Nach Genre filtern
The Social Entrepreneurship & Innovation Podcast
The #1 Podcast for Social Entrepreneurs & Social Innovators. With host Cory Ames, Founder of Grow Ensemble, dive deeper into social entrepreneurship, social enterprises and the tools, resources, and strategies that support their growth and expand their impact. Hear from these top social innovators from both the non-profit and for-profit sector - CEOs, Executive Directors, Thought-Leaders and more.
- 364 - #254 - What Makes a Great Company? - Dean's Beans Journey to Worker Ownership
Welcome to the Social Entrepreneurship & Innovation Podcast. In this thought-provoking episode titled "What Makes a Great Company?" we're diving into the inspiring journey of Dean's Beans Organic Coffee Company. Joining us are two remarkable guests, Dean Cycon, the founder of Dean's Beans, and the new CEO, Beth Spong, who are here to shed light on their unique approach to business—one that's grounded in social, economic, and environmental justice.
⭐ SPONSORED BY: Transform Global - https://www.transform.global/ agood company - https://www.agood.com/ 💌 NEWSLETTER:Click the link below to sign up for our newsletter, The Weekly Ensemble, and every Monday receive a meditation exploring what it means to live and work sustainably at the intersection of business, nature, & philosophy.
Subscribe >>> https://growensemble.com/newsletter/ 🗣 TOPICS DISCUSSED: Fair trade certification limitations Empowerment through community engagement Worker-owned cooperative benefits Mission-driven business model Sustainable purchasing practices Importance of deepening impact Challenging profit maximization mindset SUPPORT THE PODCAST: Leave a Review (on Apple Podcasts!) Subscribe to the Newsletter Share the Podcast GROW ENSEMBLE: YouTube LinkedIn ABOUT CORY AMES: Newsletter LinkedIn WebsiteTue, 19 Mar 2024 - 1h 22min - 363 - #253 - Seth Godin: How to Escape Industrial Capitalism's Race to the Bottom & Do Work Worth Doing
Yes, we need to make a living.
But how do we make a life?
It might not simply be about the money.
When the world is in turmoil, when our health is at risk and the future seems murky, perhaps paychecks and productivity aren’t enough.
Perhaps we can’t manage our way into the future.
What if we created the best job someone ever had?
What if we built an organization people would genuinely miss if it were gone?
What if the work we did made things better?
Mozart, not Muzak.
This is the Song of Significance
This interview with Seth Godin, author of 21 international bestsellers that have changed the way people think about work, is about how we, in business, can do better.
How we need to do better.
In 2023, Seth published this very important book, The Song of Significance: A New Manifesto for Teams, which was an urgent call to action for us all to rethink work, management, and leadership.
Both in how it’s all practiced and what it’s all even for.
Seth, has influenced an incredible many in business and marketing myself included, and I believe he has long already been a champion for embedding meaning into the work we do.
To make something people remark on, you must push yourself to make something remarkable.
The focus isn’t on attracting customers, but rather, on building community around what you and your organization stand for.
Trust and transactions aren’t best bought but rather built and earned through servicing what people need.
This book, however, takes a much broader look at business–explains the rather dangerous pathway we are on, but in simple, yet profound maxims and short stories offers us a pathway forward.
In this conversation, Seth and I discuss the perceived problems at hand with business, business culture, and work–and sort through the various nuances of remedying those issues to create a better, more meaningful future.
Specifically, we explore how industrialization has bred a race to the bottom culture in business where it’s margins, not meaning or service fueling the engines of our marketplace.
We explore how we need NEW entrepreneurial idols – and what mainstream business misses about the Henry Fords, Elon Musks, and Zuckerbergs of the world.
And most importantly, Seth shares how we can do WORK WORTH DOING both for ourselves and for our communities.
🗒️ SHOW NOTES
For more --> https://www.socialentrepreneurship.fm/253/
Tue, 27 Feb 2024 - 55min - 362 - #252 - Is Globalization Good or Bad? The Effects of NAFTA & Global Supply Chains ⛓️
On December 8th, 1993, Bill Clinton signed the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) into law.
In his remarks at the signing, Clinton proclaimed, “NAFTA means jobs. American jobs and good-paying American jobs. If I didn't believe that, I wouldn't support this agreement.”
Two decades after NAFTA had been in effect (1993 - 2013) the Economic Policy Institute reported that over 850,000 American jobs had been moved abroad.
Why? Because American companies gladly moved jobs to Mexico where the daily wage of a Mexican worker was roughly equivalent to the minimum wage per hour in the U.S.
Especially in the business world, we take for granted that the global spread of capitalism (fueled by free trade agreements like NAFTA) has increased the quality of life for all by expanding participation in the market, often through jobs.
But, there’s essential nuance here that’s been overlooked.
Not all jobs are good jobs and trade is not good for trading’s sake.
Eric Henry, President of TS Designs, a large volume screen printing company based in Burlington, North Carolina, like many many other U.S.-based businesses was forced to reinvent his business anew after bearing the brunt of NAFTA’s impact.
In this podcast, we’ll share Eric’s experience, explore the wider implications and context of NAFTA and globalization, and offer a vision for what a post-race-to-the-bottom world might look like.
-- --
🗒️ SHOW NOTES
For more --> https://www.socialentrepreneurship.fm/252/
⭐️ *SPONSORED BY*
agood company - https://www.agood.com/
Dean's Beans - https://deansbeans.com/
💌 NEWSLETTER
💌 The Weekly Ensemble: The Ensemble Weekly is a weekly newsletter exploring the art of living and working sustainably written and published by Grow Ensemble Founder and Podcast Host, Cory Ames.
Join 1000s of social entrepreneurs all over the globe and subscribe >>> https://growensemble.com/newsletter/
-- --
Thu, 15 Feb 2024 - 31min - 361 - #251 - 7 Examples of Greenwashing
In this episode of Grow Ensemble, host Cory Ames delves into the deceptive tactics of greenwashing, where companies mislead the public about their environmental and social responsibility.
Through 7 compelling examples, Cory sheds light on how businesses use certifications, misleading marketing claims, and acquisitions to present themselves as sustainable and ethical, while engaging in harmful practices. With a focus on transparency and accountability, the episode challenges both consumers and business leaders to identify, confront, and avoid falling victim to greenwashing.
Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of the detrimental effects of greenwashing and to equip yourself with the knowledge to navigate the landscape of sustainable and ethical business practices.
-- --
🗒️ SHOW NOTES
For more --> https://www.socialentrepreneurship.fm/251/
⭐️ *SPONSORED BY*
Transform - https://www.transform.global/
Intrepid Travel - https://www.intrepidtravel.com/us
💌 NEWSLETTER
💌 The Weekly Ensemble: The Ensemble Weekly is a weekly newsletter exploring the art of living and working sustainably written and published by Grow Ensemble Founder and Podcast Host, Cory Ames.
Join 1000s of social entrepreneurs all over the globe and subscribe >>> https://growensemble.com/newsletter/
-- --
Thu, 08 Feb 2024 - 23min - 360 - #250 - What Makes Great Coffee? ☕️
5 roasts, over 5 regions, and the story of the coffee supply chain from farm to cup. Our task here is to explore and reconsider this question: what makes great coffee?
To do so I’ve enlisted the help of my many friends at Dean’s Beans Organic Coffee. Dean’s Beans is a 100% employee-owned, Certified B Corporation based out of Orange, Massachusetts.
The company was founded by Dean Cycon, an environmental and indigenous rights lawyer, back in 1993. Dean set out to prove coffee around the world could be bought, sold, and delivered to our cups without compromising the health and well-being of people and the planet.
Dean offered his answer to the industry and consumers alike, to the question, what makes great coffee?
This episode mixes tasting with the very tactical of how we get from bean (or cherry, rather) to finished brew.
We’ll talk organic coffee farming, the role of coffee cooperatives, the significance of fair trade, and also, when you should or shouldn’t put cream and sugar in your morning cup.
-- --
⭐️ *SPONSORED BY*
Transform - https://www.transform.global/
A Good Company - https://www.agood.com/
Intrepid Travel - https://www.intrepidtravel.com/us
Bodhi Surf Yoga - https://www.bodhisurfyoga.com/
-- --
💌 The Weekly ensemble: The ensemble Weekly is a weekly newsletter exploring the art of living and working sustainably written and published by Grow Ensemble Founder and Podcast Host, Cory Ames.
Join 1000s of social entrepreneurs all over the globe and subscribe >>> https://growensemble.com/newsletter/
Thu, 25 Jan 2024 - 1h 04min - 359 - #249 - The 10 Characteristics of Success in Social Entrepreneurship
What does success mean to you? Defining success in a field can define the field. Defining success for ourselves will define our lives. And so here, friend and coach of mine, Paul Zelizer and I go through the essential exercise of defining what to each of us makes for a successful social entrepreneur. Paul is a business coach for social entrepreneurs and host of the Awarepreneurs Podcast where he’s published over 300 episodes with deep-dive interviews with world-class social entrepreneurs. Here we have a unique style of show for you, where back and forth, Paul and me reveal each of our own Top 5 characteristics of success in social entrepreneurship. Before we recorded the conversation you’re about to hear, we each created our own lists (with no knowledge of the other’s list) to see collectively what sort of definition we might come up with for what it means, what it looks like to be a “successful social entrepreneur.” This same conversation, in a slightly different final edit, is likewise being released on Paul’s show, Awarepreneurs—which, if you’re curious to check out you can go to Awarepreneurs.com, or, search for the show wherever you get your podcasts. So, in this episode here, on The Social Entrepreneurship & Innovation Podcast with me, Cory Ames as your host, you’ll hear Paul’s origin story to social entrepreneurship and then, together, our 10 Characteristics of Successful Social Entrepreneurs. #socialentrepreneurship #socialentrepreneurs #socialentrepreneur
⭐️ *SPONSORED BY*
Dean's Beans - https://deansbeans.com/
Transform - https://www.transform.global/
A Good Company - https://www.agood.com/
Intrepid Travel - https://www.intrepidtravel.com/us
-- --
💌 The Weekly ensemble: The ensemble Weekly is a weekly newsletter exploring the art of living and working sustainably written and published by Grow Ensemble Founder and Podcast Host, Cory Ames.
