Podcasts about references connect

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the UK, affecting 1 in 7 women in their lifetime. Yet, many people still believe it's a disease that only affects older women. The reality? 2,500 people under 40 are diagnosed every year.In this episode of the Family Health Podcast by Mini First Aid, host Kate Ball speaks with Paralympic champion Erin Kennedy OBE and Emma Walker from the breast cancer awareness charity Coppafeel! Erin shares her powerful story of discovering a lump at just 29, her journey through treatment, and her extraordinary return to competitive sport. Emma provides essential guidance on breast health, including:✅ The importance of checking your chest regularly and knowing your normal✅ Common misconceptions about breast cancer and who it affects✅ Signs and symptoms to look out for, including those that are often missed✅ How pregnancy can impact breast cancer diagnosis✅ What to do if you find something unusualEarly detection saves lives, and this conversation is a must-listen for every woman, mum, daughter, and friend. Checking your chest is quick, simple, and could be life-saving.References:Connect with Erin Kennedy here on InstagramFind out more about Coppafeel!Sign up for Coppafeel!'s monthly check yourself reminderDownload the leaflet Your Breasts During and After PregnancyFind out more about Triple Negative Breast Cancer and other types of cancer here at Cancer Research UKFind out more about Mummy Star - cancer support in pregnancyFind out more about breast cancer treatments including the different types of chemotherapy treatment hereCancer treatment prehabilitation adviceCoppafeel's guide to breast cancer signs and symptomsFind out more about fundraising for Coppafeel! including how to join a Coppafeel! trek here.Mini First Aid Family First Aid Kit - Platinum Award winning first aid kit, voted a Best Buy in the Loved By Parents Awards 2021, is a comprehensive first aid kit for all the family. Containing 115 essential items, it is ideal for keeping in your car or at home for any first aid emergenciesFind out more about our multi award winning two hour Baby & Child first aid classes here, delivered in a relaxed and comfortable style to give you the confidence to know what actions to take if faced with a medical emergencyFind out more about our NEW first aid awareness for adults classes here; just two hours of your time to learn life-saving skills.For press enquiries and to contact Mini First Aid, email info@minifirstaid.co.ukSeries 4 of the Family Health Podcast by Mini First Aid is sponsored by Things Happen, a trusted broker which offers the best financial advice to help parents and their families make informed decisions, ensuring a secure and

Chris Kanik is the CEO and Founder of Smart Cups, a sustainability-driven technology company that achieved global recognition with its flagship product—a printed energy drink. All of the flavors and ingredients are printed on the button of a cup, just add water. The Smart Cups printed technology eliminates the need to bottle and ship liquids, significantly reducing carbon footprint. Smart Cups Technology was recognized on Time Magazine's 100 Best Inventions of the Year list for 2021. Chris also gained global exposure for Smart Cups by winning Season 1 of Gordon Ramsay's Food Stars, securing a $250,000 investment from Gordon Ramsay himself. In this episode, we discuss: ●     The inspiration for Smart Cups ●     Why Smart Cups is pursuing a white-label strategy ●     The reasoning behind releasing an energy drink as their first product Key Takeaways: ●     A Simple Truth with Big Ripples: Smart Cups is tackling a profound yet simple truth: shipping water as a primary ingredient in products is unnecessary. By letting the end consumer add water themselves, industries can slash emissions from transporting heavy, water-laden goods. Think of the potential impact across sectors—soft drinks, laundry detergents, cleaning supplies, shampoos, conditioners—the list is endless. This shift doesn't just cut emissions; it reimagines how products are made, sold, and consumed. ●     Awareness as the Seed of Change: Actions drive change, but awareness is often the spark that starts it all. Awareness has the power to shift perspectives and open minds, creating a ripple effect that spreads through society. As more people become aware, the momentum grows, leading to collective action that can transform entire systems. Awareness isn't just a passive state—it's the ignition point for meaningful change. ●     The Unexpected Doorway to Innovation: Innovation can strike at the most unexpected times. Often, the doorway to innovation opens through frustration with the status quo or daydreaming about what could be. For Smart Cups, the doorway to innovation happened at a Taco Tuesday. When you find that doorway, let your imagination wander through it. You never know where it might lead—perhaps to a transformative idea that changes how we live. References: ●     Connect with Chris on LinkedIn ●     Smart Cups ●     The Smart Cups investment offering on StartEngine ●     UCLA paper: “Reducing life cycle material, energy and emissions for liquid consumer products through printing” ●     Gordon Ramsay's Food Stars ●     “The Best Inventions of 2021”, Time Magazine Connect & Share: If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts/iTunes? It takes less than 60 seconds, and it really makes a difference in helping to convince hard-to-get guests. I also love reading them! If this episode resonated with you, I ask you to send it to a friend. Help bring even more visibility to these leaders that are using business as a force for good! Subscribe to the Purpose and Profit newsletter to make sure you don't miss future episodes. This podcast is for you, the listener. I'd love to hear what resonated with you, or if you have a suggestion on who would be a great guest for this show. Please send me a note at info@KathyVarol.com.

Dimitry Gershenson is the CEO and co-founder of Enduring Planet, a fintech platform that offers founder-friendly working capital and financial advisory services to climate startups and SMEs. Prior to Enduring Planet, Dimitry led M&A and served as COO for Rango Wireless, an Enduring Ventures portfolio company. Before that, Dimitry built Meta's Energy Access program, a $15M+ investing initiative that enabled energy access for 3M people and unlocked nearly $500M in additional capital in underserved markets like Kenya and India Beyond his role at Enduring Planet, Dimitry sits on the board of Ecosafi, a Lowercarbon-backed climate startup enabling clean cooking in emerging markets. In this episode, we discuss: ●     What bridge financing is ●     The different financing tools available for climate tech start-ups ●     Why Enduring Planet started offering bookkeeping and fractional CFO services to climate start-ups Key Takeaways: ●     Bridging the Climate Finance Gap: Addressing climate change requires substantial financial investment. We are building things that have never been built before, and solving challenges that have never been solved before. US Secretary of the Treasury Janet Yellen suggests that achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 necessitates annual investments of approximately $3 trillion. However, in their own study, Moody's states that current funding levels fall significantly short, with a gap of about $2.7 trillion per year projected by 2030. This shortfall hampers efforts to mitigate climate impacts and underscores the need for increased investment from both public and private sectors to build a sustainable future. ●     The Power of a Complementary Co-Founder: Launching a startup demands a diverse set of skills, often too extensive for one person to manage alone. Finding a co-founder with complementary abilities can be crucial to a startup's success. This partnership allows for shared responsibilities, diverse perspectives, and a balanced workload, setting the foundation for a resilient and dynamic business. Also, with the mindset of true collaboration, it's more likely that a leader will share equity equitably across all individuals that are building and contributing to the start-up. ●     Embracing Unexpected Opportunities: In the entrepreneurial journey, unexpected opportunities can arise when least anticipated. A potential partner might agree to collaborate despite previous indications otherwise, or a chance encounter could lead to a pivotal breakthrough. Maintaining an open mindset allows you to recognize and seize these moments of serendipity, turning unforeseen possibilities into tangible successes. Stay open to possibility, stay open to things working out for you, stay open to being delightfully surprised References: ●     Connect with Dimitry on LinkedIn ●     Enduring Planet  ●     World Resources Institute (WRI) ●     Power for All ●     Enduring Ventures ●     Photon Marine ●     Circuit ●     Dollaride ●     Sparkz ●     Blip Energy ●     Project K ●     Kinetix Connect & Share: If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts/iTunes? It takes less than 60 seconds, and it really makes a difference in helping to convince hard-to-get guests. I also love reading them! If this episode resonated with you, I ask you to send it to a friend. Help bring even more visibility to these leaders that are using business as a force for good! Subscribe to the Purpose and Profit newsletter to make sure you don't miss future episodes. This podcast is for you, the listener. I'd love to hear what resonated with you, or if you have a suggestion on who would be a great guest for this show. Please send me a note at info@KathyVarol.com.

In this episode of the Global Medical Device Podcast, Etienne Nichols talks with Justin Bushko, president of Concise Engineering and founder of MedTech Man. Justin shares his extensive experience in MedTech, guiding startups and major players alike through complex engineering challenges. From simplifying prototypes to pivoting product strategies, Justin emphasizes the importance of clear user needs, iterative testing, and knowing when to focus or adapt. Whether you're an early-stage founder or an industry veteran, this conversation is filled with insights on navigating design, reducing costs, and succeeding in MedTech's complex regulatory landscape.Key Timestamps:00:00 – Introduction and Greenlight Guru sponsor message02:45 – Welcoming Justin Bushko; background in MedTech and engineering07:20 – Overcoming early-stage engineering challenges, like autoclave and sterility testing10:45 – Prototyping with a purpose: Ensuring design iterations target risks16:00 – Balancing innovation, user needs, and cost-effectiveness20:30 – Defining essential versus “nice-to-have” features in MedTech26:45 – Strategic pivots in MedTech: When and why to change course32:50 – The critical role of design freeze and usability studies39:10 – Lessons from competitive benchmarking and reverse engineering46:25 – Handling unique challenges in regulated industries like MedTech52:15 – Opportunities for MedTech innovation and faster regulatory approvals58:45 – Advice for founders and importance of building the right teamStandout Quotes:"Prototype with purpose: Focus on the biggest risks and test early to eliminate costly mistakes down the road." – Justin Bushko"MedTech is a complex dance of regulation, innovation, and simplicity—knowing when to add and when to strip away is key to success." – Justin Bushko3 Key Takeaways:Test Prototypes with a Purpose: Focus on high-risk areas and essential features early to prevent costly mistakes in later stages.Simplicity is Often the Key: Resist the urge to over-engineer; clarify core features and eliminate unnecessary ones to save on costs and improve usability.MedTech Requires Unique Knowledge: Navigating regulations, usability studies, and design iterations requires industry-specific experience and collaboration.References:Connect with Justin Bushko on LinkedInGreenlight Guru's QMS SoftwareEtienne Nichols' LinkedInMedTech 101:Formative vs. Summative Usability Testing – Formative testing occurs early in the design process to gather feedback and iterate quickly, while summative testing is conducted later to validate that the design meets user needs and regulatory requirements.Audience Engagement:Poll Question: "Have you ever had to pivot your MedTech product development strategy due to user feedback or regulatory hurdles? Share your story below!"Feedback:We'd love to hear from you! Share your thoughts on this episode, or suggest topics you'd like covered. Email us at

Eugene Kirpichov runs Work On Climate, a non-profit building the workforce needed to solve climate change equitably and justly, which he started after leaving his big tech career in 2020 to focus on solving climate change. Work on Climate has helped thousands of people land climate jobs and advance their companies, and is now focusing on creating systems change to support the full climate talent transition. In this episode, we discuss: ●  How a systems thinking approach is needed to create “the climate workforce” ●  The power of purpose to unite people around a common goal ●  Why Eugene left a great career in tech to start Work on Climate Key Takeaways: ●  Uniting Around Purpose to Drive Change: A common purpose acts as a powerful bridge, connecting people across backgrounds and experiences by giving them a shared reason to invest their time, energy, and passion. Work On Climate is a perfect example of this. Experts volunteer their time, offering office hours to help people navigate their way into climate careers. Donors open their wallets, not just because it's a good cause, but because they believe in the mission. This common goal of tackling climate change unites individuals who might not have crossed paths otherwise. When people come together around a shared purpose, doors open in new ways—opportunities for collaboration, support, and impact flourish. That's the true power of purpose. ●  Rethinking Our Roles for a Sustainable Future: Solving the climate crisis will require more than just new technology—it demands a complete shift in how we think about our roles, regardless of industry. Eugene emphasized that everyone, no matter what their job is, should be thinking about how they can support a sustainable future. Whether you're in finance, marketing, engineering, or education, there's a role to play in driving systems change. The future isn't just about “climate jobs”—it's about making every job a climate job. The key is embracing a mindset where sustainability becomes part of every decision and action we take. ●  Building the Skills to Shape a Better Future: As we tackle the climate crisis, we need people equipped with the right skills to lead the charge. Eugene highlighted some essential tools for building a sustainable future: STEM knowledge, design thinking, systems thinking, and collaboration. Whether you're just starting out or already seasoned in your career, these are some skills worth developing. References: ●  Connect with Eugene on LinkedIn ●  Work on Climate ●  An Inconvenient Truth, directed by Davis Guggenheim (2006) ●  Eugene's resignation letter ●  terra.do ●  OnePointFive ●  Climatebase ●  Cisco Foundation Connect & Share: If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts/iTunes? It takes less than 60 seconds, and it really makes a difference in helping to convince hard-to-get guests. I also love reading them!  If this episode resonated with you, I ask you to send it to a friend. Help bring even more visibility to these leaders that are using business as a force for good! Subscribe to the Purpose and Profit newsletter to make sure you don't miss future episodes.  This podcast is for you, the listener. I'd love to hear what resonated with you, or if you have a suggestion on who would be a great guest for this show. Please send me a note at info@KathyVarol.com.

In this episode, Kate chats with Cathy Tabner, Parent Education Midwife at My Expert Midwife who has helped and advised hundreds of women about breastfeeding and knows all there is to know about anaemia and mastitis. If you, or your loved one, has ever suffered from mastitis and/or anaemia, you will know how painful and awful it can make you feel. Cathy explains what these conditions are, why they are common in the postpartum period and has great advice and tips on what to do to help alleviate the symptoms of both conditions.If you are pregnant or have newly given birth, or you are supporting someone on their prenatal or postpartum journey, this conversation is not to be missed.References: Connect with Cathy Tabner here and find out all about the brilliant work of My Expert Midwife here.Find out about antenatal checks and testsNHS iron deficiency anaemia information NHS All about ironRead more about supplements on the My Expert Midwife blogCheck out the NHS information about mastitisBuy the Teddy hot & cold pack for instant reliefWatch Cathy's lymphatic drainage massage demonstration in this episode on our YouTube channel or find My Expert Midwife on TikTok for lymphatic drainage massage videos.General advice from the NHS on breast pain and breastfeedingNHS guidance on taking medicines while breastfeedingMini First Aid Family First Aid Kit - Platinum Award winning first aid kit, voted a Best Buy in the Loved By Parents Awards 2021, is a comprehensive first aid kit for all the family. Containing 115 essential items, it is ideal for keeping in your car or at home for any first aid emergencies.Find out more about our multi award winning two hour Baby & Child first aid classes here, delivered in a relaxed and comfortable style to give you the confidence to know what actions to take if faced with a medical emergency.For press enquiries and to contact Mini First Aid, email info@minifirstaid.co.ukSeries 4 of the Family Health Podcast by Mini First Aid is sponsored by Things Happen, a trusted broker which offers the best financial advice to help parents and their families make informed decisions, ensuring a secure and tax-efficient future for their children.  The team at Things Happen consists of highly qualified financial experts who can guide you through 

Zimri T. Hinshaw, Founder and CEO of Rheom Materials, Inc., is a graduate of Temple University's Economics program and SOSV's IndieBio Program. Zimri started the company from his Temple University dorm room with initial ambitions to design leather jackets and pivoted to creating the materials themselves after realizing a gap in the market. Rheom Materials is pioneering the use of biopolymers derived from plant-based matter for new applications across the fashion, home goods, electronic, and automotive sectors. Their collaborative approach and advanced melt extrusion techniques allow them to develop new materials effectively and sustainably while transforming the plastics industry to create a cleaner, greener, future. They currently have a bio-based resin designed to replace petrochemical plastics and an eco-friendly plant leather. In this episode, we discuss: ●      Lessons in creating a start-up ●      What makes Rheom Materials suited for explosive growth ●      The librarian as a secret ally Key Takeaways: ●      University as a Prime Launchpad for Entrepreneurship: Universities can be the perfect testing ground for entrepreneurial ideas. When Zimri founded Rheom Materials, Inc. at Temple University, he leveraged the rich ecosystem a university provides—tapping into students across various disciplines for collaboration, leaning on the university Librarian for market research support, and taking advantage of programs like the Blackstone LaunchPad. Universities, you might say, are the original incubators, offering access to resources, mentorship, and a network of motivated peers. It's a unique environment where big ideas can be nurtured and refined if you have the vision and drive to create something new. ●      Building a Sustainable Future with Alternative Materials: We're witnessing a boom in the development of alternative materials, and it's paving the way for a more sustainable future. Companies like Rheom Materials are creating innovative solutions that could replace plastics, leather, and other harmful or environmentally costly materials. Continued innovations in materials science will be key to transforming industries and shifting toward a future where sustainability is the norm. ●      The Power of Self-Awareness in Business: When Zimri started Rheom Materials, he had a clear understanding of his strengths and weaknesses. As a young entrepreneur, his strengths were boundless energy, optimism, and a huge vision for what's possible. But he also recognized there was a lot he didn't know—like what could potentially sink his company. Instead of pretending to know it all, he hired experienced professionals with decades of industry expertise to complement his vision. This level of self-awareness is crucial in business. It's not about trying to be good at everything; it's about leaning into your strengths and surrounding yourself with people who fill in the gaps. The mix of complementary strengths around the table is what paves the best path forward for long-term success. References: Connect with Zimri on LinkedIn Rheom Materials Blackstone LaunchPad Temple University|Fox School of Business Innovative Idea Competition SOSV IndieBio Biofabricate Connect & Share: If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts/iTunes? It takes less than 60 seconds, and it really makes a difference in helping to convince hard-to-get guests. I also love reading them! If this episode resonated with you, I ask you to send it to a friend. Help bring even more visibility to these leaders that are using business as a force for good! Subscribe to the Purpose and Profit newsletter to make sure you don't miss future episodes. This podcast is for you, the listener. I'd love to hear what resonated with you, or if you have a suggestion on who would be a great guest for this show. Please send me a note at info@KathyVarol.com.

Eric Rubenstein is the Managing Partner at New Climate Ventures (NCV). NCV launched in October 2021, holistically tackling climate change by investing in innovative early-stage startups that target carbon removal, reduction, and avoidance ecosystems. NCV has invested in companies across climate tech, recycling, alternative materials, food tech, and energy transition, among other emissions-avoiding technologies Before founding NCV, Eric held roles at Citigroup and Louis Dreyfus in their respective commodities and energy trading divisions. In this episode, we discuss: ●     Why New Climate Ventures decided to invest in early-stage start-ups ●     The different areas they look at when deciding what companies to invest in ●     The importance of the founder and leadership of a start-up Key Takeaways: ●     What's Your Life Thesis? Most Venture Capital (VC) firms have a thesis, which means a guiding framework or set of principles that defines the types of investments the firm will make, and outlines the firm's core beliefs. If you were to create a thesis to identify and evaluate where you spend your time and energy, what would it be? Take a moment to write it out, and then check where you are against your thesis. Are there any shifts you want to make with how you spend your time and energy? ●     Taking a Page Out of the VC Playbook: Three of the filters that New Climate Ventures uses when evaluating potential start-ups to invest in are, 1) alignment with their purpose of carbon reduction, 2) potential for strong financial returns, and 3) New Climate Venture's ability to add value to the start-up beyond just money. These same filters work wonders when evaluating your next career move. First, does the work align with your purpose? Second, does it offer significant growth and return for you, both financially and personally? Finally, are there ways you are excited to contribute and show up beyond the job description? Remember, where you spend your career energy is a huge investment in the future you're helping to create. ●     What Stories Are You Amplifying? The stories we focus our attention on grow. They take up time and space as they're passed from one person to another—entering rooms, heads, and hearts. The next time you share a story, consider if it's a story you want to take up more space. Consider shedding light on the things you want more of. Consider making “good-finding” a habit, where you go out of your way to applaud what someone is doing and tell them to keep up the good work. It's amazing the impact positive reinforcement has, not just to the person we're patting on the back, but in our own brains when we use our attention to amplify the things we love. References: Connect with Eric on LinkedIn New Climate Ventures Listen to the Purpose and Profit episode with AIR COMPANY here CarbiCrete Rheom Materials Dimensional Energy Connect & Share: If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts/iTunes? It takes less than 60 seconds, and it really makes a difference in helping to convince hard-to-get guests. I also love reading them! If this episode resonated with you, I ask you to send it to a friend. Help bring even more visibility to these leaders that are using business as a force for good! Subscribe to the Purpose and Profit newsletter to make sure you don't miss future episodes. This podcast is for you, the listener. I'd love to hear what resonated with you, or if you have a suggestion on who would be a great guest for this show. Please send me a note at info@KathyVarol.com.

Katherine Neebe serves as senior vice president of national engagement and strategy, and chief sustainability and philanthropy officer for Duke Energy. She leads Duke Energy's stakeholder engagement efforts to develop solutions to meet customer needs for continued reliable and affordable energy—while simultaneously working to achieve the company's goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. In addition, Katherine maintains oversight of the Duke Energy Foundation, which provides philanthropic support to help meet the needs of communities where Duke Energy customers live and work. In this episode, we discuss: ●     Nuclear power's resurgence ●     Modernizing the power grid ●     The surprising reason the US power industry has been able to reduce emissions by 40% Key Takeaways: ●     Tipping Point Industries: Tipping points can be for the better or the worse. When it comes to creating a sustainable future, there are tipping point industries that can have an oversized impact on our collective emissions reductions. The energy sector, for example, is foundational—it powers our lives and businesses. By making it sustainable, we create a massive ripple effect that benefits every organization and individual relying on it. Similarly, transportation is another cornerstone sector. Innovation in tipping point industries can profoundly impact our collective path to sustainability. ●     Energy: The Force of Transformation: Physics teaches us that energy cannot be created or destroyed, it merely changes from one form to another. This principle allows us to power entire cities by harnessing, transporting, and converting energy. It got me thinking—what do you want to power with the energy within you? What do you want to build and sustain with your life force? Reflecting on how you harness your energy can lead to a legacy that outlasts you. ●     Levers for Change: Three levers for driving sustainability are: business, government, and philanthropy. These forces work together, to create combined change that's more than the sum of its parts. Like sustainability, most areas in life have multiple levers to create change, where a combined effort produces the best results. If there's something in your life, or your business, that you want to change, take some time to consider what the levers of change are for that thing. Chances are, your best results will come from approaching change from multiple directions. References: ●     Connect with Katherine on LinkedIn ●     Duke Energy ●     The U.S. National Science Foundation page on the CHIPS and Science Act Connect & Share: If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts/iTunes? It takes less than 60 seconds, and it really makes a difference in helping to convince hard-to-get guests. I also love reading them! If this episode resonated with you, I ask you to send it to a friend. Help bring even more visibility to these leaders that are using business as a force for good! Subscribe to the Purpose and Profit newsletter to make sure you don't miss future episodes. This podcast is for you, the listener. I'd love to hear what resonated with you, or if you have a suggestion on who would be a great guest for this show. Please send me a note at info@KathyVarol.com.

