Podcasts about b corp

Mara Smith is the Founder of Inspiro Tequila, a women-owned- and led clean, additive-free tequila brand. A former attorney and corporate strategist, she began her legal career at a large law firm in Chicago before joining the corporate strategy team at McDonald's. Mara launched Inspiro Tequila to bring more female perspectives into the spirits industry.  In this episode… Women entrepreneurs face unique challenges in breaking into male-dominated industries, but by amplifying their voices and championing each other, they can redefine entire markets. How can you foster systemic change to elevate opportunities for women? Mara Smith, a former corporate attorney and strategist, founded Inspiro Tequila to disrupt the spirits industry by bringing more female voices to the forefront. Recognizing that women were a major segment of tequila consumers yet largely ignored by existing brands, she created a premium, additive-free tequila that speaks directly to them. Through initiatives like the Purple Bicycle Project and the Inspiro Connectors Collective, Mara uplifts female entrepreneurs, providing mentorship, funding, and community-building opportunities to support their journeys. In this episode of the Lead Like a Woman Show, Mara Smith, the Founder of Inspiro Tequila, joins Andrea Heuston to discuss how she elevates women's voices in the spirits industry. She shares her experience re-entering the workforce after 16 years, the challenges of launching a brand in a male-dominated space, and how to become a B Corp.

Most companies scale by cutting corners. Seth Goldman built a brand by refusing to.Seth is one of the founders of Honest Tea, a longtime chair at Beyond Meat, and the cofounder of Just Ice Tea. His career has been defined by a belief that business can be a force for human and environmental good. From a thermos of tea brewed in his kitchen to national distribution and acquisition by Coca-Cola, he has spent decades exploring how values can live inside systems built for profit.In this episode of The Eric Ries Show, I sit down with Seth to talk about the full story of Honest Tea, from its founding to its sale and eventual shutdown, and how those experiences shaped his approach to building again. We discuss how trust and long-term relationships helped him rebuild quickly, what it takes to embed purpose in supply chains, and why he believes even B Corp standards do not go far enough.—Brought to you by: Framer: Build better sites, faster at https://www.framer.com/design Use code "ERIC"—Where to find Seth Goldman:• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seth-goldman-234bb7124• X: https://x.com/HonestSeth—Where to find Eric:• Newsletter:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://ericries.carrd.co/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ • Podcast:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://ericriesshow.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ • YouTube:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@theericriesshow⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ —In This Episode We Cover:(00:00) Intro(02:03) Seth's early career in politics and how he saw business as a faster path to change(07:40) The early ideas he explored before landing on tea(11:30) How Seth connected tea to an ethical, fair-trade mission(14:31) How Honest Tea aligned profit with purpose(17:56) Honest Tea's role in expanding organic and fair-trade sourcing(18:50) How Seth got Whole Foods on board(21:40) The next steps in scaling the business(22:27) The value of the in-person pitch (24:20) When Whole Foods' local buyers could still take a chance on new brands(25:46) The case for mission transmission (27:05) How Honest Tea raised money from friends and family to major corporations(29:15) How the Coca-Cola deal came together(32:27) How a kids' juice box carried Honest Tea's mission forward(34:51) The end of Honest Tea and the start of Just Iced Tea(41:03) How existing relationships and lean habits helped Just Iced Tea move faster(44:30) The magnetic power of a shared mission to attract teams, partners, and customers(48:42) Why trust is the most valuable asset a company can build (51:15) What the Purpose Pledge is and how it raises the bar for ethical business(53:42) Why great products and purpose are not mutually exclusive(58:29) The story of Tony's Chocolonely and Seth's role as a mission guardian (1:01:40) Seth's parting advice —You can find episode references at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.ericriesshow.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠—Production and marketing by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pen Name⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Eric may be an investor in the companies discussed.

In this conversation, Paul Schiefer, president of Amy's Kitchen, shares the inspiring founding story of the company, which began with a quest for better frozen meals. He discusses the innovative approaches to product development, the importance of company culture and values, and the value of embracing complexity in business. Paul highlights Amy's commitment to sustainability and their B Corp status, emphasizing the impact of organic and vegetarian practices. He also shares insights on the future vision for the company, the importance of curiosity and passion in entrepreneurship, and personal reflections on food and life.Takeaways:Amy's Kitchen was founded out of a need for better frozen meals.The original pot pie was a key product that launched the brand.Innovation at Amy's focuses on quality and culinary techniques.Company culture is deeply rooted in the founders' values.Sustainability is a core principle of Amy's business model.The future vision includes generational sustainability and growth.Curiosity and passion are essential for success in business.Amy's Kitchen embraces complexity in food production.The company aims to make healthy food accessible to all.Doing good in business leads to long-term success.Sound bites:“He started looking for some frozen food options to bring home and feed the family, and just frankly was disappointed.”"The original recipe was Rachel's mom's Elinor. It was kind her pot pie that helped inspire the start of the company"“I think what Amy's has done really well is accept that complexity is actually valuable.”"Doing good is good for business."“We want to protect our mission in part by continuing to be a really profitable and efficient company.”“We're also trying to think about this more on a generational timeframe, not just on like a three to five year timeframe.”“It was such a novel idea to create an organic vegetarian fast food restaurant that, before we knew it, we had a line that literally went across the parking lot.”“We're buying a hundred plus million pounds of organic agriculture every year and supporting thousands of farmers.”“I'm proud of the fact that we have scaled that type of [impact] business model.”Links:Paul Schiefer on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulschiefer/Amy's Kitchen - https://www.amys.com/Amy's Kitchen on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/amy's-kitchen/posts/?feedView=allAmy's Kitchen on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/amyskitchenAmy's Kitchen on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/amyskitchenAmy's Kitchen on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/user/AmysKitchenMoviesChapters:03:00 The Founding Story of Amy's Kitchen06:01 Innovation and Product Development at Amy's09:03 Cultural Values and Company Evolution11:47 Navigating Growth and Market Challenges15:00 The Drive to Create Quality Fast Food17:47 Maintaining Independence and Company Values31:10 Launching a Unique Concept33:06 The Importance of Sustainable Growth35:43 Commitment to Impact and B Corp Status40:04 Holistic Approach to Sustainability44:47 Future Vision for Amy's Kitchen52:24 Advice for Aspiring EntrepreneursSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What is the most powerful way a business can show up for society? What legacy can today's institutions build if every action and interaction was grounded in spiritual attunement and sacred duty? How can today's leaders, entrepreneurs and changemakers build enduring positive movements and become a lighthouse for others? And what four-letter word can orient us, our businesses, and our economy toward a future that makes our people and our planet thrive?Find out from Jay Coen Gilbert, exclusively in conversation with Dr. Hitendra Wadhwa on Intersections Podcast.Jay Coen Gilbert is the Co-founder of B Lab, the acclaimed nonprofit that created the global B Corp certification. Today, this movement includes over 9,500 certified organizations in more than 100 countries, all committed to balancing profit with purpose. He is also the Executive Chair of Imperative 21, a business-led network shifting the narrative toward a just, regenerative economy; and is now actively engaged in racial justice, co-founding White Men for Racial Justice and leading peer learning groups on anti-racism. Along with his B Lab co-founders, Jay has received the Skoll Award for Social Entrepreneurship and the McNulty Prize at the Aspen Institute, where he is a Henry Crown Fellow. Prior to co-founding B Lab, Jay co-founded and sold AND1, a $250M basketball footwear, apparel, and entertainment company. He has also worked for McKinsey & Co, as well as organizations in the public and nonprofit sectors.In this episode, Jay reveals:- The most powerful way a business can show up for society- What can happen if our every action and interaction was grounded in spiritual attunement- A four-letter word today's businesses must build their future on

In this inspiring episode of Logistics with Purpose®, presented by Vector Global Logistics in partnership with Supply Chain Now, hosts Enrique Alvarez and guest co-host Paul Courtney, President of Courtney Agencies, sit down with Rob Safrata—entrepreneur, CEO, and leader behind several purpose-driven companies including Novex Couriers and Fuse Power.Rob shares his journey from a young entrepreneur to a changemaker committed to building businesses that serve people, planet, and profit. Together, we explore how sustainability can be integrated into every layer of operations, why B Corp certification is such a powerful benchmark for ethical business, and how leadership rooted in purpose can spark meaningful transformation across logistics, delivery services, and beyond.You'll hear insights on:How purpose-driven leadership fuels long-term successThe benefits—and challenges—of building sustainable companiesThe role of B Corp certification in validating ethical practicesHow technology is shaping the future of sustainabilityPractical advice for leaders who want to drive positive changeIf you're passionate about sustainability, ethical business, or the future of logistics, this episode will leave you inspired and empowered to make an impact in your own sphere.Additional Links & Resources:Connect with Rob: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertsafrata/Connect with Paul: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-courtney-81a20319/?originalSubdomain=caLearn more about Fuse Power: fusepower.comLearn more about Courtney Agencies: www.courtney.caBook: https://www.amazon.com.mx/War-Art-Through-Creative-Battles/dp/1936891026Impact Assesment B Corp Link: https://embedded-bia.bcorporation.net/Learn more about Logistics with Purpose®: https://supplychainnow.com/program/logistics-with-purposeLearn more about Vector Global Logistics: https://vectorgl.com/Subscribe to Logistics with Purpose: https://logistics-with-purpose.captivate.fm/listenThis episode was hosted by Enrique Alvarez and Paul Courtney. For additional information, please visit our dedicated episode page at: https://supplychainnow.com/how-purpose-driven-leadership-transform-logistics-sustainability-lwp143

Are wine, cheese, and chocolate really sabotaging your glow—or is it time to stop feeling guilty about what's on your plate? In this episode, Maggie and Ella break down food myths, facts, and what really matters for healthy skin. ASCP Esty Talk with hosts Ella Cressman and Maggie Staszcuk   Produced by Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP) for licensed estheticians, ASCP Esty Talk is a weekly podcast, hosted by licensed estheticians, Ella Cressman, ASCP Skin Deep Magazine contributor, and Maggie Staszcuk, ASCP Program Director. We see your passion, innovation, and hard work and are here to support you by providing a platform for networking, advocacy, camaraderie, and education. We aim to inspire you to ask the right questions, find your motivation, and give you the courage to have the professional skin care career you desire.  About Ella Cressman:  Ella Cressman is a licensed esthetician, certified organic formulator, business owner, ingredient junkie, and esthetic cheerleader! As an educator, she enjoys empowering other estheticians and industry professionals to understand skin care from an ingredient standpoint rather than a product-specific view.  In addition to running a skin care practice, Cressman founded a comprehensive consulting group, the HHP Collective, and has consulted for several successful skin care brands.    Connect with Ella Cressman:  Website: www.hhpcollective.com  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ella-cressman-62aa46a    About Maggie Staszcuk:  Maggie Staszcuk serves as the Program Director for ASCP and is the cohost of ASCP Esty Talk podcast. With over 18 years' experience in the esthetics industry, her diverse background includes roles in spa management, spa and med-spa services, and esthetics education. Since becoming a licensed esthetician in 2006, she carries a range of certifications in basic and advanced esthetics. Maggie is dedicated to equipping estheticians with the knowledge and resources they need to thrive in their careers.   Connect with Maggie Staszcuk:  P: 800.789.0411 EXT 1636  E: MStaszcuk@ascpskincare.com    About our Sponsors:   Comfort Zone – The Italian, multi-awarded science-led, longevity-focused skincare trusted by professionals worldwide. Founded by Dr Bollati, a pharmacist, and powered by over 60 in-house chemists and skin care experts. Clinically tested formulations blend clinical precision, regenerative botanicals, and biotechnology research to transform skin with intention. Part of The Davines Group, certified B Corp since 2016.   Website: https://us.comfortzoneskin.com/   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/comfortzoneskin_official/   Massage Envy is a national franchisor and does not independently own or operate any of the Massage Envy franchised locations nationwide. The Massage Envy franchise network, through its franchise locations, is the leading provider of massage services. Founded in 2002, Massage Envy now has approximately 1,100 franchise locations in 49 states that have together delivered more than 200 million massages and skin care services. Website: www.massageenvy.com/careers/career-areas/esthetician  Facebook: @MassageEnvyCareers LinkedIn: @MassageEnvy   About Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP):    Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP) is the nation's largest association for skin care professionals and your ONLY all-inclusive source for professional liability insurance, education, community, and career support. For estheticians at every stage of the journey, ASCP is your essential partner. Get in touch with us today if you have any questions or would like to join and become an ASCP member.  Connect with ASCP:  Website: www.ascpskincare.com  Email: getconnected@ascpskincare.com  Phone: 800-789-0411  Facebook: facebook.com/ASCPskincare  Instagram: @ascpskincare   

In this special live episode recorded at the Poppy Barley boutique in Calgary, host Eva Hartling sits down with co-founder Kendall Barber for an unfiltered conversation about building — and sustaining — one of Canada's most beloved women-founded footwear brands.Kendall shares the real story behind Poppy Barley's 13-year journey, from the early days of selling custom boots and dreaming in wildly optimistic spreadsheets, to becoming a B Corp–certified brand rooted in purpose, craftsmanship, and comfort.Together, we explore what it really takes to scale a retail business in Canada: balancing purpose with profit, navigating volatility in fashion and supply chains, building community-driven design, and learning how to take care of yourself while you take care of the business. Kendall also opens up about co-founding with her sister Justine, the evolution of their leadership, and the realities of risk, financing, and longevity for women entrepreneurs.Recorded live as part of The Brand is Female Conversation Series — presented in partnership with TD Women in Enterprise — this episode brings you honest insights, hard-earned lessons, and a thoughtful look at what it means to build something meaningful that can truly last.A must-listen for founders, creatives, and anyone building a brand with heart and staying powerThis season of our podcast is brought to you by TD Canada Women in Enterprise. TD is proud to support women entrepreneurs and help them achieve success and growth through its program of educational workshops, financing and mentorship opportunities! Find out how you can benefit from their support! Visit: TBIF: thebrandisfemale.com // TD Women in Enterprise: td.com/ca/en/business-banking/small-business/women-in-business // Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/thebrandisfemale