Join 1000s of social entrepreneurs all over the globe and subscribe >>> https://growensemble.com/newsletter/
Tue, 07 Nov 2023 - 1h 34min - 358 - #248 - Are we even close? | ensemble #1
In a little over a decade, Houston has housed over 28,000 people who were experiencing homelessness. The U.S.’s 4th largest city has cut its total homelessness figures by more than 60% since committing to tackle this issue head-on in 2012.
Representatives from cities nationwide visit Houston to learn about how they’ve achieved such progress.
Houston adopted what’s called a Housing First strategy. Housing First, for those unfamiliar, is an approach to addressing the challenge of homelessness by first, before addressing anything else (addiction and sobriety, employment, etc.), housing the individual in question. Research has shown this is the most effective way to get and keep people out of homelessness. Various studies confirm that a rapid re-housing approach leads to 75%-91% of households remaining housed after one year.
The thing is, Housing First has been around for a while. While the ideas originated around the world over 100 years ago, the term became more widely used in the U.S. in the early 1990s.
Not to take away from what Houston has accomplished, but they didn’t make some groundbreaking discovery. They were applying (effectively, very much to their credit) someone else’s ideas.
So what changed? Where did the political will come from to commit so fervently to addressing this issue?
These are the questions we answer in today's ensemble:
Are we even close?
-- -- 💌 Weekly ensemble newsletter :Every Monday receive a meditation exploring what it means to live and work sustainably at the intersection of business, nature, & philosophy.
Get both practical and philosophical guides to navigate the world more sustainably and as well, take an active role in creating a more sustainable world yourself.
Subscribe >>> https://growensemble.com/newsletter/ -- -- 📄 Full Show Notes - Links, Transcript, & More SUPPORT THE PODCAST: Leave a Review (on Apple Podcasts!) Subscribe to the Newsletter Share the Podcast on Twitter or LinkedIn GROW ENSEMBLE: YouTube LinkedIn ABOUT CORY AMES: Newsletter LinkedIn WebsiteTue, 17 Oct 2023 - 15min - 357 - #247 - The Preamble: What's in a Name? | ensemble #0
We're thrilled to introduce a new format of the show — what we’ll be calling Ensembles.
These ensembles are designed to be something of a meditation, helping us to explore the art of living and working sustainably and building a better world, from a different perspective.
The goal here through sharing various stories from the wide world of sustainability, social entrepreneurship, and innovation, is to seek understanding.
We’re digging for the principles, values, and ideas that we can take with us on our collective journey to build a better, more sustainable world.
This still includes the tactical and practical of living and working more sustainably, using business to better the world, but our driving motivation will be to find wisdom.
These episodes are a shorter form complement to our longer more narrative and or educational shows.
If our other shows are heavy on action — these ensembles offer a different pace, with analysis, reflection, a means to distill and name, what matters.
So, our first ensemble here a preamble to all ensembles to come (if you will), will be digging deeper into this experimental format itself, this ensemble is titled:
What’s in a name?
-- -- 💌 Weekly ensemble newsletter :Every Monday receive a meditation exploring what it means to live and work sustainably at the intersection of business, nature, & philosophy.
Get both practical and philosophical guides to navigate the world more sustainably and as well, take an active role in creating a more sustainable world yourself.
Subscribe >>> https://growensemble.com/newsletter/ -- -- 📄 Full Show Notes - Links, Transcript, & More SUPPORT THE PODCAST: Leave a Review (on Apple Podcasts!) Subscribe to the Newsletter Share the Podcast on Twitter or LinkedIn GROW ENSEMBLE: YouTube LinkedIn ABOUT CORY AMES: Newsletter LinkedIn WebsiteTue, 10 Oct 2023 - 07min - 356 - #246 - Quit Stressing Me Out: How to Restore the World's Dying Coral Reefs
The right amount of stress at the right time. That’s all it requires to trigger coral to grow anywhere from 25—50x it’s natural rate as it would in the “wild.” In the practice of coral farming, this is called microfragmenting. Our guest today, Sam Teicher, is the co-founder of Coral Vita. In Freeport, Grand Bahama, Coral Vita is farming coral (using techniques like microfragmenting) to restore the planet’s dying reefs. By employing breakthrough techniques Coral Vita can as well grow coral at 50x the typical rate. In 2021, Coral Vita was an Earthshot Prize winner, an incredible award for any environmental organization. This honor recognizes the great potential of their solution and awards them with £1M to further advance and scale their work. Stick around for this episode with Sam Teicher, as through this lens of good stress, bad stress, and everything in between we explore the work of Coral Vita, the vital importance of our coral reefs, and share solutions to restoring the world’s dying reefs. ⭐ SPONSORED BY: ☕️ Dean's Beans, Transform, 🌊 Bodhi Surf + Yoga, & 🛫 Intrepid Travel -- -- 💌 The Weekly ensemble: The ensemble Weekly is a weekly newsletter exploring the art of living and working sustainably written and published by Grow Ensemble Founder and Podcast Host, Cory Ames. Subscribe >>> https://growensemble.com/newsletter/ -- -- 📄 Full Show Notes - Links, Transcript, & More SUPPORT THE PODCAST: Leave a Review (on Apple Podcasts!) Subscribe to the Newsletter Share the Podcast on Twitter or LinkedIn GROW ENSEMBLE: YouTube Twitter LinkedIn ABOUT CORY AMES: Newsletter Twitter LinkedIn Website
Tue, 26 Sep 2023 - 52min - 355 - #245 - What Is a Sustainable Product? (And How Can You Identify One?)
Assessing the sustainability of any individual product or company is a core facet of the work we do here at Grow Ensemble.
But if there’s no agreed-upon definition of “sustainability,” it’s unclear what anyone means when they say their product is sustainable.
So, for the sake of setting important definitions, here we are asking:
What is a sustainable product?
⭐️ SPONSORED BY: Tentree, Dean's Beans, Saybrook University & Choice Organics
Thu, 18 May 2023 - 38min - 354 - #244 - Doing Real Estate Development Differently, with Anyeley Hallová of Adre
The role of a real estate developer is not only to improve a piece of land or build to increase its monetary value. They are also responsible for designing an environment and community that can promote sustainability, social justice, and equity.
Anyeley Hallová is a real estate developer and the Founder of Adre, a community-driven real estate development company committed to a bold vision of design excellence, development innovation, and environmental stewardship, both in building construction and equitable outcomes.
In today’s episode, Cory and Anyeley talk about how sustainable building developments can impact the community and create wealth. Anyeley shares her sustainability journey, the problems she noticed in the real estate development industry, especially in regard to people of color, and how she was able to build a business that addresses social, environmental, and economic concerns.
Tue, 18 Apr 2023 - 1h 08min - 353 - #243 - What's Possible with Hydropower, with Gia Schneider of Natel Energy
Hydropower was the first and is now the oldest large-scale source of renewable energy that we’ve deployed worldwide. Hydropower offers a unique set of advantages in the context of an entirely decarbonized energy grid. It can offer storage capacity and be more consistent when sources like wind and solar are not available. Gia Schneider is the CEO of Natel Energy, an innovative company she co-founded with her brother, Abe, in 2009 that is designing and implementing hydropower projects that both produce affordable, clean, and renewable energy and leave the river ecosystems they're set up in better off. With this conversation, we’ll be working to understand hydropower: its potential, its historic challenges and limitations, and a path forward for wielding this resource efficiently and restoratively. 👉 Since this interview in the fall of 2022, Natel Energy has had some exciting updates:
Commissioned their first turbine in European waters for Austrian Utility, Energie Steiermark (Natel's third fully-installed project to date) Expansion into Africa with a contract to deliver four 1.9 meter fish-safe RHTs to MyHydro for the first of 33 potential projects in the Democratic Republic of Congo Publication of study results outlining 100% survival of American eels passing through the RHT in Transactions of the American Fisheries SocietyTue, 31 Jan 2023 - 49min - 352 - #242 - How to be a Conscious Consumer
There are two seemingly contradicting realities of “conscious consumerism”:
- No matter how “consciously” we buy, we aren’t going to shop our way into a more sustainable and equitable world. The ways we do/don’t spend our money are incredibly impactful.
Maybe this is confusing at first glance, but it becomes clearer when we explore what conscious consumerism is on the individual and collective level.
“Consuming consciously” is INCREDIBLY important. It’s my belief, though, that it’s important in ways that we might not first think.
How/what we consume is a statement about what we believe and affirm is good.
It’s about what values we put above all others.
It’s about which systems and structures of power we support. And, which we choose to reject.
In this episode, with the help of Aja Barber, fashion consultant, stylist, and writer, we’ll explore the nuance behind “buying better,” how we should define conscious consumerism, and offer tactical steps as to how you can do so yourself.
-- -- 💌 BETTER WORLD WEEKLY NEWSLETTER: The Better World Weekly is a weekly newsletter written and published by Grow Ensemble Founder and Podcast Host, Cory Ames. For the latest insights, analysis, and inspiration for building a better world, join the 1000s of changemakers and social entrepreneurs from all sectors all over the globe who get this email in their inbox every Monday. Subscribe >>> https://growensemble.com/newsletter/ -- -- 📄 Full Show Notes - Links, Transcript, & More SUPPORT THE PODCAST: Leave a Review (on Apple Podcasts!) Subscribe to the Newsletter Share the Podcast on Twitter or LinkedIn GROW ENSEMBLE: YouTube Twitter LinkedIn ABOUT CORY AMES: Newsletter Twitter LinkedIn WebsiteTue, 10 Jan 2023 - 34min - 351 - #241 - Magic Exists
Magic is all around us, whether we are looking for it or not.
Unlike the supernatural forces often featured in books and movies, this form of magic operates on the miracles of nature; the wonderful things Mother Nature creates, such as life, and her power to maintain the co-existence of all.