Breene Murphy is the president of Carbon Collective, a climate investment advisor. They create low-fee investment portfolios for employer 401k plans and individuals that divest from fossil fuels and reinvest in climate solutions. They have launched two Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs): a climate solutions equity ETF (ticker: CCSO), and a green bond fund (ticker: CCSB).. Carbon Collective is an implementation partner of Project Drawdown, and a member of Rewiring America's CEOs for Electrification coalition. If you are responsible for your company's 401K plans, look to Carbon Collective's ETFs as a sustainable option to offer employees. In this episode, we discuss: ●     What an ETF is, and why Carbon Collective needed to create their own ●     How an investment portfolio is made ●     Why it's important to invest more funds into climate solutions companies Key Takeaways: ●     Investing: Simplify the Complex. Investing can feel like trying to decipher a foreign language. You're either lost in the weeds or barely skimming the surface. Here's my straightforward advice: First, if you're in the USA, start investing in your 401K as early as possible, and always contribute at least the maximum amount that your company matches. There is no fallback social system to rely on in retirement. Second, remember that your investments are your bets on the future. When you put your money into a company, you're saying, "I want this company to be part of tomorrow's world." So, invest with intention. Make sure your financial choices align with the future you want to live in. ●     Expanding Investment Choices. For markets to genuinely reflect individual choices, people need a full spectrum of options. Carbon Collective stepped in to fill a significant gap by creating new ETFs and 401K portfolios that exclude fossil fuel companies—something that was missing in the market. Considering that 401Ks are the primary retirement-saving vehicle for Americans, having no option to align those investments with personal values means the market can't truly reflect individual preferences. It's like having a dessert bar that only offers ice cream and then assuming everyone's favorite dessert is ice cream. True choice requires diverse options. ●     Helping: The Antidote to Helplessness. Before we started recording, Breene shared his eye-opening experience of joining the workforce and realizing that most adults are just figuring it out as they go, struggling along the way. This shattered the illusion that adults “have it figured out”. He talked about the impact helping those around him had on his career. It reminded me of the phrase "helping is the antidote to helplessness". No matter what, every life journey will have spots that feel helpless. This phrase is a nice reminder. Helpful acts not only lift others up but also pull us out of our own helpless ruts, reminding us that we have the power to make a difference. References: ●     Connect with Breene on LinkedIn ●     Carbon Collective ●     Project Drawdown ●     International Energy Agency ●     Rewiring America Connect & Share: If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts/iTunes? It takes less than 60 seconds, and it really makes a difference in helping to convince hard-to-get guests. I also love reading them! If this episode resonated with you, I ask you to send it to a friend. Help bring even more visibility to these leaders that are using business as a force for good! Subscribe to the Purpose and Profit newsletter to make sure you don't miss future episodes. This podcast is for you, the listener. I'd love to hear what resonated with you, or if you have a suggestion on who would be a great guest for this show. Please send me a note at info@KathyVarol.com.

Dalila Wilson-Scott serves as Executive Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer of Comcast Corporation, and President of the Comcast NBCUniversal Foundation. Dalila oversees all Diversity, Equity & Inclusion initiatives and philanthropic strategy with a focus on advancing digital equity and economic mobility through Project UP, which is supported by a $1 billion commitment. In 2023, Dalila was honored as WICT Woman of the Year in recognition of her work developing women leaders who transform the media, entertainment and technology industry. She has been named one of the “Most Powerful Women in Cable” by Cablefax Magazine; one of the “Most Powerful Women in Business” by Black Enterprise; and an “Innovative Rising Star: Building Communities” by Forbes magazine among other honors. In this episode, we discuss: ●     The importance of data and transparency in DEI ●     3 key lessons for running a Foundation ●     Looking at diversity through a holistic business lens to include employees, suppliers, customers, and product creation Key Takeaways: ●     Diversity: It's Not Just Business, It's Human: I'm done debating the business case for diversity—it's crystal clear, yet it hasn't solved the leadership imbalance. Let's focus on the human case. Look around the C-suites of S&P 100 companies: 70% of executives are white men, while they make up only 30% of the US population. Despite progress in diversifying executive teams over the past decade, these numbers don't lie. Our system is still broken. It's past time to fix a system that continues to perpetuate unfairness and bias, not just because diversity is proven to be good for business, but because it's the right thing to do. Let's not hide the need for fairness, justice, and ethics behind a business case. ●     Building Solutions Through Continuous Listening: Listening to the people you aim to serve is crucial, and it's not a one-time act—it's an ongoing practice. This dialogue informs how programs need to evolve to meet changing needs. When you continuously listen and adapt, you build solutions that resonate and have lasting impact. It's about creating a dynamic partnership with those you serve. ●     The Importance of Community: The power of community cannot be overstated. We know the phrase “it takes a village”. This principle extends across all areas of life. Small businesses supported by their communities are more likely to succeed. Families with community support are more likely to thrive. Individuals who feel part of a work community are more likely to flourish. Humans are social creatures; we struggle in isolation but thrive when we come together. Building and nurturing community bonds is key to collective success and well-being. References: ●     Connect with Dalila Wilson-Scott on LinkedIn ●     Comcast ○     Project UP ○     Comcast RISE ○     NBCU Academy ●     Edelman Trust Barometer ●     National Skills Coalition ●     Pinnacle Group ●     Making Space ●     Code Path ●     Per Sholas Connect & Share: If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts/iTunes? It takes less than 60 seconds, and it really makes a difference in helping to convince hard-to-get guests. I also love reading them! If this episode resonated with you, I ask you to send it to a friend. Help bring even more visibility to these leaders that are using business as a force for good! Subscribe to the Purpose and Profit newsletter to make sure you don't miss future episodes. This podcast is for you, the listener. I'd love to hear what resonated with you, or if you have a suggestion on who would be a great guest for this show. Please send me a note at info@KathyVarol.com.

Alex Lauver has been in the Outdoor Industry his entire career. Alex is currently Sr Director Materials, Innovation, & Sustainability at Outdoor Research (OR) where he specializes in advanced materials, sustainability, and high-performance apparel. Since 1981, Outdoor Research has created outdoor apparel, accessories, and equipment for outdoor enthusiasts and military users around the globe with an Infinite Guarantee for their products. Most recently, Outdoor Research has partnered with a chemical company called Nikwax for PFAS free waterproofing, with all of their products transitioning to be free of intentionally added PFAS for Fall 2024 production. In this episode, we discuss: ●     Why PFAS are prevalent in the outdoor industry, and why PFAS are a problem ●     The ups and downs of the continually evolving sustainability journey ●     Green-washing and green-hushing Key Takeaways: ●     Persistent and Pervasive PFAS: PFAS are notorious for their persistence in the environment and their ability to bioaccumulate in living tissues, including humans, leading to serious health risks. These "forever chemicals" don't break down easily and they're highly transmissible through air, water, and soil. Because of potential cross-surface contamination, factories aiming to produce PFAS-free materials will most likely need to eliminate PFAS entirely from their processes, a daunting task but one that could trigger a domino effect of widespread adoption of PFAS-free manufacturing. ●     Collaboratively Evolving Sustainability: Sustainability is a continuously evolving journey. We learn, test, improve, and then repeat the process. To accelerate collective progress towards a sustainable future, transparency is key. When organizations share their sustainable innovations openly, others can replicate successful strategies and propose even better solutions. Transparency fosters a collaborative environment where sustainable practices can rapidly evolve and improve across many organizations and industries collectively. ●     Shifting to Net Positive: Alex pointed out a stark truth: the most sustainable action for companies, as they currently operate, would be to cease business. The black and white truth of this statement illustrates how radically we need to transform our current business approaches. The goal is to shift from a standard and accepted operating model that has a net negative impact on the planet to achieving a net positive impact. This paradigm shift demands a complete overhaul of our current operating methods, pushing us towards innovative, planet-friendly business models. References: ●     Connect with Alex on LinkedIn ●     Outdoor Research ●     Outdoor Industry Association ●     Nikwax ●     California AB 1817 “Product safety: textile articles: perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)” ●     bluesign ●     International Trade Association page on the Berry Amendment Connect & Share: If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts/iTunes? It takes less than 60 seconds, and it really makes a difference in helping to convince hard-to-get guests. I also love reading them! If this episode resonated with you, I ask you to send it to a friend. Help bring even more visibility to these leaders that are using business as a force for good! Subscribe to the Purpose and Profit newsletter to make sure you don't miss future episodes. This podcast is for you, the listener. I'd love to hear what resonated with you, or if you have a suggestion on who would be a great guest for this show. Please send me a note at info@KathyVarol.com.

Rob Acton is the Founder & CEO of Cause Strategy Partners. Through his firm's signature program BoardLead, Cause Strategy Partners has placed nearly 3,000 professionals in the United States and the United Kingdom on nonprofit boards, while training tens-of-thousands more in high-impact nonprofit board service. Rob is a recognized expert on nonprofit governance and leadership. He has nearly three decades of experience founding, leading, and scaling social good organizations as both a nonprofit chief executive and board leader. Rob currently chairs the Board of Directors of Broadway Inspirational Voices. His causes are second chances for formerly incarcerated individuals, nonprofit capacity building, and the performing arts. Rob's forthcoming book, Becoming a Causie: Champion Your Cause Through Nonprofit Board Leadership will be available for preorders on July 5th and is slated for release in early September. In this episode, we discuss: ●     The personal—and professional—benefits of joining a nonprofit board ●     What makes a great board member (and what makes a terrible board member) ●     Why diverse representation on nonprofit boards matters Key Takeaways: ●     Shifting The Conversation To Meaningful Action. “What causes do you support, and how do you support them?” This was a question Rob started asking people, instead of the standard “What do you do for a living.” It stopped people in their tracks. I love this question. In an age when so many people confuse liking an Instagram post with action, this question moves beyond what causes matter to you and into the world-changing realm of actions. With that in mind, I'd like to ask you: “What causes do you support, and how do you support them?” ●     The Three T's of Board Commitment. Rob discussed the commitment expected of nonprofit board members, emphasizing the three T's: Time, Talent, and Treasure. Time involves dedicating 4-6 hours a month, manageable alongside a regular job. Talent means leveraging your professional skills to guide the nonprofit. Treasure is about financially supporting the cause, reinforcing your commitment. There's a psychological shift when you invest your own resources, and it feels disingenuous to ask others to donate if you haven't done so yourself. ●     Setting Up for Success. Cause Strategy Partners provides a blueprint for success that all organizations can learn from. They emphasize three key components: high expectations, training, and accountability. High expectations mean clearly defining the job role and responsibilities from the start. Training ensures individuals acquire the necessary skills to excel. Accountability involves regular check-ins to track progress and ensure each person meets the established expectations. This structured approach sets new board members—and employees—up for success. References: Connect with Rob on LinkedIn Cause Strategy Partners Taproot Foundation Broadway Inspirational Voices Connect & Share: If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts/iTunes? It takes less than 60 seconds, and it really makes a difference in helping to convince hard-to-get guests. I also love reading them! If this episode resonated with you, I ask you to send it to a friend. Help bring even more visibility to these leaders that are using business as a force for good! Subscribe to the Purpose and Profit newsletter to make sure you don't miss future episodes. This podcast is for you, the listener. I'd love to hear what resonated with you, or if you have a suggestion on who would be a great guest for this show. Please send me a note at info@KathyVarol.com.

Anna Hammond is the Founder and CEO of Matriark Foods, a social impact business on a mission to scale access to healthy food for the benefit of people and the environment. Each year in the USA, roughly 33 million tons of perfectly healthy vegetables never make it to the table. That's a waste of food, water, and greenhouse gasses. It's bad for farmers and the planet. Matriark Foods upcycles farm surplus and fresh-cut remnants into healthy, delicious, low sodium vegetable products for schools, hospitals, food banks and other foodservice.  All Matriark products are Upcycled Certified. Upcycled food is about doing more with less, and elevating all food to its highest and best use. Matriark is also a certified Women-Owned Business (WBE) that mentors and supports other WBEs. It's a fact that despite receiving less than 5% of venture capital,  WBEs outperform  other structures by 63%. In the words of Joan Armatrading, “If women ruled the world, it would be a good thing.” Matriark Foods is a shining example of this. In this episode, we discuss: ●      The issues with our current food system that cause so much food waste while people go hungry. ●      What Upcycled Certified means. ●      How Matriark Foods benefitted from participating in incubators and accelerators. Key Takeaways:  Forging New Paths: Imagine setting out on a journey into uncharted territory, where every step forward demands innovation and resilience. For the most interesting projects with the biggest potential to make an impact, at the start there is no “plug and play”. In order to have a plug and play you need a system to plug into. But when you're creating entirely new ways of doing things across an entire supply chain, you're doing the heavy lifting of creating an entirely new system. While the initial stages will be daunting, each stride forward lays the foundation for a future where, eventually at scale, you will have created a new system that others can plug into—and that new system you forged will enable systemic change making a bigger impact than any one person or organization could ever have on their own. This work of system reinvention takes time, it takes collaboration, and it's essential for fixing the broken systems we're currently relying on that are damaging people and the planet.  Tackling Food Loss and Waste: Food loss (on farms and in supply chains) and waste (at the retail and consumer levels) deprives farmers of income, costs consumers money, and exacerbates biodiversity loss. All while more than 700 million people go hungry worldwide including 44 million Americans (13 million of which are children). America discards more food than any other country, an estimated 30-40% of the entire food supply. Each year that equates to 46 million tons of food, 145 billion meals, and $473 billion lost dollars that were used to grow, transport and dispose of the surplus (which is roughly 2% of U.S. GDP). This wasted food not only doesn't make it to hungry people's mouths, it's also a greenhouse gas footprint equivalent to 4% of total U.S. GHG emissions. All of that of that time, energy, and money for nothing. Matriark's innovative approach to food upscaling offers a triple win: income for farmers and manufacturers, reducing carbon footprints, and enhancing nutritional well-being.  Food as a Gateway: Food is more than nourishment; it's a gateway to connection, grounding, and humanity. We talk about breaking bread with others, as a way to form bonds. And food is literally how we nurture our bodies, so they have the fuel they need to operate in the world. Food is a way to ground, since natural food literally comes from the ground. Food serves as a cornerstone of human experience that ties us all together—but too many people are still tied together by the shared experience of food insecurity. This is a global problem, that we call need to do our part to help solve.  References: ●      Connect with Anna on LinkedIn ●      Matriark Foods ●      Matriark Foods + Google Food Team case study ●      ReFED ●      Baldor Specialty Foods ●      Chex Finer Foods ●      Hudson Harvest ●      Rainforest Distribution ●      Foodbuy ●      Compass Group ●      Upcycled Food Association ●      Planet FWD Connect & Share: If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts/iTunes? It takes less than 60 seconds, and it really makes a difference in helping to convince hard-to-get guests. I also love reading them!  If this episode resonated with you, I ask you to send it to a friend. Help bring even more visibility to these leaders that are using business as a force for good! Subscribe to the Purpose and Profit newsletter to make sure you don't miss future episodes. This podcast is for you, the listener. I'd love to hear what resonated with you, or if you have a suggestion on who would be a great guest for this show. Please send me a note at info@KathyVarol.com.

Join Melissa as she delves into somatic fitness and intentional movement, unveiling their transformative effects on mind-body connection. Discover her vision for personalized approaches in health & fitness, and learn about her pioneering Somatic Wellness Community. Tune in to explore the future of holistic wellness with Melissa! References: Connect with Melissa on Instagram Music by Ruwin from Pixabay. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/harmonicexpressions/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/harmonicexpressions/support

Shawn Seipler is the founder and CEO of Clean The World, a social enterprise that offers sustainable, socially responsible programs to the hospitality and meetings industry. Their mission is to prevent millions of deaths caused by acute respiratory infection and diarrheal disease.   Clean The World started in Shawn's garage in 2009, recycling leftover soap from hotel rooms to create new bars for those in need. Today Clean the World is a global enterprise with over 8,300 hospitality partners, and processing centers in seven cities that have manufactured and donated more than 84 million bars of soap while diverting 26.7 million pounds of waste from landfills. Partner organization CTW Events is a customizable team-building experience with a purpose that enables corporate teams to build hygiene or educational kits. Since 2012, CTW Events has distributed 5.1 million kits to over 933 charity partners around the globe and supported 191,000 hours of corporate team-building participation. In this episode we discuss: ●     How one person's trash can be another person's treasure (and life saver!) ●     The ups and downs of a social impact start-up ●     The importance of mission when the going gets tough Key Takeaways: ●     The Power of Clarity: Ever notice how a simple, easy-to-understand mission can light a fire in your belly? It's like a roadmap, guiding us through the twists and turns of our journey. When a mission speaks to our hearts, it's not just a statement—it's a call to action that inspires us to roll up our sleeves and get to work. In a world buzzing with noise, clarity is a powerful lightning bolt leading us toward meaningful change ●     Honoring the Why: Amidst the complexities of execution, it's essential to stay true to your “why” not your “how”. While strategies and tactics may evolve, the core purpose (i.e. your “why) remains constant, guiding decision-making and fostering authenticity. Staying true to our why is like finding our true north. It keeps our actions grounded, reminding us of our core values and passions. ●     The Rise of Changemakers: We need more people rolling up their sleeves and using their intellect, creativity, and business knowledge to dive into the world of social enterprises—accelerating the business revolution. The power of social enterprise is in the marriage of business savvy with social impact. It's the marriage of purpose and profit. These changemakers aren't just dreaming of a better world—they're building it, one impactful venture at a time. References: ●     Connect with Shawn on LinkedIn ●     Clean the World ●     The WASH Foundation ●     CTW Events ●     The Soap Story Museum ●     “After 10 million bars of soap, Clean the World is just beginning”, Orlando Sentinel ●     CBS Evening News feature on Clean the World ●     Learn about becoming a B Corp at B Lab. Connect & Share: If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts/iTunes? It takes less than 60 seconds, and it really makes a difference in helping to convince hard-to-get guests. I also love reading them! If this episode resonated with you, I ask you to send it to a friend. Help bring even more visibility to these leaders that are using business as a force for good! Subscribe to the Purpose and Profit newsletter to make sure you don't miss future episodes. This podcast is for you, the listener. I'd love to hear what resonated with you, or if you have a suggestion on who would be a great guest for this show. Please send me a note at info@KathyVarol.com.

Hannes Schoenegger is the co-founder and CEO of Swiss bag brand QWSTION and its “spin-off” company Bananatex®. QWSTION has been making bags from plants since 2008, combining functionality and timeless design with the smallest ecological footprint and biggest social footprint possible. Their efforts have been honored with several international awards for outstanding material development and sustainability solutions. Bananatex® is a Cradle to Cradle Gold Certified® material.  In this episode, we discuss: Why recycling won't solve the global plastic pollution problem Understanding the full cost of materials The importance of questioning the status quo Key Takeaways: Beyond Recycling: Addressing global plastic pollution requires more than just recycling. While recycling plays a role, it's not a complete solution. First, not all plastics can be recycled, and those that can degrade with each recycling cycle, limiting future usability. Plastic's diverse chemical composition also complicates the recycling process by making effective sorting challenging when compared to materials like glass and aluminum. Moreover, the recycling process itself can increase toxicity and release harmful microplastics into the environment. Equitable Waste Management: It's interesting to think about how to spread the cost of our waste problem across all stakeholders. While regulations target corporations' environmental impact, what about consumer responsibility? Could a shift toward consumer accountability for end-of-use disposal accelerate demand for sustainable alternatives, prompting companies to adopt more eco-friendly practices? Navigating Sustainability's Complexity: Sustainability is complex because you're dealing with natrual ecosystems and business systems, and sometimes there aren't clear ways to value costs and benefits. We don't always know all the implications of a process or decision. But what we can do is make the best decisions available to us given the information we know now. For example, we know plastic can be a huge problem, and therefore we need to start innovating alternative solutions across the board. References: Connect with Hannes on LinkedIn Bananatex® A Textile (R)evolution, a short film on Bananatex® QWSTION The National Law Review primer on New York State's “Fashion Act” Connect & Share: If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts/iTunes? It takes less than 60 seconds, and it really makes a difference in helping to convince hard-to-get guests. I also love reading them! If this episode resonated with you, I ask you to send it to a friend. Help bring even more visibility to these leaders that are using business as a force for good! Subscribe to the Purpose and Profit newsletter to make sure you don't miss future episodes. This podcast is for you, the listener. I'd love to hear what resonated with you, or if you have a suggestion on who would be a great guest for this show. Please send me a note at info@KathyVarol.com.

Kimberly Shenk is the co-founder & CEO of Novi Connect, a company that was inspired out of transparency pain points Kimberly experienced firsthand launching an indie clean beauty company. Novi Connect is the first data-driven marketplace for personal care product development. Novi helps brands create clean and sustainable products by working with suppliers, manufacturers, brands, and retailers to validate ingredients along the supply chain. The company acts as a neutral party to ensure full transparency while protecting intellectual property for each group.  Kimberly was formerly the Head of Product/Data Science for multiple tech startups, including Eventbrite, and served as a Data Scientist and Officer in the United States Air Force. She holds an MS from MIT and a BS from the U.S. Air Force Academy.  If you're in the beauty industry and would like to learn more about Novi Connect, head to their website and sign up for a free account: noviconnect.com/purpose In this episode, we discuss: ●      How to start building a trusted network across stakeholders in order to deliver benefits along the supply chain ●      How intellectual property within industries can create challenges for transparency ●      Why it's difficult to verify source ingredients the further down the supply chain you go Key Takeaways:  ●      The Empowerment of Third-Party Verification. The power of third-party verification comes from two crucial factors. First,unlike internal assessments, an unbiased outside entity assesses the product. A third-party verification cannot be bought, and this independence ensures the integrity and credibility of the verification process. Second, these verifiers stake their own reputation on their assessments, underscoring their accountability and commitment to integrity. To maintain credibility and mitigate legal risks, they rigorously conduct due diligence before endorsing any product. ●      Broken Systems Inspire Innovation. I've said this many times and I'll say it again: When you experience a broken system, that experience is an invitation to fix it. To innovate a solution takes courage, creativity, and a leap of faith. Kimberly experienced a broken system when running her own beauty brand, and that experience inspired her to create a new company that fixes the challenges she encountered. By creating Novi Connect, she's created a solution that helps an entire industry. ●      Data Science's Role in Advancing Transparency. The evolution of data science has revolutionized our capacity to capture and analyze diverse datasets, fostering transparency within businesses and across sectors. This transparency helps us make more informed decisions, driving progress and accountability. Looking ahead, the integration of AI holds promise for further transparency, shaping a future where data-driven insights catalyze positive change. References: Connect with Kimberly on LinkedIn Novi Connect ChemFORWARD Connect & Share: If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts/iTunes? It takes less than 60 seconds, and it really makes a difference in helping to convince hard-to-get guests. I also love reading them!  If this episode resonated with you, I ask you to send it to a friend. Help bring even more visibility to these leaders that are using business as a force for good!  Subscribe to the Purpose and Profit newsletter to make sure you don't miss future episodes.  This podcast is for you, the listener. I'd love to hear what resonated with you, or if you have a suggestion on who would be a great guest for this show. Please send me a note at info@KathyVarol.com.