The Soil Matters Brandy Hall of Shades of Green PermacultureSeason 3 Episode 39Today's Guest: Brandy Hall is the Founder and CEO of Shades of Green Permaculture, a certified B Corp named to Inc.'s 5000 Fastest-Growing Companies in 2025. Since founding the company in 2008, she has led a team of 30 in working with thousands of clients to design and build regenerative, resilient landscapes. With nearly two decades of experience as a general contractor, stone mason, and educator, Brandy is recognized nationally as “part of a new guard of landscape designers” (Garden and Gun) and her first book, The Complete Guide to Home Permaculture, will be published in January 2026. She also serves as Mayor of Pine Lake, GA, and enjoys spending time outdoors with her daughter.https://shadesofgreenpermaculture.com/https://www.instagram.com/shades_of_green_permaculture/Your Host:Leighton Morrisonhttps://www.instagram.com/kingdomaqua... https://www.kingdomaquaponicsllc.com/ Leighton's Course: https://www.skool.com/three-eyed-tiger-6556/about?ref=5e48ec4a68144ee5973f840edeececf3Executive ProducerKen Somerville https://www.instagram.com/kensomerville/ https://www.itsallaboutthebiology.ca Contact email itsallaboutthebiology@gmail.com Reach out to Ken for a quick 15 min call:https://calendly.com/kensomerville/connectionsHelp to support the mission: patreon.com/user?u=104510089Discount codes available at: https://www.itsallaboutthebiology.ca/discountcodes#flowers,#plants,#nature,#gardening,#garden,#growing,#koreannaturalfarming,#naturalfarming,#jadam,#naturalfertilizer,#naturalfarminginputs,#permaculture,#regenerative,#foodforest,#biodynamic,#bioactive,#organic,#notill,#knf,#organicgardening,#urbangardening,#containergardening,#homegardening,Music by The Invisible Gardener (Andy Lopez) https://soundcloud.com/invisiblegardenerhttps://www.youtube.com/@itsallaboutthebiology?sub_confirmation=1For Full: Disclaimer

Welcome to the Indigenous-SME Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen Bari. In this episode, we explore how authentic storytelling, community engagement, and accessible education are transforming Canada's digital marketing landscape for the better.Joining us is Darian Kovacs, Indigenous founder of Jelly Digital Marketing & PR and Jelly Academy, a B-Corp certified company that has delivered over 80,000 hours of learning to help Canadians gain in-demand skills. Darian shares how the newly launched Jelly Academy Skills Lab is bridging the digital divide, empowering professionals, and fostering inclusive growth through accessible, industry-recognized education.Key Highlights:The Skills Lab Launch: How Jelly Academy's new platform expands flexible, subscription-based digital learning. Upskilling the Workforce: Helping Canadians gain practical, in-demand marketing and analytics skills. Industry Certifications: Why credentials from trusted platforms accelerate career growth and credibility. Bridging the Digital Divide: How partnerships with inclusion-driven organizations make tech education more equitable. Future Vision: Darian's mission to shape the next generation of digital leaders through education and community impact.Special Thanks to Our Partners:UPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWAFor more expert insights, visit www.indigenous-sme.ca and subscribe to the Indigenous-SME Business Magazine. Stay innovative, stay informed, and thrive in the digital age!Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as direct financial or business advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation.

Think before you post! Maggie and Ella dive into the fine line between authentic and unfiltered on social media. From oversharing and online debates to digital etiquette, they explore how estheticians can protect their reputation and their community—one post at a time.   ASCP Esty Talk with hosts Ella Cressman and Maggie Staszcuk   Produced by Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP) for licensed estheticians, ASCP Esty Talk is a weekly podcast, hosted by licensed estheticians, Ella Cressman, ASCP Skin Deep Magazine contributor, and Maggie Staszcuk, ASCP Program Director. We see your passion, innovation, and hard work and are here to support you by providing a platform for networking, advocacy, camaraderie, and education. We aim to inspire you to ask the right questions, find your motivation, and give you the courage to have the professional skin care career you desire.  About Ella Cressman:  Ella Cressman is a licensed esthetician, certified organic formulator, business owner, ingredient junkie, and esthetic cheerleader! As an educator, she enjoys empowering other estheticians and industry professionals to understand skin care from an ingredient standpoint rather than a product-specific view.  In addition to running a skin care practice, Cressman founded a comprehensive consulting group, the HHP Collective, and has consulted for several successful skin care brands.    Connect with Ella Cressman:  Website: www.hhpcollective.com  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ella-cressman-62aa46a    About Maggie Staszcuk:  Maggie Staszcuk serves as the Program Director for ASCP and is the cohost of ASCP Esty Talk podcast. With over 18 years' experience in the esthetics industry, her diverse background includes roles in spa management, spa and med-spa services, and esthetics education. Since becoming a licensed esthetician in 2006, she carries a range of certifications in basic and advanced esthetics. Maggie is dedicated to equipping estheticians with the knowledge and resources they need to thrive in their careers.   Connect with Maggie Staszcuk:  P: 800.789.0411 EXT 1636  E: MStaszcuk@ascpskincare.com    About our Sponsors:   Comfort Zone – The Italian, multi-awarded science-led, longevity-focused skincare trusted by professionals worldwide. Founded by Dr Bollati, a pharmacist, and powered by over 60 in-house chemists and skin care experts. Clinically tested formulations blend clinical precision, regenerative botanicals, and biotechnology research to transform skin with intention. Part of The Davines Group, certified B Corp since 2016.   Website: https://us.comfortzoneskin.com/   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/comfortzoneskin_official/   Massage Envy is a national franchisor and does not independently own or operate any of the Massage Envy franchised locations nationwide. The Massage Envy franchise network, through its franchise locations, is the leading provider of massage services. Founded in 2002, Massage Envy now has approximately 1,100 franchise locations in 49 states that have together delivered more than 200 million massages and skin care services. Website: www.massageenvy.com/careers/career-areas/esthetician  Facebook: @MassageEnvyCareers LinkedIn: @MassageEnvy   About Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP):    Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP) is the nation's largest association for skin care professionals and your ONLY all-inclusive source for professional liability insurance, education, community, and career support. For estheticians at every stage of the journey, ASCP is your essential partner. Get in touch with us today if you have any questions or would like to join and become an ASCP member.  Connect with ASCP:  Website: www.ascpskincare.com  Email: getconnected@ascpskincare.com  Phone: 800-789-0411  Facebook: facebook.com/ASCPskincare  Instagram: @ascpskincare   

People & Planet First is a global, participatory verification system designed for enterprises that put purpose ahead of profit. In this episode, Rebecca Dray breaks down the five core standards, why the badge is gaining traction, and how it complements the B Corp movement. If you're a B Corp or values-led business looking for a way to signal deeper structural commitment, this conversation is a helpful starting point.View the show notes: https://go.lifteconomy.com/blog/people-planet-first-verification-a-primer-for-b-corps-w/-rebecca-drayUnlock your free B Corp Values Assessment—plus tips and insights to help your business grow. https://go.lifteconomy.com/b-corp-newsletter

Et si les transformations concrètes, qu'elles soient écologiques, sociales ou économiques, se jouaient plutôt au niveau des territoires ? En effet, attendre des solutions venues “d'en haut”, semble aujourd'hui compliqué, au vu de la crise politique actuelle. En revanche, les territoires ouvrent le champ des possibles : l'entreprise ancrée localement est un outil agile et efficace de transformation. Les acteurs économiques du territoire peuvent impulser des synergies collectives et utiles pour la transition. C'est dans cet état d'esprit, que le World Forum for a responsible economy, organisé par Réseau Alliances, a été à l'origine de grands projets régionaux comme la Troisième Révolution Industrielle – rev3, le Social Business Nord de France – SoBizHub, ou le mouvement B Corp en Hauts-de-France. S'entourer de réseaux locaux, nationaux et internationaux, regroupant des organisations et des experts reconnus en matière de développement durable permet, chaque année, de faire connaître les bonnes pratiques d'entreprises les plus innovantes en matière de RSE. Dans cet épisode, nous allons essayer de comprendre comment les entreprises peuvent-elles faire du lien territorial un levier stratégique de leur engagement ? Pour répondre à cette problématique, j'ai le plaisir de recevoir Jean-Pierre Letartre qui a présidé Réseau Alliances de 2019 à 2024 - et donc le World Forum - aujourd'hui Président d'honneur mais également Président d'Entreprises & Cités, du MEDEF Lille Métropole, du Groupe IRD et du Comité Grand Lille. Bonne écoute !

Et si les transformations concrètes, qu'elles soient écologiques, sociales ou économiques, se jouaient plutôt au niveau des territoires ? En effet, attendre des solutions venues “d'en haut”, semble aujourd'hui compliqué, au vu de la crise politique actuelle. En revanche, les territoires ouvrent le champ des possibles : l'entreprise ancrée localement est un outil agile et efficace de transformation. Les acteurs économiques du territoire peuvent impulser des synergies collectives et utiles pour la transition. C'est dans cet état d'esprit, que le World Forum for a responsible economy, organisé par Réseau Alliances, a été à l'origine de grands projets régionaux comme la Troisième Révolution Industrielle – rev3, le Social Business Nord de France – SoBizHub, ou le mouvement B Corp en Hauts-de-France. S'entourer de réseaux locaux, nationaux et internationaux, regroupant des organisations et des experts reconnus en matière de développement durable permet, chaque année, de faire connaître les bonnes pratiques d'entreprises les plus innovantes en matière de RSE. Dans cet épisode, nous allons essayer de comprendre comment les entreprises peuvent-elles faire du lien territorial un levier stratégique de leur engagement ? Pour répondre à cette problématique, j'ai le plaisir de recevoir Jean-Pierre Letartre qui a présidé Réseau Alliances de 2019 à 2024 - et donc le World Forum - aujourd'hui Président d'honneur mais également Président d'Entreprises & Cités, du MEDEF Lille Métropole, du Groupe IRD et du Comité Grand Lille. Bonne écoute !

In this episode, Sofie speaks with Anna McLoughlin, a jewellery designer and maker based in rural Scotland, where she creates sculptural, ethical pieces from her off-grid Eco Studio. With a background in teaching and a deep respect for traditional craftsmanship, Anna's practice is grounded in sustainability, storytelling, and the visible mark of the maker's hand. Her jewellery, described as miniature wearable sculptures, often incorporates heirloom materials and is crafted using low-impact, hand-powered techniques.  As a certified B Corp, Anna is dedicated to transparency and ethical sourcing, proving that beauty and responsibility can coexist. Together, Sofie and Anna explore the meaning of integrity in contemporary jewellery, the quiet power of making by hand, and how creativity can nurture both people and planet. Tune in for practical tips and a thoughtful conversation with Anna, whose jewellery tells stories, honors the planet, and inspires meaningful change. 

Can the industry that taught the world to consume help us learn to consume more responsibly? Luke Purdy, Director of Sustainability at one of the world's leading creative agencies Wieden+Kennedy, is betting his career on it. After 13 years working on major accounts like Nike and Corona at one of the world's most influential creative agencies, Purdy did something unusual: he wrote his own job description and asked to become the agency's first sustainability director. Wieden+Kennedy gave him the job, and in 2023, the agency became the first global advertising network to achieve B Corp certification across all nine offices in seven countries. With brands spending over $700 billion annually on advertising worldwide, the messages agencies craft shape not just what people buy, but how they think about consumption itself.Luke discusses how he sold sustainability as a business value proposition rather than a compliance issue, why he reports to the CFO instead of the CMO, and how Wieden+Kennedy's carbon removal program for video productions is changing industry standards. He also tackles thorny questions about greenwashing that can guide which clients agencies should work with, arguing that guiding any company toward sustainability is better than refusing to engage.He shares lessons from helping transform Danish Oil and Natural Gas into Ørsted, one of the world's leading renewable energy companies, and explains why authentic storytelling beats green leaves and clichés every time. Can advertising agencies avoid greenwashing while still growing their clients' businesses? And what does it mean when sustainability becomes culture rather than just compliance?You can learn more about Wieden+Kennedy's sustainability work at wk.com.Subscribe to Sustainability In Your Ear on iTunesFollow Sustainability In Your Ear on Spreaker, iHeartRadio, or YouTube

Alice Wainwright and Ben Charalambous are the co-founders of RISE, a B Corp certified coffee subscription club. Alice and Ben join Elliot to share how frustration (during lockdown) at the lack of sustainable, ethical coffee options led them to launch their own multi-brand business, as well as their 'Friendly Coffee Fund', supporting coffee-growing communities in Uganda.

This week's Retail Reflections covers a mix of uplifting and challenging stories from the retail world. The episode opens with the positive news of Nobody's Child achieving B Corp status, highlighting their commitment to ethical practices and sustainability. The conversation then shifts to the controversy surrounding Shein and other online marketplaces, as the French government investigates the sale of inappropriate products and the resulting protests at BHV's Shein concession.We discuss the evolving landscape of Christmas advertising, with a focus on the emotional storytelling of John Lewis, the classic festive approaches from Morrisons and Lidl, and the glitzy, celebrity-filled campaigns from Debenhams and Boots. We also spotlight the creative SheerLuxe Christmas gift guide video.In retail developments, Asda's major store refurbishment in Harrogate signals a trend toward experience-driven supermarkets, while M&S and Clarks are both experimenting with new formats. The episode wraps up with reflections on consumer confidence heading into the holiday season and the enduring appeal of festive traditions.Support the showIf you've liked this episode please rate, follow, subscribe and share :) - and if you already have, thank you!Follow us @buyingandbeyond on Instagram Send us a DM or email hello@buyingandbeyond.co.uk Find out more about us www.buyingandbeyond.co.uk If you'd like to show a little more love, then head here to give us just a little bit *extra* and show us your support :) thank you! https://www.buzzsprout.com/2300060/support

In this episode of The Purposeful Strategist, Belden Menkus is joined by Richard Corderoy, CEO of The Oakland Group, a consultancy helping organisations achieve more with their data.Since Richard's last appearance in 2022, Oakland has achieved B Corp certification, joined the UK Government's G-Cloud 13 framework, been named “Best Consultancy in the UK,” and been acquired by Softcat plc. Richard reflects on how the firm has navigated this transformation while keeping purpose and culture at the core.This conversation explores:• Why cultural alignment made the Softcat acquisition a natural fit.• Why Oakland decided to move on from B Corp while still using its principles to shape Oakland's decisions about clients, culture, and social issues.• Why moments of challenge reveal more about leadership than smooth growth.• The role of AI in consultancy and where human connection still creates value.• What it takes to prepare the next generation of leaders.Richard offers a candid, values-driven perspective on leading through change and staying true to purpose.The Oakland Group: https://weareoakland.com/Belden is the founder and Managing Director of MenKus & Associates, a consulting and CEO advisory firm that helps leaders fully activate their organisation's potential to succeed. MenKus and Associates helps top teams develop purposeful strategies and then turn their intentions into action and results. Their approach is to be a strategic catalyst and thought partner, creating alignment, clarity and action.Menkus & Associates: https://www.menkus.com/