In today’s episode, Cory explores the existing magic that is happening in our world. He shares his enthusiasm for the miracles of nature and the beauty of life, particularly the mysterious behavior of animals and nature, and how incredible they can truly be if we take a moment now and then to observe them.
⭐ SPONSORED BY: HOLDEN RingsThu, 17 Nov 2022 - 08min - 350 - #240 - What's Next: Learn. Understand. Love. Protect. Repeat. ∞
The Social Entrepreneurship and Innovation podcast is back with exciting, meaningful, and impactful discussions to help make the world a better place!
Listen in to hear about the new approach of sharing stories that matter to learn what is possible in creating sustainable discussions, and understanding the impact of what we can do to save the planet and live in a safe ecotopia.
Grow Ensemble believes in opening minds to the endless possibilities of building the courage to act, protect, and preserve the beauty of the world; because together, we can continue to make a healthier, brighter, and better world to live in.
Tue, 15 Nov 2022 - 09min - 349 - #239 - We’re Taking a Short Break! Here’s Why & When We’ll Be Back
Check out this latest episode to hear about our plans moving forward for the Social Entrepreneurship & Innovation Podcast.
TLDR; We're taking a break for September, but will be back in October telling more stories about all things building a better world.
But! With a new approach. :)
-- -- 💌 BETTER WORLD WEEKLY NEWSLETTER: The Better World Weekly is a weekly newsletter written and published by Grow Ensemble Founder and Podcast Host, Cory Ames. For the latest insights, analysis, and inspiration for building a better world, join the 1000s of changemakers and social entrepreneurs from all sectors all over the globe who get this email in their inbox every Monday. Subscribe >>> https://growensemble.com/newsletter/ -- -- SUPPORT THE PODCAST: Leave a Review (on Apple Podcasts!) Subscribe to the Newsletter Share the Podcast on Twitter or LinkedIn GROW ENSEMBLE: YouTube Twitter LinkedIn ABOUT CORY AMES: Newsletter Twitter LinkedIn WebsiteTue, 23 Aug 2022 - 14min - 348 - #238 - How (& Why) to Institute Shorter Work Weeks, with Dr. Alex Pang
Overwork and burnout – so prevalent in today’s society that over 60% of employees around the globe suffer from workplace stress, creating billions of additional health costs annually. By re-examining how we work and reducing the number of working hours each week, we can greatly reduce this additional stress and financial burden.
Dr. Alex Pang is the Global Programs and Research Manager for 4 Day Week Global, a non-profit community advocating the 4-day work week, and the Founder of the Silicon Valley-based consulting company Strategy and Rest. Alex has written books that illustrate how individuals and organizations can integrate rest, creativity, and focus. His latest book is "Shorter: Work Better, Smarter, and Less–Here's How."
In today's episode, Cory and Alex talk about the idea of restructuring our overwork and burnout work culture into working fewer hours with more focus and discipline. Alex describes how the future of work can be better if we implement one extra day to rest and recharge.
As one of the leading voices in reducing working hours, Alex is optimistic that we can create a future where people can spend more time with family and friends, do healthy activities, discover new hobbies, and ultimately make the world a better place.
Tue, 16 Aug 2022 - 59min - 347 - #237 - How Business Can Help Get Money Out of Politics, with John McCrea of American Promise
In any political election—especially major ones, such as the upcoming midterm elections in the United States—it’s important to know where the money to fund various campaigns is coming from. As citizens, we should also understand how that flow of money (both in and out) affects the business community.
John McCrea is the National Business Network Manager of American Promise. This organization advocates the 28th Amendment of the Constitution to protect elections from foreign money and special interests, and pursues freedom for all Americans.
As a former small business owner, John felt the need to help his fellow entrepreneurs by working with American Promise. He is leveraging his 30+ years of experience working in IT services for small to midsize business owners to help the country to move forward and create a level playing field where all businesses, regardless of size, thrive and bring value to their market.
In this episode, John talks us through the conditions we have right now with unrestrained money in political spending, the ongoing issues in the political system, and its impact on the business community. John also shares some updates on the various actions that American Promise takes to cultivate a better future for Americans.
Tue, 09 Aug 2022 - 35min - 346 - #236 - How to End the World's 'Hurricane of Hunger' in One Generation, with Roland Bunch of Better Soils, Better Lives
The world's hunger crisis continues to worsen, affecting millions of people globally. Most people refer to this problem as a result of climate change, but the reality is that 80% of the problem is caused by soil, and only about 20% by climate change.
Roland Bunch is one of the most well-respected thought leaders in regenerative land development and management, having studied and been in the field for 55 years. He is a former member of the UN Millennium Project Task Force on Hunger and a Co-founder of Better Soil, Better Lives.
He has published dozens of articles and authored the books "Two Ears of Corn: A Guide to People-Centered Agricultural Improvement" in 1982, and "Restoring the Soil" in 2012.
Roland's motto is to imitate the forest. He started an organization and worked with small-holder farmers to do everything they could to mimic a forest-like field and use green manure cover crops to generate more biodiversity.
He has worked as a consultant worldwide in over 50 nations on four continents. During his work, Roland recognized the critical issue of hunger for many small-holder farmers, specifically in Sub-Saharan Africa. This led to an investigation into the use of plants for regenerating the soil, now called green manure/cover crops.
During the conversation, Cory and Roland talk about the changes in farming practices that affect soil fertilization and cause drought and floods in some countries. Roland explains how the green manure cover crops are used to fight hunger, particularly in African villages, the timeline of using this approach, and how it can impact the benefactors of the soil.
Tue, 02 Aug 2022 - 59min - 345 - #235 - The Making of an Impact Report, with Annie Agle of Cotopaxi
An impact report is a document essential in measuring a company's impact on people and the planet. It’s a tool that can help businesses align their core values and make informed decisions, providing insight and promoting a culture of accountability and transparency for customers and value chain members.
Annie Agle is the Senior Director of Sustainability and Impact at Cotopaxi, a purpose-driven company that creates outdoor products, apparel, and experiences. As a person who grew up doing outdoor activities and is passionate about methodology and philanthropy, the opportunity of working with a company that values both what she loves and enjoys is a dream come true.
Annie ensures that Cotopaxi's brands are moving in the right direction and destination as she creates as sophisticated reporting as possible that will allow investors, customers, and other businesses to understand the authenticity and effectiveness of Cotopaxi.
In today's episode, Cory and Annie discuss the significance of impact reporting to a purpose-driven company such as Cotopaxi. Annie explains her role as a sustainability officer and the meaning and purpose of creating impact reports. She shares the actions Cotopaxi implements to take responsibility and accountability for their impact based on their annual reports and how they build a business model that gives moral leeway to prioritize people and the planet alongside profit.
Tue, 26 Jul 2022 - 1h 01min - 344 - #234 - How to Fix Chicken Farming with Regenerative Agriculture, with Paul Greive of Pasturebird
Whether a fatty snack or nutritious meal, all the food we consume has a massive impact on our bodies. That’s why it’s important that we have access to foods that are safe, nutritious, affordable, and, ideally, work in harmony with the environment.
Paul Greive is an accountant, marine veteran, family man, and founder of Pasturebird. Pasturebird is one of the largest pastured poultry producers in the US that uses regenerative farming and provides people with more nutritious meat that comes from a more natural environment.
This accountant-turned-farmer believes everyone should have access to ethically-produced, nutritious food, which is why it has been a true joy for him to be one of the people pushing forward and re-inventing a new-old way of farming.
In this episode, Cory and Paul talk about the journey of building Pasturebird over a decade. Paul shares his life in the military, his battle with Lyme disease, and starting a pasture-poultry farm business with only 50 chicks, to raising millions of chickens without using a single antibiotic or drug. Paul addresses the problems in the food industry and the future of farming with the regenerative agriculture movement.
Tue, 19 Jul 2022 - 1h 06min - 343 - #233 - How to Buy Less, Buy Better, and End Consumer Culture, with Aja Barber
Do you ever wonder where old clothes end up? We see so many ads for unlimited types of clothing, the shops are full of people… When they’re worn out or just tired of a style, do most people donate items? Repurpose them? Recycle? The simple answer: most of them go into a trash wasteland and end up contributing to climate change.
Aja Barber is an eco-conscious fashion consultant, personal stylist, speaker, and author of Consumed: The Need for Collective Change: Colonialism, Climate Change, and Consumerism. Her line of work focuses on sustainability and its intersection with ethics, feminism, and racism, particularly in the fashion industry.
As a sustainable fashion consultant, Aja makes sure to educate the general public about sustainable and ethical manufacturing, specifically with garments in the fashion industry, in the hope of creating a better and safer planet.
She has written for online publications such as Eco-Age, The Guardian, and CNN. Still, she is most active in opening up conversations and informing people about sustainable and ethical fashion on her Instagram.
During the conversation, Cory and Aja talk about the impact of the fashion industry on our climate crisis, how fast fashion contributes to colonial waste, the core of consumer culture, and what role we can play to creatively solve these problems. Aja also shares her journey in writing her first book and gives her advice on how to stop consumerism.
📄 Full Show Notes - Links, Transcript, & More
Tue, 12 Jul 2022 - 1h 01min - 342 - #232 - The Future of Finance & Social Enterprise on the Good Future Podcast, with John Treadgold
Sustainable impact investing is one way for businesses to have financial gains and positively impact social and environmental issues at the same time.
John Treadgold is a sustainable investment expert and the Founder and host of the Good Future podcast. Good Future highlights business leaders in sustainable, ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance), and impact investing who are re-defining economics and building companies as a force for good.
John’s mission is to reboot finance and economics to serve people and the planet better. For him, this is something that, no matter how the economy ebbs and flows or how the challenges, pivots, and strategies of an organization change, their mission stays solid.
John is also a writer and an independent communication and strategy consultant who helps investors and businesses identify the emerging opportunities for sustainable investing.
In today’s episode, John shares how the entire field of ESG and sustainable finance are adapting and progressing even more resiliently in a sustainable future. He gives an update on his podcast, the Good Future podcast, and shares the impacts of the sustainable investment world. Cory and John also discuss how they navigated the COVID pandemic as entrepreneurs.
