsible Company, describes how his company first found out about B Corps, why Patagonia didn't initially join the community, and his thoughts on the arc of the B Corp movement to date. Vincent also highlights the challenges of balancing urgency with patience, fostering localism, and building a business that prioritizes environmental and social impact.View the show notes: https://go.lifteconomy.com/blog/vincent-stanley-patagonia-b-corpsSupport the showWe want to hear from you! Email us at beyond@lifteconomy.com with requests for content, suggestions for future guests, and feedback about our episodes.

In Part 2, Kevin Bayuk from LIFT Economy returns to continue our discussion about what it could look like to go "beyond B Corp." We explore this topic through the second half of the 10 Principles of Next Economy enterprises, which include:6) Open source and regionally replicable7) Transparent8) Regenerative operations9) Supports movement building for broader systems change10) Supports personal growth and developmentWhether you're a dedicated B Corp advocate or simply curious about the Next Economy, this conversation will inspire you to reimagine the role of business in driving systemic change.View the show notes: https://go.lifteconomy.com/blog/b-corps-10-principles-of-next-economy-enterprises-part-2-kevin-bayukSupport the showWe want to hear from you! Email us at beyond@lifteconomy.com with requests for content, suggestions for future guests, and feedback about our episodes.

What does it mean to go “beyond B Corp”? LIFT Economy's Kevin Bayuk explores this question through the lens of the 10 Principles of Next Economy enterprises. In this episode, we go through the first 5 principles:1) Need-oriented, basic goods and services2) Inclusive ownership3) Equitable and democratic culture4) Supports local economy ecosystem5) Education embedded into the good or serviceThis conversation offers a powerful roadmap for B Corps striving to create a regenerative and just future. Stay tuned for Part 2, coming soon!View the show notes: https://go.lifteconomy.com/blog/b-corps-10-principles-of-next-economy-enterprises-part-1-kevin-bayukSupport the showWe want to hear from you! Email us at beyond@lifteconomy.com with requests for content, suggestions for future guests, and feedback about our episodes.

In this episode, we take a deep dive into the history and evolution of one of the most obscure, fascinating, and constantly evolving aspects of the B Corp movement--the B Corp verification process. We are joined by Kali Gibson, former Co-Director of Certification and Verification for B Lab Global, who shares her firsthand experience of scaling the process, tackling the pandemic backlog, and balancing the growing demand for certification with limited resources.View the Show Notes: https://go.lifteconomy.com/blog/b-corp-verification-processSupport the showWe want to hear from you! Email us at beyond@lifteconomy.com with requests for content, suggestions for future guests, and feedback about our episodes.

Are any of your clients involved in controversial industries? Tune in to learn more about B Lab's new framework ("Companies with Clients in Controversial Industries") for assessing the nature of your company's involvement with the client, the difference between controversial vs. ineligible industries, and whether you will need to meet additional requirements in order to be eligible for B Corp certification.View the show notes: https://go.lifteconomy.com/blog/can-your-clients-jeopardize-your-b-corp-certificationSupport the showWe want to hear from you! Email us at beyond@lifteconomy.com with requests for content, suggestions for future guests, and feedback about our episodes.

Juan Pablo Larenas, co-founder of Sistema B, discusses the B Corp movement's global reach and the unique governance hurdles of scaling it internationally. He shares insights on growing the B Corp community, expanding impact, and sustaining collective action globally.Show Notes: https://go.lifteconomy.com/blog/sistema-b-juan-pablo-larenasSupport the showWe want to hear from you! Email us at beyond@lifteconomy.com with requests for content, suggestions for future guests, and feedback about our episodes.

In this episode, we dive into the prominent role of circularity in the new B Corp standards with Nellie Cohen, creator of Patagonia's Worn Wear project, and Dan Kurzrock, CEO of Upcycled Foods. Nellie and Dan share strategies for transforming waste into value across diverse industries like textiles and food. We also highlight how smaller companies and service-based businesses can integrate circularity more deeply into their operations. Tune in today!Show Notes: https://go.lifteconomy.com/blog/circularity-lessons-patagonia-upcycled-foods-nellie-cohen-dan-kurzrockSupport the showWe want to hear from you! Email us at beyond@lifteconomy.com with requests for content, suggestions for future guests, and feedback about our episodes.

In this episode, Jessica Yinka Thomas shares how B Academics and B Impact Teams are transforming business education and shaping the future of the B Corp community.Show Notes: https://go.lifteconomy.com/blog/how-b-academics-grows-the-b-corp-movementSupport the showWe want to hear from you! Email us at beyond@lifteconomy.com with requests for content, suggestions for future guests, and feedback about our episodes.

Hosts Emmy Alison and Ryan Honeyman review B Lab's "Second Consultation Summary Report" to determine what has changed with the new requirements, what information is still missing, and what all of this means for the final B Corp standards being released next year.View the show notes: https://go.lifteconomy.com/blog/b-lab-second-consultation-summary-reportB Lab's Second Consultation Summary Report: https://blab.infogram.com/1t9z49o72xk34ls89z9z84w390cqpy1940xSend us a textSupport the showWe want to hear from you! Text us (via the link above) or email us at beyond@lifteconomy.com with requests for content, suggestions for future guests, and feedback about our episodes.