Benj Miller chats with Dr. Randy Ross, an author and speaker who specializes in leadership, culture, and employee experience. They discuss three of Dr. Ross's books: 'Remarkable,' 'Relationomics,' and 'Fireproof Happiness.' Dr. Ross shares insights on creating a movement of good, building a relationally rich environment, and developing hope and happiness. He emphasizes the importance of values-based goal setting, positive relationships, and faith. This episode is sponsored by The 261. Start your day with clarity! As leaders, we have countless things on our mind: things we need to do, things we're not doing, problems we need to solve, new exciting ideas––all jotted down in that worn out mental notebook we keep in our heads.  But, sometimes leaders and entrepreneurs simply need to step away from the mental clutter––sometimes we don't need the notebook, we just need a sticky note––a simple reminder along the way to help us gain clarity and control of our business.  That's why we created a new FREE resource called The 261. As you may know, there are 261 work days in the calendar year. So, we have mapped out the entire year with daily micro thoughts and micro actions––sticky notes––to help keep the ball moving forward in your personal life as a leader and for the sake of your business. If you want to start your day with clarity and receive a short, helpful thought to jumpstart your leadership, please go to The261.com and sign up! References: Connect with Dr. Randy Ross on LinkedIn Remakable by Dr. Randy Ross Relationomics by Dr. Randy Ross Fireproof Happiness by Dr. Randy Ross Make Life Good by Dr. Randy Ross

Glen Delaney is a project director at the nonprofit Earth Economics. Earth Economics quantifies and values the benefits nature provides, driving effective decisions and systemic change through a combination of education, natural capital analysis, and policy recommendations. As businesses begin to explore their impact and dependency on nature, valuation is a useful tool for integrating nature into their existing frameworks. In his role, Glen works with climate-impacted communities, tribes, and governments to value ecosystem services—the benefits created by nature—translating their work protecting and restoring nature into a dollar figure. In this episode, we discuss: ●     What “ecosystem goods” and “ecosystem services” are and why they're valuable ●     How and why businesses are starting to value nature ●     Frameworks that help businesses embed nature into their strategy and decision-making Key Takeaways: ●     The Economic Wake-Up Call from Nature. The conversation around nature's value is growing louder, especially as we confront a critical juncture where environmental degradation and climate change start to hit our wallets. Look at California, where leading insurers like State Farm and Allstate stepped back from renewing homeowner policies in 2024 due to increasing risks. This move strips individuals of coverage, leaving them to face financial vulnerabilities on their own. Companies too are grappling with the tangible impacts of climate change, from droughts affecting manufacturing to unpredictable crop yields in supply chains. It's a stark reminder of an old adage: we often fail to appreciate what we have until it's under threat. Our collective delay in valuing nature's gifts is now being countered with the harsh reality of its decline, signaling an urgent call for environmental stewardship. ●     Climate Change: The Economics of Health Impacts. The repercussions of climate change extend well beyond financial losses, touching the very essence of our well-being. Health insurance companies are also considering adjusting premiums to reflect the increased risks associated with environmental shifts. Wildfires deteriorating air quality, extreme heatwaves, and out-of-character flooding are translating into higher medical claims and hospitalizations. Droughts leading to wildfires not only claim lives and devastate communities but also jeopardize access to healthcare, contaminate water sources, and degrade air quality far beyond the immediate areas of the fires. ●     A Global Domino Effect: From Migration to Food Security. While the U.S. may not be grappling with climate-induced migration or food security yet, the global nature of our supply chains and the pandemic have highlighted our interconnectedness. Events unfolding across the globe offer a glimpse into potential future scenarios closer to home. Our global interdependence reminds us that the impacts of climate change are not confined by borders. References: Connect with Glen on LinkedIn Earth Economics The Natural Capital Protocol framework by Capitals Coalition Task Force for Nature-related Financial Disclosures inVEST by the Natural Capital Project, Stanford University The Nature Conservancy Kresge Foundation Soil and Water Outcomes Fund by Quantified Ventures Avahoula Climate Mitigation Project with Pachama & Delta Land Services Stitching the West Back Together: Conservation of Working Landscapes, edited by Susan Charnley, Thomas E. Sheridan, and Gary P. Nabhan Purpose and Profit episode with Fawn Bergen, lead of Intel's Corporate Sustainability Group Ecosystem Services Valuation Database (ESVD) Connect & Share: If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts/iTunes? It takes less than 60 seconds, and it really makes a difference in helping to convince hard-to-get guests. I also love reading them! If this episode resonated with you, I ask you to send it to a friend. Help bring even more visibility to these leaders that are using business as a force for good! Subscribe to the Purpose and Profit newsletter to make sure you don't miss future episodes. This podcast is for you, the listener. I'd love to hear what resonated with you, or if you have a suggestion on who would be a great guest for this show. Please send me a note at info@KathyVarol.com.

Senan Ebrahim is a physician-scientist and entrepreneur dedicated to creating technology to improve global and maternal health. Senan is the founder and CEO of Delfina. He developed Delfina to create lifesaving AI-powered pregnancy care after personally witnessing the challenges faced by pregnant patients and their care teams. Senan previously founded Hikma Health, a tech nonprofit creating digital health solutions for refugees, migrants, and other vulnerable populations. He has an MD and PhD from Harvard in Computational Neuroscience In this episode, we discuss: ●      Why the United States has the highest rate of maternal mortality in the developed world ●      Why maternal health inequity exists across populations ●      The importance of data for better decision-making (and better health outcomes) Key Takeaways: ●      Change Takes a Village - Real change, the kind that reshapes systems, is a team effort. It thrives on a network of individuals across the whole system that are ready to rethink, test, and collaborate to create better solutions for us all. Senan's initiative with Delfina in maternal healthcare shines a spotlight on this truth. Senan is the first to acknowledge all of the partners that have shaped Delfina's journey. From doctors willing to pilot a new idea, to users offering feedback for refinement. The truth is, that it takes a village to create systemic change. ●      Tailoring Solutions to Fit the User - The principle of one size fits all falls short in addressing complex human behaviors, especially when it comes to health and wellness. Delfina's approach to maternal healthcare highlights the importance of understanding and respecting individual risk, environment, and challenges. By integrating recommendations that resonate with the individual's daily life and cultural context, Delfina makes behavioral change more approachable and sustainable. This sensitivity to the nuances of the user experience isn't just thoughtful—it's effective, bridging the gap between knowledge and action in meaningful ways that create better outcomes for all. ●      Closing the Gap Between Us and “Other” - Refugees are often painted with broad strokes that obscure their individuality and humanity. Senan mentioned his grandmother was a Syrian refugee. My family is intertwined with narratives of displacement and resilience as well. From my father and grandparents' escape from Lithuania during WWII, to my sister-in-law's flight from war-torn Cambodia. Each story is a testament to the human spirit, and each story reminds us that the plight of refugees is not a distant issue; it's woven into the very fabric of our communities. By bringing these stories into the light, we bridge the gap between 'us' and 'them,' transforming refugees from abstract concepts into fellow humans deserving of empathy, dignity, and support. The more we share stories of displacement, the more the refugee crisis moves out of the shadows of “someone else's problem to solve”, and gently nestles into our interconnectedness, asking us to care for our fellow humans.  References: ●      Connect with Senan on LinkedIn ●      Delfina ○      Learn more about Delfina's collaboration with the Mayo Clinic here ●      Hikma Health  Connect & Share: If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts/iTunes? It takes less than 60 seconds, and it really makes a difference in helping to convince hard-to-get guests. I also love reading them! If this episode resonated with you, I ask you to send it to a friend. Help bring even more visibility to these leaders that are using business as a force for good! Subscribe to the Purpose and Profit newsletter to make sure you don't miss future episodes.  This podcast is for you, the listener. I'd love to hear what resonated with you, or if you have a suggestion on who would be a great guest for this show. Please send me a note at info@KathyVarol.com.

Benj interviews Judy Kane, a mindset change specialist. They discuss the process of changing subconscious beliefs and how it can impact various aspects of life. Judy explains that mindset change involves rewriting subconscious beliefs that are getting in the way of personal growth and success. She shares examples of common subconscious beliefs, such as fear of success and scarcity mindset. Judy also provides insights on recognizing self-sabotage and uncovering subconscious beliefs. The conversation highlights the importance of visualizing desired outcomes and being gentle with oneself during the process of mindset change. Takeaways Mindset change involves rewriting subconscious beliefs that are hindering personal growth and success. Recognizing patterns of self-sabotage can indicate the presence of subconscious beliefs that need to be addressed. Visualizing desired outcomes can help in changing subconscious beliefs. This episode is sponsored by The 261.  Start your day with clarity! As leaders, we have countless things on our mind: things we need to do, things we're not doing, problems we need to solve, new exciting ideas––all jotted down in that worn out mental notebook we keep in our heads.  But, sometimes leaders and entrepreneurs simply need to step away from the mental clutter––sometimes we don't need the notebook, we just need a sticky note––a simple reminder along the way to help us gain clarity and control of our business.  That's why we created a new FREE resource called The 261. As you may know, there are 261 work days in the calendar year. So, we have mapped out the entire year with daily micro thoughts and micro actions––sticky notes––to help keep the ball moving forward in your personal life as a leader and for the sake of your business. If you want to start your day with clarity and receive a short, helpful thought to jumpstart your leadership, please go to The261.com and sign up!  References: Connect with Judy on LinkedIn AlignedConsciousness.com

Shola Richards' life's mission is an ambitious one: To end generations of professional suffering, simply by changing how we treat each other at work. An advocate for positive change, Shola addresses the often-ignored issue of workplace bullying by highlighting its impact on trust, communication, and company resources. With a focus on unveiling the cost of toxic behaviors, Shola offers practical solutions for creating healthier work environments. At his core, Shola is an advocate and humanitarian, guiding us back to our shared humanity. Shola shares his insights as a speaker, coach, consultant, and author. His work includes the best-selling books Go Together and Making Work Work, with a third booking coming out in late 2024.   I met Shola a year ago at an incredible NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming) workshop. I immediately gravitated toward his genuine warmth and openness. Shola is a remarkable human-being, making a huge impact. In this episode, we discuss: ●      The transformative power of sharing mental health stories ●      The importance of practicing civility in modern-day discourse ●      The often-overlooked distinction between being nice and being kind Key Takeaways: ●      Embracing Ubuntu: "I Am Because We Are". Imagine a world where we live by the profound ethos of ubuntu, an African philosophy that teaches, "I am because we are." This philosophy illuminates our inherent interconnectedness. It suggests that our humanity is inextricably linked to the humanity of others, and that our personal well-being is anchored in the collective well-being of society. Shola's exploration of ubuntu in Go Together suggests that adopting this worldview could revolutionize our approach to life, work, and leadership. Ultimately, transforming the world around us. ●      Cultivating Culture: A Collective Responsibility. We are all collectively responsible for the culture we live in, the culture we work in, and the culture we're passing down to the next generation. Simply put, culture is just a collection of the norms we accept, or no longer accept. Culture is powerful because it permeates everything. Seeping into how we behave, how we view the world, and how we view ourselves. What we have compassion for and what we judge. What cultural norms don't feel right to you? When have you felt like you had to “play the game” when your insides were boiling or crumbling? What if, next time you felt that way, you took a deep breath and said “That didn't sit well with me. Can you please explain what you meant?”. This could invite a courageous dialogue that might just help pave the road to a better culture. ●      Protecting the Heart of the Workplace: Listening to the Empaths. In environments that feel cold and disconnected, those most in touch with their humanity—the empaths—feel the impact most sharply. They are the canary in the coal mine, alerting us to psychological hazards that lurk within toxic cultures. For leaders, the call to action is clear: listen and respond. Ignoring toxic behaviors erodes morale, diminishes trust in leadership, and questions the organizational commitment to employee well-being. Remember, your employees are building your company's future. Their success is your success. As leaders, it's your job to foster a nurturing environment where every team member can thrive, innovate, and excel.  References: ●      Connect with Shola on LinkedIn ●      Shola's website ●      Books by Shola: ○      Making Work Work: The Solution for Bringing Positive Change to Any Work Environment ○      Go Together: How the Concept of Ubuntu will Change How We Work, Live and Lead ●      Keep an eye out for Shola's next book due out September 2024 ○      Civil Unity: The Radical Path to Transform Our Discourse, Our Lives, and Our World  Connect & Share: If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts/iTunes? It takes less than 60 seconds, and it really makes a difference in helping to convince hard-to-get guests. I also love reading them!  If this episode resonated with you, I ask you to send it to a friend. Help bring even more visibility to these leaders that are using business as a force for good! Subscribe to the Purpose and Profit newsletter to make sure you don't miss future episodes.  This podcast is for you, the listener. I'd love to hear what resonated with you, or if you have a suggestion on who would be a great guest for this show. Please send me a note at info@KathyVarol.com.

Uncovering the Hidden Job Market: Strategies for Success Uncovering the Hidden Job Market: Strategies for Success In this episode, Jessica delves into the concept of the hidden job market, revealing valuable strategies for job seekers to uncover opportunities that may not be advertised on traditional job boards. From networking and leveraging social media to utilizing niche job boards and mastering the art of cold outreach, Jessica provides insightful tips and practical advice to help listeners navigate the competitive job market with confidence and success. Tune in to discover how to tap into the hidden job market and unlock doors to your dream career. Key Points Covered: Understanding the hidden job market and its significance in today's competitive job market. The importance of networking and building genuine relationships for uncovering hidden job opportunities. Leveraging social media platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook to expand your job search and engage with industry professionals. Exploring niche job boards and online communities tailored to your skills and interests. Mastering the art of cold outreach by crafting personalized and targeted messages to potential employers. Staying proactive, persistent, and confident in your job search journey. Insights on upcoming episodes featuring guest speakers and additional resources for further exploration. Additional Resources and References: Connect with Jessica Fiesta George on LinkedIn for more career insights and updates. Stay tuned for upcoming episodes featuring guest speaker Richard Triggs, author of a book on the hidden job market. Share your feedback, success stories, and topic suggestions with Jessica via social media or email. Subscribe to the Jess Get Hired podcast for regular episodes on navigating the job market with confidence and success. Check out Episode 3: Your LinkedIn Profile Sucks Check out Episode 12: Your LinkedIn Profile STILL Sucks Learn more: www.jessgethired.com

In this episode of the Global Medical Device Podcast, host Etienne Nichols delves into the world of medical device quality and reliability with expert guest Kevin Becker. They explore the nuanced challenges of ethical decision-making in the MedTech industry, the complexities of accelerated testing, and the continuous quest for quality improvement. Becker, author of "Quality Myths and Lessons Learned," shares his insights from the second edition of his book, emphasizing the importance of ethics, the intricacies of statistical models, and the practical aspects of quality management in medical devices.Key Timestamps:[00:00:00] Introduction to Kevin Becker and the topic of the episode[00:05:20] Discussion on the new chapter about ethics in Becker's book[00:10:35] Insights into accelerated testing and its application in medical devices[00:15:50] Kevin Becker's five levels of knowledge and its relevance to MedTech professionals[00:20:45] The significance of standing up for what's right in quality and regulatory matters[00:25:30] Real-life examples of complex problem-solving in medical device engineering[00:30:55] Final thoughts and advice from Kevin Becker for MedTech professionalsQuotes:"The first level of knowledge is you don't have a clue... The third level is you know enough to be effective, which is where we all want to be." - Kevin Becker"All models are wrong; some models are useful." - Quoted by Kevin Becker, highlighting the pragmatic approach in engineering and quality assurance."Do something, do anything. If it's wrong, we'll learn from it. Just do something." - Kevin Becker's advice to overcome analysis paralysis in product development.Takeaways:Latest MedTech Trends: The episode underscores the critical role of ethics in the rapidly evolving MedTech industry, where technological advancements and moral responsibilities intersect.Practical Tips: Listeners gain practical insights into the importance of rigorous testing, continuous learning, and ethical decision-making in ensuring the quality and reliability of medical devices.Future Predictions: The discussion hints at the increasing significance of statistical models and accelerated testing in predicting and enhancing the longevity and efficacy of medical devices.References:Connect with Kevin Becker on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-becker-48627014/Kevin Becker's book "Quality Myths and Lessons Learned" (Second Edition) offers a deeper dive into the topics discussed, with a focus on ethics, quality management, and statistical methods in the medical device industry. Connect with Etienne Nichols on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/etiennenichols/Questions for the Audience:Poll: "What do you believe is the most significant ethical challenge facing the MedTech industry today?"Share your thoughts and experiences with us at podcast@greenlight.guruFeedback:We value your feedback

Sam Shiroff is the Senior Director of Global Sustainability for EnerSys. A multibillion-dollar business serving over 10,000 customers in 100 countries, EnerSys is an industrial technology leader offering stored energy solutions that meet the growing need for energy efficiency, reliability, and sustainability. The company's purpose is “Powering the Future, Everywhere for Everyone”. Sam combines 20+ years of international corporate ESG, sustainability, and community relations experience with a deep knowledge of carbon finance, energy efficiency, and the nonprofit world. Sam has held leadership roles in sustainability at nonprofit organizations and companies including Bosch, Deutsche Bank, and Signet Jewelers. He was a Fulbright Scholar to Germany, has an MBA, a Creating Shared Value (CSV) accreditation from Harvard Business School, is a LEED Green Associate, and is Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) accredited. In this episode, we discuss: ●      The role of batteries in transitioning to a renewable energy future ●      The enormous electronic vehicle market you never considered ●      An unexpected gold standard case study in the circular economy Key Takeaways: ●      Climate Tech – A Marriage of Growth and Sustainability. It's so cool to see companies—like EnerSys—whose business success is intrinsically linked to reducing carbon emissions. Their success is a barometer of our collective progress in battling climate change. The more we excel in this fight, the more they thrive. What if all companies had their individual thriving tied to our collective thriving? How would the world look differently? This is a model of growth that raises all boats with the tide. ●      The Ebb and Flow of Energy Consumption. I loved the description on how the power grid works—it's an exercise of balance, matching the energy poured in with what's drawn out. Consumer demand for energy is not consistent throughout the day, which is a challenge, but it's also cool to note that people are using the most energy during the day,  and when solar energy is available. It's neat that our own productive cycle mirrors nature's in this area. ●      The Many Gifts of Environmental Reporting. Sam's insights into environmental reporting sheds light on its multifaceted benefits within organizations. It's not just about compliance or public image; it's a tool that crystallizes sustainability strategies. It aligns teams on key metrics, sets benchmarks, and maps out ambitious goals. More importantly, it ensures a consistent focus on long-term progress and keeps the entire team engaged in the sustainability journey. When done right, environmental reporting acts as a compass guiding organizations towards a greener, more responsible future. References: ●      Connect with Sam on LinkedIn ●      EnerSys ●      International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) ●      Ridwell ●      Call2Recycle ●      Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) ●      Climate Disclosure Project (CDP) ●      United Nations Global Compact  Connect & Share: If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts/iTunes? It takes less than 60 seconds, and it really makes a difference in helping to convince hard-to-get guests. I also love reading them!  If this episode resonated with you, I ask you to send it to a friend. Help bring even more visibility to these leaders that are using business as a force for good! Subscribe to the Purpose and Profit newsletter to make sure you don't miss future episodes. This podcast is for you, the listener. I'd love to hear what resonated with you, or if you have a suggestion on who would be a great guest for this show. Please send me a note at info@KathyVarol.com.

Amelia Nickerson is the CEO of First Step Staffing, an organization that connects people experiencing homelessness, veterans, and recently incarcerated individuals to sustainable employment and income. The First Step team has created an ecosystem for success, coordinating closely with other nonprofits to help provide clients with resources and services such as housing, healthcare, childcare resources, transportation, food, and clothing needs to develop a stable path out of poverty and homelessness. First Step has successfully replicated the Atlanta-based model they started in 2007 to become the largest nonprofit staffing agency in the U.S., with operations in seven states. They employ more than 1,900 individuals weekly and in 2022, 75 percent of their staffing placements were actively experiencing homelessness, and 25 percent were recently incarcerated.  In this episode, we discuss: ●      Untapped talent waiting to fill your labor shortage ●      The power of solving social challenges through a business framework ●      The importance of avoiding mission creep Key Takeaways: ●      Blending Worlds – Nonprofits and Businesses Learning Together. Imagine a nonprofit moving with the agility and strategic growth mindset of a tech startup, reaching more people, creating greater impact. Now picture a corporate giant, inspired by the heart and purpose of a grassroots organization, igniting passion and commitment in its team. This is the essence of cross-sector learning. Nonprofits using business strategies can scale their impact, ensuring their cause isn't just a flash in the pan but an enduring beacon of change. On the flip side, businesses adopting a nonprofit's purpose-driven approach can see a transformation in their workforce. It's like adding a soul to the corporate machine; employees are no longer just working for a paycheck, but for a purpose. This cross-pollination of approaches between nonprofits and businesses isn't just beneficial—it's a powerful catalyst for sustainable growth and genuine engagement. ●      Reframing Challenges into Opportunities. How we frame a situation can transform it. Take, for instance, the employment of individuals with past criminal records. Viewing this as businesses benefiting from the untapped potential of these individuals, rather than doing them a favor, shifts the entire narrative. The statistics are compelling—$87 billion in GDP is lost from 1.9 million workers excluded due to criminal backgrounds. The unemployment and underemployment rates for formerly incarcerated individuals are staggering, and yet, those who find employment have a 70% lower rate of recidivism (i.e. reentering the prison system). They're not just employees; they often become dedicated, fast-learning members of the workforce. It's about changing the story from charity to opportunity, from exclusion to economic empowerment, from broken communities to thriving lives. ●      The Power of a Focused Purpose. There's a lesson to be learned from the Swiss army knife: trying to do everything can mean excelling at nothing. In business and life, it's easy to stretch yourself too thin when attempting to be a multi-tool. However, true effectiveness comes from honing in on your core purpose and core skills. Follow the example of First Step Staffing, and avoid mission creep.  Stick to your core focus and you'll not only do it well, you'll do it exceptionally. This approach is the key to making a meaningful impact. References: ●      Connect with Amelia on LinkedIn ●      First Step Staffing  Connect & Share: If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts/iTunes? It takes less than 60 seconds, and it really makes a difference in helping to convince hard-to-get guests. I also love reading them! If this episode resonated with you, I ask you to send it to a friend. Help bring even more visibility to these leaders that are using business as a force for good!  Subscribe to the Purpose and Profit newsletter to make sure you don't miss future episodes. This podcast is for you, the listener. I'd love to hear what resonated with you, or if you have a suggestion on who would be a great guest for this show. Please send me a note at info@KathyVarol.com.

Rohan Rajiv is a Director of Product at LinkedIn, focused on products that help LinkedIn members find jobs. Rohan also writes extensively for his blog, “A learning a day”- where he's shared a learning every day since 2008 - and his LinkedIn Newsletter, “Notes on Product Management” - where he breaks down product management best practices and frameworks for over 36K subscribers.  In this conversation, Rohan talks to us about managing your psychology and staying effective through all the ups and downs you experience as a product manager.  We cover:  What it means to manage your psychology Stages of processing feedback Why “Therapy” from the manager is critical to a PM's success The balance of celebrating wins and maintaining perspective The Product Management Mastermind is a community for product people to get advice, share advice and build relationships. Join ⁠The Product Management Mastermind on LinkedIn.  References: Connect with Rohan: Linkedin, Email: Rohan@rohanrajiv.com  “Managing your psychology” on Rohan's LinkedIn Newsletter Rohan's LinkedIn Newsletter - Notes on Product Management: Atomic Habits Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity Excellent Advice for Living Unreasonable Hospitality Song Credits: The Right Direction by Shane Ivers Note: Opinions shared are just those of the hosts and guests and not of the companies they work for.