Tue, 05 Jul 2022 - 48min - 341 - #231 - How to Make a Clean Energy Transition that Benefits All, with Brett Isaac of Navajo Power
There are different ways to generate power and electricity, one being coal mining. But this method has a significant environmental impact, such as soil erosion, loss of natural habitat, and pollution.
After Brett came home from college, his community decided it was time to start a transition. They chose Brett to help build a company that provides clean energy, benefits the livelihood of the local community, and lessens the impact of climate change.
Brett Isaac is a renewable energy entrepreneur, business strategist, and the Founder and Co-CEO at Navajo Power, a native-owned public benefit corporation that develops utility-scale clean energy projects on tribal lands and maximizes the benefits for the local communities.
Brett is a member of the Navajo Nation and a skilled communicator who has worked with and collaborated with the local community to have an equitable and sustainable clean energy transition.
Navajo Power has the vision to bring clean energy to communities in a different way. They work intentionally to bring and maintain power to households with sustainable, clean energy. To date, they have deployed over 200 off-grid solar systems to serve households without grid electricity.
In this episode, Cory and Brett talk about making a transition to clean and equitable energy. Brett shares his foundational interest in power, particularly in clean energy, the struggles making the transition, the issues of equity, power structure and system, and the impact of the transition on the livelihood and welfare of the local community.
Tue, 28 Jun 2022 - 52min - 340 - #230 - How (& Why) to Save the Mangroves, with Vahid Fotuhi of Blue Forest
Vahid Fotuhi is the Founder and CEO of Blue Forest, a mangrove forest restoration and conservation development organization. He is also the Founder of the Middle East Solar Industry Association (MESIA), the largest and most active solar trade organization in the Middle East.
Vahid has 25 years of experience in the sustainable and renewable energy industry. He also published a photography book in 2018, "African Perspectives," after traveling all over Africa.
His personal experience of challenging circumstances created his fascination with sustainable and renewable energy. As he decided to move closer to finding a solution to climate change, he discovered that mangrove trees were not just a "scrub," but a nature-based solution to enhance our climate adaptation.
The idea of creating a better world for the new generations motivates Vahid to make a positive impact on the planet through renewable energy and reforestation by giving awareness, taking environmental actions, and creating eco-warriors – starting with his children.
During this conversation, Cory and Vahid talk about the significance of mangrove trees in mitigating climate change and their importance to the ecosystem. Vahid highlights why mangroves are worth protecting and shares the roadmap of Blue Forest’s reforestation projects, the challenges, misconceptions, and viable solutions to the deforestation problems.
Tue, 21 Jun 2022 - 1h 04min - 339 - #229 - How to Save Our Planet and Create an Ecotopia, with Professor Mark Maslin
Imagine a future without climate change: clean air, less pollution, and renewable energy. We always talk about the downsides, but what about focusing more on the solutions? As humans, we have as much power to create and nurture our planet as we do to destroy it.
Professor Mark Maslin believes that climate change and the environmental crisis are a challenge and an opportunity to help everyone realize that the planet is worth saving, protecting, and preserving for future generations.
Mark is an author, professor of Earth System Science at University College London (UCL), and Co-Founder & Chief Science Officer of Rezatec. Mark's areas of scientific expertise include the cause of global climate change and its effect on the carbon cycle, biodiversity, rainforest, and evolution. He is a leading scientist with particular expertise in past, present, and future climate change.
In today's episode, Cory and Mark discuss the extremely broad overview of climate change and the issues that we face. Going back to the past, understanding the present, and imagining the future of climate with humanity, Mark explains the power we all have to make a positive or negative impact on the planet.
⭐ SPONSORED BY: The Greater Good & Saybrook UniversityTue, 14 Jun 2022 - 57min - 338 - #228 - Defining the Future for Sustainable Travel, with James Thornton of Intrepid Travel
In 2019, more than 1 billion international trips were recorded globally, contributing to 8% of the world's carbon emissions from the travel industry. This record inspires us to reflect and understand the importance of preserving and protecting mother nature through more responsible and sustainable travel.
James Thornton is the CEO of Intrepid Travel, the world's largest certified travel B Corp to date. Intrepid Travel is a global tour operator with a mission to create positive change through travel. They take small groups to travel through the most amazing places, with real-life experience in a local way, ensuring they always travel with a positive impact.
James's passion for traveling led him to leave a career in asset management to join Intrepid’s UK office in 2005. In 2017, he was appointed the first non-founding CEO of Intrepid Travel, achieving numerous milestones and growth for the company and successfully steering it through the pandemic.
During the conversation, Cory and James talk about the future of responsible and sustainable travel. James shares Intrepid's steps in preparation for different crises, including Covid, their support to local partners, and their commitment to protecting the planet for future generations of travelers.
⭐ SPONSORED BY: The Greater Good & Saybrook UniversityTue, 07 Jun 2022 - 50min - 337 - #227 - Leveraging Adversity For the Greater Good, with Yasmine Mustafa of ROAR For Good [REPOST]
In honor of World Refugee Month (June), we bring back this exceptional conversation with Yasmine Mustafa of ROAR for Good from October 2019.
Yasmine Mustafa is a champion social entrepreneur, refugee, and immigrant living in the United States. Her own personal experience drove her to build a company that uses technology and focuses on personal safety.
Yasmine founded ROAR for Good, a mission-driven technology company dedicated to cultivating a safer workplace. Their vision to empower people with technology inspired them to launch their latest product, Always On – an indoor location tracking safety device. Prior to launching ROAR for Good, Yasmine founded and sold her first company, Girl Develop It - Philly, to a prominent marketing firm in Silicon Valley.
In this episode, Yasmine speaks about her passion for leveraging technology for social good, the journey in creating their first prototype safety device with her team, and the reason for their shift from consumer-based to business-based market. Yasmine also shares how a non-tech person like herself built a successful and revolutionary technology company.
⭐ SPONSORED BY: Saybrook UniversityTue, 31 May 2022 - 36min - 336 - #226 - How to Create a Greener, Sustainable Internet, with Tom Greenwood of Wholegrain Digital
We are in a digital age, with information at our fingertips. Yet, a lot of people are unaware of the impact of digital technology on the environment.
Tom Greenwood is an author, Co-founder, and Managing Director of Wholegrain Digital. Wholegrain Digital is London’s original WordPress agency, founded in 2007, and a Certified B Corporation that aims to help organizations thrive online using efficient design and web technology. They are focused on digital sustainability, quantifying the environmental impact of digital services, and looking at ways it can be reduced.
In today’s episode, Tom and Cory talk about digital technology, specifically the carbon footprints from the online world, and have an eye-opening conversation about sustainable internet. Tom describes people’s digital consumption, showing the direct and indirect impact on the environment.
⭐ SPONSORED BY: The Greater Good & Saybrook UniversityTue, 24 May 2022 - 57min - 335 - #225 - How to Market Travel Ethically, Sustainably, & Responsibly, with Mikey Sadowski of Intrepid Travel
Some companies use misleading marketing strategies to appear more environmentally friendly. For the ones that actually “walk the talk”, how do they separate their brand from this practice? One way is through setting ethical marketing guidelines.
Mikey Sadowski is the GM (VP equivalent in North America) of Global PR and Communications at Intrepid Travel, the largest adventure travel company with 25 offices around the world, and networks with 28 destination management companies (DMCs). Intrepid Travel is also the largest travel B Corp that offers sustainable, experience-rich travel, prioritizes purpose over profit, sets ethical marketing guidelines, and has a not-to-profit foundation.
In this episode, Cory and Mikey talk about intentional allyship and inclusivity in travel and marketing, along with the philosophy, strategy, and marketing of purpose-driven brands in a world of greenwashing and impact washing. Mikey shares how people and brands, like Intrepid, work together to achieve their goals to grow, develop, protect, and maintain a strong public image by showing authenticity, setting ethical marketing standards, and doing simple and impactful work.
Tue, 17 May 2022 - 56min - 334 - #224 - How to Reinvent the Economics of Agriculture Using Blockchain Technology, with Gregory Landua, CEO of Regen Network
Agriculture is essential in the fight against the climate crisis, not only for mankind but for the survival of the Earth. Therefore, it’s crucial that we transform the agricultural system through building infrastructure using technology and creating a connection to the human economy and ecological health through our economic activity.
Today’s guest, Gregory Landua, is very passionate about changing society to honor and regenerate ecological health, embracing the practical aspects of regenerative agriculture to assist farms and communities to help combat the climate crisis.
Gregory is the CEO, Co-Founder, and Co-Chief Regeneration Officer of Regen Network, a full-stack blockchain software development company leading the way towards tracking and funding ecological regeneration and creating new tools for humanity to relate to its environment.
During the conversation, Cory and Gregory talk about the new look of farming and agriculture, the future of carbon credits, and innovations in technology.
Gregory shares the different approaches and strategies Regen Network uses to connect the social construction of value to ecological health, and the benefits of open-source, community-owned infrastructure and blockchain technology to the land steward and the planet.
Tue, 10 May 2022 - 1h 00min - 333 - #223 - How to Turn Degraded Landscapes into Regenerative Circular Economies, with Neal Spackman of Regenerative Resources Co.
The Earth is unique, irreplaceable – it’s our home. We can't keep destroying it little by little. So then, why are billionaires more interested in the exploration of other planets instead of restoring our Mother Earth? There is still a chance to save the Earth, and one of these solutions is through regenerative agriculture projects.
Neal Spackman is the Founder & CEO of the Regenerative Resources and the Founder & former Director of the Al Baydha project in Saudi Arabia. Regenerative Resources is an ecosystem service company that acquires highly-degraded lands and transforms them into restored ecosystems of agroecologies.
Neal is passionate about terraforming, regenerative agriculture, and the relationship between ecology and wealth.
In today’s show, Neal walks us through the start of the regenerative agriculture project in a completely degraded desert landscape and how they transformed it into breathtaking, green life agroforestry. He also touches on topics about the poverty degradation trap, the massive effect of deforestation, and nature-based solutions.