Are you struggling to retain top sales talent because your team members can't find meaning in their work? The secret isn't just about hitting revenue targets—it's about building a purpose-driven organization that attracts exceptional people and creates lasting value.      In this episode, I sit down with Enrique Alvarez, co-founder and managing director of Vector Global Logistics, to explore how purpose and profit can coexist in high-performance sales organizations. Enrique shares his unique approach to building a global sales team that operates on three core pillars, including their groundbreaking Results-Only Work Environment and complete transparency policy. From Transactional to Transformational Vector Global Logistics has cracked the code on shifting from short-term transactional relationships to long-term transformational partnerships. Enrique reveals their comprehensive hiring process, including how they identify candidates who can build authentic relationships rather than just close deals quickly. You'll discover their unconventional approach to transparency, including sharing everyone's salaries, company financials, and decision-making processes with the entire team. This radical openness creates trust and empowers sales professionals to make better decisions for both customers and the company. AI Integration with Human Connection We explore how Vector Global Logistics leverages AI tools while maintaining the human touch that drives real relationships. Enrique shares practical examples of using AI for customs entries, tracking shipments, and market analysis—all while ensuring their sales team focuses on what AI can't do: building genuine personal connections. The conversation covers the critical balance between automation and personalization, and why rushing to implement AI without human oversight can damage the very relationships that drive long-term success. Building Global Sales Teams With team members across China, Vietnam, India, Mexico, Chile, Peru, Ukraine, and beyond, Enrique provides insights into managing a truly global sales organization. He shares their panel interview process, the importance of cultural fit, and why they prioritize entrepreneurs over traditional salespeople. Here's what you can expect to gain from this episode: •    A framework for attracting top talent through purpose-driven company culture •    Strategies for building transformational client relationships instead of transactional ones   •    Practical approaches to integrating AI while maintaining authentic human connections •    Methods for creating transparency that builds trust and improves performance •    Insights into managing and scaling global sales teams effectively Whether you're a sales leader looking to reduce turnover, a business owner wanting to build a more meaningful organization, or a sales professional seeking to create deeper client relationships, this conversation provides actionable strategies for long-term success. Key Moments of This Episode 00:00:49 - Introduction to Purpose-Driven Sales Leadership Mario introduces Enrique Alvarez, Managing Director of Vector Global Logistics, to discuss how purpose and profit can coexist in high-performance sales organizations and the importance of building meaningful sales cultures. 00:02:00 - Vector Global Logistics: A Purpose-Driven Company Overview Enrique shares his background as co-founder of Vector Global Logistics, explaining their unique resource-based logistics model built on three pillars and their global presence across multiple countries. 00:05:29 - Personal Insights: Soccer Dreams and Professional Journey Enrique reveals his passion for soccer and dream of making a national team, providing personal context about his drive and competitive nature that translates into business leadership. 00:15:27 - Hiring Excellence: Finding and Retaining Great Sales Talent Discussion on comprehensive recruiting processes, cultural fit assessment, and the importance of transparency in hiring decisions. Emphasis on word-of-mouth referrals and quick decision-making for underperformers. 00:24:12 - Virtual Hiring Strategies and Results-Only Work Environment Enrique describes Vector's Results-Only Work Environment culture, focusing on performance over presence, and their approach to hiring self-driven entrepreneurs for global sales roles. 00:28:34 - From Transactional to Transformational Client Relationships Exploration of shifting sales approaches from short-term transactions to long-term strategic partnerships, emphasizing the importance of leadership alignment and transparency in building trust. 00:30:58 - Radical Transparency: Open Book Management Philosophy Enrique explains Vector's 100% open policy where all employees know everyone's salaries, company finances, and business metrics, fostering trust and better decision-making across the organization. 00:34:03 - AI Integration While Maintaining Human Connection Discussion on leveraging AI tools for logistics operations while preserving authentic relationships. Emphasis on AI as a tool for efficiency without replacing human relationship-building capabilities. 00:39:44 - Human-Assisted AI: The Future of Sales Technology Mario and Enrique explore the concept of "human in the loop" AI implementation, ensuring technology enhances rather than replaces human judgment and relationship development. 00:42:18 - Beyond Process and Playbooks: Adaptive Sales Strategies Conversation about moving from rigid standardized processes to flexible, personalized approaches that adapt to individual client needs while maintaining core principles and long-term thinking. 00:45:40 - Long-Term Value Creation and Relationship Building Discussion on the importance of patience in sales, focusing on 5-20 year strategic planning rather than short-term gains, using real-world examples of relationship investment. 00:49:57 - B Corporation Certification: Balancing Stakeholder Value Enrique explains Vector's B Corp certification, emphasizing how purpose-driven companies maximize stakeholder value over shareholder value, creating sustainable competitive advantages in modern markets. About Enrique Alvarez Enrique Alvarez believes everyone has a personal responsibility to change the world. He has consciously chosen a hardworking, relationship-minded, and proactive approach to do his part.  Enrique is a Managing Director at Vector Global Logistics, which is dedicated to changing the world through supply chain operations. He is proud to attribute Vector's success and growing social impact to its results-based culture, passionate teams, and its desire to develop real partnerships with clients. Before co-founding Vector, Enrique focused on re-imaging and optimizing operations, sales, and supply chain processes with the Boston Consulting Group. Prior to joining BCG, he led various sales, logistics, and supply chain functions for Grupo Vitro, a global glass manufacturer headquartered in Mexico. Enrique holds an MBA from The Wharton School of Business and a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Monterrey Tech (Instituto Technólogico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey) in Mexico. Enrique's passions are soccer and the ocean. He also enjoys traveling, getting to know new people, and spending time with his wife and two kids, Emma and Enrique. Additionally, Enrique sits on the board of Coaniquem, a non-profit that provides free and specialized treatment for children throughout Latin America who have suffered severe burns. Follow Us On: ·         LinkedIn ·         Twitter ·         YouTube Channel ·         Instagram ·         Facebook Learn More About FlyMSG Features Like: ·         LinkedIn Auto Comment Generator ·         AI Social Media Post Generator ·         Auto Text Expander ·         AI Grammar Checker ·         AI Sales Roleplay and Coaching ·         Paragraph Rewrite with AI ·         Sales Prospecting Training for Individuals ·         FlyMSG Enterprise Sales Prospecting Training Program Install FlyMSG for Free: ·         As a Chrome Extension ·         As an Edge Extension  

Erika Flowers, the Chief Client Officer at Profitable Ideas Exchange (PIE), shares her journey from growing up in Montana and falling in love with cross-country skiing to racing professionally both in the U.S. and internationally. She reflects on how her passion for skiing helped her build strong friendships, instilled resilience, and taught her goal-setting, all skills she later found invaluable in her corporate career. Erika discusses the understated power of bringing your outside interests, or "Ands," into the workplace, believing these passions make people more human and effective in business. She explains how PIE's culture thrives by embracing diverse backgrounds and putting people first, aligning with their B Corp values. Erika encourages listeners to recognize the unique value of their outside passions and to seek out workplaces that truly support "living your best life." She closes by crediting her ongoing love for cross country skiing and trail running as continual sources of strength and inspiration both personally and professionally. Episode Highlights · Erika Flowers explains that her initial involvement in skiing was about making friends, but it soon evolved into a passion and a core part of her life. · She highlights how the discipline, teamwork, goal-setting, and resilience developed through cross country skiing directly translate into valuable skills for her career and business, not just for athletes but for anyone with an outside interest or hobby. · Erika Flowers stresses that sharing personal interests at work enhances authenticity, relatability, and connection with colleagues, ultimately making teams stronger. · She describes how by PIE putting people first and becoming a B Corp all supports a healthy, human-centered environment that benefits both employees and clients. · Erika Flowers encourages listeners not to shy away from their hobbies or "Ands," even if they feel niche or irrelevant, because these interests are a source of genuine connection and distinct human value in any professional setting.

What happens when skin care stops being about "what's in it" and starts being about "what it does?". In this episode of ASCP Esty Talk, Maggie and Ella dive into the industry's shift from ingredient obsession to outcomes, exploring skin health as part of overall wellness and health span. ASCP Esty Talk with hosts Ella Cressman and Maggie Staszcuk   Produced by Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP) for licensed estheticians, ASCP Esty Talk is a weekly podcast, hosted by licensed estheticians, Ella Cressman, ASCP Skin Deep Magazine contributor, and Maggie Staszcuk, ASCP Program Director. We see your passion, innovation, and hard work and are here to support you by providing a platform for networking, advocacy, camaraderie, and education. We aim to inspire you to ask the right questions, find your motivation, and give you the courage to have the professional skin care career you desire.  About Ella Cressman:  Ella Cressman is a licensed esthetician, certified organic formulator, business owner, ingredient junkie, and esthetic cheerleader! As an educator, she enjoys empowering other estheticians and industry professionals to understand skin care from an ingredient standpoint rather than a product-specific view.  In addition to running a skin care practice, Cressman founded a comprehensive consulting group, the HHP Collective, and has consulted for several successful skin care brands.    Connect with Ella Cressman:  Website: www.hhpcollective.com  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ella-cressman-62aa46a    About Maggie Staszcuk:  Maggie Staszcuk serves as the Program Director for ASCP and is the cohost of ASCP Esty Talk podcast. With over 18 years' experience in the esthetics industry, her diverse background includes roles in spa management, spa and med-spa services, and esthetics education. Since becoming a licensed esthetician in 2006, she carries a range of certifications in basic and advanced esthetics. Maggie is dedicated to equipping estheticians with the knowledge and resources they need to thrive in their careers.   Connect with Maggie Staszcuk:  P: 800.789.0411 EXT 1636  E: MStaszcuk@ascpskincare.com    About our Sponsors:   Comfort Zone – The Italian, multi-awarded science-led, longevity-focused skincare trusted by professionals worldwide. Founded by Dr Bollati, a pharmacist, and powered by over 60 in-house chemists and skin care experts. Clinically tested formulations blend clinical precision, regenerative botanicals, and biotechnology research to transform skin with intention. Part of The Davines Group, certified B Corp since 2016.   Website: https://us.comfortzoneskin.com/   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/comfortzoneskin_official/   Massage Envy is a national franchisor and does not independently own or operate any of the Massage Envy franchised locations nationwide. The Massage Envy franchise network, through its franchise locations, is the leading provider of massage services. Founded in 2002, Massage Envy now has approximately 1,100 franchise locations in 49 states that have together delivered more than 200 million massages and skin care services. Website: www.massageenvy.com/careers/career-areas/esthetician  Facebook: @MassageEnvyCareers LinkedIn: @MassageEnvy   About Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP):    Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP) is the nation's largest association for skin care professionals and your ONLY all-inclusive source for professional liability insurance, education, community, and career support. For estheticians at every stage of the journey, ASCP is your essential partner. Get in touch with us today if you have any questions or would like to join and become an ASCP member.  Connect with ASCP:  Website: www.ascpskincare.com  Email: getconnected@ascpskincare.com  Phone: 800-789-0411  Facebook: facebook.com/ASCPskincare  Instagram: @ascpskincare   

When Christian Wolters rejoined Intrepid Travel, his goal wasn't to reinvent the brand—it was to reconnect it to its core. As President for Canada and GM of Marketing for North America, Christian brought a global perspective to a local challenge: how to ensure that Intrepid's messaging reflected its values, operations, and guest experience.At the time, Intrepid already had strong credentials as the world's largest B Corp-certified travel company—but its marketing had become noisy. Christian's task was to bring back clarity and alignment.In this episode, he shares how the team rebuilt trust through transparent messaging, simplified their email strategy, and launched bold campaigns—like “Offsetting is not enough”—that prioritized substance over slogans.We explore how brand credibility starts internally, how even small teams can clarify their voice, and why the most effective growth strategy is simply this: make sure what you say matches what you do.Top 10 TakeawaysHere's what stood out from Christian's approach to brand leadership at Intrepid Travel—and how you can apply the same principles no matter your team size or marketing budget:Marketing only works when it reflects what's realBefore crafting new campaigns, Christian focused on whether the brand's messaging matched the guest experience. Effective marketing starts with operational alignment, not just creative ideas.Less content can create more impactIntrepid eliminated 70% of its email marketing output. By reducing noise and focusing on relevant, high-quality communication, they saw stronger engagement and a better connection with their audience.Transparency strengthens your positionInstead of promoting carbon offsets as a total solution, Intrepid launched a campaign that openly stated: “Offsetting is not enough.” That honesty sparked deeper trust among travelers who care about sustainability.Internal stories are the foundation of brand identityChristian built Intrepid's external messaging around what employees already cared about and talked about. That made the brand more authentic, more consistent, and easier to rally around.Clarity attracts the right peopleGetting specific about Intrepid's values helped bring in better-fit travelers, partners, and employees. When you know what you stand for, the right people find you—and the wrong ones self-select out.Show up with your real voice, not someone else'sChristian encouraged small operators to speak in their own words. You don't need slick campaigns to earn trust—just a clear point of view and consistency in how you show up.Sustainability starts with how you operateFor Intrepid, being a responsible travel company isn't just a message—it's built into how trips are run, how suppliers are chosen, and how decisions are made. Marketing simply tells that story.Internal alignment makes external messaging strongerChristian made sure every team member could explain the brand's purpose and values. When your team understands the story, they can embody it and share it more naturally with guests.Rebrands can help clarify—not just refresh—your identityIntrepid's rebrand wasn't just about visuals. It was about focusing the company's message and voice to reflect its mission more clearly and consistently across all channels.Small teams can apply the same approachEven without big budgets or a full marketing department, operators can...

Most hiring currently focuses on assessing a mix of skills and experience. However, there's a deeper layer that often gets overlooked. Companies talk endlessly about culture and values, yet few know how to genuinely assess them.  This matters especially for purpose-driven organizations. Whether it's a B Corp, a sustainability-focused business, or any company with a strong mission, finding people whose values are truly aligned isn't just nice to have—it's essential.  So how do you find genuinely aligned candidates, and where does technology help, and where does it hinder My guest this week is Leon Richards, founder of Good Talent, an Executive search & leadership advisory consultancy for values-led organizations. In our conversation, he explains how values-based recruiting actually works, why human judgment matters, and what responsible AI use looks like. In the interview, we discuss: Values, purpose, and mission-driven organizations The importance of alignment  Why cultural fit is often missed How to assess for values alignment AI, human skills, and accountability The "moral crumple zone" What does responsible AI look like? The future of TA

Can optimism really scale a company?In this episode, Dominic chats to Dan Williams, CEO of Orean Personal Care, to explore what it really takes to lead through chaos - from doubling revenue in tough markets to leading with vulnerability, optimism, and Ironman-level discipline.Under Dan's leadership, Orean has grown from £3M to £30M turnover, becoming one of the UK's fastest-growing contract manufacturers in the beauty industry — all while achieving B Corp certification and building a culture rooted in learning and care.What you'll learn

In this episode of Scratch, Eric chats with Bronwen Foster-Butler, CMO of Finisterre, the cold-water surf brand from Cornwall proving that purpose and performance can coexist. Bronwen shares how community became Finisterre's real growth engine, from “creating through community, not for it,” to rethinking top-of-funnel marketing and focusing on relationships over reach. She shows how listening to your customers can lower CAC, build loyalty, and create true advocates.Finisterre began with a simple insight: the surf industry's glossy, tropical image that didn't reflect the real, rugged world of UK surfers. Today, it's a B Corp and leading challenger brand proving that you can grow profitably without losing your soul.And finally, she dives into how a strong sense of place in Cornwall's coastline and the shipping forecast origins of the Finisterre name and thus gives the brand its distinct voice. Ultimately, the takeaway for marketers is clear: scaling through a niche isn't limiting but it is the future. Staying true to who you are as a brand, and give a platform to your community to carry the story forward.Watch the video version of this podcast on Youtube ▶️: HERE          

On today’s episode, Nathan sits down with Mohamed Massaquoi, Managing Principal at VESSOL. VESSOL is a leadership development firm specializing in guiding organizations through transformative change. Mo is a former standout wide receiver for the University of Georgia Bulldogs and the Cleveland Browns. Now, as a leadership advisor, organizational psychologist, and former NFL wide receiver, his work is rooted in team culture, performance, and change. He draws on his incredible life experiences—including navigating career transitions and recovering from a life-altering accident—to help leaders and teams build resilience and thrive through change. In this conversation, Mo shares his powerful journey of navigating the "murky middle" after the NFL, the unique power of authentic storytelling, and how he redefines success beyond traditional metrics. Tune in to hear Mo's incredible insights on leadership, resilience, and finding your purpose even when life throws you curveballs. RESOURCES RELATED TO THIS EPISODE Visit https://www.thevessol.com/ Follow Mo on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/mohamedmassaquoi/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ironmassaquoi/?hl=en CREDITS Theme Music

*This episode is part of a wider panel project with This Is Silk. *In this episode I welcome back Sonal Keay who is the founder of multi-award winning, B Corp certified, skincare brand This is Silk.Since we last caught up, Sonal has done a trial with 100 of the Outspoken Beauty Panellists who tested her Power Up Silk Concentrate with really great results.During the episode we chat about how her amazing brand has evolved, the lengths she goes to to ensure that her products do what they claim they will and why silk is an ingredient that benefits our skin in numerous ways.