Jenna speaks with Jackie Glaser- a life mentor, Torah teacher, and friend who guided Jenna on her Jewish journey for many years. Jackie, a former Today Show psychologist in Australia, combines her knowledge of Torah and psychology to help others gain a deep, real, and lasting clarity in dating and life. Jackie speaks about her personal dating journey, how she transitioned into coaching, the biggest obstacles in dating, client success stories, what to do if you are trying to find "the one," and much more. Click here for the new Modern Jewish Girl Website! References:Connect with JackieSouled Podcast

Since 2023, Rukaiyah Adams has served as CEO of the 1803 Fund, an innovative firm that seeks to grow shared prosperity through the alignment of financial investments and investments in community-based organizations. It is not a conventional investment firm, and it is not traditional philanthropy—its work includes aspects of both and is ultimately about ‘investing for the people'. Rukaiyah has been a pioneer in socially responsible investing, establishing key frameworks in the field. Previously she was CIO at Meyer Memorial Trust, where she spent 8 years growing the foundation's assets under management to more than $1 billion. Rukaiyah has also managed a $6.5 billion fund at The Standard and chaired the Oregon Investment Council, the board that manages approximately $100 billion of public pension and other assets for the State of Oregon. During her time as chair, the Oregon state pension fund was among the top-performing public pension funds in the United States.  Rukaiyah holds a BA from Carleton College, a JD from Stanford Law, and an MBA from Stanford Graduate School of Business. In this episode, we discuss: ●      A need to move away from putting bandaids on broken systems and move toward building new systems with awareness and intention ●      The problem inherent in reacting versus responding ●      The gifts of awareness that 2020 brought Key Takeaways: ●      The legacy of African Americans serving as the "original capital" in America is a deep stain on our history. It's a narrative that's still being wrestled with today. Rukaiyah explained it well: Imagine moving from being an object in the economic system to being a subject in control of it. Moving from being chess pieces to becoming the players. With the lens of being players in control, let's look at the term “capitalism”. The word "capital" isn't just about dollars; it encapsulates the value and benefits you bring to the table through your skills, energy, and time. Think of it as the ink in your personal narrative. The "ism" suffix? It converts the noun “capital” into action, practice, and process. No matter who you are, or what narrative society has tried to force on you, it's worth asking yourself: what story do you want to help write with your ink?  How do you want to use your inherent capital to contribute to—or reshape—existing narratives? What practices do you want to support, and where can you build something better than we ever imagined possible? ●      Language isn't just a collection of words and grammar; it's the very framework that shapes our perceptions and dreams. If your aspirations are so grand that no existing term captures their magnitude, then it's time to create new language. Once that new language is in place, it acts like a bridge, facilitating collaboration and sparking movements. Then we can evaluate the systems that support this new dream and identify those that act as roadblocks. Language shapes the way we think and defines the boundaries of our dreams; it's a tool for both reflection and revolution. ●      Discomfort is a precursor to growth. Much like a toddler learning to walk, stepping into unfamiliar territory is bound to involve stumbles and moments of frustration. But it's within this discomfort and uncertainty that expansion takes root. When you stretch beyond your current boundaries, knowledge, and capabilities, you're essentially investing in your future. And the currency? It's your newfound growth and abilities. Discomfort always precedes expansion; it's the gritty, less Instagrammable side of personal development. Yet, it's precisely in navigating this discomfort that your new capabilities evolve and eventually become as natural as walking.  References: ●      Connect with Rukaiyah on LinkedIn ●      1803 Fund ●      “A Love Letter to Portland, OR”, Rukaiyah's 2nd TEDx talk ●      “Homegirls' Guide to Being Powerful”, Rukaiyah's 1st TEDx talk ●      Meyer Memorial Trust ●      Michael McAfee ●      Beyond Doer and Done to: Recognition Theory, Intersubjectivity, and the Third by Jessica Benjamin ●      Albina Vision Trust Connect & Share: If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts/iTunes? It takes less than 60 seconds, and it really makes a difference in helping to convince hard-to-get guests. I also love reading them! If this episode resonated with you, I ask you to send it to a friend. Help bring even more visibility to these leaders that are using business as a force for good! Subscribe to the Purpose and Profit newsletter to make sure you don't miss future episodes.  This podcast is for you, the listener. I'd love to hear what resonated with you, or if you have a suggestion on who would be a great guest for this show. Please send me a note at info@KathyVarol.com.

Maximilian Winter is the Founder and General Partner at Harmonix Fund as well as a fourth-generation entrepreneur. Having successfully deployed two funds, Maximilian has invested in over 40 early-stage companies, resulting in an enterprise valuation of $5 billion. Maximilian invests in scalable technological breakthroughs to advance human health and scientific progress. This includes improving healthcare, accelerating life sciences, and helping create deep tech infrastructures—the building blocks for a healthy civilization.  Maximilian's commitment to societal betterment extends to The Winter Family Foundation, a philanthropic organization he co-founded with his brother, Alexander Winter. In this episode, we discuss: ●      Challenges embedded in our current healthcare system ●      Science-fiction-sounding advances in bioresearch ●      How life's biggest hurdles can shape an individual's path and purpose Key Takeaways: ●      The metrics we choose to measure, in our lives and in our companies, often turn into the foundation for how we define success. Unfortunately, we've defaulted to the easiest-to-measure metric: money. When this metric isn't attached to anything meaningful, it rings hollow and causes the question, “Isn't there more to life than this?” to play on repeat as we sit through soulless meeting after soulless meeting. But real success is more complicated and nuanced. Real success asks us to dig deeper with questions like: Are you making a positive impact? Are you giving more than you're taking? Are you acting with integrity?  Are you creating a future that's better because you existed?   How would your relationship with work change if you changed the metric you used to measure success?  What if you were measuring how many lives you improved, how many endangered species you saved, or how many tons of plastic you diverted? If these questions awaken something in you, then consider where—in your life or business—you can start tracking metrics that align with your values. ●      Venture Capital has the ability to foreshadow our future because financiers are investing in the companies they believe will shape industries, or create new industries. They are placing a bet on what the future will look like. What if collectively we only invested in companies that not only have a potential financial return, but that are also designed to improve people, society, and the planet? What if we agreed on impact metrics to intentionally stack the investment deck, and ensure the future will be better? ●      Maximilian asked about my experience with our healthcare system. While I was in the Peace Corp, I was in a fatal bus accident. I lost a friend and I sustained a lot of injuries. I have a spiderweb of fractures spanning 7 bones in my face. One of the fractures splintered and punctured my brain lining, causing me to leak brain fluid out of my nose. I was in a hospital in Mocorro for two weeks until it was safe to fly me to the USA for medical treatment. I was lucky that my subsequent surgery to patch the hole in my brain lining was covered by workers' compensation. If it hadn't been, I would have had mountains of medical debt. The fact that in the USA you can not only have the misfortune of a serious illness or injury, but on top of that be saddled with financial ruin, highlights a very broken system.  References: Connect with Maximilian on LinkedIn Harmonix Population Services International (PSI) Development Innovation Ventures at USAID 3D Systems (parent of Volumetric) Peter Attia's website Fritz Winter  Connect & Share: If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts/iTunes? It takes less than 60 seconds, and it really makes a difference in helping to convince hard-to-get guests. I also love reading them! If this episode resonated with you, I ask you to send it to a friend. Help bring even more visibility to these leaders that are using business as a force for good! Subscribe to the Purpose and Profit newsletter to make sure you don't miss future episodes.  This podcast is for you, the listener. I'd love to hear what resonated with you, or if you have a suggestion on who would be a great guest for this show. Please send me a note at info@KathyVarol.com.

In this episode Anya hosts Dylan Bain: Financial Coach, CPA and founder of Intuitive Finance. He's a husband, father of two girls, and Men's Work group leader.Listen in as we discuss the tight rope walk that is modern relationships between men and women. Expect to learn about the difference in personal responsibility for men and women, why the sexual revolution has gone too far, and whether men and women feel pleasure in the same way? We touch on the root cause of immaturity in men and why does everything seem to be overly sexualized?References:Connect with Dylan here hereListen to the Intuitive Finance Podcast here_______________________________________________If you like what you heard then click subscribe today and don't miss an episodeYou can also watch the episodes on youtube hereFollow your host Anya Shakh on Instagram @anyashakh

Walden Lam is the co-founder and CEO of unspun, whose mission is to reduce global human carbon emissions by 1%. To get there, unspun is focused on zero-waste production and circular reuse for clothing. In their aim to remake the fashion industry, unspun had to remake how clothes are made. They started with digital fit jeans, and then created VEGA, a 3D weaving technology that changes how clothes are made to reduce waste, increase efficiency, and make clothes easier to recycle back into raw materials. unspun is also a certified B corp.  Prior to founding unspun, Walden led growth strategies at Lululemon, worked with innovative companies at IDEO, and invested in early-stage ventures.  I learned about unspun through Unreasonable Ventures, and in full transparency, I was so impressed with the change they're trying to create in the retail industry that my husband and I became investors in the company.   In this episode, we discuss: ●      How a truly ambitious goal can require a foundation of collaboration ●      the waste problem at the heart of the global fashion industry ●      What retail can learn from the local food movement Key Takeaways: ●      As the unspun website says, “It's a simple enough idea. Start with thousands of individual yarns, and directly weave them into seamless 3D textiles. Think 3D knitting... but 10X faster and 5X cheaper. By skipping entire steps in the conventional cut-and-sew process, Vega™ opens the door to an entirely new world of on-shore and on-demand production for woven apparel.” ●      Oversight of a global supply chain for a single company can be very difficult because so much of the production process for a single product is outsourced to other companies. It's not uncommon for clothing items to pass through the hands of 20 to 50 different suppliers, manufacturers, and intermediaries from the raw material stage (e.g., fabric production) to the finished product (e.g., retail distribution). When modern-day slavery or other issues show up in a company's global supply chain, they are (and should be) held accountable. But it's important to realize it can be difficult to monitor. What's unique about unspun is they take the raw material of yarn and turn it into a finished product, all under one roof. As a partner to other clothing brands, unspun's model drastically simplifies supply chain oversight. ●      California Governor Gavin Newsom plans to sign two landmark climate-related disclosure bills into law. The bills will require large companies in the US to disclose their full value chain emissions and report on climate-related financial risks. These laws would introduce the first major mandatory climate-related reporting obligations for many US companies and go beyond proposed SEC rules, including both public and private companies.  This increased visibility into scope 3 emissions will change the conversation around global supply chains, giving a huge benefit to companies like unspun that have figured out how to bring manufacturing closer to the end consumer.  References: ●      Connect with Walden on LinkedIn ●      unspun ●      Ellen Macarthur Foundation's The Jeans Redesign ●      Read more about the unspun/Eckhaus Latta collaboration here ●      European Commission press release on Extended Producer Responsibility for textiles Connect & Share: If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts/iTunes? It takes less than 60 seconds, and it really makes a difference in helping to convince hard-to-get guests. I also love reading them!  If this episode resonated with you, I ask you to send it to a friend. Help bring even more visibility to these leaders that are using business as a force for good! Subscribe to the Purpose and Profit newsletter to make sure you don't miss future episodes. This podcast is for you, the listener. I'd love to hear what resonated with you, or if you have a suggestion on who would be a great guest for this show. Please send me a note at info@KathyVarol.com.

In today's fast-paced world, “pause, rest, be” are three simple words that many of us (especially parents!) often overlook. Society doesn't give us any accolades for taking time out to rest, but as people's schedules get busier, our presence and connectedness as humans gets weaker.   Joining me today to normalize and demystify the practice of rest, is Octavia Raheem, an award-winning author, rest coach, and restorative yoga teacher. Octavia invites us into practices that enhance presence, groundedness, and a better sense of wellbeing– all of the things that we need and desire, yet are not reflected in our day-to-day living and calendar. We also explore how we can instill this practice into our children, without feeling like we're limiting their opportunities.    References:   Connect with Octavia:   Visit her website Follow her on Instagram Connect with Octavia on LinkedIn   Learn more about Devoted to Rest™, a transformational rest focused experience for visionary women leaders making a high impact in their fields   Octavia's books:   “Gather” “Pause, Rest, Be”   You can follow Brandi and her work @deardouapodcast on IG, @brandi_jordan_official IG, and send questions, comments and platitudes to brandi@deardoulapodcast.com. Have a question you want Brandi to answer? Shoot her an email or a DM and she might include it on her next podcast episode!   If you are looking for support with your children, you can reach out to us at The Cradle Company for more information on hiring a parenting or baby specialist.   If you appreciate Dear Doula, please take a minute to subscribe, rate and review! Time Stamps   1:42 - Octavia tells us about her bestselling book “Pause, Rest, Be” and what brought her to the space of telling people that they need to pause.   4:58 - Brandi asks Octavia how we can decondition ourselves from the narrative that we can only be successful if we are being productive.   10:50 - Rest isn't just simply sleeping, but it does start with good sleep hygiene. Recording restful, affirming, and restorative messages for you and your children can help to wind down.   13:59 - People are very overscheduled but embracing blank space can yield a lot of creativity.   16:36 - For people who didn't have access to lots of activities growing up, it can lead to overcompensating and putting our kids in things to make up for what we didn't get.    22:12 - Octavia and Brandi share their personal stories of times they have been overly productive to feel worthy and how they were able to catch this and build in rest and space.   27:46 - Brandi asks Octavia how she handles people who feel like they understand they need to rest but think that they don't have time. 34:07 - Octavia invites us into a one minute pause to help us embody the practice of pausing so that we can start to find that drop of peace for ourselves in our everyday lives.

Fawn Bergen leads Intel Corporation's Corporate Sustainability Group. In her role, Fawn directs the implementation of Intel's sustainability goals across their manufacturing operations and office facilities around the world, including Intel's commitments to reach net zero GHG emissions by 2040, 100% renewable electricity by 2030, net positive water by 2030, and zero waste to landfill by 2030. Fawn's 24+ years of experience in the environmental field has spanned multiple industries and specialties including air quality engineering, environmental engineering, global strategy, and environmental management roles. Prior to leading Intel's sustainability group, she led their climate change, water stewardship, and corporate air programs globally. In this episode, we discuss: ●      Intel's ESG Framework called RISE ●      Why water is a key sustainability focus for Intel ●      How Intel has reached 93% renewable energy across its global operations  Key Takeaways: ●      Gone are the days of vertical integration, which meant a business handled all aspects of production internally, from raw materials to final assembly. The Ford River Rouge complex, completed in 1928 in Dearborn, Michigan, was the largest vertically integrated factory in the world. River Rouge was a mile long and 1.5 miles wide. It contained over 100 miles of internal railroad tracks and housed everything from its own energy plant to an integrated steel mill. The factory took raw materials like iron and turned them into fully assembled Fords. Today companies rely on expansive supply chains to create their products, a horizontal integration across many companies. This change in business structure means there is an interconnectedness across companies and stakeholders when it comes to reaching individual corporate ESG goals. Take greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions as an example. There are 3 different scopes for GHG. Scope 3 emissions tend to be the largest emissions category because it covers all the companies up and down your supply chain whose emissions you are indirectly responsible for. A company can't reduce Scope 3 emissions without collaborating across the supply chain. ●      If your company is just beginning its ESG journey, consider starting where you have the most control. To be a great corporate partner requires cleaning up your own operations first. Today no company is an island, and the improvements you make to your own operations will benefit the footprint of the companies you work with across the supply chain. ●      Communities are asking for transparency and accountability from the corporations that operate near their homes. Fawn shared great examples of the questions Intel gets from the communities they operate in, as well as the work they're doing within these communities.  If you don't know the role your company is playing locally, ask. Challenge your leaders on how your organization can leave the community better off by virtue of being there.   References: ●      Connect with Fawn on LinkedIn ●      Intel's RISE Strategy and Goals ●      The 2022 CDP A-List ●      The Nature Conservancy ●      National Forest Foundation ●      Trout Unlimited ●      World Resources Institute Aqueduct page ●      WRI's fact sheet on Renewable Energy Certificates Connect & Share: If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts/iTunes? It takes less than 60 seconds, and it really makes a difference in helping to convince hard-to-get guests. I also love reading them! If this episode resonated with you, I ask you to send it to a friend. Help bring even more visibility to these leaders that are using business as a force for good! Subscribe to the Purpose and Profit newsletter to make sure you don't miss future episodes.  This podcast is for you, the listener. I'd love to hear what resonated with you, or if you have a suggestion on who would be a great guest for this show. Please send me a note at info@KathyVarol.com.

Lata Reddy is Senior Vice President of Inclusive Solutions at Prudential, and chair of The Prudential Foundation. In these roles, Lata harnesses the power of capital markets to drive financial and social mobility. By combining diversity strategies, impact investments, philanthropy, corporate contributions, and employee engagement with Prudential's full business capabilities, she helps position the company to promote inclusive economic opportunity and sustainable growth.  Under Lata's leadership, Prudential became one of the first institutional investors to grow and manage an impact investing portfolio with $1.2 billion in assets under management. Additionally, she oversees a yearly grant-making budget of over $40 million through The Prudential Foundation, and a $17 million corporate contributions budget.  In this episode, we discuss: ●      What it means to be an anchor institution (in your corporate HQ geography) ●      How the revitalization of a Newark mansion is supporting equity and access in the city ●      The importance of a learning mindset, and systems for continuous improvement  Key Takeaways: ●      This conversation reminds me of how small the world is, and the beauty that lies in finding overlapping connection points with others. Lata and I both have immigrant parents. Both of Lata's parents are from India. My father, and his parents and siblings, were refugees from Lithuania after WWII. When my family immigrated to America, they moved to Chicago. My grandmother found a job as an office cleaning-lady in the Prudential building downtown. Through employment, Prudential played a significant role in supporting the agency and financial security of my family, helping them integrate into a new community. I share this story to highlight the generational ripple effect. If my grandparents couldn't find work as refugees, my story would be drastically different. During this conversation, we discuss many ways that Prudential supports inclusive growth through its operations, investments, and grants. As Lata defines it, inclusive growth is about creating agency within people's lives so that they have the ability to make the best decisions for themselves and their families. These actions create ripples. ●      Over the course of history, our expectations for the timeline an investment should take has drastically shrunk. The Great Wall of China was built over the course of more than 2,000 years. Notre Dame took more than 100 years of major construction, and work continued for hundreds of years after. The Giza pyramids were built over the course of three generations. In contrast, modern-day shopping mall takes 2-5 years. With these shrunken timelines, the beauty and joy the end result delivers has also plummeted. The same immediacy mindset has happened with financial investments. The existence and growth of day trading is an illustration of this. In day trading, a trader buys and sells a financial instrument within the same trading day. The truth is, most things in life don't maximize over a day, or even a year. Getting a college education. Having children. Growing your career. Starting a business. If you're only focused on immediate returns, you can miss out on some of the most rewarding and impactful opportunities. From an investment standpoint, Prudential bucks this immediacy trend. They use a different approach called long-term investing, or patient capital, which means making a financial investment with no expectation of turning a quick profit but an anticipation of more substantial returns down the road. As the saying goes, good things come to those who wait. References: ●      Connect with Lata on LinkedIn ●      Corporate Social Responsibility at Prudential ●      My Brother's Keeper Newark (and nationally) ●      Makerhoods ●      L+M Development Partners page on the Hahne's department store redevelopment ●      Brick City Run Club ●      Newark Anchor Collaborative ●      Read more about “Equity Re-Imagined” here Connect & Share: If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts/iTunes? It takes less than 60 seconds, and it really makes a difference in helping to convince hard-to-get guests. I also love reading them! If this episode resonated with you, I ask you to send it to a friend. Help bring even more visibility to these leaders that are using business as a force for good! Subscribe to the Purpose and Profit newsletter to make sure you don't miss future episodes. This podcast is for you, the listener. I'd love to hear what resonated with you, or if you have a suggestion on who would be a great guest for this show. Please send me a note at info@KathyVarol.com.

Amy Terpeluk leads the CSR & Social Impact Practice at FINN Partners, a values-based marketing and communications agency. FINN Partners helps brands share their stories in ways that drive business value and make a positive impact in the world. Amy has created initiatives in education, DEI, public health, economic inequality, sustainability, climate change, and veterans' well-being. Amy also helped launch the NO MORE Foundation, a global campaign galvanizing greater awareness to end domestic and sexual violence and continues to serve on its board of directors.   In this episode we discuss: ●      The process FINN Partners uses to help clients assess the potential risks and rewards of publicly taking a stance on an issue ●      The importance of authenticity and transparency in corporate communications ●      The impact of company and employee value alignment Key Takeaways: ●      Authenticity is an inside job—for a person and for a company. It means being clear on your values and acting in alignment with them. It means standing up for what you believe in, as well as standing up for yourself. It means staying true to your values, regardless of the pressures you are under to act otherwise. ●      One litmus test for authenticity is to ensure that what your company says externally is in alignment with how your company shows up internally (i.e. how your company treats its employees). For example, if your company says they stand behind equality externally,  make sure they stand behind equality internally. Ask questions. Here are two examples: has your company ensured that pay and benefits are equal across gender and race within each salary level; has your company instituted hiring practices to remove cognitive bias? ●      When a company has strong values, it's easier to navigate an unexpected PR crisis. When values are referred back to habitually, and used in daily decision making, the shared knowledge of what decisions are right for your company grows across the organization. That means, when hard decisions come your way (as they inevitably will) deciding what to do becomes a little less hard. Values make it easier to land on a clear direction even in the middle of a storm. One classic example of values in action is the Tylonal recall of  1982,  after capsules laced with cyanide killed 7 people in Chicago. The Johnson & Johnson CEO at the time, James Burke, credited the Johnson & Johnson Credo—their company value statement—to helping navigate the crisis, and giving him “the ammunition to persuade shareholders and others to spend the $100 million on the recall. A move that would name him as one of history's most outstanding CEO's. (Read more on that crisis here. References: ●      Connect with Amy on LinkedIn ●      FINN Partners ○      Societal Return on Investment Index, with The Harris Poll ○      FINN Purpose Alignment Index ●      Miami Lighthouse for the Blind ○      Learn more about FINN's work with Miami Lighthouse here Connect & Share: If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts/iTunes? It takes less than 60 seconds, and it really makes a difference in helping to convince hard-to-get guests. I also love reading them!  If this episode resonated with you, I ask you to send it to a friend. Help bring even more visibility to these leaders that are using business as a force for good! Subscribe to the Purpose and Profit newsletter to make sure you don't miss future episodes.  This podcast is for you, the listener. I'd love to hear what resonated with you, or if you have a suggestion on who would be a great guest for this show. Please send me a note at info@KathyVarol.com.