Tue, 03 May 2022 - 1h 07min - 332 - #222 - How Can Circular Fashion Reverse Climate Change? with Shamini Dhana, Founder & CEO of Dhana Inc. [REPOST]
In a time when humanity struggles to avert a climate crisis, there’s a glimmer of hope for the fashion industry to be able to contribute to saving the environment. With the help of the right people and technology, being both environmentally friendly and fashionable at the same time can be achieved.
In our last episode for the Earth Month celebration, we bring back this fantastic conversation with Shamini Dhana from October 2020. This interview was also chosen to honor Fashion Revolution Week (last week) and the anniversary of the Rana Plaza disaster (April 24th, 2013).
Shamini Dhana is the founder and CEO of Dhana Inc., a fashion tech brand that believes in always paying it forward. Dhana Inc. was founded in 2008 and it aims to transform customer experience from zero-waste designs to social and environmental impact through circular fashion. Dhana Inc. is a certified B corporation and an active participant of the 2020 Circular Fashion Commitment.
In this episode, Shamini shares how circular fashion can reverse climate change and transform the customer experience. She explains the great benefits of repurposing and recreating dead stock clothing into a new garment and fashion piece, giving customers a choice to reduce the carbon footprint of the fashion industry on the environment.
Tue, 26 Apr 2022 - 49min - 331 - #221 - The Importance of Trees: Why Tentree is on a Mission to Plant 1 Billion Trees by 2030, with Derrick Emsley, CEO & Co-founder of tentree [REPOST]
Trees are important not only for oxygen and the environment, but also for society and the economy. When today’s guest was only 16, he and his brother had the idea of planting trees while selling carbon offsets back, and that paved the way to the beginning of tentree.
Continuing our revisitation of some excellent climate crusading episodes from our archives in celebration of Earth Month, today we bring you Derrick Emsley of tentree from February, 2021.
Derrick is the CEO and Co-Founder of tentree, a tree planting company that sells sustainable apparel. Tentree has an “Earth-First” commitment, a mission of creating a sustainable future through planting 1 billion trees by 2030, and a goal of empowering people by providing local jobs, food security, and environmental benefits.
In this episode, Cory and Derrick talk about the impact, significance, and importance of planting trees across the globe. Tentree started in 2012 and as of this re-publication, they’ve planted over 73 million trees! Derrick shares their innovations and transparency in their reforestation projects and their partnership with different organizations to empower people.
Tue, 19 Apr 2022 - 38min - 330 - #220 - The Family-Owned Company Fighting Climate Change By Achieving Net Zero Emissions By 2030, with Rebecca Hamilton, Co-CEO of Badger [REPOST]
Product manufacturers use a lot of chemicals that are harmful to the environment. But one family-owned business has a mission to reduce its product impact on the environment. Can they continuously create a product that would generate good for both people and the environment?
In celebration of Earth Month, we are resurrecting some climate crusading episodes from the archives. Today we’re revisiting this episode with Rebecca Hamilton of Badger Balm from September, 2020.
Rebecca Hamilton is the second-generation owner and Co-CEO (Co-Collaborative Executive Officer) at Badger Balm. Badger is a family-owned company of natural and organic personal care products known for its mission-driven spirit, pioneering family-friendly benefits, and high engagement in the certified B Corp community, being themselves a certified B Corp since 2019.
In this episode, Cory and Rebecca discuss Badger Balm’s climate initiatives to be a sustainable business while reducing their impact on the environment. They explore the environmental commitment the family-owned company has made, especially with their partnership with Revision Energy, and their commitment to being Net Zero emissions by 2030.
During the conversation, Rebecca shares the significance of Badger being a family-owned company, her relationship with her sister as the Co-CEO, her family, and the entire Badger team. She highlights Badger as a values-driven business that comes from having core leadership from their tight bonded family.
Tue, 12 Apr 2022 - 34min - 329 - #219 - How Regenerative Organic Certification is the Future of Agriculture & Farming, with Elizabeth Whitlow of the Regenerative Organic Alliance [REPOST]
This episode is in honor of Earth Month, and a repost from our discussion with Elizabeth Whitlow in October of 2020.
Elizabeth is the Executive Director of the Regenerative Organic Alliance (ROA), which is a revolutionary new food label requiring farmers to use sustainable, organic, and regenerative practices. ROA was formed in 2017 by representatives from the Rodale Institute and two companies we mention quite often at Grow Ensemble: Patagonia and Dr. Bronner’s.
The conventional methods used in the farming and agricultural sectors have received much criticism in recent years, with a demand for sustainable farming and agricultural practices. The issues do not only involve the techniques and methods used, but also the treatment of farmers and how they are often exploited under the current farming and agricultural paradigm.
Elizabeth is passionate about making a difference in the world with a focus on developing sustainable food systems that recognize organic and regenerative farming practices as the gold standard.
In today’s show, Cory and Elizabeth talk about the Regenerative Organic Alliance, lessons that Elizabeth learned working within the industry, the role farming can play in combating climate change, issues surrounding conventional farming and agricultural practices, and much more.
Tue, 05 Apr 2022 - 55min - 328 - #218 - The Purpose of Grow Ensemble: Creating Awe
We are wired to admire and appreciate the natural world. We are built to be collaborative and want to take care of others, but it can be very difficult for us to stare at suffering head on.
In today’s episode, host Cory explores the purpose and mission of Grow Ensemble. His never-ending appetite to learn and grow, particularly in ways that result in an increased awe for the world around him, is foundational to the concept of the podcast.
Together with his wife, their aim is to inspire people to fall in love with the planet and the people that live on it, in keeping with our natural inclination to admire the natural world. They believe that cultivating this awe can result in meaningful action to enact change for the planet and its residence, which is why they support and give a platform to social entrepreneurs. Their hope is that listeners will tune in and be inspired to do the same.
Tue, 29 Mar 2022 - 11min - 327 - #217 - How (& Why) to Build a Local Dirt-to-Shirt Supply Chain
In a post-pandemic world, what's the value of a dirt-to-shirt supply chain?
Today's guest is Eric Henry, President of TS Designs, and he believes that now, more than ever, businesses need to take an increasingly holistic view of their responsibility to the planet and society as a whole.
TS Designs is a business-to-business screen printing company, a certified B-corporation, and has its origins all the way back in the '70s. They manage a domestic and transparent supply chain to produce the highest quality, most sustainable t-shirts on the market and have recently expanded to start Solid State Clothing which now provides these straight to the customer.
Eric shares how the devastating effects of NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement) sparked the difficult genesis of his fight to build a completely transparent and sustainable company that simultaneously looks after the triple bottom line: people, planet, and profits.
With more than 40 years in the apparel industry, he works hard to keep farmers in the conversation, and this episode spans the gambit around supply chains, with a focus on the massive value and resilience in hyper-local supply chains.
We also do a deep dive into the challenges and difficulties in the opaque global supply chain of the fashion industry that's typically the norm, and talk through the wake-up call that COVID provided on the weakness of that chain.
Finally, we discuss the importance and difficulty of buying locally, both from a business's perspective as well as a consumer's perspective. All of these things have a serious implication on the strength and bond of a community, as well as the resilience of a local economy.
Tue, 22 Mar 2022 - 59min - 326 - #216 - Pursuing Purposeful + Meaningful Work on the We Can Do This Podcast with Sean Pritzkau
Sean Pritzkau and host Cory Ames come from different backgrounds — his in ministry and Cory’s in marketing — but their paths have converged as a result of their shared passions for purpose-driven business and podcasting!
In today’s conversation, they both share the journeys that have led them to where they are today, the driving forces behind the work they do, and how they hope to see the world change for the better as a result.
Sean and Cory also delve into the importance of self-care, collaboration, and being curious.
Sean is the host of We Can Do This, a podcast that aims to inspire people and provide them with the tools to start or grow their own social enterprises or initiatives, so be sure to check it out after this episode!
-- -- 💌 BETTER WORLD WEEKLY NEWSLETTER: The Better World Weekly is a weekly newsletter written and published by Grow Ensemble Founder and Podcast Host, Cory Ames. For the latest insights, analysis, and inspiration for building a better world, join the 1000s of changemakers and social entrepreneurs from all sectors all over the globe who get this email in their inbox every Monday. Subscribe >>> https://growensemble.com/newsletter/ -- -- 📄 Full Show Notes - Links, Transcript, & More 📣 SUPPORT THE PODCAST: Leave a Review (on Apple Podcasts!) Subscribe to the Newsletter Share the Podcast on Twitter or LinkedIn GROW ENSEMBLE: YouTube Twitter LinkedIn ABOUT CORY AMES: Newsletter Twitter LinkedIn Website FOR SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURS: Get the courses, coaching, and services to help grow your business and expand your impact with our Better World Business Growth programs. Our newest course, SEO Traffic + Impact will help you use search engine optimization (SEO) to build an audience around your better-for-the-world business and mission.Tue, 15 Mar 2022 - 55min - 325 - #215 - Can Purpose-Driven Business Fix Capitalism? with Davis Smith of Cotopaxi
If you’ve traveled, you’ve seen the destructive nature of capitalism. But can we lean into it and still make an impact? Better yet, can we use it as the very instrument for change?
Davis Smith joins us today to share his story and emphasize the possibility of building a thriving business with a focus on social impact. Davis is the Founder and CEO of Cotopaxi, an outdoor gear brand with a humanitarian mission.
In this episode, he breaks down the methodology behind a purpose-driven business and the potential it has to effect change. Growing up in South America and being exposed to extreme poverty really informed Davis’ passion for impact, and he shares his fascinating path to linking social impact with business.
Davis illustrates what the world would look like if more businesses operated according to the Cotopaxi framework, and illuminates how, from his experience of sourcing investments, it seems to be women who have a greater understanding of impact and the future of business.
We also discuss the responsibility of the consumer to make a change, along with the nuances of where businesses are failing and how they can shift gears to move from destruction and extraction to meaningful impact!