David Jaber, Founder of Climate Positive Consulting, joins the show to share his expertise on how to meet the new Climate Action requirements on B Lab's upcoming Evolution of Standards. We discuss effective methods for measuring GHG emissions, how to navigate the GHG Protocol, how to set science-based targets, what it takes to craft and enact a climate transition plan, and how B Corps can balance all of this without curling into a fetal position on the floor.View the show notesSend us a textSupport the showWe want to hear from you! Text us (via the link above) or email us at beyond@lifteconomy.com with requests for content, suggestions for future guests, and feedback about our episodes.

.Clay Brown, Interim Co-Executive Lead at B Lab Global, joins the show to discuss the latest updates, progress, and milestones around the new B Corp evolution of standards. View the Show Notes.Support the Show.We want to hear from you! Text us by clicking here or email us at beyond@lifteconomy.com with requests for content, suggestions for future guests, and feedback about our episodes.

.It's US election season! Sara Gifford, Co-Founder and COO of ActiVote, joins us to explore how B Corps can activate voters in order to drive significant change. Tune in to discover how small steps are key to collective transformation.View the Show Notes.Support the Show.We want to hear from you! Text us by clicking here or email us at beyond@lifteconomy.com with requests for content, suggestions for future guests, and feedback about our episodes.

.After the first five episodes of Beyond the B, it's time to reach into the listener mailbag! In this episode, Emmy and Ryan address a range of topics, including Havas having its B Corp certification revoked, the recent fee increases on B Corp certification imposed by B Lab, how to increase sales and referrals among B Corps, how young professionals can best navigate the B Corp movement, and more.View the Show Notes.Support the Show.We want to hear from you! Text us by clicking here or email us at beyond@lifteconomy.com with requests for content, suggestions for future guests, and feedback about our episodes.

.Heather Paulsen (from Heather Paulsen Consulting) joins the show to discuss her path to the B Corp movement, her insights about regenerative business, and whether B Corp certification is enough to create an economy that works for the benefit of all life.View the Show Notes.Support the Show.We want to hear from you! Text us by clicking here or email us at beyond@lifteconomy.com with requests for content, suggestions for future guests, and feedback about our episodes.

.In February 2023, the Financial Times wrote an article entitled “Struggle for the Soul of the B Corp movement.” This article, among other things, detailed the controversy surrounding Nespresso's certification as a B Corp in 2022. Enrich Sahan from Doughnut Economics was quoted several times in that FT article with some strong critiques of the B Corp movement. Erinch joins the show to give us an overview of Doughnut Economics, a background on his involvement with the B Corp movement, and to go into more detail about his concerns and critiques about B Corporations.View the Show Notes.Support the Show.We want to hear from you! Text us by clicking here or email us at beyond@lifteconomy.com with requests for content, suggestions for future guests, and feedback about our episodes.

.Did you know you can "get ahead" of the new B Corp standards by better understanding stakeholder mapping?  Tim Frick from Mightybytes joins the show to discuss his B Corp journey, what stakeholder mapping is and why it is important, recommended tools and techniques, and how to address common challenges with the mapping and engagement process.View the Show Notes.Support the Show.We want to hear from you! Text us by clicking here or email us at beyond@lifteconomy.com with requests for content, suggestions for future guests, and feedback about our episodes.

.As a long-time B Corp devotee, host of the Soil to Soul Podcast, Senior Director of Regenerative Impact at Bonterra Organic Estates, and one of Wine Enthusiast's 2023 ‘Future 40', Jess Baum has extensive experience in sustainability, environmental education, farming, and permaculture. She joins us to discuss how some of the themes, tensions, and conversations in the margins at the 2024 US & Canada B Corp Champions Retreat reflect the state of the B Corp movement more broadly.View the Show Notes.Support the Show.We want to hear from you! Text us by clicking here or email us at beyond@lifteconomy.com with requests for content, suggestions for future guests, and feedback about our episodes.

.This is not a new episode. This is a quick update to show our deep gratitude to all of you, the listeners, for the overwhelmingly positive response to our first episode and the high volume of great requests and suggestions we received for content. In this update, we reveal some of the week 1 listener stats, top listener countries, folks who have written in, and topics you have suggested so far.Support the Show.We want to hear from you! Text us by clicking here or email us at beyond@lifteconomy.com with requests for content, suggestions for future guests, and feedback about our episodes.

.Welcome to Beyond the B, a LIFT Economy podcast where Ryan Honeyman, Emmy Allison, and special guests delve into the complexities of the B Corp movement and its impact. In this inaugural episode, we examine how perceptions of the movement have shifted, recent certifications that have attracted controversy, why corporate responsibility is not as straightforward as it seems, and much more.View the Show Notes.Support the Show.We want to hear from you! Text us by clicking here or email us at beyond@lifteconomy.com with requests for content, suggestions for future guests, and feedback about our episodes.