Chuck Templeton is a Senior Managing Director at S2G Ventures, the direct investment team at Builders Vision—an impact platform providing philanthropy, investment, and advocacy tools to organizations that are building a more humane and healthy planet. S2G Ventures has 4 focus areas for investment: Clean Energy, Food & Agriculture, Oceans & Seafood, and Special Opportunities.  Once an entrepreneur himself, Chuck founded OpenTable. He is many things: an ultra-runner, a former Army Ranger, a father, a businessperson. Most importantly, he is a citizen of the world who is dedicating his expertise to build, fix, and support a healthy and sustainable ecosystem. In this episode we discuss: ●      The meaning of systems investing ●      The importance of real market feedback on a minimal viable product (MVP) ●      How to manage risk when investing in new technologies   Key Takeaways: ●      The oceans and the air we breathe are shared worldwide. We either all have clean oceans and air, or no one does. When the oceans die and the air is toxic, all humans die. But food stability and access to clean water are not shared worldwide. Food and water instability thrives among the world's most vulnerable populations, not the ones setting regulations. That doesn't mean rich nations are safe from future insecurity. Climate change is already impacting agriculture in once “safe” geographic environments. Once food and water insecurity hits the doorsteps of the most privileged, it will be too late for all of us. But more importantly, we have a responsibility to look after each other. A responsibility to support our fellow humans who are experiencing food and water instability NOW. A responsibility to leave the planet better off for the next generation than we found it. There are actions each of us can take now to support the transition to sustainable systems, and a healthy planet for future generations. Action can look like buying from food companies that use regenerative farming, sustainable fishing practices, and humane animal welfare. Action can look like supporting companies that have switched to renewable energy (and switching your household to renewable energy too).  Action can look like voting for more regulations around emissions. Action can look like switching your financial investments out of harmful industries and into sustainable businesses. ●      Chuck sets a great example for all of us. He assessed his skills, then found a way to use them in a capacity that gives him meaning, and that builds a better future for his kids (and everyone's kids). Consider how you can follow Chuck's example and use your energy, skills, and time to support what's important to you. How can you push your current company to be a better global citizen? If your company doesn't light you up with meaning, consider finding a company that's purpose aligns with what's important to you. Or look into volunteering your skills to a non-profit whose mission you believe in. References: Connect with Chuck on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ctemp/ S2G Ventures: https://www.s2gventures.com/ Once Upon a Farm: https://onceuponafarmorganics.com/ Learn more about the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals: https://sdgs.un.org/ Connect & Share: If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts/iTunes? It takes less than 60 seconds, and it really makes a difference in helping to convince hard-to-get guests. I also love reading them!  If this episode resonated with you, I ask you to send it to a friend. Help bring even more visibility to these leaders that are using business as a force for good! Subscribe to the Purpose and Profit newsletter to make sure you don't miss future episodes. This podcast is for you, the listener. I'd love to hear what resonated with you, or if you have a suggestion on who would be a great guest for this show. Please send me a note at info@KathyVarol.com.

Stephanie Benedetto is the Co-Founder and CEO of Queen of Raw. This award-winning company is turning deadstock pollution into profit through two major channels: 1) its proprietary inventory management software Materia MX, and 2) an integrated deadstock marketplace. Queen of Raw enables fashion companies to sell their excess inventory, while at the same time supporting sustainability compliance measurement and reporting. Stephanie is a member of Pledge 1% and a founding member of the New York Circular City Initiative. An advocate for women in business and sustainability, her companies have been featured in Good Morning America, The New York Times, and The Wall Street Journal. In this episode we discuss: ●      Why deadstock clothing and textiles are often landfilled or incinerated ●      The $280b+ excess inventory sitting in warehouses worldwide ●      Why the fashion industry is the 2nd largest contributor to global water pollution Key Takeaways: ●      There is an incredible opportunity for new marketplaces to enable value creation by tapping into unused resources and capacity. These marketplaces allow supply to meet demand. This is what Airbnb does. This is what Uber and Lyft do. And, this is what Queen of Raw does. What makes Queen of Raw's marketplace stand out is the sustainability component at the heart of what it does. With their focus on unused textiles that would otherwise be burned or end up in landfill, the company is enabling a circular economy across the fashion industry by keeping resources in use longer. ●      The early success of Queen of Raw shows the power of a compelling vision that benefits all stakeholders. A key part of this success has been Queen of Raw's ability to bring in strategic partners—like SAP and UPS—by aligning on values and clearly adding value. ●      Currently, 1.1 billion people worldwide don't have access to clean water. The World Wildlife Fund has stated that by 2025 two-thirds of the world's population may face water shortages. That's in just 2 years. That statistic is shocking and hard to absorb when 70% of the world's surface is covered by water. Water seems abundant. The problem is, only 3% of global water is freshwater, and 66% of fresh water is unavailable to use (i.e. frozen in glaciers or otherwise inaccessible). That leaves just 1% of total water as fresh water that we can use. Currently, 70% of that freshwater is used in agriculture, and the amount of freshwater is declining. The fashion industry contributes to water scarcity in two major ways: 1) through agricultural products used to make textiles like cotton, wool, and leather—as well as any pesticide runoff that contaminates waterways; and 2) through pollution from toxins used in the textile production process—like fabric dyes—that contaminate waterways. Not contaminating what little freshwater we do have is incredibly important. References: ●      Connect with Stephanie on LinkedIn ●      Queen of Raw ●      Queen of Raw's low-volume marketplace ●      New York Circular City Initiative ●      MIT's Solve  Connect & Share: If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts/iTunes? It takes less than 60 seconds, and it really makes a difference in helping to convince hard-to-get guests. I also love reading them!  If this episode resonated with you, I ask you to send it to a friend. Help bring even more visibility to these leaders that are using business as a force for good!  Subscribe to the Purpose and Profit newsletter to make sure you don't miss future episodes. This podcast is for you, the listener. I'd love to hear what resonated with you, or if you have a suggestion on who would be a great guest for this show. Please send me a note at info@KathyVarol.com. 

Lindsey Hoell is co-founder and CEO of Dispatch Goods, a women-founded reverse logistics company building the infrastructure for circular packaging. Dispatch Goods enables direct-to-consumer brands to offer their customers' meals and groceries in completely reusable packaging, again and again. Their mission is to make single-use waste a thing of the past, with the motto of “better, cheaper, greener”. Since 2020, Dispatch Goods has kept over 2 million single-use items from entering waste streams. In this episode we discuss: ●      Why reusable packaging is the gold-star ambition over compostable packaging ●      The moment that inspired Lindsey to tackle single-use plastic ●      The immense opportunity in reverse supply chain solutions Key Takeaways: ●      Mastering logistics is HARD. The reason Amazon has turned into one of the first (and few) trillion-dollar businesses is because they mastered logistics: get everything shipped anywhere fast. While Amazon's logistics mastery is pumping out packages to homes, Dispatch Goods is building reverse logistics, returning packaging from homes so that it can be seamlessly reused for future orders. While it's difficult for individual companies to build a circular capability in-house, there is a huge opportunity for Dispatch Goods to be a plug-and-play option across companies and become the third sustainable option: recyclable, compostable, or Dispatch. It's time to keep packaging out of our waste streams. ●      There aren't many women working in logistics. According to JBAndrews Insights, of the 125 million people employed in Logistics & Supply Chain globally only 2% are female. The female-founded Dispatch Goods is a great example of the disruptive ideas that are possible when industry outsiders, and diverse perspectives, enter into a historically homogeneous field. ●      I hadn't thought much about single-use paper products, since all of the paper products I purchase are recycled, bamboo (which is more sustainable), or have been replaced entirely by reusable cloth options. But the other week, single-use paper products floated into my mind. I was driving through the national rainforest on the Olympic Peninsula in Washington State, admiring the beautiful trees lining the road. I realized that the fate of many trees is toilet paper. What a depressing fate for such a majestic living and breathing thing. The average American uses an astounding 141 rolls of toilet paper a year. If the “tree to toilet pipeline” seems wrong to you too, consider switching to a bidet (Tushy is an easy-to-add option to a standard toilet), TP made from recycled paper, or TP made from bamboo (I have a subscription to Rizzi). References: Connect with Lindsey on LinkedIn Dispatch Goods Oceana Surfrider Foundation -Ocean Friendly Restaurants “Plastic Recycling Is A Dead-End Street,” Greenpeace Report, October 24, 2022 World Centric Imperfect Foods Yay Lunch! Connect & Share: If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts/iTunes? It takes less than 60 seconds, and it really makes a difference in helping to convince hard-to-get guests. I also love reading them!  If this episode resonated with you, I ask you to send it to a friend. Help bring even more visibility to these leaders that are using business as a force for good! Subscribe to the Purpose and Profit newsletter to make sure you don't miss future episodes.  This podcast is for you, the listener. I'd love to hear what resonated with you, or if you have a suggestion on who would be a great guest for this show. Please send me a note at info@KathyVarol.com.

Buddy is President & CEO at Soles4Souls, a not-for-profit social enterprise creating opportunity through the collection and distribution of shoes and clothing around the world. Teaster's experience at Soles4Souls, along with the organization's global economic impact, is chronicled in his book, shoestrings: how your donated shoes and clothes help people pull themselves out of poverty. Previously, Buddy was President of StarKart and the National Association of Local Advertisers, and served as Chief Network Officer for the nonprofit Young Presidents' Organization. In 2012 he joined Soles4Souls to rebuild the organization after a period of leadership turmoil.  In this episode we discuss: ●      How to regain trust after it's been lost ●      The surprising impact new shoes have on kids experiencing homelessness ●      The business case for partnering with Soles4Souls (from my adidas days) Key Takeaways: ●      One important pathway of impact Soles4Souls uses is to foster economic empowerment by supplying micro-enterprises with gently used shoes and clothing. There is a strong case for using this approach to alleviate poverty, versus giving products away. While giving products away is important during times of crisis, poverty is a systemic issue and therefore requires a systemic solution. Some academic research points to evidence that free donations can flood a market, ruining demand for local businesses. As Michael Matheson Miller, the director of PovertyCure says, “When you give away something free, you're giving away a band-aid. You're not addressing deeper causes of poverty and you may be inhibiting long-term solutions. Poor people aren't poor because they lack stuff; they're poor because they lack the infrastructure to create wealth.” This is an important distinction that explains why supporting economic empowerment is so powerful. ●      Dignity is a powerful word. Each person deserves to be treated with dignity. It's important to keep that word front and center when helping others, and when seeking help ourselves. Each of us will be on the receiving and the giving end of help countless times throughout our lives. Too often the foundation of dignity is lost when the numbers of need exceed our ability to imagine the individual. In these cases, emotion gets lost in faceless numbers and is replaced with efficiency. But it's acting on the foundation of dignity that keeps humanity on both sides of the equation. It's a standard worth holding ourselves accountable to in every interaction. ●      As consumers, it's important for each of us to take accountability for the lifecycle of the products we consume. It takes time and energy to sort and recycle items. It takes time and energy to drop off your old clothing and shoes at a donation center, instead of throwing them away. It's these small acts of time and energy that are needed from each one of us to enable a circular economy. A circular economy is a model of production and consumption, which involves sharing, leasing, reusing, repairing, refurbishing, and recycling existing materials and products as long as possible—keeping the material out of landfills and letting material be repurposed for a second life.   References: Connect with Buddy on LinkedIn Soles4Souls   Learn more here about how you can contribute to the Soles4Souls mission shoestrings: how your donated shoes and clothes help people pull themselves out of poverty by Buddy Teaster  For deeper insight into how charitable donations may impact economic development, I recommend “The One-for-one Business Model: Avoiding Unintended Consequences”, Knowledge at Wharton, February 16, 2015. Connect & Share: If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts/iTunes? It takes less than 60 seconds, and it really makes a difference in helping to convince hard-to-get guests. I also love reading them! If this episode resonated with you, I ask you to send it to a friend. Help bring even more visibility to these leaders that are using business as a force for good!  Subscribe to the Purpose and Profit newsletter to make sure you don't miss future episodes. This podcast is for you, the listener. I'd love to hear what resonated with you, or if you have a suggestion on who would be a great guest for this show. Please send me a note at info@KathyVarol.com.

Carbon Market Watch works to ensure that carbon pricing and other climate policies cut pollution and drive a just transition towards zero-carbon societies. The NGO utilizes evidence-based advocacy to improve climate action through market-based solutions working in concert with sound regulatory policy.  Gilles Dufrasne leads Carbon Market Watch's work on global carbon markets. He has been following carbon market negotiations at the UN climate and aviation agencies, as well as developments on the voluntary carbon market. Gilles is a member of the expert panel of the Integrity Council for the Voluntary Carbon Market (ICVCM),  and the Technical Advisory Group of the Science-based Targets Initiative (SBTI). In this episode we discuss: ●      The two types of carbon markets (what they are, and how they're different) ●      The issues with carbon offsets ●      The most important thing any business can do to impact climate change   Key Takeaways: ●      Fighting climate change is a learning journey for all of us. This is new territory. A common global enemy. Unfortunately, time isn't a luxury we have. We need to test, experiment, learn, and adjust at an accelerated rate to avoid collective disaster. One key element that will help us on this journey is standardized and transparent reporting requirements for companies across the globe. This will enable employees, investors, consumers, and governments to all make informed decisions that collectively move us in the right direction. ●      Regulations that raise the bar of sustainability requirements across industries change the business equation. It makes the capital investment needed to innovate more sustainable practices level across companies, and the competitive advantage of cutting corners is removed from the equation. It also opens a door to collaboration on system solutions across industries, creating a far bigger shift than the impact a single company can make by adopting individual sustainable practices. ●      Remarks from US Senator Robert Kennedy in 1968 are very relevant to the need to diversify how we measure success and prosperity. He says, “Too much and for too long, we seemed to have surrendered personal excellence and community values in the mere accumulation of material things….If we judge the United States of America by [GNP] - that Gross National Product counts air pollution and cigarette advertising, and ambulances to clear our highways of carnage. It counts special locks for our doors and the jails for the people who break them. It counts the destruction of the redwood and the loss of our natural wonder in chaotic sprawl. It counts napalm and counts nuclear warheads…Yet the gross national product does not allow for the health of our children, the quality of their education or the joy of their play. It does not include the beauty of our poetry or the strength of our marriages, the intelligence of our public debate or the integrity of our public officials. It measures neither our wit nor our courage, neither our wisdom nor our learning, neither our compassion nor our devotion to our country, it measures everything in short, except that which makes life worthwhile. And it can tell us everything about America except why we are proud that we are Americans. References: Connect with Gilles on LinkedIn Carbon Market Watch “Corporate Climate Responsibility Monitor 2023” “Combating Corporate Greenwashing Through Regulation” “Remarks at the University of Kansas, March 18, 1968”, Robert F. Kennedy New Climate Institute Connect & Share: If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts/iTunes? It takes less than 60 seconds, and it really makes a difference in helping to convince hard-to-get guests. I also love reading them!  If this episode resonated with you, I ask you to send it to a friend. Help bring even more visibility to these leaders that are using business as a force for good!  Subscribe to the Purpose and Profit newsletter to make sure you don't miss future episodes. This podcast is for you, the listener. I'd love to hear what resonated with you, or if you have a suggestion on who would be a great guest for this show. Please send me a note at info@KathyVarol.com. 

Today's episode of the How I Build My Tribe podcast features April Lowry. She is a SAAS technology expert and client relationship leader. She is currently leading a high-growth dental practice management software and custom application development company. Join us as we dive into April's story, learn how to solve problems as a team, collect feedback, build a flexible system, and minimize repeating mistakes. [01.38] April's story – April's career journey started in 2011. [09.30] Solving problems - With the right people, the right set of circumstances, and the right process, you will be able to come up with that solution as a team. [16.21] User story – April explains how they are collecting feedback from the users at the moment and what importance it has. [23.11] Flexibility – April shares what they do to maintain a flexible system for patients. [30.06] Going forward – The way of not repeating the same mistakes and going forward [37.22] Doing it right – Doing everything right is impossible. But there are always things that can help you do better every time.   References Connect with April LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/aprilmlowry/

This Projector Highlight episode is with one of my dear friends, Chelsea Jeheber, from She Makes Bank. Chelsea and I discuss her journey from being a psychic channel to becoming a business 'un-coach', navigating her break-up and moving back in with her dad in her 30s, and how she supports women reach their goals to create a feminine led business. Chelsea is intelligent, down to earth and very real. Oh, and she does discuss her handsome dog Louie a lot, so dog lovers this one is for you, too. References Connect with Chelsea:Instagram @shemakesbank.coTiktok @shemakesbank 15% Code to book with Chelsea: ROOMIES15--15% Code for Van Isle Hairstyle: RTR15Connect with Danica: Book a Human Design Session here, or get the Children's Human Design Type Courses here. (Don't be deterred, I will be rebranding my website soon)!Instagram: @raise.the.roomTikTok: @raise.the.room Email: raisetheroompod@gmail.com

Dan Edwards is a longtime friend of mine, a realtor, husband, father and 4/6 Sacral Generator. We discuss Dano's story, what all of that human design lingo means and how he authentically lives his design. He has a great sense of humour and is an excellent example of what being around aligned generator energy feels like! If you enjoy hearing stories about how people find their way in life, then this episode is for you. References Connect with DanoInstagram @danwilliamedwardsTiktok @danoedwardsEmail dano@themacnabs.com Connect with Danica: Book a Human Design Session here, or get the Children's Human Design Type Courses here. (Don't be deterred, I will be rebranding my website soon)!Instagram: @raise.the.roomTikTok: @raise.the.room Email: raisetheroompod@gmail.com

The world will often lie to you about what the meaning of life is. And while this is, unfortunately, the case, you have to find your meaning within yourself. Mark Caswell, CEO of Resultant, grew up in a small community and has been on the pursuit to living out his purpose in life and sharing his story. In this inspirational episode, Mark and Joe talk about work-life congruence, finding your meaning in life, creating intentional experiences, and seeing the uniquenesses of others. In conclusion, it comes down to a holistic mindset towards seasonality.   In this episode you will learn: Work-life congruence: how to have high productivity in your job without dedicating your life to work! Find your own meaning in life. Often the world will lie to you and tell you what it should be, but it all boils down to you and what you want. We are all different, unique, and we can't all be the same. Leave behind what is supposed to be left behind. There are seasons in life that are supposed to come at a certain time and leave at a certain time.   To claim 10% off of your first month of BetterHelp, use the code 1000STORIES here: https://betterhelp.com/1000stories   References: Connect with Mark: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markocaswell/ Resultant: https://resultant.com/

Alex Budak is a social entrepreneur, author, and faculty member at UC Berkeley Haas School of Business. His new book is called Becoming a Changemaker: An Actionable, Inclusive Guide to Leading Positive Change at Any Level, and is based on the transformative course (of the same name) Alex created and teaches. Previously, Alex co-founded the social impact platform StartSomeGood, ran Sweden's leading social innovation incubator, Reach for Change, and worked at Change.org.  Alex teaches, speaks, consults, and advises organizations around the world, with the mission of helping people from all walks of life become changemakers. In this episode we discuss: The magic that sparks movements What elephants can teach us about daunting goals Why giving yourself permission is the first step to change Key Takeaways: Alex tells his Changemaking students that they don't need to know yet the change they want to make, they just need to believe that change is possible. This is an important message. The truth is, throughout our lives each of us will gravitate toward changes someone else has already started. The biggest challenges our world faces—like climate change and inequality—will take lifetimes to fix. These challenges require countless people to step into the same arena to help out, support each other, provide different perspectives, and solve from different angles. You do not need to be the originator of a change idea to have a significant impact. What you need is the belief that change is possible and the bravery to step into the arena to create a better future. Change can be a mixed bag. Sometimes change is good, and sometimes it's not. What change always does though, regardless of impact, is it disrupts. It pushes us out of our comfort zone. If change were to never happen, we'd all live our lives mindlessly on autopilot. The blessing of change is that it can wake us up, and with eyes wide open we can look under the hood of the status quo and decide if we like what we see. By doing this, change creates the opportunity for something better. There's a lot of power in reframing failure. The fear of failure can mean not trying and, in many situations, not trying is the worst failure of all. While many things in life are out of our control, trying is one of the few things that is in your control. Don't close the door on your dreams because you're afraid someone else might close the door on you. Give yourself permission to try. You might just discover what's possible is way bigger than you ever imagined. References: Connect with Alex on LinkedIn Becoming a Changemaker: An Actionable, Inclusive Guide to Leading Positive Change at Any Level by Alex Budak Changemaker Index Changemaker Canvas Learn more about the Becoming a Changemaker courses at Haas School of Business, UC Berkeley here Bryan Stevenson of the Equal Justice Initiative Damon Centola discusses the 25% tipping point in his book Change: How to Make Big Things Happen “Boardroom Racial Diversity: Evidence from the Black Lives Matter Protests”, by Anete Pajuste, Maksims Dzabarovs, and Romans Madesovs, Stockholm School of Economics, Riga “Leadership Lessons From Dancing Guy” by Derek Sivers Former mayor of Palo Alto and Sr. Director of Philanthropy, Microsoft, Sid Espinosa on LinkedIn The Long View: Some Thoughts About One of Life's Most Important Lessons by Matthew Kelly Blackbook University StartSomeGood Connect & Share: If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts/iTunes? It takes less than 60 seconds, and it really makes a difference in helping to convince hard-to-get guests. I also love reading them! If this episode resonated with you, I ask you to send it to a friend. Help bring even more visibility to these leaders that are using business as a force for good! Subscribe to the Purpose and Profit newsletter to make sure you don't miss future episodes. This podcast is for you, the listener. I'd love to hear what resonated with you, or if you have a suggestion on who would be a great guest for this show. Please send me a note at info@KathyVarol.com.

Steve Preston is the President and CEO at Goodwill Industries International. Many people are familiar with Goodwill as a place to donate clothing and home goods or go thrift shopping. But most people don't realize that a significant part of what Goodwill does is help people overcome challenges to find jobs and grow their careers. Goodwill transforms donations into job opportunities by using the revenue from their stores to provide free career counseling, skills training, and résumé prep services that help unlock opportunities for job seekers. Every day, more than 300 people find a job with Goodwill's help. In 2021 alone, almost one-quarter of a million people found jobs with support from Goodwill, and another 120 thousand were employed by the organization itself. And when you make a donation or shop at your local Goodwill you not only help people in your community, you also help protect the planet. In 2021, Goodwill diverted 3 billion pounds of usable goods from landfills. Before joining Goodwill, Steve held leadership positions in the public and private sectors. He served as Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and as the Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration, leading both federal agencies during times of national crisis. He also orchestrated successful turnarounds as the CEO of two private corporations, and was the CFO of two Fortune 500 companies during times of significant change and restructuring. In this episode, we discuss: How big companies are partnering with Goodwill to transform communities The impact of believing in an individual's potential and helping them communicate it How Goodwill closes the widening skills gaps Key Takeaways: One theme across Steve's career has been enabling transformation. You could call it his superpower. Earlier in his career, he developed a reputation for leading companies through transitional periods. What made him successful was his ability to identify and remove barriers so that employees could show up in the best way possible, allowing the organization to perform at its best. Now, through Goodwill, Steve is removing barriers for marginalized groups that enable individuals to perform their best and attain the skills they need for better employment. This work is impacting lives and transforming communities. It's easy to hide from accountability. To complain about a problem, but say it's someone else's job to fix it. It might actually be someone else's job, like your boss or the government. But you are not powerless. You can find ways to step in, even if it's not your job. You can take accountability for creating the change you want to see. It's hard work to create change, but the reward is so much greater than a paycheck when your convictions inspire you to act. You know the saying that “you're only given what you can handle in life”? You're only given what your courage can handle, what your resilience can handle. Whether or not you believe this, it is a sentiment that has embedded itself into our cultural consciousness. Through this lens, I look back at my life and realize not much was expected of me. Yes, I've had challenges, but nothing compared to the challenges so many others have faced. I also understand why these stories of overcoming are often hidden. People don't always want to share them and risk having their past judged. Sometimes we lock people's identity into what's happened to them or where they've been, not who they are. And let's face it, each one of us has already spent a lifetime being judged by the things we can't hide: our age, our gender, our skin color, our spiritual beliefs or non-beliefs. Why add more fuel to the judgment fire?  For the record, I am in awe of every single person who has overcome a deck that was stacked against them. I am in awe of every single person who had the courage to pivot away from one path and bravely choose a new one. I am in awe of every single person who was able to expand beyond the box society tried to trap them in. I am proud of you for everything you have survived, overcome, and accomplished. From the small things to the big things.  I am proud of you for who you are, and who you are working to become. References: Connect with Steve on LinkedIn Goodwill Industries See 's story and learn how your organization can partner with Goodwill here. Connect & Share: If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts/iTunes? It takes less than 60 seconds, and it really makes a difference in helping to convince hard-to-get guests. I also love reading them! If this episode resonated with you, I ask you to send it to a friend. Help bring even more visibility to these leaders that are using business as a force for good! Subscribe to the Purpose and Profit newsletter to make sure you don't miss future episodes. This podcast is for you, the listener. I'd love to hear what resonated with you, or if you have a suggestion on who would be a great guest for this show. Please send me a note at info@KathyVarol.com.