-- -- 💌 BETTER WORLD WEEKLY NEWSLETTER: The Better World Weekly is a weekly newsletter written and published by Grow Ensemble Founder and Podcast Host, Cory Ames. For the latest insights, analysis, and inspiration for building a better world, join the 1000s of changemakers and social entrepreneurs from all sectors all over the globe who get this email in their inbox every Monday. Subscribe >>> https://growensemble.com/newsletter/ -- -- 📄 Full Show Notes - Links, Transcript, & More 📣 SUPPORT THE PODCAST: Leave a Review (on Apple Podcasts!) Subscribe to the Newsletter Share the Podcast on Twitter or LinkedIn GROW ENSEMBLE: YouTube Twitter LinkedIn ABOUT CORY AMES: Newsletter Twitter LinkedIn Website FOR SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURS: Get the courses, coaching, and services to help grow your business and expand your impact with our Better World Business Growth programs. Our newest course, SEO Traffic + Impact will help you use search engine optimization (SEO) to build an audience around your better-for-the-world business and mission.Tue, 08 Mar 2022 - 56min - 324 - #214 - Annotations for February 2022: Crickets, Good News, & Fashion Media
In today’s episode, Cory revisits three interviews from February and shares his thoughts, reflections, and key takeaways for the show’s new annotations segment.
Hear a recap from Kate Stoddard, Branden Harvey, and Tara Donaldson.
Cory kicks things off with an overview of his conversation with Kate Stoddard, Founder of Orchestra Provisions, a company that designs cricket protein superfoods that can easily be incorporated into the average American diet. Hear about how Kate’s parents shaped her desire to be impactful and why you don’t need to do the extreme to have an impact.
Next, Cory revisits his interview with Branden Harvey, Founder of Good Good Good, a media platform that is designed to leave you feeling more hopeful and better equipped to do more good. Branden describes the distinction between feel good news and real news, why his company is all about good news, and how being purpose driven can sustain you through tough times.
For the final recap, Cory takes a look at his interview with Tara Donaldson, Executive Editor of WWD, Founder of The Diversity List, and former Editorial Director of Sourcing Journal. His interview with Tara serves as a searing reminder of the failures of mainstream media to report on the less glamorous aspects of fashion and challenge the unsustainable status quo that is still dominating the industry.
Gain a new perspective on being impactful, doing good, and the role of journalism and check out the full episodes if you’d like to hear more!
-- -- 💌 BETTER WORLD WEEKLY NEWSLETTER: The Better World Weekly is a weekly newsletter written and published by Grow Ensemble Founder and Podcast Host, Cory Ames. For the latest insights, analysis, and inspiration for building a better world, join the 1000s of changemakers and social entrepreneurs from all sectors all over the globe who get this email in their inbox every Monday. Subscribe >>> https://growensemble.com/newsletter/ -- -- 📄 Full Show Notes - Links, Transcript, & More 📣 SUPPORT THE PODCAST: Leave a Review (on Apple Podcasts!) Subscribe to the Newsletter Share the Podcast on Twitter or LinkedIn GROW ENSEMBLE: YouTube Twitter LinkedIn ABOUT CORY AMES: Newsletter Twitter LinkedIn Website FOR SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURS: Get the courses, coaching, and services to help grow your business and expand your impact with our Better World Business Growth programs. Our newest course, SEO Traffic + Impact will help you use search engine optimization (SEO) to build an audience around your better-for-the-world business and mission.Tue, 01 Mar 2022 - 40min - 323 - #213 - How the Business and Media of Fashion Co-Exist, with Tara Donaldson of WWD
It’s easy to get distracted by the flashy surface of the fashion industry, but it’s the sinister underbelly that we need to delve into to truly start making a difference.
In the latest installment of our series on the Impact of Fashion with our partner, Dhana, we are joined by Tara Donaldson, Executive Editor of WWD, Founder of The Diversity List, and former Editorial Director of Sourcing Journal, to talk about how the business and media of fashion co-exist.
In her work, Tara has been covering the business of fashion, from textiles to retail, bringing light to the important issues of sustainable and impactful fashion, and speaking to a more inclusive and equitable fashion industry.
In this episode, Tara explains the role of media in the fashion industry and its effects on sustainability, social impact, and inclusion. She breaks down the effects of fast fashion on the immediate communities and environments of workers along the supply chain and shares her views on what precisely needs to change to prevent unethical labor practices and expose the bad actors!
We find out why we need to be supporting smaller brands who are building their business with sustainability at the center, starting with the design process, and the difficulty larger brands face in turning the ship around.
The term “sustainability” contains everything from waste prevention to the social impact element, and Tara touches on why it’s critical to pay attention to and elevate the voices and contributions of people of color in the fashion industry.
-- -- 💌 BETTER WORLD WEEKLY NEWSLETTER: The Better World Weekly is a weekly newsletter written and published by Grow Ensemble Founder and Podcast Host, Cory Ames. For the latest insights, analysis, and inspiration for building a better world, join the 1000s of changemakers and social entrepreneurs from all sectors all over the globe who get this email in their inbox every Monday. Subscribe >>> https://growensemble.com/newsletter/ -- -- 📄 Full Show Notes - Links, Transcript, & More 📣 SUPPORT THE PODCAST: Leave a Review (on Apple Podcasts!) Subscribe to the Newsletter Share the Podcast on Twitter or LinkedIn GROW ENSEMBLE: YouTube Twitter LinkedIn ABOUT CORY AMES: Newsletter Twitter LinkedIn Website FOR SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURS: Get the courses, coaching, and services to help grow your business and expand your impact with our Better World Business Growth programs. Our newest course, SEO Traffic + Impact will help you use search engine optimization (SEO) to build an audience around your better-for-the-world business and mission.Tue, 22 Feb 2022 - 50min - 322 - #212 - Why the World Needs *Real* Good News Right Now, with Branden Harvey of Good Good Good
Now, more than ever, we need a dose of good news. The past few years have seen an ever-increasing wave of negative stories that are hard to ignore. Our guest today is trying to change some of that.
Branden Harvey is the founder of Good Good Good, the host of the Sounds Good Podcast, and the managing editor of The Goodnewspaper, through which he aims to spread 'real good news' to inspire action and hope in his readers, listeners, and community.
For Branden, it isn’t about ignoring the difficulties and tragedies that are present in our world, but rather he hopes to balance out what has become overwhelming and disheartening.
Branden has some great tips for staying energized and proactive, and this means reading the news instead of watching it, and finding a balance that is healthy for you and your needs instead of passively doom-scrolling.
Cory speaks to Branden about his background and what led him to where he is today, with some attention on mentorship, his passion for photography, and the beginnings of the Good Good Good brand. Branden also talks about the habits that help him stay positive about the future, and the gratitude he feels for his work and community.
-- -- 💌 BETTER WORLD WEEKLY NEWSLETTER: The Better World Weekly is a weekly newsletter written and published by Grow Ensemble Founder and Podcast Host, Cory Ames. For the latest insights, analysis, and inspiration for building a better world, join the 1000s of changemakers and social entrepreneurs from all sectors all over the globe who get this email in their inbox every Monday. Subscribe >>> https://growensemble.com/newsletter/ -- -- 📄 Full Show Notes - Links, Transcript, & More 📣 SUPPORT THE PODCAST: Leave a Review (on Apple Podcasts!) Subscribe to the Newsletter Share the Podcast on Twitter or LinkedIn GROW ENSEMBLE: YouTube Twitter LinkedIn ABOUT CORY AMES: Newsletter Twitter LinkedIn Website FOR SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURS: Get the courses, coaching, and services to help grow your business and expand your impact with our Better World Business Growth programs. Our newest course, SEO Traffic + Impact will help you use search engine optimization (SEO) to build an audience around your better-for-the-world business and mission.Tue, 15 Feb 2022 - 1h 04min - 321 - #211 - Eating Crickets: The Key to a Sustainable Food System? With Kate Stoddard of Orchestra Provisions
Today we are joined by Kate Stoddard to explore how eating crickets could be the key to a sustainable food system.
Kate is a mother, social entrepreneur, and environmentalist. She has a Master’s in the science of nutrition and is interested in finding regenerative solutions to mending broken food systems. She is the Founder of Orchestra Provisions, an organization that is reimagining traditional protein sources by incorporating crickets into daily-use superfood blends.
In our conversation, Kate talks about how she discovered the benefits of eating insects and decided to build a product line to advocate for them. We discuss our rich history of entomophagy (eating insects), what has separated Western culture from this practice, and how Kate is overcoming the barriers to its re-adoption through her marketing.
Our conversation also covers the many reasons why insect protein is more sustainable than other sources, and how Orchestra Provisions is slowly shifting perceptions using their line of delicious spices, protein powders, and therapeutics.
-- -- 💌 BETTER WORLD WEEKLY NEWSLETTER: The Better World Weekly is a weekly newsletter written and published by Grow Ensemble Founder and Podcast Host, Cory Ames. For the latest insights, analysis, and inspiration for building a better world, join the 1000s of changemakers and social entrepreneurs from all sectors all over the globe who get this email in their inbox every Monday. Subscribe >>> https://growensemble.com/newsletter/ -- -- 📄 Full Show Notes - Links, Transcript, & More 📣 SUPPORT THE PODCAST: Leave a Review (on Apple Podcasts!) Subscribe to the Newsletter Share the Podcast on Twitter or LinkedIn GROW ENSEMBLE: YouTube Twitter LinkedIn ABOUT CORY AMES: Newsletter Twitter LinkedIn Website FOR SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURS: Get the courses, coaching, and services to help grow your business and expand your impact with our Better World Business Growth programs. Our newest course, SEO Traffic + Impact will help you use search engine optimization (SEO) to build an audience around your better-for-the-world business and mission.Tue, 08 Feb 2022 - 56min - 320 - #110 - The Power of Philanthropy in Business: 2,700+ Businesses on a Mission to Create a World Full of Giving with Masami Sato, Founder & CEO of B1G1
Resources & Links:
⭐️Download Your Episode Companion
📄 Full Show Notes & Episode Bonuses
🌍Better World Weekly Newsletter
📈Get Help Growing Your Purpose-Driven Business
In today's episode, we welcome Masami Sato, CEO & Founder of B1G1 to the show. B1G1 is a global giving initiative that has grown into a global movement.