This episode takes listeners inside the latest B Corp updates—Version 2.1, the new five-year certification cycles, and the EU's Empowering Consumers for the Green Transition (ECGT) regulations. Ryan and Emmy unpack what these changes mean for both new and existing B Corps, and share candid reflections on how to navigate the transition. It's an informative, unfiltered look at what's new, what's confusing, and what's next for the movement.View the show notes: https://go.lifteconomy.com/blog/mailbag-v2.1-5-year-certification-cycles-ecgt-moreUnlock your free B Corp Values Assessment—plus tips and insights to help your business grow. https://go.lifteconomy.com/b-corp-newsletter

Speaking of Travel welcomes Leigh Barnes, the new President of the Americas for Intrepid Travel, a certified B Corp travel company on a mission to make travel a force for good. Leigh leads Intrepid's fastest-growing U.S. market, bringing curiosity, compassion, and care for the planet to every adventure. Leigh shares how his love of adventure shaped his career and leadership style and why responsible, small-group travel is more important than ever. From community-based tourism to climate-conscious trips, discover how Intrepid Travel is redefining what it means to explore the world with purpose while staying resilient and innovative. Hear about how Intrepid's short-break trips bring meaningful travel experiences by offering travelers meaningful ways to connect, learn, and give back, all while leaving a lighter footprint.Tune in and get inspired to travel better, live lighter, and make every journey count.

There’s a term in psychology that also applies to marketing. It’s called “The Halo Effect.” It refers to how we can make sometimes incorrect assumptions based on a collection of pieces of information. For a business case study let’s take a look at a lighting company that was founded in the UK in 2015, called Tala. Tala designs and sells lighting fixtures that are elegant, environmentally friendly, focused on sustainability - they’re able to be repaired, and if they have to be discarded they’re recyclable – and they’ve been featured in Architectural Digest. The company has an international reach, is widely admired, and is financially successful. The Halo Effect would have us believe their lighting fixtures must be exclusive and expensive, and the company must have its eye firmly on profit. Well, the truth is somewhat different. Tala is what’s called a B-Corp – it’s a registration given to companies that focus on using business as a force for good, striving for inclusive, equitable, and sustainable economic practices. And Tala’s lighting fixtures are inexpensive – you can find them online at Wayfair. And, to complete the expect-the-unexpected list of circumstances at Tala, the Chairman of the Board of this innovative and progressive company is New Orleanian, Anthony Robins. We can make incorrect Halo Effect type generalizations about other businesses too. For example, when we hear “Wedding Reception Venue” we typically picture a high-school-gym kind of vibe, with a stage for a band or DJ. When we hear “Hotel,” we expect it to be something between a Holiday Inn and the Ritz Carlton – the only difference being the amenities and the cost. A local company called Workshop WDXL (pronounced in speech, "W.D 40") is challenging all of these assumptions. The W.D. part of the name is the initials of the team’s principals, Jessica Walker and David Demsey, and XL is forty is in Roman numerals. Some of the Halo-Effect-busting, non-traditional, New Orleans businesses Workshop WD 40 have created are, the wedding venue, Felicity Church, and the hotels and villas, The Syd and The Mitzie. All of these projects have won prestigious architecture and design awards. When we talk about the environmental impact of human activities, we’re generally talking about burning fossil fuel, the use of plastics, pollution from factories and farms, and even the use of AC systems and aerosols. The one thing that does not seem to show up on these lists is lighting. And yet, every single home on Earth that has electricity has multiple light fixtures and lightbulbs. And we know that inefficient bulbs burn more fossil fuels, light pollution reshapes ecosystems, and discarded light fixtures add to the world’s growing mountain of e-waste. One of the core values of Tala is to address these issues - and to package the solutions as elegant, attractive, and affordable light fixtures. Most architects dream about designing cool, quirky, inventive buildings. Most commercial property developers are focused on budgets – bringing projects in on time and as cheaply as possible. Most real estate developers are looking for bells and whistles that will pitch a property as high up the price range as a market will bear. These three goals are often at odds with each other but Workshop WDXL, is juggling all 3 of these balls. Out to Lunch was recorded live over lunch at Columns in Uptown New Orleans. You can find photos from this show by Blake Langlinais at itsneworleans.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ABOUT CHRISTIAN DAVIES:Christian's LinkedIn profile: linkedin.com/in/christian-davies-fcsd-3728a513Websites: https://www.bergmeyer.comemail: cdavies@bergmeyer.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/christianthdavies/ Christian Davies Bio: Davies brings 30+ years' experience as a creative leader, working with brands across the globe, from disruptive startups to the very top Fortune 500 contenders in retail, experiential, beauty, fashion, hospitality, technology, luxury, and more. His veteran status includes over 100 national and international design awards (15 of which earned top honors for Store of the Year Awards), including a five-time winner of design:retail's Retail Design Influencer as well as a coveted Retail Design Luminary award.  As a Chief Strategy Officer for Bergmeyer, strategic innovation and design leadership define Davies role, stemming from a robust background in creative direction and design thinking. His approach harnesses the power of diverse, interdisciplinary teams, developed through hands-on experience in various roles across a wide variety of companies throughout his career. As Chief Strategy Officer, steering the business strategy and our passion for innovation encapsulates my daily mission.Prior to Bergmeyer, Davies served as Managing Director of the Creative Marketing Group at Verizon, Creative Vice President of Global Design and Innovation for Starbucks, Executive Creative Director of the Americas at Fitch, and Vice President/Managing Creative Director at FRCH Design Worldwide.Also See: https://www.bergmeyer.com/people/christian-davies SHOW INTRODUCTION:Welcome to Episode 81! of the NXTLVL Experience Design podcast…What started at a pivotal moment during the COVID pandemic in early 2020 has continued for seven seasons and now 81 episodes. This season we continue to follow our catch phrase of having “Dynamic Dialogues About DATA: Design, Architecture, Technology and the Arts. In the coming weeks we have some terrific conversations that are both fun and inspiring. They are going to include thought provoking futurists, AI technology mavens, retailers, international hotel design executives as well as designers and architects of brand experience places.We talk with authors and people focused on wellness and sustainable design practices as well as neuroscientists who will continue to help us look at the built environment and the connections between our mind-body and the built world around us.We'll also have guests who are creative marketing masters from international brands and people who have started and grown some of the companies that are striking a new path for us follow.The NXTLVL Experience Design podcast is grateful for the support of VMSD magazine.VMSD brings us, in the brand experience world, the International Retail Design Conference. The IRDC is one of the best retail design conferences that there is bringing together the world of retailers, brands and experience place makers every year for two days of engaging conversations and pushing us to keep on talking about what makes retailing relevant. You will find the archive of the NXTLVL Experience Design podcast on VMSD.com.Thanks also goes to Shop Association the only global retail trade association dedicated to elevating the in-store experience.SHOP Association represents companies and affiliates from 25 countries and brings value to their members through research, networking, education, events and awards. Check then out on SHOPAssociation.org Today, EPISODE 81… I talk with Christian Davies. We actually recorded this discussion months ago and Christian wondered if publishing it now was still relevant.I assured him it was, since Christian tends to unearth issues that are future forward - things to be mindful about should we want to address the issues we all face as individuals or societies or as architects and designers making places and things as we serve as our clients creative sherpa guides bringing ideas into the built world. Now… Christian has been sitting atop the heap of 80 conversations as the most listened to episode since we recorded our first talk a couple years ago. So, I thought, well why not do Christian Davies 2.0?Christian does not disappoint - never has – over a couple of decades, Christian has consistently drawn audiences and colleagues into conversation, sometimes challenging, and always brilliant and things that drive design thinking. His matter-of-fact English attitude to the world of design is sometimes a ‘no holds barred' reality check that makes you think twice about the truths you have held dear. His drive towards excellence is irrepressible. That makes him, some may say, demanding because I think he expects that we all give a damn about what we are brining into the world. And why not? We all share space on this little blue dot and, we had better get it, and soon, that we are part of a vast ecosystem of interdependencies.We cover a lot of ground in this open-ended conversation – I'd not expect less from Christian - And here is a few thoughts on subject areas we touch on…1. Entropy:Entropy is a scientific measure of disorder, randomness.Astrophysicist and other cosmologists have postulated that our universe is continuing to expand to a maximum state of entropy from a moment in time, the beginning of the Universe that they have called The Big Bang.There's lots of great content that you can certainly dig up on what happens when the universe finally expands to maximum entropy and all particles are spread out evenly within the unimaginably large space of the universe. It's suggested that of course this maximun expansion will take something like 10 to the 36 or 37 power years in other words trillions and trillions of years. A very very long time….But for now, the way I try to think of it is things will expand and eventually slow down as they all spread out to be evenly distributed throughout the universe… seems reasonable…It's kind of like imagining the initial moments after a massive explosion. Things spread out pretty quickly from the epicenter of the explosion and as they're flung far and wide, particles eventually slow and if you think of it in terms of entropy they all reach maximum randomness.I kind of think that right now, today, considering that the scientists think that the universe has only been around for 14 1/2 billion years or so, that we're kind of right at that very beginning stage of the explosion and things are moving faster and faster away from the epicenter of The Big Bang. This is interesting if you think that the universe will continue to be expanding for a few trillion years so right now yeah, we're kind of sort of in the one second after the explosion time frame. Anyway I am not an astrophysicist and some of these enormous ideas still leave me scratching my head…If we look at today, and everything around us, it certainly seems that things are speeding up and becoming more distributed, more random.I know I've talked about the whole idea of the pace of change in a number of episodes but I find this really interesting because, as I discussed with Christian, it's really hard to design into a future state when you consider that the sands beneath your feet are always shifting.How do we know which step is the right one? How do you know when we step on solid ground or drop forever into a bottomless void…I think the challenge here for designers is that, at least for a time, we need to have a sense of stability and order. The challenge is, I think, is that we're moving to an increasing rate of change where stability and order might be elusive to say the least.2. Moments of human connection make experiences great:I think as we speed along and never ending sea of change perhaps one of the things that we can hang on to, a stake in the ground if you will, will continue to be our ability to maintain our relationships.Change has a funny way of, well… changing people. And, one of our jobs will be to keep up with changing expectations of brands and their customers. One thing is sure, as we scream along this ever changing path, relationships will remain as one of the fundamental qualities of great experiences. Both brand experience architecture and the means with which we engage with brands will change to meet evolving expecations but, my expectation, (or maybe it's just my hope) is that humans still stay at the center of it all - Since at least for this short little time that humans have been in existence, we have relied on the empathic connection between individuals to help create meaning and connection to the world around us as well as the things well as the things we simply buy.And I, like Christian, believe that in the end, when you look at successful projects in our long design careers, the good ones, I mean the really good ones, we're not just because we received a great brief with an inspired client who had a vision of changing up the world,but that the teams we were connected to both on the consultant and client sides were also great. There was something that clicked. There was a gel in communication, respect and collaboration that drove these projects forward.Some may have heard me say before projects will come and go but the relationships are really what make the work great. I'd rather lose a project than trash the relationships…3. Three things that facilitate success stories in the world of retail place-making:So, if you're going to look at success stories over a career full of projects, when you look back at what really made them great was, of course that they were successful from a financial point of view, that they drove increase customers and deeper brand relationships and better revenues all those things are important indicators of success but that there are things that are required to make all of that happen. One would be that there's a big idea someone at the helm of a brand or business that has a thought about doing something different breaking out of a traditional way of bringing goods or services to market, of serving a customer in a different way and technology is often being a facilitator of that.There was coffee long before Starbucks. There was getting from A to B lby horse, camel, richshaw, long before Uber. There were places to stay along the Silk Road before Airbnb. And if you had a shaman in your village you could likely find out where you ame from and where your future was going to be long before there were anything like 23&Me or ancestry.com. In some ways the goods or services have not really changed. How we get them in the hands of customers has changed and that has often been facilitated with new technologies.4. AI – as a new tool for ideation and the ‘why' behind design:One of those technological advances of course that everybody is talking about these days is artificial intelligence.AI it's both causing a lot of excitement about what it sees has to offer in the short term, becoming a new tool in the architect and designers toolbox for ideation as well as causing a lot of concern about what happens to humankind when we finally get to general AI or super artificial intelligence.I am both excited and increasingly aware of influences that it will have on the job market, delivery of goods and services and other parts of the ecosystem like education and manufacturing etcetera etcetera.But if we just for a moment set some of the anxieties aside and simply look at as a tool for imagination and engagement with clients fostering the collaborative process of ideation, it has extraordinary potential to change the game of how we designers and architects work with our clients and create ideas about bringing their goods and services to market.There's a lot of opportunity and uncertainty about what happens when you turbocharge the creative process with AI tools.In the end though, at least for now, the question remains - is that there is a human at the helm of prompt curation?The output is only as good as the input that I'm able to suggest as a prompt. If not… garbage in – garbage out.This of course is interesting because it puts the initial burden still on people to be able to articulate their vision in language and use AI tools to refine the visualizations and other content that emerges from using them.As we use these tools they make things faster but I also sometimes wonder about whether they simply make us lazy and remove our thinking from the process.So Christian does talk about the idea of the drawings or images being very compelling but also needing to ask, and answer, the question of ‘why this particular approach or output is relevant and connected to the brand or customer that we're trying to serve?In the end it's not about the ‘what' of things that make solutions to design challenges great but more and more about the ‘why' you're doing certain things.It's about the process by which you got to the solution rather than simply the solution itself.Don't get me wrong the solutions to the challenges are sometimes very satisfying but what I'm ultimately interested in is the thinking process that led you to along this pathway… it's the journey not just the destination that's important in the creative process….And I think it's ever more important to our clients in the design world that they're looking for people who are not just production oriented but who are also focused on guiding them through an uncertain future5. B-Corporations:And this in a way leads us to the part of our my discussion with Christian about how his company Bergmeyer has recently become a B-Corp.A B-Corporation is a for profit company, but it is certified by the non-profit  B Lab Global and the whole idea is that it seeks to meet high standards for social and environmental performance and accountability and even more so transparency in the ways that they are doing business in support of being good stewards of our environment.In the changing sands that we're all standing on, as entropy increases and uncertainty continues to unfold in front of us, there is certainty that our planet is also in peril as climate change continues to wreak havoc on environmental systems. These B-corporations are seen as a force for good who work to balance profit with a commitment to both people and our planet. What differentiates them from other traditional companies is that they prioritize the social and environmental impacts of their business while at the same time not discounting the fact that they still are in business - that they are accountable to stakeholders as well as shareholders.The stakeholders can be considered as all of us because as companies continue to pull resources out of the ground and push the byproducts of industrialization into landfills and oceans all of our lives are at stake.All right then that's a not so brief summary of some of the ideas that Christian and I riff on in our conversation…Let's dig into some of the details…ABOUT DAVID KEPRON:LinkedIn Profile: linkedin.com/in/david-kepron-9a1582bWebsites: https://www.davidkepron.com    (personal website)vmsd.com/taxonomy/term/8645  (Blog)Email: david.kepron@NXTLVLexperiencedesign.comTwitter: DavidKepronPersonal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidkepron/NXTLVL Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nxtlvl_experience_design/Bio:David Kepron is a multifaceted creative professional with a deep curiosity to understand ‘why', ‘what's now' and ‘what's next'. He brings together his background as an architect, artist, educator, author, podcast host and builder to the making of meaningful and empathically-focused, community-centric customer connections at brand experience places around the globe. David is a former VP - Global Design Strategies at Marriott International. While at Marriott, his focus was on the creation of compelling customer experiences within Marriott's “Premium Distinctive” segment which included: Westin, Renaissance, Le Meridien, Autograph Collection, Tribute Portfolio, Design Hotels and Gaylord hotels. In 2020 Kepron founded NXTLVL Experience Design, a strategy and design consultancy, where he combines his multidisciplinary approach to the creation of relevant brand engagements with his passion for social and cultural anthropology, neuroscience and emerging digital technologies. As a frequently requested international speaker at corporate events and international conferences focusing on CX, digital transformation, retail, hospitality, emerging technology, David shares his expertise on subjects ranging from consumer behaviors and trends, brain science and buying behavior, store design and visual merchandising, hotel design and strategy as well as creativity and innovation. In his talks, David shares visionary ideas on how brand strategy, brain science and emerging technologies are changing guest expectations about relationships they want to have with brands and how companies can remain relevant in a digitally enabled marketplace. David currently shares his experience and insight on various industry boards including: VMSD magazine's Editorial Advisory Board, the Interactive Customer Experience Association, Sign Research Foundation's Program Committee as well as the Center For Retail Transformation at George Mason University.He has held teaching positions at New York's Fashion Institute of Technology (F.I.T.), the Department of Architecture & Interior Design of Drexel University in Philadelphia, the Laboratory Institute of Merchandising (L.I.M.) in New York, the International Academy of Merchandising and Design in Montreal and he served as the Director of the Visual Merchandising Department at LaSalle International Fashion School (L.I.F.S.) in Singapore.  In 2014 Kepron published his first book titled: “Retail (r)Evolution: Why Creating Right-Brain Stores Will Shape the Future of Shopping in a Digitally Driven World” and he is currently working on his second book to be published soon. David also writes a popular blog called “Brain Food” which is published monthly on vmsd.com.  The NXTLVL Experience Design podcast is presented by VMSD magazine and Smartwork Media. It is hosted and executive produced by David Kepron. Our original music and audio production is by Kano Sound. The content of this podcast is copywrite to David Kepron and NXTLVL Experience Design. Any publication or rebroadcast of the content is prohibited without the expressed written consent of David Kepron and NXTLVL Experience Design.Make sure to tune in for more NXTLVL “Dialogues on DATA: Design Architecture Technology and the Arts” wherever you find your favorite podcasts and make sure to visit vmsd.com and look for the tab for the NXTLVL Experience Design podcast there too.