In this episode Anya hosts Financial Coach and CPA, Husband, and father of 2, Dylan Bain. Dylan began his financial journey when he left his job as a math teacher to pursue a career in accounting while supporting his wife through grad school and raising two daughters. Determined to make it work and leave his former life of multiple jobs and welfare behind, he set out to rewrite the script of his life and find peace in financial security.Dylan has gone from food stamps to financial sovereignty; down a path that involved five jobs, four addresses, three degrees, two kids, and one vision of an amazing life. He has learned how to live, love, lead, and learn with his wife and raise their kids through all the challenges of those times. Now, in addition to working as a CPA, he runs Fiscally Savage, a financial coaching practice focused on the emotions of money, budgets as statements of shared values, and how to take control of your financial life and live free.Money is one of the most taboo topics we experience in the western world, I'd say even more than sex. Many of us don't realize that the way we relate to money is usually the same way we relate to our relationships, our confidence, our self-worth, boundaries, and yes our even our sex lives. In this episode, Dylan takes us on his journey to personal sovereignty by debunking the biggest myths we have about money. We discuss exactly how the money we have relates to how we feel about ourselves, we get into covert contracts and intimate relationships and how money plays a massive role in both.Listen in as Dylan and I uncover the emotions of money.References:Connect with Dylan on IG hereEnjoy his free tools hereListen to the Fiscally Savage Podcast hereDiscover Man Uncivilized hereFor more content about how to understand men and women better - follow your host on IG @anyashakh

David Reynolds is the Chief Executive of the Department for Trade and Investment for South Australia (an Australian state twice the size of France). The Department enables economic growth in South Australia by attracting investment, increasing exports, and removing barriers to business. South Australia has built a global reputation as a leader in sustainability. The state, a leader in renewable energy, replaced coal with wind and solar. Today, 70% of the state's energy use is from renewables, which is an incredible achievement. The goal is to get to 500% renewable energy generation in order to export their surplus. David has served South Australia through the public sector since 1995. In 2022 he was awarded a Public Service Medal for outstanding public service in relation to South Australia's economic and financial response during the COVID-19 pandemic, and in 2018 he was awarded as a National Fellow of the Public Administration for Australia. In this episode we discuss: What hydrogen power is The cultural trait of South Australians that has produced a history of leading change Two practical actions every leader can take to advance diversity and equality in their organization Key Takeaways: As a leader, you inherit accountability for your organization. The culture you walk into. The pay and hiring inequities that were established before you got there. When you take the lead role, you take ownership of all of it. I'm not just referring to the CEO, though the tone they set is incredibly important. But if you're the head of any team, any department, you are responsible for it. You are the lead advocate for everyone on the team. You are responsible for advocating up the chain of command. So dive into the details, look under the hood, and get curious. We live in a world where we know unconscious biases favor certain individuals over others. That's why the world looks the way it does. Rest assured, you will find things that need to be fixed. It's up to you to have the courage to try new approaches to get different results. A strategy is of no use if you don't know how to implement it. It doesn't matter how beautiful the framework is if it doesn't translate into action. To be effective you need to get clear on your objective, identify the actions you're going to take to get there, and determine how you'll measure success so you'll know if your actions are working or if you need to start again. Remember, progress is a process. There will always be opportunities to improve. Our discussion around the three different types of hydrogen power (black, blue, and green) highlighted the importance of transparency. This example was a great reminder that not all things that appear interchangeable are actually equal. In this case, the end product is exactly the same. It's the same chemical element of hydrogen. However, the process of isolating the hydrogen varies drastically, creating widely different environmental footprints. Process matters. How you get to an output is in many cases more important than the output itself. Transparency has the power to create a tsunami-sized change in our purchasing decisions, which in turn changes which companies succeed and which ones fail. What you choose to buy matters. So get curious about the process for how something was created. References: Connect with David on LinkedIn Department of Trade and Investment, South Australia Here's the department's contact information if your company is interested in doing business with others in South Australia Find out more about the Carbon Accounting Lab here You can learn more about Australia's green hydrogen project here Connect & Share: If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts/iTunes? It takes less than 60 seconds, and it really makes a difference in helping to convince hard-to-get guests. I also love reading them! If this episode resonated with you, I ask you to send it to a friend. Help bring even more visibility to these leaders that are using business as a force for good! Subscribe to the Purpose and Profit newsletter to make sure you don't miss future episodes. This podcast is for you, the listener. I'd love to hear what resonated with you, or if you have a suggestion on who would be a great guest for this show. Please send me a note at info@KathyVarol.com.

Simon Mulcahy is the founder and lead of C02, a company created to help businesses of all sizes become net-zero—the point at which the greenhouse gasses we put into the atmosphere are equal to the amount we remove from it—and nature-positive. CO2 offers climate-action portfolios that support high-quality carbon dioxide removal and reduction, as well as the protection of important carbon sinks, all while benefiting nature and communities. CO2 will also include a learning hub to provide guidance on pathways to becoming net zero and nature positive. CO2 is a new division of TIME, Inc., where Simon is also President of Sustainability. TIME itself will be CO2's first customer as the company works towards becoming net-zero by 2026 (or earlier). TIME will also continue to focus on climate leadership in its editorial coverage. Simon and I met earlier this year at Dreamforce where I was on a panel called Sustainable To The Core that he moderated. I'm so excited to have him on the podcast and to share the work he's doing. In this episode we discuss: The difference between CO2 and a carbon offset marketplace Why it's important to invest in a diverse set of climate solutions How CO2 is using a “shark tank” of climate scientists to select their portfolio Key Takeaways: Analogies are a great way to give a frame of reference and put new ideas into context, but it is equally important to highlight where an analogy falls short. An analogy can shed light on where a familiar concept has been repurposed while leaving room to explain what aspects are entirely new. Using an investment portfolio as an analogy for CO2's Planet Portfolio is a great example. While the analogy captures the reasoning behind the portfolio approach CO2 is offering, the analogy falls short in other ways. For example, the Planet Portfolio's “return” is a planetary return, not a financial return. Also, every carbon credit from the Planet Portfolio is retired the moment it is sold, so there's no trading of the carbon credits the way there is trading of shares in an investment portfolio. Simon does a great job highlighting where the concepts are the same, and what the key differences are. An important takeaway about the Planet Portfolio is that it is a unique approach that any sized company can include in its sustainability strategy to complement its internal sustainability efforts. When embarking on an unfamiliar journey, it's important to have trusted experts and advisors who can support you along the way. Regulations on businesses are changing across the globe. As these changes accelerate, TIME Inc. identified a knowledge gap. This gap, if left unchecked, will limit the speed of adoption and will miss the opportunity to maximize the effectiveness of the sustainable business practices that are adopted. TIME created CO2 to fill that gap, and they are walking the walk. TIME is leading by example, becoming the first customer of CO2. The pace of economic revolutions seems to be increasing. An economic revolution is defined as the rapid and thorough displacement of a regime or system by a new and very different regime or system. The world's first economic revolution was the Agricultural Revolution. This marked the switch from hunter-gatherers to farmers. The transition period took about 7500 years. The world stayed in the agricultural revolution for about 6500 years, until the Industrial Revolution kicked off in England in the mid-1700s. With the industrial revolution, industry began to forge ahead. The Industrial Revolution includes three chapters: the steam engine, the age of science and mass production, and the rise of digital technology. The transition period from the agricultural age to the industrial age was significantly shorter than the previous transition. Both of these revolutions drastically changed the way societies functioned, and the laws that were needed to govern them. It seems we're on the edge of a new economic revolution. A displacement of systems we now know are degenerative is needed to protect the future of the planet and society. I hope this revolution centers on the values of humanity, equality, and conservation. I hope we are on the verge of a Regenerative Revolution. References: Connect with Simon on LinkedIn com The Edelman Trust Barometer Project Drawdown “The Oxford Principles for Net Zero Aligned Carbon Offsetting” (PDF) Conservation International Connect & Share: If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts/iTunes? It takes less than 60 seconds, and it really makes a difference in helping to convince hard-to-get guests. I also love reading them! If this episode resonated with you, I ask you to send it to a friend. Help bring even more visibility to these leaders that are using business as a force for good! Subscribe to the Purpose and Profit newsletter to make sure you don't miss future episodes. This podcast is for you, the listener. I'd love to hear what resonated with you, or if you have a suggestion on who would be a great guest for this show. Please send me a note at info@KathyVarol.com.

In this episode, Anya hosts Doctor of Chiropractic, Mark Mathis. Mark loves contributing to people's health through his passion for what he does and with that he hopes to inspire others to find their purpose.What really lights me up about Mark is how committed he is to his vision to help people heal (which is in direct contrast to what he saw around him as a kid). Mark opens up about his journey towards his purpose by completely defying the cultural paradigms that he was born into.It's a real hero's journey of finding masculine fulfillment and peace of mind by being in service to others. We cover how interlinked relationships and health are to each other, understanding what purpose is and is not, and why filling a need and being of service is fundamental to finding peace as a man.We end with a beautiful visualization exercise that everyone listening can do at home. A perfect way to jump start 2023.If you are in the DFW area, get in touch with Dr. Mathis to book an appointment.References:Connect with Mark on IG hereReach out to book an appointment with him hereEat Smarter by Shawn Stevenson hereAtomic Habits by James Clear hereFor more informative and educational content on understanding both masculinity and femininity follow your host on IG @anyashakh

In this episode Anya hosts Men's coach, father of 4, and oil and gas electrician of 13 years, Matt Halson. Matt is living in Australia and he pulled himself back from being a poor communicating unhappy, workaholic who was close to losing his family.He now has a happy, fulfilling, and connected life with his family and lives as the man he deep down knew he could be. With almost a decade of experience in mens work and self development, Matt now helps men discover their values, vision, and purpose in life. He works with men who, like himself, have ticked a lot of the boxes for the “blue print” of life, yet find themselves unsatisfied, unhappy, and empty or with that thought of “there has to be more to life.”I stand for men's work, Matt stands for men's work, but there's still a confusion about what men's work is in the mainstream. If you turn on CNN and hear “men's work,” you might get it confused with some other words about male movements that are floating around. Terms like Manosphere, MGTOW, and Red Pill. In this episode Matt and I dispel any possible confusion about the relationship between men's work and these other movements - they could not be in further opposition from each other.Listen in as Matt and I dive into how what men's work is, how it saved his life and impacted his family for the better, and how he helps other men do the same. We also cover different priorities that men and women have, how providing emotional safety expands the lives of men in infinite ways, and what union and partnership require from us.References:Connect with Matt on IG hereReach out to schedule an intro call with Matt hereCheck out his Forge Ahead coaching program here

Rania Hoteit is a multi-award-winning serial entrepreneur and global impact leader. As Founder and former CEO of ID4A Technologies, Rania built a global company that is committed to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. ID4A Technologies has been revolutionizing the manufacturing processes while creating significant environmental, economic and social impact. Under Rania's leadership, ID4A was recognized by the White House Office of Science and Technology for “Fostering The Development of Advanced Manufacturing in the US and The World”; ranked on Entrepreneur 360's list of the “Best Entrepreneurial Companies in America”; included in the Inc. 5000 List of “America's Fastest Growing Private Companies”; received the Real Leaders “100 Top Impact Companies” Award; and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's 2021 Citizens Awards for "Best Economic Opportunity and Empowerment Program.” In this episode we discuss: The importance of diversity at the highest level of an organization The missing narrative of the positive impact artificial intelligence can have on employment Why Modern Day Slavery persists in global supply chains The role of dignity and accountability in leadership Key Takeaways: An underlying theme throughout this discussion was the importance of training and upskilling. This means investing in individuals. That individual employee investment is also an investment in the future of your organization. But this investment shouldn't be limited to equipping individuals to take on new roles as technology shifts what skills are required and in demand. It also needs to be extended in ways that will enable your organization to achieve diversity across seniority levels.  As the saying goes “a rising tide lifts all ships”, but what history has blatantly taught us is that systemic biases are making it so only some ships rise with the tide. To get a different outcome, a different approach is required. Your values shape your priorities, and your priorities shape your corporate culture. Take a look at your culture. What are the values and priorities that drive it? If you say “diversity and inclusion” is a core part of your organization, but you don't see diversity and inclusion reflected in the culture and across senior leadership, then it's clearly not a value or a priority. If something truly matters to your senior leaders, they'll prioritize it and figure out a way to make it happen. If it's not reflected in the culture, then it's just lip service. Have you heard the saying that you're the average of the five people you spend the most time with? This saying communicates how we absorb the norms of those around us, so we should be intentional about who we choose to spend our time with. The same could be said for organizations. Think about the partners up and down your supply chain. Assume that their norms will rub off on your workforce, because they will. Do these partners meet the standards that you believe in for your company? Are you stronger together, helping each other become more transparent and ethical businesses? Or, are you enabling practices to continue that you don't agree with? Complicity means accountability.  Who we choose to partner with is a vote for what we approve of. Each of us is accountable for our choices, so make them wisely. References: Connect with Rania on LinkedIn Learn more about the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals, including SDGs 5, 8, 9, 10, and 12 that Rania mentions, here. Connect & Share: If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts/iTunes? It takes less than 60 seconds, and it really makes a difference in helping to convince hard-to-get guests. I also love reading them! If this episode resonated with you, I ask you to send it to a friend. Help bring even more visibility to these leaders that are using business as a force for good! Subscribe to the Purpose and Profit newsletter to make sure you don't miss future episodes. This podcast is for you, the listener. I'd love to hear what resonated with you, or if you have a suggestion on who would be a great guest for this show. Please send me a note at info@KathyVarol.com.

Lisa Gevelber is the founder and head of Grow with Google, Google's tech-skilling workforce development initiative. Grow with Google is the company's $1 Billion initiative to drive economic opportunity for all. Grow with Google offers certification programs that provide job training for in-demand, high-paying careers for people without college degrees; and free digital skills training to middle and high school students and adult job seekers. Grow with Google also provides free help to small and medium-sized businesses, and has a $175 million Small Business Fund to help minority, female and veteran-owned businesses. Lisa has worked at Google since 2010. In addition to leading Grow with Google, Lisa is Google's Chief Marketing Officer for the Americas Region. In this episode, we discuss: What Grow with Google is and how it's driving equity How Grow with Google is connecting their certificate graduates with employers How you can use Grow with Google to upskill yourself, upskill your employees, or fill open roles Key Takeaways: This conversation demonstrated the importance of design thinking when building solutions to complex problems. As Lisa discusses in this episode, Google identified a need for upskilling and retaining people for higher-paying jobs that they could help solve. They identified the most in-demand job areas and created training specifically tailored to those jobs. However, Google also realized they were only suited to solve part of the need, so they partnered with others to develop an ecosystem approach. By collaborating with their partners, they created a holistic solution that has a larger impact than Google could have had on its own. Their partners include employers in need of talent to fill these in-demand jobs. These employers are using Grow with Google to create a hiring pipeline, which is beneficial to the employer and to the individuals that have invested in doing a certificate program. Their partners also include universities that are designing specialization courses that complement the training for specific industries. The lesson here is that there is greater power in collaboration. Don't try to boil the ocean on your own. Instead, focus on your strengths and pull in others to fill in the missing pieces. Ask yourself, what is your organization working on right now that would be stronger if you brought in strategic partners? There are problems that are already here that we know will continue to get worse. These problems include the climate crisis, biodiversity loss, inequity, and inequality. These problems affect everyone. They threaten our planet and breed social unrest. These are the challenges of our lifetime, and in all honesty, probably the challenges that will face generations to come. Each of these complex challenges has underlying systemic issues that continue to perpetuate the problem. It's on all of us to work together to identify the underlying systemic issues, and offer up what we, as individuals or organizations, can best contribute to solve them in collaboration with others. Not only is there a moral imperative to do so. The planet is all of our home and there is no planet b. And, as a globally connected world, everyone is our neighbor. What hurts one population will eventually have a ripple effect that reaches everyone's door. But there's also an enormous business opportunity to innovate solutions that fix a critical need, resolve the challenges of our lifetime, and create a better future for the next generation. Look at your industry and your organization. What are the job skills that are most in demand, and do you have a talent pipeline to fill that demand? If not, can you tap into already established resources like Grow with Google to fill your business need, or if no resources exist, can you create one that would benefit your company, future employees, and other industries that need the same skills? References: Connect with Lisa on LinkedIn More information on Grow with Google's certificates and courses and support videos. Companies can learn about hiring and partnership opportunities here. Coursera Hiring Our Heroes Connect & Share: If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts/iTunes? It takes less than 60 seconds, and it really makes a difference in helping to convince hard-to-get guests. I also love reading them! If this episode resonated with you, I ask you to send it to a friend. Help bring even more visibility to these leaders that are using business as a force for good! Subscribe to the Purpose and Profit newsletter to make sure you don't miss future episodes. This podcast is for you, the listener. I'd love to hear what resonated with you, or if you have a suggestion on who would be a great guest for this show. Please send me a note at info@KathyVarol.com.

In this episode, Anya hosts passionate Men's Coach, Mike Danson. Mike is a United States Marine Corps Veteran whose mission is now to bring brotherhood to young men so they can change manhood for the better. He's now a teen coach for Uncivilized Nation, a men's group dedicated to ending the suffering in men and the suffering caused by men. He has lived many lives and his dedication for supporting young men through it all comes through here.I wanted to know, what are boys looking for these days? What do they need? How do we inspire parents to understand them? What do we do for the boys of today so we can help the men of tomorrow?We dive into all of this and more in this episode titled, The Marine & The Magician. There are four main archetypes within masculine psychology; The King, The Lover, The Magician, and The Warrior. Here we get into the two most important ones at the beginning of a man's life; The Magician and The Warrior (aptly named The Marine here in honor of Mike's experiences in the Marine Corps).Tune into this comprehensive look into the hearts and minds of boys and men as Mike and I explore the elements that are required for boys to become healthy and fulfilled men later in life.References:Connect with Mike on IG hereReach out to schedule an intro call with Mike hereCheck out his Teen program, Uncivilized Teen here

Ruth Hartnoll is the CEO and Co-Founder of Matchstick Creative, a purpose-driven creative agency based in Liverpool, England. Matchstick Creative is a certified B-Corp. Since its founding in 2018, the company exists to create a more equal world through well-told stories and shared experiences. Matchstick Creative only partners with businesses that are trying to do good in the world. The Matchstick Creative name is summed up with the phrase: “Ignite an idea, spark a conversation”. Ruth is also a board member of the Liverpool Combined Authority Digital & Creative Board and the Co-Founder of Firestarters, a purpose-driven networking community that seeks to bring about positive change in the world. In this episode we discuss: ✅ Successful ingredients for building a strong work culture ✅ How a marketing campaign for a purpose-driven organization differs from a non-purpose-driven organization ✅ The journey of becoming a certified B-Corp (including lessons learned) Key Takeaways: If a process isn't working for you, you can choose to create something that does. The creation of Firestarters was a great example of that. Ruth and her colleague didn't feel welcomed at the standard networking events that were available, and they weren't getting anything out of them. So, they decided to create their own. A different format that would appeal to the countless other people in their city that cringe at the thought of a standard networking event. If something isn't working for you—if you feel constrained or alienated by it—there's a very good chance you're not the only one. That discomfort is a message, and an invitation, to create something new. Building off that, it's powerful to consider the question “who decided to do it this way, why, and who benefits from it being this way”. We are always evolving. Over time, established ways of doing things almost always become outdated. The structures, processes, and norms that used to work can become a burden to progress. For example, new ways of working are needed when your company shifts from a sole focus on financial maximization (that only considers shareholders in decision-making) to a stakeholder approach that considers not only shareholders but also employees, consumers, society, and the planet. Old ways of boosting short-term profits can now work directly against your new stakeholder objectives. This includes mass layoffs to reduce overhead (and decimate cultures), slashing research and development to reduce costs (along with the future competitiveness of your company), or cutting corners (and damaging consumer trust). Most of us are taught the Golden Rule as children. “Treat people as you want to be treated.” It's a simple but powerful rule that far too often is completely overlooked. When the Golden Rule is applied consistently it can transform interpersonal relationships, it can transform communities, and it can transform societies. Take a moment to reflect on where you wish the Golden Rule had been applied to you. Close your eyes, and let yourself really remember how that felt. Then consider where you could have done better applying it yourself. Take one moment and visualize that you did act in accordance with the Golden Rule: imagine how the interaction would have unfolded differently; how the other person would have responded; and pay attention to how you feel as you watch the Golden Rule alternate version unfold in your mind's eye. References: Connect with Ruth on LinkedIn Matchstick Creative You can learn more about Firestarters here Growth Platform Borough Care Stonewall If you're interested in learning more about the B Corp certification process:  B Lab offers certification and has a lot of tools available The B Corp Handbook (Second Edition): How You Can Use Business as a Force for Good by Ryan Honeyman & Dr. Tiffany Jana Purpose and Profit episode Ryan Honeyman On The B-Corp Movement and the Next Economy Connect & Share: If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts/iTunes? It takes less than 60 seconds, and it really makes a difference in helping to convince hard-to-get guests. I also love reading them! If this episode resonated with you, I ask you to send it to a friend. Help bring even more visibility to these leaders that are using business as a force for good! Subscribe to the Purpose and Profit newsletter to make sure you don't miss future episodes. This podcast is for you, the listener. I'd love to hear what resonated with you, or if you have a suggestion on who would be a great guest for this show. Please send me a note at info@KathyVarol.com.