B1G1 helps businesses embed giving into the heart of their everyday activities through making giving for businesses easy, effective, and meaningful. At the time of this recording, the B1G1 community spans over 2,500 businesses and have created over 200 million giving impacts to date.
In our Episode with Masami, we discuss:
How Masami went from running a frozen food distribution company to founding B1G1 Why Masami says that in 13 years B1G1 hasn’t really changed at all What the future looks like for B1G1 B1G1’s unique approach to business giving that turned their initiative into a global movement The significance of empowerment as a leaderLinks from the Episode:
Masami on LinkedIn B1G1 on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram Legacy: The Sustainable Development Goals in Action by Masami Sato & Paul Dunn Ocaquatics Swim SchoolFull Show Notes & Episode Bonuses:
https://growensemble.com/philanthropy-in-business
Connect with Grow Ensemble on Social:
YouTube Twitter LinkedIn InstagramTue, 25 Aug 2020 - 38min - 319 - #109 - Socially Responsible Banks: Who You Should (and Shouldn't) Bank with
🌍Better World Weekly Newsletter
📈Get Help Growing Your Purpose-Driven Business
As the community around social enterprise and conscious consumerism continues to gain momentum, there is one unavoidable (but often shamefully avoided) component to the whole movement: where is the money coming from when we vote with our dollar?
Is there something else we should be doing before we spend?
In this episode, we'll be breaking down traditional banking's social and environmental impact, what defines a socially responsible bank, and a few banks working hard to make a difference for your wallet and the world.
In this episode, we cover:
What's the problem with traditional banking? What defines a "socially responsible" bank? Why you should make the switch 4 socially responsible banks we loveFull Blog Post & Episode Bonuses:
https://growensemble.com/socially-responsible-banks/
Connect with Grow Ensemble on Social:
YouTube Twitter LinkedIn InstagramThu, 20 Aug 2020 - 17min - 318 - #108 - A Case Study in Regenerative Business: Caroline Duell & All Good Products with Caroline Duell, Founder & CEO of All Good Products
Resources & Links:
⭐️Download Your Episode Companion
📄 Full Show Notes & Episode Bonuses
🌍Better World Weekly Newsletter
📈Get Help Growing Your Purpose-Driven Business
In this episode of the podcast, we're chatting with Caroline Duell, CEO & Founder of All Good Products. All Good Products is a skincare company making products free from harmful chemicals that are designed to be safe for the whole family.
Through Caroline’s devotion to sticking to her core values, All Good is a great case study in regenerative business. They are a certified B-Corp and 1% for the Planet member and have recently committed to going carbon neutral amongst other environmental benefits. All Good’s corporate machine is truly committed to living in harmony with nature and doing right by our mothership.
In our Episode with Caroline, we discuss:
All Good products’ origin story How Caroline began and remains a reluctant businessperson The evolution of All Good from products sold out of the back of her van to a global brand All Good’s role in systemic change, be it social or environmental The secrets of maintaining a wonderful personal and professional relationship with your partnerLinks from the Episode:
Caroline on LinkedIn All Good Products on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube B-Corporation 1% for the Planet OSC2 (One Step Closer to an Organic Sustainable Community) Dr. Bronner’s Numi Tea Guayakí Sambazon Lotus Foods Beneficial State Bank RSF Social Finance The Regenerative Business by Carol SanfordFull Show Notes & Episode Bonuses:
https://growensemble.com/regenerative-business-model
Connect with Grow Ensemble on Social:
YouTube Twitter LinkedIn InstagramTue, 18 Aug 2020 - 36min - 317 - #107 - Summary & Takeaways from Acumen Founder & CEO's The Blue Sweater
🌍Better World Weekly Newsletter
📈Get Help Growing Your Purpose-Driven Business
In this episode, we’ll share with you our experience of reading and digesting Acumen Fund founder Jacqueline Novogratz’s book The Blue Sweater: Bridging the Gap Between Rich and Poor in an Interconnected World.
Novogratz is a social entrepreneurial success story, and learning even a bit from her experience she shares with us in this book, proves well worthwhile.
In the episode, we cover:
A quick breakdown of the book: what it's about and why it was written A bit about Novogratz background in the social entrepreneurship space Key lessons & takeaways for the change-makerFull Blog Post & Episode Bonuses:
https://growensemble.com/the-blue-sweater-summary/
Connect with Grow Ensemble on Social:
YouTube Twitter LinkedIn InstagramThu, 13 Aug 2020 - 17min - 316 - #106 - The Global Water Crisis: How to Provide Access to Clean Water Around the World with James Leitner, Founder & Executive Director of MissionCleanWater
Resources & Links:
⭐️Download Your Episode Companion
📄 Full Show Notes & Episode Bonuses
🌍Better World Weekly Newsletter
📈Get Help Growing Your Purpose-Driven Business
In the latest episode of the podcast, we welcome James Leitner, Founder & Executive Director of MissionCleanWater. MissionCleanWater is a nonprofit working to provide clean water and sanitation to under-served communities.
With 60% of all clean water projects in Africa failing, MissionCleanWater specializes in community engagement, aiming to develop new models that are oriented toward developing sustainable success within each specific community they work with.
In our Episode with James, we discuss:
How to improve clean water access globally MissionCleanWater's grassroots approach to sustainable solutions James' background as an endurance runner and how it has influenced his work Unique nonprofit fundraising strategies James’ neutral stance in the running shoe argumentLinks from the Episode:
James on LinkedIn, Facebook MissionCleanWater on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn The Contact Us page leads straight to James, so you can reach him there. The 30-mile a day for 30 days challenge Well Aware Delaware Food Co-Op New Balance 880sFull Show Notes & Episode Bonuses:
https://growensemble.com/clean-water-access/
Connect with Grow Ensemble on Social:
YouTube Twitter LinkedIn InstagramTue, 11 Aug 2020 - 37min - 315 - #105 - Where Did Conscious Consumerism Come From & What's Its Role in Affecting Change?
🌍Better World Weekly Newsletter
📈Get Help Growing Your Purpose-Driven Business
From food and clothing to consumer electronics and vehicles, purchasing the things we need and want has always been an inevitable part of our everyday lives.
But what are the implications of buying something? Its impact doesn’t stop at you spending money and using the product.
In this episode, we'll be diving into:
The rise of conscious consumerism How has it changed the world? How to be a Conscious Consumer Is conscious consumerism really a good thing?Full Blog Post & Episode Bonuses:
https://growensemble.com/conscious-consumerism/
Connect with Grow Ensemble on Social:
YouTube Twitter LinkedIn InstagramThu, 06 Aug 2020 - 14min - 314 - #104 - The Past, Present, & Future of Positive Social Change with Eric Nee, Editor-in-Chief of Stanford Social Innovation Review
Resources & Links:
⭐️Download Your Episode Companion
📄 Full Show Notes & Episode Bonuses
🌍Better World Weekly Newsletter
📈Get Help Growing Your Purpose-Driven Business
In episode 104, we welcome Eric Nee, Editor-in-Chief of Stanford Social Innovation Review (SSIR). SSIR is an award-winning magazine and website that covers cross-sector solutions to global problems. Considering themselves a peer-to-peer learning facilitation platform, SSIR relies on the social impact community to submit articles about their work and the community at large.
Eric has held the post of editor-in-chief since 2006, nearing 15 years with his finger on the pulse of the social impact ecosystem. While this is the longest job posting he has ever held, Eric has more than 35 years of experience in journalism and publishing.
In our episode with Eric, we dive into:
How he went from changing bedpans to running a social impact publication The role of journalism and SSIR in the social impact ecosystem Major gaps in the social sector that need to be addressed How the social innovation space has evolved since he joined SSIRLinks from the Episode:
Eric on LinkedIn Stanford Social Innovation Review on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn Grameen Bank Center on Philanthropy and Civil Society Business Roundtable BlackRock B-Corp The Giving Pledge (Bill Gates) GiveDirectly Democracy in America by Alexis De Tocqueville The New York Times The Wall Street Journal The Guardian The Financial Times The New Yorker The Atlantic National GeographicFull Show Notes & Episode Bonuses:
https://growensemble.com/positive-social-change/
Connect with Grow Ensemble on Social:
YouTube Twitter LinkedIn InstagramTue, 04 Aug 2020 - 55min - 313 - #103 - 5 MUST Read Books for the Social Entrepreneur & Changemaker
🌍Better World Weekly Newsletter
📈Get Help Growing Your Purpose-Driven Business
What’s better than a new book, right?
Maybe a new book that also challenges you to take a more critical look at the environmental and social problems around you and inspires you to change the world?
Better yet, maybe it’s a new book that gives you both the tools and motivation to launch that social venture tucked away in your brain that will radically change the quality of life for those in your community.
In this episode, we’ve curated a list of books covering triple bottom line business, impact investing, and social innovation, all highlighting progress achieved through innovative business and nonprofit models.
Full Blog Post & Episode Bonuses:
https://growensemble.com/social-entrepreneurship-books/
Connect with Grow Ensemble on Social:
YouTube Twitter LinkedIn InstagramThu, 30 Jul 2020 - 14min - 312 - #102 - What is Storytelling & Why is it So Important for Social Entrepreneurs? With Adam Force, Co-Founder of Change Creator
Resources & Links:
⭐️Download Your Episode Companion
📄Full Show Notes & Episode Bonuses
🌍Better World Weekly Newsletter
📈Get Help Growing Your Purpose-Driven Business
In this episode, we're chatting with Adam Force, Co-Founder of Change Creator. Change Creator is a media company that empowers conscious entrepreneurs to change the status quo through the power of storytelling.