Welcome back to another episode of the EUVC Podcast, where we bring you the people and perspectives shaping European venture.Today, we're joined by Alexandre Mars, the French entrepreneur and philanthropist behind Blisce, one of Europe's pioneering B Corp-certified venture funds. From bootstrapping his first business at 17 to building and selling multiple startups across Europe and the US, Alexander has seen both sides of the entrepreneurial journey — the grind and the freedom.In this conversation, we explore his evolution from founder to impact investor, the trade-offs between wealth and purpose, the challenge of defining “impact” in venture capital, and why Europe's next tech era will depend on bridging public policy, capital, and purpose.

What if the real strategy isn't a new framework, but a braver version of you? In this episode, we sit down with Peter Georgariou, CEO and Founder of karmadharma, for a candid conversation about what it really takes to build a purpose-driven agency. Peter shares how brand can serve as a beacon, B Corp as a compass, and culture as the true competitive edge.Together, we unpack the power of choosing a name that attracts values-aligned clients, why linear plans fail without inner growth, and how presence and trust often outshine speed and scripts.We also trade insights on profit as propulsion, purpose as priority, and leadership that dares to ask better questions instead of rushing to answers—a reminder that meaningful growth starts from within.Welcome to the Agency for Change podcast.Connect with Peter and karmadharma at: ·       Website – https://karmadharma.ca/·       LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/karmadharma-agency/·       Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/karmadharma.agency·       Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/karmadharma.agency/·       Peter's LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/petergeorgariou/

How do you build a circular economy for plastic that includes the informal sector? In this episode, Keiran Smith from Mr. Green Africa explains their approach to plastic recycling, which is built on integrating the informal waste collection sector into a formal business. Keiran details their model: a decentralized system of buy-back centers that use a proprietary app for transparent payments, a processing facility that turns collected plastic into pellets, and direct partnerships with corporations who use the recycled material in their packaging. You'll hear how Mr. Green Africa navigates the challenges of a fragmented supply chain, competes with the cost of virgin plastic, and plans to expand its operations from Kenya into other markets in East Africa.

We sit down with a leader whose work is transforming how we think about wealth, community, and the true meaning of success: Ken Shea, President and CEO of East Coast Credit Union. From humble beginnings to guiding one of the region’s most community-focused financial institutions, our guest’s journey is a testament to the power of building significance, not just success. In a world that often celebrates individual achievement, this conversation is a reminder that the greatest impact comes from lifting others and investing in the places we call home. We discuss: Why true wealth is measured by the strength of our communities, not just our bank accounts How purpose-driven banking can create opportunities and resilience where it’s needed most The importance of partnerships, trust, and showing up for one another The difference between shareholder and stakeholder values—and why it matters How to turn compassion into action and make a lasting difference The role of transparency, accountability, and B Corp certification in building trust This episode is for anyone who believes that success is about more than numbers—it’s about the lives we touch and the legacies we leave. This podcast is proudly supported by East Coast Credit Union. At East Coast Credit Union, we’re proud to support community voices and meaningful conversations. The thoughts and opinions shared by guests on this podcast are their own and don’t necessarily reflect those of East Coast Credit Union.

Send us a textA $7.99 French Pinot Noir that's organic, carbon neutral, and made by a B-Corp shouldn't be this easy to drink—and yet here we are. We pull the cork on Florility French Organic Pinot Noir 2024 from Aldi and get honest about what's in the glass, what's on the label, and what really matters for a weeknight pour. The twist? It's labeled “Product of France,” not from a famous region, sparking a candid look at terroir, consistency, and how modern drinkers balance place with principles.We walk through the story behind Ethic Drinks—B-Corp certification, organic farming, vegan-friendly fining, and cause-driven lines that plant trees and help clean the oceans—then put the wine to the taste test. Expect a smooth, approachable Pinot with black cherry, plum, a touch of spice, and those savory pencil-lead and tar hints that give Pinot its quiet edge. It won't morph from sip to sip like a top cru, but it delivers friendly texture and steady flavor that make sense for pizza night, roast chicken, or backyard hangs. If you're chasing a site-specific, shape-shifting Burgundy experience, this isn't your bottle; if you want honest, ethical, and affordable, it hits the brief.Along the way, we unpack vegan fining in simple terms, talk about why multi-region French labeling is rare, and lay out where this wine shines and where it doesn't. The bigger takeaway: you can support responsible producers without sacrificing everyday joy, and sometimes the best bottle is the one that fits the moment, the budget, and your values. If that sounds like your kind of pour, queue it up, grab a glass, and tell us where you land on the terroir-versus-values question.If you enjoy these tastings and unfiltered reviews, tap follow, share with a friend who loves wine on a budget, and leave a quick rating—your support helps us keep it cheap and keep it coming.Check us out at www.cheapwinefinder.comor email us at podcast@cheapwinefinder.com

Many purpose-driven businesses say they value inclusion—but when it comes to trans issues, most don't know where to begin. In this candid conversation, trans organizer Benn Marine joins Ryan Honeyman and Emmy Allison to explore how B Corps can move beyond fear, “wokeness,” and silence toward genuine compassion and action. A grounded, honest look at what it takes to navigate the trans conversation in this political climate with courage and care.View the show notes: https://go.lifteconomy.com/blog/how-b-corps-can-navigate-the-trans-conversation-w/-benn-marineUnlock your free B Corp Values Assessment—plus tips and insights to help your business grow. https://go.lifteconomy.com/b-corp-newsletter

In a category flooded with fast-followers and flashy branding, Straightaway Cocktails is taking a radically different path: embracing the hard way. In this episode, founder and CEO Cy Cain reveals how the Portland-based brand is carving out a distinct space in the booming ready-to-drink category by prioritizing bar-quality cocktails crafted from in-house ingredients and held to uncompromising standards. Cy outlines a strategy rooted in deliberate, thoughtful growth rather than chasing viral trends. He dives into the brand's innovative approach to creative R&D, leveraging limited releases and direct-to-consumer exclusives to experiment boldly and gather insights that shape future core offerings.  He also highlights how investments in in-house production, B Corp certification and sustainability efforts, alongside strategic partnerships with Costco, Alaska Airlines and Shake Shack, demonstrate that a patient, craft-centric mindset and a strong brand identity can make a powerful impact in even the most crowded markets. Show notes: 0:25: Interview: Cy Cain, Founder & CEO, Straightaway Cocktails – Just hours before Taste Radio's San Francisco meetup, Cy joins Ray Latif to share highlights from Straightaway's latest cocktail lineup, including the French 77, Pickle Tini, and Golden Negroni. He underscores the brand's North Star: unwavering product quality, rooted in a deep love of cocktail culture. Cy reflects on the evolution of the RTD category and credits Straightaway's success to its focus on excellence and deliberate, sustainable growth. Strategic partnerships with Alaska Airlines and Breeze Airways have boosted exposure, while support from regional retailers and Costco has added traction and credibility. Comparing innovation to Formula 1, Cy describes it as a proving ground for bold ideas. Straightaway's mission, he says, isn't shaped by exits or investors, but by craft, storytelling, and elevating cocktail experiences. From farm-to-glass sourcing to using local ingredients – like fir needles from near Cy's childhood home – the brand stays true to its values of authenticity, sustainability, and craftsmanship. Inspired by lifestyle brands like Patagonia and Shinola, Cy emphasizes values-driven partnerships, such as a test collaboration with Shake Shack. He also shares excitement over the brand's growing recognition in top spirits competitions, including a potential Triple Crown win. Brands in this episode: Straightaway Cocktails, Stumptown Coffee, Smith Tea, Jacobsen Salt Co.

A chubby feline is the star of an awareness campaign for the B Corp certification that says your business is getting real about sustainability. B Lab's Australia and NZ CEO Andrew Davies tells Ross Inglis about fat cats and how B Corps are making progress even in difficult times.

One of the biggest challenges facing Venisa Chu, Asia Pacific sustainability director for L'Occitane Group, is living up to the cosmetics giant's circular economy ambitions. Tune in as we discuss: How Venisa Chu started out in sustainability The hardest sustainability target to achieve How to persuade suppliers to get on board with sustainability Is being a B Corp an advantage in Asia? The impact of the ESG backlash Where sustainability sits in the corporate structure Is re-fill working? Advice for aspiring sustainability practitioners Managing burnout

Show Summary: In this inspiring episode of the Grow My Accounting Practice podcast, Mike Michalowicz and Ron Saharyan sit down with Rachel Bernier-Green, founder and CEO of the Economic Justice Consortium (EJC), to explore how financial professionals can lead — and thrive in — the social impact revolution. Rachel shares how the booming $715B ESG investment market and the B-Corp movement are creating unprecedented opportunities for accountants, bookkeepers, and advisors who want to align profit with purpose. She reveals how EJC's equity-centered consulting model not only delivers measurable impact but also commands premium pricing and builds deep trust with clients. Listeners will hear real-world stories of purpose-driven businesses that have achieved both profitability and impact with EJC's guidance, and learn how values-aligned service providers gain a competitive advantage through stronger relationships and referral networks. Rachel also introduces B.R.I.D.G.E., EJC's innovative membership program that scales social impact while generating recurring revenue — proving that sustainability and growth can go hand in hand.