Diversity is one of the biggest assets to an organization that values healthy growth and impact in the marketplace. In other words, a diversity deficit is a great way to keep your organization stuck right where it is. But how to achieve diversity is a question that many leaders wrestle with regardless of how willing they are to embrace it. In this episode, author and leadership expert, Dr. Marisol Capellan, helps us navigate some of the most common questions, issues, and misconceptions about diversity and inclusion in the workplace. This episode is brought to you by Titus Talent Strategies. Titus Talent Strategies exists to equip companies to make the best attraction, engagement, hiring, and development decisions to meet their organization's people and performance objectives. We're here to help you get the right people, in the right seats and be the best team members they can be, guaranteed. This is not your traditional recruiting model. Our approach has led to measurable results for our clients and lasting partnerships. Learn more at titustalent.com. References: Connect with Dr. Capellan on: LinkedIn Instagram LinkTree

Orlando Ferreira is the Chief Finance and Administration Officer of IDB Invest, a multilateral development finance institution owned by 47 member countries. 26 members are in the Latin American and Caribbean region where IDB Invest finances projects to advance clean energy, modernize agriculture, strengthen transportation systems, and expand access to financing. In 2021 the multilateral bank issued $1.6 billion in sustainable debt, including a $50 million blue bond for a remediation and preservation project—the first such blue bond in Latin America and the Caribbean. A blue bond is a relatively new form of sustainability bond that is issued to support investments in healthy oceans and marine economies. Orlando is a national of Paraguay. He served as a member of the Board of Executive Directors of the IDB Group from 1999 to 2005, then joined the organization as a Senior Adviser to the CEO in 2006 and later held several Division Chief positions including Chief Operating Officer of the IIC (now IDB Invest), and Chief Strategy Officer for IDB Invest. In this episode we discuss: ✅ What a multilateral development finance institution is ✅ New types of bonds that are supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (with an interesting example of a Gender Bond IDB Invest issued) ✅ The evolution of measuring social and environmental impact (metrics, metrics, metrics) Key Takeaways: One thing I find remarkable about Orlando (that shows up consistently throughout this conversation) is how humble and transparent he is as a leader. There is no doubt he knows his stuff and is good at what he does, but he doesn't pretend to know it all. Instead, he shares openly lessons learned, areas they are still trying to figure out and improve, and new approaches they're trying to create that might be better. He knows that the path of improvement is never static. There is no finish line we'll finally reach. But instead, the objective is to acknowledge that progress isn't perfect and to humbly strive to improve year after year. These are the leadership traits that create psychological safety, and ultimately the environment for real progress. There are lessons we could all learn from the way multilateral organizations operate. While adopting a mandate to no longer be able to compete wouldn't work in capitalism, consider how the world would be different - how your industry and company would be different - if you had a mandate that the only way to compete in the market is by adding more value. You couldn't launch a new product or business if it didn't add material value to consumers' lives, the planet, or society. Instead of using marketing to create perceived differentiation, what if you were only allowed to create actual differentiation through value creation? Which would actually be a sustainable type of differentiation. Another thing that struck me was the intentional role of knowledge sharing that IDB Invest does. If they realize they aren't the right institution to step in, they provide the knowledge they have to the right institutions. This is a beautiful mix of leveraging both a competitive advantage (which means a condition or circumstance that puts a company in a favorable or superior position) and a collaborative advantage. IDB Invest is recognizing who has the competitive advantage to create real change, and then supporting them through a collaborative knowledge share. What if this type of knowledge sharing was more widespread and intentional? Not just with partners in your own supply chain, but taking accountability to share information that might help institutions that don't make a direct (or even indirect) impact on your business, but could make an impact on society or the world. In business this would mean no longer trapping yourself in purely transactional interactions where you get something in return. Afterall, diverse perspectives spark some of the most innovative ideas. What would it feel like to start sharing outside perspectives regularly and taking pride in helping another organization move in a better direction? An added benefit to adopting this approach is that creativity is a muscle—the more your workforce opens their mind to all creative ideas, the more creative they'll be for your company as well. References: Connect with Orlando on LinkedIn IDB Invest 2022 Sustainable Bond Program: Allocation and Impact Report Banistmo (es) FMO: Entrepreneurial Development Bank SinDesperdicio (es) Connect & Share: If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts/iTunes? It takes less than 60 seconds, and it really makes a difference in helping to convince hard-to-get guests. I also love reading them! If this episode resonated with you, I ask you to send it to a friend. Help bring even more visibility to these leaders that are using business as a force for good! Subscribe to the Purpose and Profit newsletter to make sure you don't miss future episodes. This podcast is for you, the listener. I'd love to hear what resonated with you, or if you have a suggestion on who would be a great guest for this show. Please send me a note at info@KathyVarol.com.

Ken Banks is the Head of Social Purpose at the digital identity startup Yoti. The Yoti app was on mobile technology in Africa. Built with security and privacy as a priority, ensuring a safer way for people to prove who they are, both online and off. The company believes in using tech for good, and is a certified B Corp. Ken is an award-winning founder, technologist, anthropologist, and author committed to supporting positive social and environmental change around the world. Before joining Yoti he worked for more than two decades in global conservation and development, with a particular focus Ken has had the honor of working with eminent leaders such as Archbishop Desmond Tutu, taken part in expeditions for National Geographic, and joined delegations to Africa with British Prime Minister David Cameron. In this episode we discuss: What an encrypted ID is, and why it's useful The importance of simplicity in creating a user experience The intersection of technology and social impact Key Takeaways: I appreciate learning about how Yoti has been built. A company focused on identity protection, built on the principles of security and privacy, that can't even access information on their users. Building their platform that way is leading by example, with the best interest of the customer front and center as opposed to the best interest of the company. The world is full of great ideas. What's far less common are people who act on those ideas. In the book Big Magic, author Liz Gilbert writes that ideas are life-forms existing alongside all other life on Earth, They wish to become manifest, which they can only achieve through collaboration with a human partner. So ideas visit us, wave for attention, wake us in the middle of the night, and distract us during the day. Finally, in a moment of quiet, the idea will ask “Do you want to work with me?” Most people say no, and the idea moves on to find someone else that is willing to bring the idea to life. But for those who say yes, “you officially entered into a contract with inspiration, and you must try to see it through, all the way to its impossible-to-predict outcome.” I was reminded of this theory as Ken shared his story of creating Frontline SMS. He had an idea. He said yes. Then he spent a few weeks working on a kitchen table to code the idea into life. Because he said yes. Because he acted, Ken created a technology that benefited tens of millions of people across 190 countries. Ask yourself, what idea is trying to get your attention? And are you brave enough to say yes? Ken's journey is a beautiful example of what can happen if you're brave enough to follow the path of curiosity into the unknown. Maybe curiosity is our sixth sense, excitedly leaving breadcrumbs to lead us down the life path each one of us was meant to walk. From Ken's humble upbringing, he went on to travel the African continent, use technology to impact lives, surviving a pirate attack and close encounters with lions along the way. Ken shares his unlikely journey in his book, The Pursuit of Purpose: Part Memoir, Part Study - A Book About Finding Your Way in the World. If you're interested in learning more about where the path of curiosity led Ken, I encourage you to read it. References: Connect with Ken on LinkedIn The Pursuit of Purpose: Part Memoir, Part Study - A Book About Finding Your Way in the World by Ken Banks Yoti UN Sustainable Development Goal 16, which includes a target for legal identity Togetherall Frontline SMS Listen to the Purpose and Profit episode with Unreasonable founder Daniel Epstein here Desmond Tutu Health Foundation Insulate Britain Elizabeth Gilbert: When a magical idea comes knocking, you have three options. The author of Eat, Pray, Love has spent her life in devotion to creativity. In an extract from her new book, Big Magic, she writes about the ‘transcendent' world of ideas – and how we should respond to them Connect & Share: If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts/iTunes? It takes less than 60 seconds, and it really makes a difference in helping to convince hard-to-get guests. I also love reading them! If this episode resonated with you, I ask you to send it to a friend. Help bring even more visibility to these leaders that are using business as a force for good! Subscribe to the Purpose and Profit newsletter to make sure you don't miss future episodes. This podcast is for you, the listener. I'd love to hear what resonated with you, or if you have a suggestion on who would be a great guest for this show. Please send me a note at info@KathyVarol.com.

In this episode, Anya hosts dedicated Men's Coach, Ewan Corlett. Ewan has been to battle with his own demons and has come out on the other side victorious with a powerful purpose to help men do the same. He supports men from all walks of life in finding their power, living from their hearts, and finding joy and fulfillment in their lives. His emotional strength and depth come through beautifully in this episode about understanding men and emotional availability.An emotionally available man? In our culture this phrase buzzes around especially in women circles. Is he or isn't he emotionally available? But we never stop to actually define the term, understand the variables, and ponder how different behaviors from women might impact emotional availably or the lack of it.We discuss the arc of emotional availability and what that journey looks like for men. We explore what's at play when men fall into lust versus concisely choosing relationship. We get into how and why men's work is a prerequisite for emotional availability, a very paradoxical and important thing for women and men to understand. Since at the end of the day, we all want more emotionally available men right?Tune into this beautiful exploration of manhood and womanhood right alongside it as we ebb and flow towards understanding what qualities are required for men and women to meet each other in a truly emotionally open place.References:Connect with Ewan on Instagram hereWork with Ewan directly hereWe discuss the Shia Lebouf interview on Real Ones here

Katie Tyson Higdon is a co-founder of Hive Brands, the first online marketplace dedicated to helping people shop their values. Hive Brands sells household goods, groceries, and beauty products that are high quality, good for people, and good for the planet.   Katie is an innovative and strategic marketer with a deep passion for mission-driven brands. She spent 11 years working at start-ups (Casper, Shine), small-to-IPO stage businesses (Freshpet), and agencies (VaynerMedia, Saatchi & Saatchi, McCann).     In this episode we discuss: Why Hive Brands created the Hive Five, their internal vetting system, instead of using a third-party certification One metric we should all pay more attention to 3 lessons for companies just starting their ESG journey   Key Takeaways: When it comes to building a personal community, people talk a lot about “finding their people”. This means finding people with aligned values and interests, and ideally, people who care enough to help you become the best version of yourself. What I find interesting about Hive Brands, is that they have become a connection point (or a hive). Their existence and growth demonstrate the magic that happens when you connect people and companies through a shared purpose and aligned values. The Hive Brands stakeholder approach struck me as a best-in-class example. The way they interact with their stakeholders appears to have an integrated collaborative advantage, in which they are continuously improving their processes and Hive Five criteria in partnership with the brands they sell, and with the consumers they sell to. Each stakeholder is committed to making the system better. The importance of transparency as we try to create better ways of doing things. Perfect isn't possible, but progress is necessary. Transparency not only builds trust, but it can also accelerate change. For example, by transparently sharing hurdles—like packaging issues—you bring visibility to a problem waiting to be solved. This visibility can act as an invitation to another company that might be able to innovate a better solution for the entire system.   References: Connect with Katie on LinkedIn Hive Brands The Hive Five Purpose and Profit episode “Daniel Epstein on Building An “Us” World Through Collaborative Advantage” TerraCycle Purpose and Profit episode with TerraCycle's founder “Tom Szaky on Reducing, Reusing, and Recycling for a Better World” Alaffia Cloverly     Connect & Share: If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts/iTunes? It takes less than 60 seconds, and it really makes a difference in helping to convince hard-to-get guests. I also love reading them!   If this episode resonated with you, I ask you to send it to a friend. Help bring even more visibility to these leaders that are using business as a force for good!   Subscribe to the Purpose and Profit newsletter to make sure you don't miss future episodes.   This podcast is for you, the listener. I'd love to hear what resonated with you, or if you have a suggestion on who would be a great guest for this show. Please send me a note at info@KathyVarol.com.

Named three times to FORTUNE's list of the most influential women leaders in business, Lois Quam joined Pathfinder in 2017 as CEO. Pathfinder's vision is a world where everyone has access to contraception, where there are zero new HIV infections, where no woman dies from preventable pregnancy-related complications, and where everyone leads a healthy sexual and reproductive life. Prior to leading Pathfinder, Lois served as CEO of The Nature Conservancy and was selected by President Obama to head his signature Global Health Initiative at the Department of State which provided more than $8 billion annually to help solve major health challenges facing millions of individuals across 80 countries. Reporting directly to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Lois advanced a comprehensive strategy to increase US global health diplomacy, created a $200 million public-private partnership, and introduced integrated systems approaches for global health problems. Prior to that, Lois was the founding CEO of Ovations, a division of the FORTUNE 50 global corporation UnitedHealth Group.   In this episode we discuss: The importance of supporting change from inside a community The incredible potential of women to impact our collective future The power of authentic stories to build empathy and action   Key Takeaways: The statistics I shared are overwhelming. Like 12 millions girls under the age of 18 being married every single year, or that pregnancy complications are the leading cause of death for 15-19 year olds in the world's poorest nations, killing 300K women annually. These statistics are so massive it's hard to compute, which can cause our brains to click off. I really appreciate the way Lois is able to ground these statistics in very personal stories. She's able to show the humanity behind the numbers, the personal impact behind the power of reproductive rights, and ultimately the personal justice and equity work that Pathfinder does in a relatable way for every woman (and man) globally. This isn't someone else's problem to deal with, it's our collective responsibility. Reproductive health connects all of us. There is only one human doorway onto Earth, which is through a uterus. Reproductive health is a timeless and universal part of the human experience. Whether you're male, female, or non-binary. Whether like Lois you have children, you want to have them in your future, or like me, you've chosen not to have them at all. Reproductive health is essential for each one of those desires. One of the blessings of the times we live in, is having autonomy over when and if to have children. Unfortunately, 45% of women globally aren't able to make their own reproductive health decisions. It's time for that to change. After all, there is no bigger impact on your life than creating a child (for both the parents and the child). The ability to enter that decision with intention is imperative for the health of families, communities, and society. One theme throughout the conversation was the power of community. The power of leaders in a community to change norms and taboos. The power of peer-to-peer groups to support each other while navigating shared experiences and processing past experiences. And the power of mentors to share what they've learned, so the same hardships aren't unnecessarily repeated and the path is easier for the next generation. No matter who you are, or where you live, your experience matters. Share it generously with others. Share your perspective, and the lessons you've learned along the way. Lean in with curiosity as others share a piece of themselves with you.     References: Connect with Lois on LinkedIn Pathfinder International US Supreme Court Opinion, Dobbs vs. Jackson Women's Health Organization Gates Foundation President Obama's statement on the Global Health Initiative Children's Defense Fund   Connect & Share: If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts/iTunes? It takes less than 60 seconds, and it really makes a difference in helping to convince hard-to-get guests. I also love reading them!   If this episode resonated with you, I ask you to send it to a friend. Help bring even more visibility to these leaders that are using business as a force for good!   Subscribe to the Purpose and Profit newsletter to make sure you don't miss future episodes.   This podcast is for you, the listener. I'd love to hear what resonated with you, or if you have a suggestion on who would be a great guest for this show. Please send me a note at info@KathyVarol.com.

In this episode, Anya hosts wise woman and psychotherapist, Taune Lyons. Taune is devoted to interconnection and she helps people take that elusive journey from their head to their heart.Taune's empathy and openness paired with her clarity and realness made her the perfect person to discuss the very confusing state of relationship labels and buzz words that we find ourselves in today.While options and labels for different relationship structures are growing, the level of personal understanding, integrity, and authentic alignment isn't always…so I wanted to explore that.To do that, I went back to basics to ask the simple questions; what is polygamy? what is polyamory? what is monogamy? what is consensual non monogamy? What is partnership? How do we know what is authentic to us?Taune and I talked partnership, power-dynamics, sex, love and the role culture and history play in our relationships. Our intention was to give everyone listening an opportunity to discover what being in true-integrity might mean for them. References:Connect with Taune on Instagram hereWork with Taune hereHold on to Your Kids by Gabor Máte here

Joan Steinberg is the Global Head of Philanthropy and President of the Morgan Stanley Foundation. She also serves as the CEO of the Morgan Stanley Alliance for Children's Mental Health, which was established in February 2020. To date, the Alliance has benefited over 11 million youth, families, and educators globally. Joan is an expert on the impact the pandemic and social inequity have had on youth mental health. Through the Alliance, she works with Child Mind Institute, The Jed Foundation, and others to unite cross-generational leaders, advocates, and activists to raise public awareness and bring to life new initiatives to combat the global crisis.   After a decade in the nonprofit sector, Joan joined Morgan Stanley in 1997 and oversees its global philanthropic programs, including strategic planning and execution, employee engagement, and corporate and Foundation grantmaking totaling more than $90 million annually. She has more than quadrupled the firm's giving; created programs for more than 70,000 employees; and expanded the philanthropic geographic outreach to serve more communities.     In this episode we discuss: Why children's mental health is an important cause (for all businesses) An example of a transformative performance review (that puts human wellness at its center) How Joan was successfully able to quadruple the Foundation's giving The importance of “doing good” being integrated into the DNA of a company     Key Takeaways: Pre-COVID it's estimated that 1 out of every 5 adults in the US lives with a mental illness. Post-COVID, the statistic is most likely higher. Given those numbers, it's safe to say that all of us are impacted by mental illness either personally, through family, friends, or colleagues. Talking about mental health is a huge step toward removing stigma, helping people get support, and ultimately transforming our culture into a more compassionate, empathetic, and human environment for all of us. Your corporate culture is a barometer for the collective mental wellness of your workforce. Intention and support structures are needed to nurture a healthy corporate culture, just as they are needed to nurture a healthy mind and body. Ask yourself, how healthy is your corporate culture? What are the structures, systems, and norms in place that either support or deteriorate creating a healthy culture? Are there any that need to be replaced? I really appreciate the way Morgan Stanley is supporting children's mental health, which is rooted in what their company does best. They are evaluating solutions to the issue as an investor would—through growth capital, seed funding, and capacity building. Identifying the gaps, looking for new and more effective solutions to problems, and investing in proven approaches that are primed to scale. At the same time, they're sharing what they are learning, becoming a thought leader in this space, and bringing visibility to get other investors onboard. All while partnering with experts in children's mental health, helping them do what they do best, at scale.   References: Connect with Joan on LinkedIn The Morgan Stanley Alliance for Children's Mental Health Children's Mental Health Innovation Awards Institute for Inclusion The Jed Foundation The Steve Fund Child Mind Institute Black Girls Smile Smart from the Start Teen Line Braven America Needs You SEO A Better Chance   The Center for Disease Control and Prevention page on children's mental health   Connect & Share: If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts/iTunes? It takes less than 60 seconds, and it really makes a difference in helping to convince hard-to-get guests. I also love reading them!   If this episode resonated with you, I ask you to send it to a friend. Help bring even more visibility to these leaders that are using business as a force for good!   Subscribe to the Purpose and Profit newsletter to make sure you don't miss future episodes.   This podcast is for you, the listener. I'd love to hear what resonated with you, or if you have a suggestion on who would be a great guest for this show. Please send me a note at info@KathyVarol.com.  

As business seasons change, your organization requires different employees and different skills. But how do you equip your current team and leaders to adapt to the necessary changes that the future requires? In this episode, Benj Miller talks with BELAY CFO, Lisa Zeeveld, about how to manage the professional development of your current team. They also discuss positioning your business to change along with an unpredictable economy and the challenge of changing your perspective of yourself, personally and professionally, throughout your businesses season. Plus, you'll hear a couple leadership lessons Lisa learned during her years building motorcycles! This episode is sponsored by SignatureFD. Do you ever feel like you're counting the days to retirement to enjoy the money you've been working so hard to earn? If this is you, we want to introduce you to our friends at SignatureFD. SignatureFD is a different kind of wealth management company that's helping clients enjoy their wealth now while creating security for the future. They have a unique trademarked process called Net Worthwhile, which helps clients integrate and activate their wealth in four key categories: grow, protect, give, and live. You can take the first step to discovering your Net Worthwhile with their free quiz. You can find it at SigatureFD.com/MyGPGL. References: Connect with Lisa on Instagram BELAY

In this episode, Anya hosts powerhouse mindset coach for women, Sidney Scott. Sid is the creator of the CURE coaching framework which is the process he uses to help women achieve their best breakthroughs. His company, Your Best Breakthrough, empowers women to break through physically, emotionally, spiritually, and financially. Having spent 8 years as a language analyst working in counter-intelligence, he uses a tactical yet spiritual approach to guiding women through the work to have them boldly step into the woman who creates all the outcomes she desires.Sid is a man who truly understands women at the deepest level and it was an honor to share the space with him. This episode is a demonstration of what's possible when men and women see each other and want the best for each other. With Sid focusing on helping women, and myself focusing on helping men we came together and broke down what's really going on in the hearts, minds, and souls of both sexes.We talk about partnership, the mistakes men and women make (and most importantly, why), and what it means to be seen by the opposite sex. We unpack the difficulty men and women have with giving and receiving, what emotional leadership looks like, and we paint the picture for a potential new vision for partnership.Sid is based on Phoenix, AZ but works with women all over the world. He hosts workshops, has programs, and coaches 1:1. He's currently enrolling for his upcoming 6 week course.References:Connect with Sid on Instagram hereConnect with Sid on facebook here

Nicole Anderson is the President of the AT&T Foundation and the Assistant Vice President of Corporate Social Responsibility at AT&T.   AT&T's purpose is to “create connection—with each other, with what people need to thrive in their everyday lives and with the stories and experiences that matter” and their company ambition is to become the best broadband provider. In this episode, we dive into key focus areas of AT&T's Environment, Social, and Governance (or ESG) strategy that support the company's purpose—from their science-based climate targets to the $2 billion commitment through 2024 to help address the digital divide.   AT&T has received a number of third-party awards for its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion culture including: DiversityInc's “Top 50 companies for diversity” list, Bloomberg's 2022 “Gender-Equality Index”, the Human Rights Campaign's “Best Places to work for LGBTQ+ equality” with a 100% corporate equality index rating, and is ranked a top 10 Military Friendly employer with a longstanding commitment to supporting active military personnel, their families and veterans. AT&T surpassed its 2020 goal to hire 20,000 veterans.   In this episode we discuss: An innovative tool AT&T developed to mitigate climate risk for their company Lessons learned from the global pandemic that have informed AT&T's ESG efforts A thoughtful example of using systems thinking to solve the digital divide The role that transparent ESG reporting plays in building trust and facilitating strategic partnerships   Key Takeaways: The importance of a focused ESG strategy that supports your corporate purpose and is integrated into your business strategy. Not only does this simplify the work that's being done and enable greater impact, but this also helps create credibility around your efforts and the long-term commitment of the company. When employees and consumers can clearly see that the change you are trying to create makes sense from a business standpoint and compliments your business strategy, that change no longer comes across as an afterthought that might lose support over time. How critical it is to have science-based targets for sustainability efforts. Unfortunately, many companies' targets are not science-based, which means even if their targets are achieved, they won't hit the carbon reductions required to curtail our collective climate disaster. As you evaluate your company's sustainability initiatives or the initiatives of the brands you support, check that their targets are science-based. If they aren't, ask why, and how that can change. The importance of clearly defined ambitions, collaboration, and humility in creating what's never been done before. Putting a man on the moon is a great example of the power of these 3 elements. When President JFK announced the ambition to land a man on the moon in 1962, he set the ambitious vision stating, “I believe that this nation should commit itself to achieving the goal, before this decade is out, of landing a man on the Moon and returning him safely to the Earth. No single space project…will be more exciting, or more impressive to mankind, or more important…and none will be so difficult or expensive to accomplish”. It was this ambitious goal that captured the nation's imagination. Through humility and collaboration, in 1969, just 7 years after JFK's speech, Neil Armstrong took his giant leap for mankind on the moon's surface. So ask yourself, what are the moonshots in your industry that will spark collective imagination, passionate engagement, and lasting change?   References: Connect with Nicole on LinkedIn AT&T's corporate social responsibility (CSR) page AT&T press release on the Connected Climate Initiative Read more about AT&T's climate resilience program and Climate Change Analysis Tool (CCAT) here   Connected Nation Affordable Connectivity Program The Achievery Argonne National Laboratory SBP disaster recovery organization SBP's Equip App Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) Task Force on Climate Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD)   Connect & Share: If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts/iTunes? It takes less than 60 seconds, and it really makes a difference in helping to convince hard-to-get guests. I also love reading them!   If this episode resonated with you, I ask you to send it to a friend. Help bring even more visibility to these leaders that are using business as a force for good!   Subscribe to the Purpose and Profit newsletter to make sure you don't miss future episodes.   This podcast is for you, the listener. I'd love to hear what resonated with you, or if you have a suggestion on who would be a great guest for this show. Please send me a note at info@KathyVarol.com.  