In this episode of Scratch, Eric chats with Will Pearson, Co-Founder of Ocean Bottle, the brand turning reusable bottles into vehicles for global impact. One of the biggest takeaways from Will's story is how Ocean Bottle has made impact completely non-negotiable in its business model; every purchase is tied directly to measurable change. Rather than chasing the traditional direct-to-consumer routes, the brand leaned into B2B partnerships as its true growth engine, scaling faster through collaborations like Ed Sheeran's tour than through paid ads. Will also highlights that in a purpose-driven category, the goal isn't to outcompete others but to grow the category as a whole. Ocean Bottle's marketing reflects this mindset, relying on storytelling backed by proof, from the Change Collective initiative to transparent reporting on every kilo of plastic collected. Ultimately, the key learning for marketers is clear: purpose isn't dead; it is evolving. And partnerships are how purpose-led brands grow.Watch the video version of this podcast on Youtube ▶️: [coming soon]

In this episode, we chat with Choni Fernández, Chief Sustainability Officer and Customer at PortAventura World, the first carbon-neutral theme park in the world, and now proudly B Corp certified.Choni isn't just ticking ESG boxes, she's leading a cultural shift in how attractions operate. From zero-emissions hotels to renewable energy and deep supply chain work, PortAventura is setting the global standard.In this episode, we dive into the real work behind the headlines. How do you build a sustainability culture that actually sticks? Can you lead without a big green team? And what does digital sustainability really mean?If you're serious about sustainability, or wondering where to start, this is the conversation you need to hear.Skip the Queue is brought to you by Rubber Cheese, a digital agency that builds remarkable systems and websites for attractions that helps them increase their visitor numbers. Your host is Paul Marden, with co host Andy Povey and roving reporter Claire Furnival.If you like what you hear, you can subscribe on iTunes, Spotify, and all the usual channels by searching Skip the Queue or visit our website SkiptheQueue.fm.If you've enjoyed this podcast, please leave us a five star review, it really helps others find us. And remember to follow us on LinkedIn. Show references:  PortAventura World website: https://www.portaventuraworld.com/nosotros/trabaja-con-nosotrosChoni Fernández on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/choni-fern%C3%A1ndez-veciana/Choni Fernández is Customer, Sustainability and Communications Director at PortAventura World. With a background in Economics and over a decade at BASF, she joined PortAventura in 2007, where she has led Procurement, Logistics, and Sustainability. She spearheaded the company's sustainability strategy, achieving the milestone of B Corp Certification, and now leads the newly created Customer Department to drive a more customer-centric approach. Choni also serves as Catalonia Delegate at DIRSE and is Chair of the IAAPA EMEA Sustainability Committee. Plus, live from the IAAPA Expo Europe show floor, we catch up with:Jakob Wahl, President & CEO of IAAPAhttps://iaapa.org/https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakob-wahl/Elliot Hall from Expression Capital Partners LLPhttps://expressioncapitalpartners.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/elliot-h-1b804a6a/Matt Barton, CEO / Co-Founder CurtainUp Ltd. & President of Themed Entertainment Association TEA https://www.curtainup.livehttps://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-barton-99a8039/Melissa Oviedo, Chief Executive Officer, Themed Entertainment Association TEA https://www.teaconnect.org/https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-oviedo-ruminot-90a63228/Kevin Murphy, Senior VP, Kraftwerk Living Technologieshttp://www.kraftwerk.athttps://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-murphy-854439/Jacob Thompson, CX Director, Attractions.io https://attractions.iohttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-thompson-icap-151271149/ Transcriptions:  Welcome, skip the queue, to Barcelona.Paul Marden: Welcome to Skip the Queue, the podcast about the world's best attractions and the amazing people that work in them. I'm your host, Paul Marden, and along with my co-host, Andy Povey, and roving reporter Claire Furnival, we're bringing you the latest news from IAAPA Expo Europe in Barcelona.Paul Marden: You join me today tired and just a little bit emotional at the airport after an amazing week at the show.Paul Marden: In this episode, we wrap up our time at IAAPA Expo Europe with a final look back at the show floor buzz. I catch up with Jakob Wahl, Chief Executive Officer of IAAPA, to get his reflections on an unforgettable week, from standout innovations to what's next for the global attractions industry. But first, Andy sits down with Choni Fernandez, Chief Sustainability Officer at PortAventura World, to explore what it really takes to become the first carbon neutral theme park on the planet and why sustainability must be at the heart of guest experience going forward.Andy Povey: So hello, everybody. I'm joined today by Choni Fernandez from PortAventura World. Choni is responsible for sustainability and guest experience and a number of other things, I believe, Choni. Hello and welcome to Skip the Queue. Hello. Choni Fernandez: Thank you very much for your invitation. Andy Povey: So, Choni, you guys at PortAventura World are really leading the industry and probably more than just our industry. In terms of sustainability, you were the first carbon neutral theme park in the world and in '24, the first theme park company to achieve a BCorp certification. Am I right?Choni Fernandez: Yes, you're right. It was, in fact, we are VCOPS since 2022. And yes, we were operational carbon neutral because we reduced our emissions during several years. And after that, we acquired some carbon credits to compensate the result of the balancing emissions. For scope one and two. Yes. So since then we are operational carbon neutral. That is not really an official name, but it's easy to explain what we are doing. Andy Povey: Okay. So what is the official name?Choni Fernandez: The official name, in fact, now that's interesting because it's a big discussion in the European community. We chat the terms we can use or not. In the new CCRG, that is going to change. Some words like green, sustainable, are probably forbidden, words that cannot be used any longer. And you need to speak properly about the impact of your activity without using these words that can lead to a type of greenwashing. And you need to be more clear about when you say, for instance, 'carbon neutral,' you need to say, 'we have reduced emissions, we compensate.' More explanation than just using one word that can be easily misunderstood.Andy Povey: Okay, yeah, yeah. That makes a lot of sense. Just buying carbon credits. You're actually doing something positive. Taking action. Like, is it Europe's largest solar farm?Choni Fernandez: It's the largest solar farm. That was one of the biggest at the source of Europe. And for sure, I guess, is still the biggest in Spain.Andy Povey: The biggest solar farm in Spain.Choni Fernandez: Sorry, in a holiday resort, yes. There are other very big solar plants that they produce energy for third parties, but they are not linked to a tourist industry.Andy Povey: No, that makes absolute sense. So you're generating your own power.Choni Fernandez: We generate 30%. The plant is not big enough and we have some restrictions of the government. So we cannot sell the surplus of energy we produce. So we could only make the plan as big as the low on consumption we have in a period of a year.Andy Povey: That makes absolute sense.Choni Fernandez: So that means that there are several months where we produce 100% energy we need. But then, obviously, in the peak of the season, we need extra energy. We buy from the net, but we always buy green energy from the net, too. Then 100% of the energy we consume is green energy, not coming from non-renewable.Andy Povey: It all becomes much more complicated as you dive into the detail, doesn't it?Choni Fernandez: Yes, yes, yes. Everything is much more complicated. And in Europe, yes, I would say even one step more complicated than the rest of the world because of all the regulations.Andy Povey: So what was it that inspired PortAventura World and how did you persuade PortAventura World to take sustainability so seriously?Choni Fernandez Okay, the history starts really with, I would say, a huge pain point, even when they were designing the park. And it was related to water. We are established in an area where we suffer from water scarcity many periods. So for those designers, they already designed the park with sustainability in mind. So they have created a complex system to recover all water rains in a big tank that is our Mediterranean lake.Andy Povey: Yeah, yeah, yeah.Choni Fernandez: So water was a treasure since the beginning. And they have also in a private-public investment. Take all the gray waters from the park, sending it to a water treatment plant several kilometres far away from the resort, and making the pipe bring the recycled water back to the resort for gardening. So PortAventura was using recycled water since 30 years ago. And that was really the starting point of sustainability at PortAventura. So we start with all the environmental impacts that the activity was going to have. And they created the park open doors in 1995. So in 1997, just two years after that, they have created the Green Team.Choni Fernandez: It's a team from different members of different departments who takes care of the environmental impacts and how they can reduce the use of water, energy and so on. And this team is still working nowadays and takes care of more complex things, certifications, but with the same, I would say, purpose, you know, that is to reduce the environmental impact of the resort, and now we start to regenerate different areas. So it's not producing impact, it's creating positive impact through regeneration.Choni Fernandez: And that was a starting point. But I like to repeat that sustainability has not fixed rules. So that is the story of Pota Aventura, because we are what we are. We are located where we are. But for instance, in the Global Sustainability Committee of IAAPA, SCARBRED was a member of that. And SCARBRED, the sustainability, had not begun for the water scarcity. They don't have this problem.Choni Fernandez: So sustainability there was more linked to the social sustainability, how to integrate communities in the project. So it really depends, again, in that moment, the momentum, you know, that we call. Where you are, who you are, what is your future footprint of your activity in your community and in the environment.Choni Fernandez: So we start with that. And year after year, we consolidate this beginning. So any new activity of PortAventura, it doesn't matter— new hotel, new park, convention centre has always followed the same philosophy that we started in 1997.Andy Povey: Very good.Choni Fernandez: Yes, because I think that this makes the project really coherent, consistent, and resilient. So it's something that we have not done from day to night, you know. It's something that we have. It's like a dish you have cooked in a low, low temperature, you know. Andy Povey: Yeah, yeah, yeah. Slow cooker. Choni Fernandez: Slow cook. That is. Sustainable PortAventura is slow cook. But at the end, you know, the dish is very good cooked and it's good.Andy Povey: Absolutely. And then, as the person responsible for customer experience within PortAventura World, before talking to you, I wouldn't necessarily have put... sustainability and customer experience together in the same group.Choni Fernandez: You're right because, okay, that is something that has changed also through years, you know, so sustainability was linked and happened at PortAventura. It was totally linked to the environmental part. But that is only one third of what sustainability means. Sustainability is also the social impact and obviously the governance.Choni Fernandez: We call also ESG. Okay, it has some difference because it has more financial meaning. But what is clear when you talk, when we talk about sustainability, we talk about the environmental impacts and the social impacts. And the social impacts are the impacts that your activity, our activity has on people. And when we talk about people, we talk about employees, we talk about our community that's surrounding us, we talk about shareholders, we talk about suppliers, and we talk about guests or visitors. And the activity of any company should have a positive impact on these people that are affected by the activity, that they are also called stakeholders.Choni Fernandez: So, and here is the reason why we try to improve every year the guest experience in order to improve this positive impact. And at the end of the day, because we are not NGOs. We strongly believe that a positive impact on the guest experience is going to be translated in future revenues, more attendance for our parks, and makes our resort more resilient because it's more profitable in the long term.Andy Povey: So this really is a sort of a wheel or a cycle. Choni Fernandez: You are right. You are right. You are right. So we really differentiate at PortAventura. I mean, sustainability is also a new angle to see your business. There is the financial angle. And then there is the angle— how your activity affects the difference they hold up. But that is clear that both need to go together. I mean, business and sustainability. In fact... One of the reasons to become a BCorp company is to evolve our mission and vision with a purpose that integrates sustainability in the business model. So it is much easier for us to talk to employees, to talk to suppliers, to talk to guests. About what is the reason why it exists and why it's important to have sustainability included in order, again, to make our business resilient through the past of the years.Andy Povey: So we have a lot of listeners around the world. What would be your advice to someone running a venue that doesn't have the advantage of starting with sustainability right at the heart and from where they started their business? How do you make a start on this?Choni Fernandez: That is a very interesting question. And the first I think any company needs to do is really to understand the stakeholders they are affecting too. Because just with this complete transparent and dialogue with the different stakeholders, you really can understand what is the impact you are producing on them. And from this result, then you know where are your main pain points, where you need to focus first on. Obviously, there are some general rules. Your impact on the environment, as I told you before, normally a new venue has, for sure, clients, or at least customer guests, employees, probably shareholders, and then in another level, suppliers, community, etc.Choni Fernandez: So, and depends what is the situation, you need to start with that. You need to prepare a good analysis because, if not, what could happen? Imagine that you focus a lot on the environmental part and you start with that because you have seen that PortAventura has started with that.Choni Fernandez: But then that is not your problem because you are in an area where your resources are really well controlled or your resort has very good standards, very efficient, because it has done with high technology, but you have an employee problem.Choni Fernandez: You have problems perhaps to attract employees, to retain the talent, or really to make them happy working with you. Then you have to start the sustainability for not the most important topic in your company. So the most important is to understand what the stakeholders need from you and then to prepare. And it's also very interesting, I think, to start, you know, things small.Choni Fernandez: Making small projects that can be consolidated and embedded into the company. Because what is really important in a company is that each department, each area of the company, maintenance, procurement, human resources, marketing, and each of the departments really is doing the part of sustainability they need to, because it is impossible that one person on every team produces all the sustainability that the whole company needs to do.Choni Fernandez: So if sustainability is really not embedded in the activity of each Japan, it's really impossible to be a successful company in terms of sustainability. You know what I mean?Andy Povey: I know exactly what you mean. That rule is so true for so many things, isn't it? You could replace the word sustainability with guest experience or ride safety. Choni Fernandez: Yes, it's the same. Andy Povey: Any number of different things.Choni Fernandez: I always explain when people say, 'but you have done a lot, Choni.' I say, 'no, no, no, no, no.' Choni has not done a lot.Choni Fernandez: Many people are doing a lot, you know. And sustainability managers or directors normally are orchestra directors. But each one needs to play its own instrument so we have a nice music, you know. If not, it does not work at all, you know, like in orchestra. So we need the maintenance guy, really. or the energy manager to really take care of that. And human resources really to prepare inclusivity, et cetera, policies linked to employees. And marketing, doing really an ethic marketing to guests. So, and that is how everyone is really doing a part of the peak and sustainability of the company.Andy Povey: That sounds very familiar and I'm sure for our guests will ring true in many different areas. It's interesting you talk about really understanding where you are. What it is you're doing. We've done some work here in the UK on the sustainability of websites. So by not printing a park map, you obviously save resources, you save paper. But if you put that on a really inefficient webpage, then you're just consuming someone else's electricity. It doesn't make you any more sustainable.Choni Fernandez: And one thing I would like to tell you is that one of the big steps for us was when our investors make the management very clear that investors of the private funds that own PortAventura were asking for sustainable investments. So that was also a way, really, to receive more money from the investors to the owners. And that is very important because when the financial markets really recognise that sustainability is a plus for an investment, then, you know, things change. Things happen. And we had two moments in this company, in my opinion, for us, for sustainability managers, that make this big change in our mindset. Choni Fernandez: One is the world of our shareholders. And that was really a big, big step forward. Because we realised then, 'oh my God, we are sustainable. We can be sustainable. Our sustainability is a lever really to receive more funds to our business.'Choni Fernandez: And the second one was when we have two different businesses, really a B2C— final customer— and a B2E— travel agencies, companies who do their conventions in our convention, et cetera, et cetera. Once upon a time, a company came to PortAventura asking for a quotation for a big convention, European size, very big one.Choni Fernandez: And before receiving the quotation, they asked, 'Please, can you send us your sustainability report?' Because we would like to see if that's the venue where we want to go. Now, everything changed.Andy Povey: Absolutely.Choni Fernandez: Because at first time, sustainability was bringing business to the company. It was not a nice to have, something that we need to have. It was really part of the business. And that changed the history of the, I would say, the sustainability journey of this company when we have both shareholders' commitment and really request to continue on that. And on the other side, we were recognised for our sustainability activity in a business case.Andy Povey: It's very interesting when you get push or pull from both sides. Choni Fernandez: You're right. Then you realise that there is no other way to do that, you know, so you need pushing, pushing.Andy Povey: You're doing a lot of work about education, work, and working with schools, and having to engage them in your journey.Choni Fernandez: That's again the same case, you know. So in our guest segmentation, school groups are one of them. And it is a very important group for us and I guess for other operators too. As we receive many schoolers. But, you know, the teachers, not students, they thought that the trip to PortAventura was really 100% entertainment. And schools were looking for something more cultural, educational.Choni Fernandez: So then, at that moment, we prepare some workshops at the beginning of the day before the park opens. If the park opens at 10, we can deliver a sustainability workshop from 9 to 10. For instance, talking to kids about biodiversity, about waste management, how to produce green energy. So in the solar plant, we don't have only solar panels. We also have some instruments, some elements to explain children how to produce green energy with movement, with wind, with sun, with solar energy. And they can experiment with their hands. With this element, how to produce this green energy. And they understand very well because that is part of the curriculum that they have to study at school. But now they can put it in practice in a different way, in a way... that our industry delivers very well, that is entertainment, you know?Andy Povey: Yes, yeah, yeah.Choni Fernandez: And that is driving more schools to visit us. So again, there is another link with sustainability, more business, more attendance, more revenues.Andy Povey: We're back on the cycle.Choni Fernandez: Yeah, again, the cycle. We close the loop, you know.Andy Povey: Absolutely. Choni, is there something you'd like to leave as a sort of parting message or a final thought to everybody that's listening to the podcast? A single sentence about how they can emulate your success.Choni Fernandez: No, I think that, okay, sometimes in life, you know, for sustainability managers, I mean, and now in the world, perhaps you feel like Talmon, you know, coming up to the river.Andy Povey: Yeah, yeah, yeah.Choni Fernandez: In a difficult situation, but it doesn't matter. So the evidence is so strong that, if you really can close the loop, as we have been talking, if you can really demonstrate and we can close the gap. Between the sustainability impacts and the financial impacts, then sustainability is part of your business. I think that should be the goal— to really don't have sustainability as something nice to have additional to the business. Avoid that at all.Choni Fernandez: Sustainability is part of the business and makes the business more resilient and more profitable in the long term.Andy Povey: Lovely. That's a great message to leave us with. Paul Marden: Now let's hear some of the buzz from the show floor.Claire Furnival: So day three of IAAPA and I've just bumped into Matt Barton. Matt Barton: Hello. Claire Furnival: Matt, you wear many hats.Matt Barton: My day job is I'm the founder and CEO of Curtain Up. I'm also the owner of 7th Sense, a company that makes media servers and pixel management systems. But I'm also the president of the Themed Entertainment Association, better known as the TEA.Claire Furnival: Crumbs, the busy man. I hear you had a party last night. Matt Barton: We did. Yeah, we had a very successful mixer. We have a great relationship with IAAPA and we have a mixer at all of IAAPA's events around the globe. And we bring our members together, usually on the second or third night of the event.Claire Furnival: Anything announced last night at the party?Matt Barton: Yeah, so we announced our next SAIT conference, and SAIT stands for Storytelling, Architecture, Technology equals Experience. So it's a thought leadership conference where we talk about trends in the industry, best practices to follow, that kind of thing. We've just finished our SAIT Asia event just three weeks ago now, and that was in New Zealand this year. And we just last announced that we're going to be in Dubai next year. Again, building on that great relationship we have with IAAPA, we're actually doing it almost like a pre-conference event. So it's tied in with IAAPA Middle East, which is going to be in Abu Dhabi. We're going to be the week before. So people can then come to SAIT, enjoy SAIT with us, and then go straight down to Abu Dhabi for the IAAPA conference.Claire Furnival: What activities is it that the TEA do? What do you offer your members?Matt Barton: So a whole range of things. And what I'm going to do now is introduce our CEO, Melissa. Melissa Oviedo.Claire Furnival: Great to meet you, Melissa. So what is it that TEA offers its members?Melissa  Oviedo: We are really the connection community. The connection community for the design, the makers, the builders, the creators. Everybody who delivers world-class experiences around the world, that's really who we are and what we represent. That can be from theme parks to museums to cultural to location-based entertainment. Claire Furnival: So I understand that the TEA does an annual benchmark report. Melissa  Oviedo: Yeah, we've just rebranded this. This is the TEA Theme Experience Index. This is the 19th year that we're doing this benchmark study. Yeah, it's really exciting for us. And what this is, is this is the annual attendance report that tracks attendance data from around the globe for the top theme parks, water parks, and museums globally. It really looks at trends, so we can understand where are the guests going, where are they spending their time, how are the parks, especially as they're coming new on the market, how do they influence those trends? And we're actually going to be launching this on October 22nd.Claire Furnival: So a couple of questions spring to mind on that one. So first of all, can anybody access the report?Melissa  Oviedo: Yeah, sure can. It's a completely free resource. You can go online. If you're not a member, we just ask for you to fill out a quick form so we know who's downloading the report. And you will have full access to all of the data, and we will have actual books to hand out at IAAPA in Orlando in November.Claire Furnival: The sector's very, very, very lucky to have this piece of research. So can you give us any snippets as to what we might see in the report?Melissa  Oviedo: I think you'll see that the theme parks are really consistent. The big players are still the big players with Disney and Universal really driving the... main attendance data. And then China, with Chimalong Park, really still holding rank at number one water park in the world. We're seeing the attendance coming back in a fierce way in China.Melissa  Oviedo: Outlook is positive. Overall, though, you'll be able to find in the report a lot of the trends that we're seeing. A lot of what we're not only anticipating in 2025, but in the future as well, with all of the developments that are happening. So, really exciting, this year's report. Claire Furnival: And what about 2026? What does that bring the TEA? Melissa  Oviedo: Momentum is high, right? The community continues to look at how they diversify as an organisation or as a business. Theme parks is our core, but we're so much more than just that. So I think you're going to see. More people doing really cool and immersive things in new places. I think the definition of themed entertainment gets broadened and further defined. I think that you're going to see more activity and more collaboration because collaboration is really when the magic happens. And you're going to start to see that even more robustly in 2026 and beyond. Claire Furnival: Sounds exciting. So last thought from you, Matt.Matt Barton: Yeah, I just wanted to touch on a couple of things we've got left in 2025 before we look to 2026. So I mentioned SAIT earlier. We also have our SAIT conference in North America coming up. So that's in October. at Knott's Berry Farm, and that ties in with when we're launching the Global Experience Index. And then in November, we've got our mixer, our international mixer, combined with the IAAPA conference in Orlando. And so on the Tuesday night of IAAPA, we have our international mixer at the Isle of Berk attraction at Epic Universe. We've got the whole land, we've got dinner and drinks, and it's going to be a good one, so make sure you get your tickets in.Claire Furnival: One not to miss. Well, it's fabulous to catch up with both you, Matt, and you, Melissa. So thank you very much for your time.Matt Barton: Thank you.Melissa  Oviedo:  Thank you so much, Claire.Andy Povey: So we're on day three, and I'm sitting here with Elliot Hall, who's one of the founding partners behind Expression Capital Partners. Elliot, hello. Elliot Hall: Hi, Andy. Good to see you. Andy Povey: For our listeners at home, can you just tell me what Expression Capital Partners do and treat me like an idiot because I really don't understand the world of investment banking and all that kind of stuff.Elliot Hall: Okay, so Expression Capital Partners is the advisory firm to Entertainment Investments 1LP. Which is specialising in the entertainment industry. Andy Povey: Interesting. So I understand you're doing some work with Hasbro and in particular things like Monopoly.Elliot Hall: Yes, yes, yes, absolutely. So we're looking to open monopoly-themed hotels and casinos around the world. Andy Povey: Wow. Elliot Hall: Along with many of the different types of brands, as we're rather across their 1000 plus brands. Andy Povey: I understand there's also some sporting connections. Tell us a little bit about, tell us what you can. Elliot Hall: Yeah, so what we can. We are working with some brands that have relationships and contracts for the IP for UEFA, FIFA and the FA. Yeah, so some really exciting products there and businesses. And we are in a position to be able to sign licenses and lease agreements and so on. And we're looking at bringing all of those brands together, either in the same cluster of IP attractions or within one building under one roof. Andy Povey: So, Elliot, you guys really are the people that are bringing the magic together. The IP, the operators, and then working out how someone funds it all.Elliot Hall: Yes, absolutely, yes. Andy Povey: Fantastic.Claire Furnival: So I'm here talking to Kevin Murphy from Kraftwerk Living Technologies. How are you finding the show this year and what do you see the trends for 2026 for you, Kraftwerk or also the industry?Kevin Murphy: I think in many respects, the trend at the moment is survival, which isn't being negative, but the world is a different place from how it was pre-COVID. The industry, though, is very, very alive. There's a lot happening out there. It's good to see the show for full. We actually tried to get a booth this year and couldn't. Everything had sold out. It's busy. People are wandering around with a very positive vein. But there's no doubt that there's— world tensions and there's problems with investment— and it does affect the industry and you know we're not immune from that. Kevin Murphy: But what's been good about this show is that a lot of the partners and Clients that we're working with are starting to announce their new projects. You have to bear in mind, for us, we do high technology behind the scenes in parks and museums and science centres. We can be working on them for many, many years. So we've had projects that have been brewing and they're just starting to get announced now. So what I'm seeing is, although there's concern about the industry, there is a slightly more positive vein coming through. I think the economy is improving out there, investors are starting to come out, and you can make money out of our industry.Claire Furnival: So what in particular have you got going on in 2026? Anything you can talk about and share with us?Kevin Murphy: Well, we're very, very pleased it's been announced, so I can talk about it. Plopsaland, which is a park in Belgium, are working with Mac. And I'm delighted to see that they've just announced, earlier than we expected, we're still working behind the scenes, but they've now announced their new flying theatre. Which will be ready and prepared at the end of 2026 for the 2027 opening.Claire Furnival: Congratulations, that's really, really exciting news.Kevin Murphy: Sadly, a lot of the other projects, I still can't say too, too much, because they may not have announced.Claire Furnival: Yeah, the dreaded NDAs.Claire Furnival: Just bumped into Jacob from Attractions. io. How's the show been for you?Jacob   Thompson: Great. This is my second time at IAAPA in Barcelona. It's been even better than the first time. So the weather's held out. Great conversations, great company. So overall, a success.Claire Furnival: And a little birdie has told me that you have a new feature coming out.Jacob   Thompson: That is true. So, yeah, we have launched a new product this month called GX Pulse. And the idea is it's enabling operators to make sense of all the noise of guest reviews and sentiment by breaking... reviews down from TripAdvisor, Google reviews, their own internal platforms to make sense and map that across a guest journey, specifically for attractions. So it's able to understand sentiment across things like queue management, your attractions, your food and beverage, give you scores and benchmark you against other venues. But most importantly, give you actionable insights to make improvements to the guest experience.Claire Furnival: Brilliant use of data there. Really, really, really good. So is this product now launched?Jacob  Thompson: Yes, yes it is. So we've been demoing it across some attractions at the trade show floor this week and it's had some really positive feedback. This product is completely separate from our core app platform and experience. So even if you don't have a mobile app and don't need a mobile app, this can be valuable for anybody that is looking to understand the sentiment and experience of their guests across their attractions.Claire Furnival: Fabulous. Guest will be seeing you in IAAPA Orlando.Jacob   Thompson: Yes, and I heard there's going to be a great party hosted by Skip the Queue.Claire Furnival: I'm not sure we'll be hosting a party, but we'll certainly be partying.Jacob   Thompson: Well, I'll be there to join you nonetheless.Paul Marden: So we're here for the final day of IAAPA Expo Europe. I've had a whale of a time and I'm sat here with Jakob Wahl, who amazingly, considering three days into this fantastic expo, is still looking fresh and bright. Jakob, please introduce yourself for our listeners who may not know you.Jakob  Wahl: I'm president and CEO of IAAPA, the Global Association for the Attractions Industry. I've done that now for two and a half years, but in total I've been with IAPA for, I think, nearly 15 years.Paul Marden: Wow, so man and boy almost.Jakob  Wahl: Yeah, you know, and I always say the kid in the candy store— I love doing what we do and bringing people together.Paul Marden: How could you not? So this is my first IAAPA. It has been fantastic and stood on the show floor. I think it was yesterday. I was on my own, done so many interviews. I've been bouncing around, but I just had a few minutes by myself and just stood in the middle of it all. Totally is like being a kid in a candy store, the Willy Wonka moment isn't it? Of what this place is like, because it is so fantastic.Jakob  Wahl:  It is and the most wonderful thing about it is, you know, we as an association, we create a framework, but it is actually all of you, our members, who fill it with life. Because everybody comes together. It's just a massive class reunion. People know each other. And the best thing about it is they're all willing to help and support each other. So obviously, the trade show floor is one component, but we have all those networking sessions, the education sessions, safety corners, we have places where people can exchange, depending on what they work in or where they work, and everybody comes together to share. That is so wonderful, because it's not only family-owned parks, small parks, big parks, but it's also the big private equity corporate players. They're all here to really benefit from this platform, and that fills me with pride.Paul Marden: Good. So, as the week draws to a close, what's been the real highlights for you?Jakob  Wahl: How much time do I have? First of all, the people. It's always the people. It's, you know, for me, it's my team coming together from all around the world, putting this together. And then it's... the people coming and creating those education sessions, creating those moments together, sharing their knowledge. That is just wonderful. There's not one specific moment like that, but it happens all the time. Jakob  Wahl: And then one of the highlights for me is always, always, always the opening reception. That is our Tuesday night event, which took place at Tibidabo, this classic historic amusement park on top of Barcelona. We were a little bit concerned Monday. Will it rain? Will it not rain? So we had to rent tents to make sure that everybody will stay dry. And what happens if you're intense? Obviously, it doesn't rain. Jakob  Wahl: There was an expensive insurance, but it turned out to be exactly that evening. And we have been to Barcelona three times now. We have been to the Tibidabo three times and I think I can be pretty sure that when we go back to Barcelona in three years, we will also go again to Tibidabo because, you know, it's just this evening filled with magic and good people.Paul Marden: Excellent. You've had some time wandering the show floors, I'm sure, talking to suppliers, getting a feel for what's happening in the industry. What have you heard from the show floor that you think is going to influence the sector over the year ahead?Jakob  Wahl: I would have loved to ask you that question, actually. What is your impression?Paul Marden: Oh, the blending of tech with real life I find really interesting. We all want to take our kids to attractions because we want to pull them away from their screens. But there's got to be a hook, I think. And in many cases, there are rides or there are amusements of some form that is a skillful blending of that tech with an in-life, in-real-life experience that I think is the hook to get the kids in. But then we're still wrenching them away from the screens. They're doing something for real with family.Jakob  Wahl: Yeah, I think technology enhances the experience. It doesn't replace the experience. I think that is something which is very clear on the show floor, that there are different ways of how you can combine existing attractions with new technology. And we sometimes call it fusion attractions, where you bring several elements into play with each other. And I think that is very important. What we have seen also is an increase in what I would call smart technology. How can you use technology... to improve the guest flow, to make it even smoother. We all want to have a smooth process. It should be easy on the phone. All those things, besides the classic coasters and water slides and inflatables, that is, I think, some area which has really grown on our trade show floor over the past years.Paul Marden: Yeah, absolutely. If you can smooth that process from the moment that they hit the website all the way through, getting them to the experience and then back out the other side and encouraging them to want to return again is really important, isn't it?Jakob  Wahl: And the same is for operations and maintenance, the front of house for the customer, but also the back of house. And we learned some fascinating things. We talked in our leadership breakfast with the CEO of a large park group, and he said, 'There are tools that can now predict 93% of the attendance of every day.' And that is just fascinating because that helps operational planning, that helps food and beverage planning, that helps all those aspects in running a park successfully or running an attraction successfully.Paul Marden: Absolutely. So, as we come to the end of IAAPA Expo Europe, there are many US listeners, I'm sure, also quite a few Brits as well, anticipating IAAPA Expo Orlando in November. Have you got any insider tips or things that we can look forward to in Orlando? Jakob  Wahl: I can say it will be epic. There's quite a significant theme park which opened this year, Epic Universe, which is just down the road from the convention centre.Jakob  Wahl: And we actually have not only... Mark Woodbury is speaking in our keynote in our leadership breakfast. But we also have privatised the park on Thursday evening for the IAAPA Celebrates for four hours. So it is Epic Universe, just for IAAPA members, which will be amazing. I've had the luck to visit the park several times. And I can only tell you, you know, you should be there. The evening before the show opens on Monday, IAAPA has the Legends event, the honorary evening for the Hall of Fame. And this year we're actually inducting five inductees. Among them is Dolly Parton. So if you have ever wanted to meet Dolly Parton. Paul Marden: The real Dolly Parton. Wow.Jakob  Wahl: Yeah, Dolly Parton is getting into the IAAPA Hall of Fame, besides some other really fantastic candidates or inductees. And she will be there to receive that accolade. And as you said, you have many British listeners. Next year, IAAPA Expo Europe is in London.Paul Marden: Now, I'd quite like to do an edit for my family that might be listening, because that did sound quite epic. And we need to be absolutely clear that there's lots of hard work to be done in Orlando, as well as enjoying ourselves at Epic and seeing Dolly Parton.Jakob  Wahl: Yeah, I'm pretty sure we need to Skip the Queue on site for a podcast from Orlando.Paul Marden: Oh, there we go. There we go. I think we should end it there. Jakob, it has been delightful to meet you. I've really enjoyed it. I'm so grateful for being invited to come to IAAPA this year. Bring the podcast here. I've had so much fun. I've learned so much. It's been wonderful. Thank you.Jakob  Wahl: Oh, we love what you do. Thank you, you know, for making the attractions industry present in the digital space. And we are all great listeners of your podcast. So thank you for what you do for us.Paul Marden: Wow, what a week. A massive thank you to IAAPA for hosting us in Barcelona. It was an incredible few days of connection, innovation, and inspiration. We've absolutely loved being part of it. And who knows, maybe we'll see you again sooner than you think. If you liked today's episode, please like us or leave a comment on your podcast platform. It really does help people to find us. And lastly, thank you to all of the team that made these daily episodes and today's wrap-up session. A possibility without the team it could not have been possible to have done this— thank you to Emily and Sami at Plaster, Steve at Folland Co. Wenayn, Claire, and Andy back at Skip the Queue HQ. It has been a delight to be with you and I look forward to seeing you again next week. The 2025 Visitor Attraction Website Survey is now LIVE! Dive into groundbreaking benchmarks for the industryGain a better understanding of how to achieve the highest conversion ratesExplore the "why" behind visitor attraction site performanceLearn the impact of website optimisation and visitor engagement on conversion ratesUncover key steps to enhance user experience for greater conversionsTake the Rubber Cheese Visitor Attraction Website Survey Report