Peter ter Weeme is the Chief Social Purpose Officer & Vice President of Player Experience for BCLC, the British Columbia Lottery Corporation. Peter is responsible for the corporation's social purpose commitment, overall reputation management, end-to-end player experience, and marketing strategies. His mandate is to transition BCLC to a purpose-driven organization.   Peter is a 25-year veteran of the values-driven marketing, sustainability, and social purpose movement. His professional experience spans the world of corporate, government, and non-profit clients in North America, Europe, and Asia. He has lived and worked in Canada and the Netherlands, as well as India where he advised companies on a range of values-based issues.   Previously Peter was the EVP, Purpose and Brand Citizenship for Elevator Strategy (now Palmer Stamnes DDB), a Vancouver-based marketing and communications firm that works at the intersection of data, emerging technologies, and social purpose. With an MBA specializing in environmental management, he has founded two successful consultancies and previously led the marketing and communications at Mountain Equipment Co-op, Canada's national retail leader in social and environmental responsibility.     In this episode we discuss: Turning a vice into a virtue The mess inherent in progress The largest non-tax source of revenue for British Columbia The psychological impact of being for something, as opposed to against something   Key Takeaways: Early in our conversation, we talked about the importance of transparent dialogue for creating healthy communities while removing stigma and taboo. The Netherlands is a great example of a society that's done that across many areas. For industries like gambling and alcohol, education and transparent dialogue are incredibly important to remove stigma, raise awareness, and provide support for the population that cannot safely partake in these activities. There shouldn't be any shame in opting out. Whether you cannot safely partake, or you just don't want to partake. What does that mean for you? There are small things you can do, for example, next time you're out with colleagues or friends, don't assume everyone wants to drink. Remove having an adult beverage as the assumed default setting. When it comes to protecting the planet and society, collectively we have failed. Talking openly about what's failed and what's broken is the first step in finding a new path forward. You need to know where you are before you can chart a path to where you want to be. The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals show in detail what's broken, and where we need to get to for a sustainable planet and equitable society. As your company works on its ESG strategy, connect that strategy back to the Sustainable Development Goals, to clearly show how you're contributing to collective action to help solve our most pressing global challenges. As your company travels your ESG journey, transparency is incredibly important. Transparency is a fundamental ingredient to create a culture of continuous improvement. This is where internal communication and external ESG reporting come into play. Collectively we're evolving the way capitalism and corporations work, and by doing what's never been done before, there will be failures along the journey. There is no doubt that we will be collectively stronger if we are humbly willing to share our failures openly, so others can learn from them. This transparency does two things: First, it removes the misconception that failure can be avoided on the road to progress; second, we don't have time for everyone to make the same failures along the way. With the collective challenges we're facing, impatience is a virtue.   References: Connect with Peter on LinkedIn British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC) GameSense Paper: How is Marketing Different in a Social Purpose Company   The Bonfire of the Vanities written by Tom Wolfe The Bonfire of the Vanities directed by Brian DePalma Canadian Business for Social Responsibility End AIDS India The Hero Trap by Thomas Kolster   Connect & Share: If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts/iTunes? It takes less than 60 seconds, and it really makes a difference in helping to convince hard-to-get guests. I also love reading them!   If this episode resonated with you, I ask you to send it to a friend. Help bring even more visibility to these leaders that are using business as a force for good!   Subscribe to the Purpose and Profit newsletter to make sure you don't miss future episodes.   This podcast is for you, the listener. I'd love to hear what resonated with you, or if you have a suggestion on who would be a great guest for this show. Please send me a note at info@KathyVarol.com.

In this episode, Anya hosts NY based psychotherapist Michael Shawe. Michael's passion for helping people heal their traumas so they can create meaningful connections is infectious. He's currently spending a lot of time coaching couples as well as leading a men's group.What I originally thought would be a conversation about unpacking what's behind the term mama's boy, we went much deeper. We ended up going on a hero's journey where we unearthed what it means to actually love a person in their wholeness. We talk about how the key to making real connections is through our dark sides and how similar we all are in our experiences.We talk about mama's boys, emotionally absent fathers, power dynamics, and how sex and our wounds are inextricably linked until we make the subconscious conscious.With plenty of personal references, anecdotes, and examples; this conversation is an invitation for everyone, man or woman, to ask themselves some important questions about their truest desires for love, sex, and connection.References:Connect with Mike on Instagram hereCheck out Mike's Zocdoc reviews hereIron John by Robert BlyExistential Kink by Carolyn ElliotTrauma & Recovery by Judith Herman

Rob Sobhani is the founder of Sparo, a technology company on a mission to democratize charitable giving. With Sparo's patented e-commerce plug-in, retailers can offer an easy way for their consumers to donate a part of their purchase to a charity. The retailer covers the donation cost, not the shopper. What's in it for the retailer? Sparo increases conversion while reducing abandoned online shopping carts. Rob has had an impressive career. He is a leading international expert on energy, domestic policies, and international relations. Formerly a professor at Georgetown University where he taught foreign policy and energy security, he now serves as Chairman and CEO of the Caspian Group Holdings, which provides strategic advisory services in energy. One thing I appreciate about this conversation is that Rob's path is an illustration of how everything we learn, every lesson and experience, is fodder for what we can do now. Those experiences and lessons add to your toolbox. In this episode we discuss: The power of a crucible moment in shaping perspective Building loyalty with online consumers How to embed meaning into a mundane shopping experience Key Takeaways: We live in the most frazzled, multi-tasking time in human history. While attention spans continue to drop, the intrinsic desire to contribute to something bigger than ourselves remains as strong as ever. The Global Pandemic sparked the intrinsic desire-fire even more. Therefore, offering a frictionless experience (which means making it as easy and convenient as possible) that enables people to donate to causes they care about during their regular online shopping has significant potential to increase giving. Especially when that donation doesn't come out of the shopper's pocket. Beyond reducing friction, there are three other elements for adoption and acceleration that Rob spoke about as themes for success across his career, whether with Sparo or sustainable energy. These were: democratizing access to participation, reducing costs, and using systems thinking to ensure the approach can be executed across each piece of the puzzle. When we ask questions that might feel off the wall, like “what if 80% of lottery winnings went to support social and environmental change programs selected by the winner, and 20% was pocketed by the winner?”. That type of question has the power to jolt us out of the sticky trap of the status quo. That type of question can put a crack in the belief that since this is the way something has always been done, it's the way it needs to be. Ask yourself, what questions in your industry, or in your life, feel completely absurd? It might be worth sitting with those for a bit to understand why. References: Connect with Rob on LinkedIn Sparo Leylie World Central Kitchen Lucky Dog Animal Rescue Charity Navigator Microsoft for Startups Save a Child's Heart Facebook post on Arwa   Connect & Share: If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts/iTunes? It takes less than 60 seconds, and it really makes a difference in helping to convince hard-to-get guests. I also love reading them!   If this episode resonated with you, I ask you to send it to a friend. Help bring even more visibility to these leaders that are using business as a force for good!   Subscribe to the Purpose and Profit newsletter to make sure you don't miss future episodes.   This podcast is for you, the listener. I'd love to hear what resonated with you, or if you have a suggestion on who would be a great guest for this show. Please send me a note at info@KathyVarol.com.

Daniel Epstein is one of the most impactful leaders of our generation. He is the Founder and CEO of Unreasonable Group, a company that takes a unique approach to accelerating the scaling of growth-stage companies solving the world's biggest problems. Unreasonable Group does a lot of things, as Daniel says, “It's hard to describe exactly what Unreasonable Group is. It's a company. A portfolio of initiatives. A rallying cry. An investment firm. A family. But to try to fully define it would mean to put it in a box, potentially jeopardizing its multifaceted uniqueness.”   Today, their community of 324 Unreasonable Fellows is positively impacting over 1.4 billion individuals in more than 180 countries, and they have raised 8.9b in financing and generated $7.9 in revenue. Unreasonable Group believes that community is everything. Standing by that belief, the Unreasonable Fellows have lifetime support from their fellow peers, and a community of top-notch mentors ranging from Nobel Laureates to renowned executives and policymakers.     In this episode we discuss: How Unreasonable Group is re-purposing capitalism (the most powerful tool of our age) The importance of mentorship and peer support at any stage in a CEO's journey What business and a hammer have in common (you might be surprised!) The important life lesson we can all learn from a little-known parable   Key Takeaways: I loved Daniel's logical approach, rooted in his philosophy background, to business. “What do all entrepreneurs have in common? All entrepreneurs design solutions to problem sets. I can choose the nature of the problem sets I want to solve. Therefore, I'm only going to work on problem sets worthy of my life's work.” Take a moment to consider, is your organization working on problem sets that are worthy of your life's work? Never underestimate the magnetic power of making a difference. I am blown away by the caliber of mentors Unreasonable Group has, from Nobel Laureates to renowned executives and policymakers. It was refreshing to hear Daniel explain how they got these top-notch, unpaid mentors onboard. Unreasonable Group humbly offered them a chance to use their expertise where it's needed, with a chance to contribute to world-changing enterprises. That offer is compelling. It's not transactional. It taps into our deeply wired intrinsic motivation to contribute to something bigger than ourselves. There is power and freedom in shifting thinking from harnessing a competitive advantage, to nurturing a collaborative advantage in business. The very definition of a competitive advantage builds off a scarcity mindset. There isn't enough to go around, so hone your niche as well as possible while you fortify the walls of your castle in order to take an increasing slice of the limited pie. This mindset is insular, creating a divide of “us” and “them”, and a winner-takes-all world. But a collaborative advantage creates a cooperative world full of abundant possibilities. Your business can still be an expert in something, but you are liberated to lift your gaze to see how your expertise can be combined with another expert, and another, to create a collaborative impact that would never be possible from a single entity. You start building an “us” world, where you're playing on the same team, each position working together like a championship basketball team. Instead of being rooted in scarcity and fear, you're rooted in collaboration and possibility.   References: Connect with Daniel on LinkedIn   Unreasonable Group Unreasonable Change Unreasonable Collective (Mention the Purpose and Profit podcast on your wait list application for a prioritized review.)   The Theory of Moral Sentiments by Adam Smith The Wealth of Nations by Adam Smith Air Protein Accenture The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals   Connect & Share: If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts/iTunes? It takes less than 60 seconds, and it really makes a difference in helping to convince hard-to-get guests. I also love reading them!   If this episode resonated with you, I ask you to send it to a friend. Help bring even more visibility to these leaders that are using business as a force for good!   Subscribe to the Purpose and Profit newsletter to make sure you don't miss future episodes.   This podcast is for you, the listener. I'd love to hear what resonated with you, or if you have a suggestion on who would be a great guest for this show. Please send me a note at info@KathyVarol.com.    

Judy Adler is the VP of Global Sustainability & ESG at Gap Inc. Founded in San Francisco in 1969, Gap Inc. is a collection of purpose-led lifestyle brands: Old Navy, Gap, Banana Republic, and Athleta. Each of their brands has made strong commitments to help achieve the Gap Inc purpose, which is to be inclusive by design.   Judy is a thought leader with 25 years of experience developing and implementing collaborative climate change, water stewardship, and sustainability strategies; and leading equity, inclusion, environmental justice, and diversity initiatives.   In this episode we discuss: The power of audacious dreams Two factors that are necessary to have a successful ESG approach Using systems thinking and strategic partnerships to create systemic change Lessons for retailers just starting their ESG journey     Key Takeaways: User experience on a website isn't something I usually think about when considering ways to raise awareness or influence behavior, and yet, it can be a really important tool. There is considerable power in the default setting. The way items are presented and categorized become data points that influence how our brains process information, and what information we start expecting. If you begin seeing the sustainability impact of a shirt communicated, you'll realize there is a sustainability impact in a shirt, and you might be curious to compare one shirt versus another based on that metric. You also might become curious about the sustainability of other items you purchase and request those companies to begin calculating and transparently sharing their impact too so you can make informed decisions. Until one day, sustainability impact becomes a default metric we consider across our purchases, the same way price, convenience, or materials are today. The interconnection between environmental and social, when considering ESG. These two areas have a lot of overlap and interdependence. The environment around you—such as air quality, clean water, or toxins—will impact your health. And the way that humans live has a huge impact on the planet. One interesting tidbit about this overlap is that the next huge wave of refugees is expected to be climate change refugees, as people's homes are lost and communities are displaced because of climate events like rising sea levels. As a company that's starting your ESG or sustainability journey, you don't need to do it alone. There are a lot of resources out there—including best practices—so you don't need to recreate the wheel. There are also consultants, like me, that can support you on your journey.   References: Connect with Judy on LinkedIn Gap Inc.'s Sustainability page   Turner Foundation   Clean Energy Buyers Alliance Apparel Impact Institute thredUP Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel Limited (HKRITA) Sustainable Apparel Coalition's The Higg Index page Schneider Electric cKinetics Empower@Work Women + Water Alliance Org WaterAid CARE Institute for Sustainable Communities   Connect & Share: If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts/iTunes? It takes less than 60 seconds, and it really makes a difference in helping to convince hard-to-get guests. I also love reading them!   If this episode resonated with you, I ask you to send it to a friend. Help bring even more visibility to these leaders that are using business as a force for good!   Subscribe to the Purpose and Profit newsletter to make sure you don't miss future episodes.   This podcast is for you, the listener. I'd love to hear what resonated with you, or if you have a suggestion on who would be a great guest for this show. Please send me a note at info@KathyVarol.com.  

In this episode, I sit down to chat with Alan Murray about his latest book, Tomorrow's Capitalist: My Search for the Soul of Business, which reveals, according to the book description, how corporate CEOs—the ultimate pragmatists—realized that they could lose their “operating license” unless they tackle the fundamental issues of our time: climate, diversity and inclusion, and inequality and workforce opportunity. Responding to their employees and customers who are demanding corporate change, they have taken the lead in establishing the bold new principles of stakeholder capitalism, ensuring that for the first time in more than a half a century it is not just shareholders who have a say in how corporations are run.   Alan Murray is CEO of Fortune Media, and writer of the popular daily newsletter, the Fortune CEO Daily. A career journalist, prior to joining Fortune in 2015, Murray was President of Pew Research Center, and had a long career at the Wall Street Journal serving as Deputy Managing Editor, Executive Editor Online, Washington Bureau Chief, and author of the Political Capital and Business columns. Murry also served as Washington bureau chief for CNBC, and as cohost of the nightly show Capital Report.     In this episode we discuss: The impact of the Great Resignation on leadership The power of shareholder activism The surprising acceleration caused by the global pandemic The shift to companies publicly standing up for their values   Key Takeaways: As Alan mentioned, companies have gone from physical assets making up 80% of the market value for S&P 500 companies in 1975 to intangible assets making up 80% of the market value today (HBR). This makes sense. Taking a step back, the industrial revolution brought with it the assembly line, the industrial worker, and employees as “resources”. Output was linear and easy to measure. Those linear, repeatable tasks are now often done by technology. The value of companies in the knowledge age comes from their intangible assets: Their employees, and their employees showing up as humans performing complicated—nonlinear—tasks like creativity, innovation, and empathy. This is a dramatic shift. From personal experience, I can honestly say that early in my career I was probably only 10% human at work and 90% robot, focused on efficiency since that was what was rewarded and expected of me. Thankfully we're entering a new age, and company cultures are catching on to what environments foster the best in their people, and an understanding that having employees bring their whole self to work is what will make their company great. Change takes time. While the pandemic provided one silver lining, which is the great acceleration of the stakeholder capitalism movement and bringing humanity into the core of business, figuring out how to do this right, getting the right metrics and supporting structures in place, will take time. Progress is always a continually evolving journey of learning what works, what doesn't, and how to do better. The amazing opportunity, and invitation, businesses have been given to identify their purpose, define their values, bring meaning into their business strategy, and then find ways to use their voice, their power, and their business model to create a world that brings their purpose and values to life.   References: Connect with Alan on LinkedIn and follow him on Twitter Tomorrow's Capitalist: My Search for the Soul of Business by Alan Murray World Economic Forum 2008 speech by Bill Gates, Davos, Switzerland 2018 Shared Value Leadership Summit video of Alan in conversation with Hillary Clinton Proposed SEC amendment, “The Enhancement and Standardization of Climate-Related Disclosures for Investors” and accompanying press release “Exxon loses board seats to activist hedge fund in landmark climate vote”, Jennifer Hiller and Svea Herbst-Bayliss, Reuters, May 26, 2021 BlackRock CEO Larry Fink's 2022 letter to CEOs, “The Power of Capitalism” The FORTUNE CEO Initiative   Connect & Share: If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts/iTunes? It takes less than 60 seconds, and it really makes a difference in helping to convince hard-to-get guests. I also love reading them!   If this episode resonated with you, I ask you to send it to a friend. Help bring even more visibility to these leaders that are using business as a force for good!   Subscribe to the Purpose and Profit newsletter to make sure you don't miss future episodes.   This podcast is for you, the listener. I'd love to hear what resonated with you, or if you have a suggestion on who would be a great guest for this show. Please send me a note at info@KathyVarol.com.

Amber Zaricor starts with heart! She's the founder of Copperheart Creative, host of the Small Business Big Heart podcast and the creator of the Fill Your Cup conference. Amber opens us up talking about the world of social media and the distraction of comparison. Later in the episode she shares about her “why” and how her company approaches branding.During this episode we discuss many of the tangibles and intangibles of entrepreneurship. You'll also hear more about Brayn's early experience of building his own business with his brother. Whether or not you've started your own business, this episode will connect with you. We talk about vulnerability, boundaries in hustle culture, leading by example and more! 0:45 Introducing Amber Zaricor 1:48 The World of Social Media4:10 Other Creative Outlets7:45 Boundaries in Hustle Culture 9:30 Vulnerability in Entrepreneurship 12:35 Bryan's Experience in Building a Business15:23 Leading by Example16:18 Amber's “Why”20:05 Approaching Branding - Start with Heart24:33 Copperheart Branding Questionnaire25:50 Encouraging Words from Amber27:53: Let's Connect - Community Number!Resources and References:Connect with Amber!Copperheart Creative Branding Questionnaire, Fill Your Cup Conference, Small Business Big Heart PodcastThank you for listening! Have any comments, questions or thoughts about this episode? Send us a text to 615-257-9548! We look forward to starting a conversation with you through our “community” number where we'd love to connect with you directly! We are here to foster community, celebrate together and encourage you!If you were inspired or encouraged, we'd love for you to share with one or two people who came to mind while you were listening!

Amber Zaricor sure has a big heart! She's the founder of Copperheart Creative, host of the Small Business Big Heart podcast and the creator of the Fill Your Cup conference. Amber dives into her journey of (unexpectedly) starting her own business, burning out and navigating developing boundaries in her life. Bryan and Emily also share pieces of their experiences from their own entrepreneurial journey. Whether or not you've started your own business, this episode will connect with you. We talk about experiencing loneliness, overcoming a people pleasing mindest, the value of solitude and much more! 0:30 Introducing Amber Zaricor 2:22 Amber's Micro Moment8:08 Sailboat Analogy 9:00 The Entrepreneurial Journey9:38 Six People You Need in Your Life11:42 Experiencing Loneliness 14:15 Navigating Boundaries and Avoiding Burnout18:08 Looking Back On Amber's First Year 23:00 The Impact - Being Fully Present25:39 Overcoming People Pleasing Mentality 26:50 Finding Mental Rest 28:45 The Value of Solitude 30:28 Knowing and Staying in Your Lane31:11 Wrap Up Time!Resources and References:Connect with Amber! Copperheart Creative, Fill Your Cup Conference, Small Business Big Heart PodcastBoundaries by Dr. Henry CloudThank you for listening! Have any comments, questions or thoughts about this episode? Send us a text to 615-257-9548! We look forward to starting a conversation with you through our “community” number where we'd love to connect with you directly! We are here to foster community, celebrate together and encourage you!If you were inspired or encouraged, we'd love for you to share with one or two people who came to mind while you were listening!

This week we're joined by special guest Valeria Salgado. Valeria is a Latin revert who discovered Father Michael's parish and has been participating in Divine Liturgy there. This week Father Michael and Sister Natalia answer some questions on the rites of initiation and the differences between the East and the West. Additionally they talk about the process of changing rites.References:Connect with Valeria on Instagram and TikTokFollow and Contact Us!Follow us on Instagram and FacebookWe're on YouTube!Join our Goodreads GroupFr. Michael's TwitterChrist the Bridegroom MonasteryEmail us! whatgodisnotpodcast@gmail.com

In today's episode Scott and Emily welcome Amanda Almond!  Amanda is a Kona Iron Man Triathlon World Championship participant, The World Half Iron Man World Championship participant, coach and world class fitness instructor.  We hope Amanda's story will resonate with you at many levels.  Amanda is raw and vulnerable.  Her transparency is disarming and liberating.  Amanda owns her story and shares the lessons of how she was able to rise from some very low spots in her life, learn principles and tap into the depth of her strength.  That strength, finally allowed her to see her intrinsic worthiness.  Once she was able to see her worthiness she learned how to love herself and receive love from others.  Amanda shares how 2020 was a reset year in many areas, and how this reset has set her up for stronger performances and a possible return to the Iron Man Triathlon World Championships.  Amanda tells how she accessed gratitude, hope and grit to overcome adversity.  Our hope is that the story she shares will bring freedom and a fresh perspective to your journey toward self-mastery. Listen for where you are feeling a pain point and dig deep to get the insight needed to make the changes you desire! References: Connect with Amanda at: Instagram: @a_fitt_almond Website: TheAmandaBrush.com   Amanda is available for coaching and training.  I can verify that she is an awesome coach!   Connect with us at: Email us at: scott@projectrootsandwings.com Find us at: www.projectrootsandwings.com

Many early-stage creative entrepreneurs are more like frustrated freelancers than thriving business owners. They struggle with:Not understanding their value and how to communicate it.Working crazy hours without making enough money.Lacking the confidence to charge their worth.Amber Crudup is a brand designer and business coach who helps creative entrepreneurs build structure in their business so they can have more profit in their business and more freedom in their lives.On this episode, Amber shares:Why services are much harder to price than products, and how you can begin to understand and communicate your value.A simple way to know how much your work is worth.How structure breeds confidence in your pricing, your process, and your marketing efforts.Why not having enough clients probably isn't the biggest problem preventing you from being profitable.Links & References:Connect with Amber on InstagramLearn more about Amber here.Follow me on Instagram and Facebook. Learn more about my work at katiewussow.com.