About Justina Blakeney Justina Blakeney is an artist, designer, bestselling author, and the founder and creative force behind the beloved lifestyle brand Jungalow®. She's known for her use of bold colors, lush botanicals, and eclectic style. What began as a tiny, plant-filled blog has blossomed into a global brand with heart - a certified B Corp rooted in beauty, purpose, and soulful living. Her latest creations include Grow - a transformative oracle deck and guidebook co-authored with her mom, Dr. Ronnie Blakeney. And, California Poppy, her first solo art show, a deeply personal collection of paintings exploring identity, nature, and resilience. She paints, she writes, she designs and dreams - crafting vibrant worlds that invite us all to get in touch with our wild inside. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband, kiddo, two mischievous kitties, and a house overflowing with color, music, and life.   Summary In this episode of the She Designs Podcast, hosts Desha Peacock and Christine Martin have a candid conversation with Justina Blakeney, renowned artist, designer, and founder of the lifestyle brand Jungalow. Justina shares her journey of integrating her personal brand with her professional brand, the evolution of her North Star, and the importance of nourishment in her life and work. Justina shares about her collaboration with her mother on their soon-to-be-released Oracle deck and guidebook, Grow and how it's a gift to them both. She also offers insights on the current challenges for small businesses. She has one piece of marketing advice that you might be surprised to hear!   Show Notes 00:00 Introduction to She Designs Podcast 00:44 Upcoming Retreat in San Miguel de Allende 01:44 Special Guest: Justina Blakeney 03:28 Justina's Journey and Brand Evolution 10:31 The Concept of the North Star  19:02 New Beginnings and the Grow Project 30:16 Marketing Insights for Creative Brands 35:07 Final Thoughts and Farewell Photo credit: Dabito   Where to find Justina: Websites: https://www.justinablakeney.com https://www.jungalow.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justinablakeney https://www.instagram.com/thejungalow Join our community! Follow this podcast and share with a friend! In the world of podcasts, reviews are everything! Please rate and review this episode on your favorite platform.  Visit our website to get the latest on episodes, behind the scenes info, and upcoming events & retreats.  Say hi on the gram!

Welcome to a new season of Fine is a 4-Letter Word. I'm excited for today's guest because there is no better time for you to meet someone who embodies what it means to live boldly, build with purpose, and refuse to accept “fine” as a final answer. Dr. Kimberly McGlonn spent 18 years as a high school teacher, a job she loved thoroughly. She could have stayed there and finished up an amazing career. But she realized she was only reaching about 100 people a year. And she wanted to reach thousands.So Kimberly took a sabbatical and traveled to East Africa where she dove deep into creativity. She came back with a mission of starting a new breed of fashion design company she called Grant Boulevard.The first Black woman-owned B Corp in the U.S. fashion industry, her design firm aligned with a value she learned in childhood of combating disenfranchisement. Going way beyond creating eye-grabbing blouses and fashion tastemaking, this brand was interested in sustainable materiality. Focused on supply chain and procurement and climate action, but also very interested in not separating climate action from the need to take care of workers. They recruited women in the Philadelphia area whose lives had been impacted by the criminal justice system to sew the clothing, creating empowerment and opportunity.We're connecting with Kimberly just at the point where she sunsetted Grant Boulevard and is bringing to life another design company – Black Ivory Thrift. And she has taken the powerful step of writing a book to exponentially share her message of sustainability, service, and advancing the common good.So far, we've only scratched the surface. Over the next 30 minutes, you're about to discover Kimberly's fascinating story which goes into so many more areas as well!Kimberly's hype song is “New Day” by Alicia KeysResources:Dr. Kimberly McGlonn's website: https://www.drkimberlymcglonn.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drkimberlymcglonn/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kimberlymcglonn/ Claim your copy of “Build It Boldly” in audiobook, paperback, and e-book format by visiting the links at https://linktr.ee/builditboldlyInvitation from Lori: This episode is sponsored by Zen Rabbit. Smart business leaders know trust is the foundation of every great workplace. And in today's hybrid and fast-moving work culture, trust isn't built in quarterly town halls or the occasional Slack message. It's built through consistent, clear, and HUMAN communication. Companies and leaders TALK about the importance of connection and community. And it's easy to believe your organization is doing a great job of maintaining an awesome corporate culture. Because you've got annual all-hands meeting and open door policies, and “fun" team-building events.But let's be real. Leaders who are serious about building real trust are finding better ways to strengthen culture, create connection, and foster community.That's where I come in. Forward thinking companies are hiring me to produce internal podcasts. To bring leadership and employees together through authentic stories, real conversations, and meaningful connections. Think of it as your old-school printed company newsletter - reinvented for the modern workforce. I KNOW, what a cool idea, right?! If you run, work...

From rainbow logos during Pride Month to eco-friendly rebrands by oil giants, businesses often try to make themselves look more responsible than they really are. These tactics — known as 'image washing' — can involve sports, social causes, AI, or environmental promises. In this episode of Down to Business English, Skip Montreux and Dez Morgan explore the world of “image washing.” They define the term and discuss common forms such as sportswashing, pinkwashing, AI washing, and greenwashing. They also talk about well-known cases like BP's “Beyond Petroleum” campaign and discuss certification programs such as ISO 14001 and B Corp. Skip and Dez's conversation will help you better understand business ethics and expand your business English vocabulary.　Key points of their discussion include: What “image washing” means and why companies use it. The many forms of image washing — sportswashing, pinkwashing, AI washing, and greenwashing. Real-world cases, including BP's “Beyond Petroleum” campaign. How ISO 14001 and B Corp certification programs work. Do you like what you hear? Become a D2B Member today for to access to our -- NEW!!!-- interactive audio scripts, PDF Audio Script Library, Bonus Vocabulary episodes, and D2B Member-only episodes. Visit d2benglish.com/membership for more information. Follow Down to Business English on Apple podcasts, rate the show, and leave a comment. Contact Skip, Dez, and Samantha at downtobusinessenglish@gmail.com Follow Skip & Dez Skip Montreux on Linkedin Skip Montreux on Instagram Skip Montreux on Twitter Skip Montreux on Facebook Dez Morgan on Twitter RSS Feed

This week on Screw It Just DO It I sit down with Pip Murray, the founder of Pip & Nut, the UK's fastest-growing natural nut butter brand. Pip's story starts with a marathon training run that sparked an idea for a better product, free from palm oil. That idea turned into Pip & Nut, now stocked in over 8,000 stores and recently crowned the number one nut butter brand in the UK.We cover how Pip went from working at the Science Museum to living rent-free in a shed after winning the Escape the City competition, raising £120,000 through crowdfunding, and navigating the early challenges of scaling a food and drink brand. We also talk about resilience, culture, and why purpose and sustainability matter more than ever when building a business today.This is a raw and honest look at the realities of entrepreneurship: the pressure of being a solo founder, the importance of consumer feedback, and how to hold onto a challenger mindset even after hitting scale. If you're looking for lessons on leadership, funding, branding, and staying resilient in competitive markets, this episode is for you.Key TakeawaysHow Pip used crowdfunding and guerrilla marketing to launch Pip & NutThe value of challenger brand thinking in crowded FMCG marketsWhy sustainability, B Corp certification, and purpose strengthen brand loyaltyThe leadership challenges of moving from startup to scale-upHow resilience in business mirrors the mindset needed to run marathons

Send me a messageIn this episode of the Sustainable Supply Chain Podcast, I sit down with Tara Milburn, founder and CEO of Ethical Swag, a certified B Corp reshaping the promotional products industry. Too often, branded merchandise ends up as waste or is produced under questionable conditions. Tara and her team are proving there's a better way, where every procurement choice can align with values, improve transparency, and create measurable impact.We discuss how Ethical Swag was built on the principle that business can be a force for good, even in a sector not known for sustainability. Tara explains why greenwashing remains a challenge, how third-party audits are essential for supplier verification, and why embedding sustainability across all departments, much like digital transformation, creates lasting change. She also shares practical strategies for procurement teams, such as offering “good, better, best” options that balance budgets with environmental and social impact.One of the most striking parts of our conversation was the reminder that products with your logo should reflect your brand values, because when those items end up in landfill, so does your reputation. Tara shows how companies can move beyond token gestures to meaningful storytelling, from seed paper giveaways linked to the UN Sustainable Development Goals to impact reporting that makes sustainability visible.If you're a supply chain leader looking to reduce waste, build brand trust, and rethink procurement as a driver of sustainability, you'll find this episode full of insights and inspiration.Elevate your brand with the ‘Sustainable Supply Chain' podcast, the voice of supply chain sustainability.Last year, this podcast's episodes were downloaded over 113,000 times by senior supply chain executives around the world.Become a sponsor. Lead the conversation.Contact me for sponsorship opportunities and turn downloads into dialogues.Act today. Influence the future.Podcast supportersI'd like to sincerely thank this podcast's generous Subscribers: Alicia Farag Kieran Ognev And remember you too can become a Sustainable Supply Chain+ subscriber - it is really easy and hugely important as it will enable me to continue to create more excellent episodes like this one and give you access to the full back catalog of over 460 episodes.Podcast Sponsorship Opportunities:If you/your organisation is interested in sponsoring this podcast - I have several options available. Let's talk!FinallyIf you have any comments/suggestions or questions for the podcast - feel free to just send me a direct message on LinkedIn, or send me a text message using this link.If you liked this show, please don't forget to rate and/or review it. It makes a big difference to help new people discover it. Thanks for listening.

On this episode of The Kara Goldin Show, we're joined by Mark Brooks, Co-Founder and CEO of Brainiac — the science-driven snack brand on a mission to close the brain nutrition gap and give families better options that fuel brilliance. With most Americans consuming less than 20% of the Omega-3s and choline needed for optimal brain health, Mark and his team are changing that with kid-favorite snacks powered by the BrainPack®, their proprietary blend designed to support memory, mood, focus, and adaptability.In our conversation, Mark shares the inspiration behind launching Brainiac, the personal journey he and his Co-Founder Jonathan Wolfson went through as dads that sparked the idea, and how they built the brand alongside pediatricians, neuroscientists, and nutritionists. We dive into the science of brain nutrition, the challenges of educating parents in a crowded food space, and what it takes to grow a mission-driven brand into national distribution at Target, Walmart, Whole Foods, and beyond. He also gives us a behind-the-scenes look at the lessons learned from his time leading Truvia and Thrive, the decision to certify Brainiac as a B Corp, and the future of the brain food category.Whether you're a parent, a wellness-focused consumer, or a founder in the CPG space, this episode is filled with insights and inspiration you won't want to miss. Now on The Kara Goldin Show. Are you interested in sponsoring and advertising on The Kara Goldin Show, which is now in the Top 1% of Entrepreneur podcasts in the world? Let me know by contacting me at karagoldin@gmail.com. You can also find me @‌KaraGoldin on all networks. To learn more about Mark Brooks and Brainiac:https://www.instagram.com/brainiacfoods/https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-brooks-083a6458/https://www.linkedin.com/company/brainiacfoods/https://www.brainiacfoods.com/ Sponsored By:Apple Card - Visit apple.co/cardcalculator today and discover just how much Daily Cash you can earn.Shopify - Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at Shopify.com/karaSquare - Get up to $200 off Square hardware when you sign up at square.com/go/karagoldin Check out our website to view this episode's show notes: https://karagoldin.com/podcast/739