In addition to a podcast and a premier digital magazine, they have launched the Captivate Method, which helps impact-driven entrepreneurs supercharge their marketing to build trust and consistent sales. For the past 15 years, Adam and his team have become experts in storytelling, marketing online, building four businesses, and creating strategies for the biggest brands in the world.
In our episode, we dive into:
Adam’s professional journey and the founding of Change Creator The importance of the pain point as a trigger How to innovate your marketing through storytelling Change Creator’s Podcast & Digital Magazine Captivate Method, Change Creator’s online program for purpose-driven entrepreneurs to boost their marketing Why Change Creator is pivoting away from being purely a media companyLinks from the Episode:
Adam on LinkedIn, Change Creator on LinkedIn The Captivate Method Magazine Podcast EthnoTek Secrets of the Millionaire Mind by T. Harv Eker Traction by Gino Wickman Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert T. KiyosakiFull Show Notes & Episode Bonuses:
https://growensemble.com/what-is-storytelling
Connect with Grow Ensemble on Social:
YouTube Twitter LinkedIn InstagramTue, 28 Jul 2020 - 40min - 311 - #101 - How Social Enterprises Can Scale Impact Through Corporate Partnerships with Mark Horoszowski, CEO & Co-Founder of MovingWorlds
Resources & Links:
⭐️Download Your Episode Companion
📄Full Show Notes & Episode Bonuses
🌍Better World Weekly Newsletter
📈Get Help Growing Your Purpose-Driven Business
In episode 101, we chat with Mark Horoszowski, CEO & Co-Founder of MovingWorlds. Originally an organization seeking to shift the perspective and priorities of professionals interested in volunteering while on a luxury vacation, MovingWorlds is now a social enterprise that helps businesses scale social impact and sustainability initiatives through engaging individual employees.
In our chat with Tom, we dive into:
Scaling social enterprises through partnering with corporations How MovingWorlds evolved its priorities through solving problems in the marketplace The MovingWorlds Institute and other programs they provide The importance of focusing on the individual human and their skills and desires What Mark has learned over the past 10+ years in the social impact spaceLinks from the Episode:
Mark on LinkedIn Mark’s email MovingWorlds on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube MovingWorlds Institute The S Grid Program Experteering Microsoft’s MySkills4Afrika Ariba The Lean Startup by Eric Ries Steve Blank’s resources on customer development The Focus Framework by Justin Wilcox Poor Economics by Abhijit V. Banerjee & Esther Duflo Multipliers by Greg McKeown & Liz WisemanFull Show Notes & Episode Bonuses:
https://growensemble.com/movingworlds-mark-horoszowski/
Connect with Grow Ensemble on Social:
YouTube Twitter LinkedIn InstagramThu, 23 Jul 2020 - 41min - 310 - #100 - 10(0) Podcast Tips for Purpose-Driven Businesses & Nonprofits
Resources & Links:
🌍Better World Weekly Newsletter
📈Get Help Growing Your Purpose-Driven Business
We launched The Social Entrepreneurship & Innovation Podcast in January 2019. Now, just a little over a year and a half later, we’ve hit the 100 episode milestone!
This podcast has become much of the ‘base’ from which we launched Grow Ensemble, our media and marketing company in the space of social impact and sustainable business.
In this special episode of the podcast, we're sharing some of the best tips we have to help the aspiring purpose-driven podcaster.
Hopefully, this can be a resource to help get you started. And while it’s not exactly a step by step guide, it’s (almost) all of the best we can share from our experience thus far.
In this episode, we discuss:
Tips for Starting & Launching a Podcast Tips for Sustaining a Podcast Tips for Recording Podcasts Tips for Booking & Interviewing Guests Tools & Tricks for a Successful Podcast Tips for Editing & Publishing a Podcast Tips for Promoting & Growing a PodcastFull Blog Post & Episode Bonuses:
https://coryames.com/podcast-tips/
Connect with Grow Ensemble CEO Cory & Grow Ensemble on Social:
Grow Ensemble's YouTube Grow Ensemble's Twitter Cory's Twitter Grow Ensemble LinkedIn Cory's LinkedIn Grow Ensemble's InstagramTue, 21 Jul 2020 - 30min - 309 - #99 - What Makes For a (Truly) Socially Responsible Company?
Resources & Links:
🌍Better World Weekly Newsletter
📈Get Help Growing Your Purpose-Driven Business
We can say so-long to the days when social impact was reserved for volunteers and nonprofit organizations. As consumers become more and more concerned with social and environmental issues we face in the world around us, more and more for-profit companies are responding by joining (and sometimes leading) the fight to tackle those social issues.
In this episode, we discuss:
Why it's important for companies to be socially responsible How companies can be more socially responsible How you can tell which companies truly are socially responsible 10 of our favorite socially responsible companiesFull Blog Post & Episode Bonuses:
https://growensemble.com/socially-responsible-companies/
Connect with Grow Ensemble on Social:
YouTube Twitter LinkedIn InstagramThu, 16 Jul 2020 - 16min - 308 - #98 - How to Start, Fund, & Grow a Social Enterprise with Tom Dawkins, Co-Founder & CEO of StartSomeGood
Resources & Links:
⭐️Download Your Episode Companion
📄Full Show Notes & Episode Bonuses
🌍Better World Weekly Newsletter
📈Get Help Growing Your Purpose-Driven Business
In the latest episode, we chat with Tom Dawkins, CEO & co-founder of StartSomeGood. StartSomeGood is a global crowdfunding platform and education provider for social good projects. Tom has a plethora of experience in the social good space, founding Australian youth nonprofit Vibewire before StartSomeGood, and working for and consulting with various nonprofits, associations, and governments throughout his career.
In our chat with Tom, we dive into:
The beginnings of StartSomeGood Tom’s evolution from political activist to crowdfunding platform founder Good Hustle, StartSomeGood’s 10-module course that prepares for launching a crowdfunding campaign The foundational elements required to launch a social enterprise The importance of early-stage innovation for the betterment of our worldLinks from the Episode:
Tom on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, Medium If you connect with Tom on LinkedIn, be sure to mention you listened to this podcast! StartSomeGood on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram GoodHustle.Online (10 modules) Collective Enoughness Manifesto for a Moral Revolution by Jacqueline Novogratz The Blue Sweater by Jacqueline Novogratz The Age of Surveillance Capitalism by Shoshana Zuboff Let People Go Surfing by Yvon Chouinard Long Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela The Answer to How is Yes by Peter BlockFull Show Notes & Episode Bonuses:
https://growensemble.com/startsomegood-tom-dawkins/
Connect with Grow Ensemble on Social:
YouTube Twitter LinkedIn InstagramTue, 14 Jul 2020 - 51min - 307 - #97 - Better World Weekly 38: Sustainable Promotional Products, Free & Fair 2020 Elections, and a Socialist NBA
Resources & Links:
🌍Better World Weekly Newsletter
📈Get Help Growing Your Purpose-Driven Business
In this audio edition of the Better World Weekly, we discuss:
Eco-Friendly & Sustainable Promotional Products Supporting Black, Women-Led Social Enterprises Ensuring a Free & Fair Election in November A Socialist NBA—Is it Basketball or Socialism?Want the Better World Weekly Newsletter sent straight to your inbox?
Sign up here: https://growensemble.com/newsletter
Connect with Grow Ensemble on Social:
YouTube Twitter LinkedIn InstagramThu, 09 Jul 2020 - 13min - 306 - #96 - The Future of the Eco-Friendly Promotional Products Industry with Denise Taschereau & Sarah White of Fairware
Resources & Links:
📄Full Show Notes & Episode Bonuses
🌍Better World Weekly Newsletter
📈Get Help Growing Your Purpose-Driven Business
In this episode, we're speaking with co-founders of Fairware, Denise Taschereau (CEO) and Sarah White (COO). Fairware is a sustainable promotional merchandise company and B Corp that helps businesses to better engage their customers, employees, and partners through the creation of sustainable custom-branded products.
In our chat with Taschereau & White, we discuss:
Their involvement in the activism side of the B-Corporation community Insights they've gained from being a certified B Corp for 10 years Tips on the B Corp certification and re-certification process Their thoughts and philosophies on ethical sourcing The beginnings of Fairware and how the business gained traction and grew The urgency to address the intersection between sustainability and diversity, equity, and inclusion in today’s political climateLinks from the Episode:
Denise on LinkedIn Sarah on LinkedIn Fairware on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn Lookbooks Resources B-Corporation We the Change Asana Ben & Jerry’s Patagonia Decisive by Chip Heath & Dan Heath How to Be an Anti-Racist by Ibram X. KendiFull Show Notes & Episode Bonuses:
https://growensemble.com/fairware-denise-Taschereau-sarah-white/
Connect with Grow Ensemble on Social:
YouTube Twitter LinkedIn InstagramTue, 07 Jul 2020 - 44min - 305 - #95 - The Benefits of Volunteering You Might Have Not Considered
Resources & Links:
🌍Better World Weekly Newsletter
📈Get Help Growing Your Purpose-Driven Business
If you are on the fence about diving into a new volunteer experience or have doubts about whether or not volunteering is right for you, you might find yourself surprised at just how much you can gain from taking the plunge.
In this episode, we cover:
Why volunteering is important The many benefits of volunteering How you can get startedFull Blog Post & Episode Bonuses:
https://growensemble.com/why-volunteer/
Connect with Grow Ensemble on Social:
YouTube Twitter LinkedIn InstagramThu, 02 Jul 2020 - 12min - 304 - #94 - How to Build an Adventure Volunteer Tour Company with Adam Kunes of Have Fun Do Good
Resources & Links:
📄Full Show Notes & Episode Bonuses
🌍Better World Weekly Newsletter
📈Get Help Growing Your Purpose-Driven Business
In the latest episode, we're speaking with Adam Kunes, Founder of purpose-driven boutique travel company Have Fun Do Good. Have Fun Do Good offers epic group travel experiences in the United States and abroad. Each experience incorporates a chance for participants to give back through volunteerism. Their aim is to change the idea of the traditional vacation mindset, hoping to provide attendees with an opportunity that will encourage them to continue to give back once they arrive back home.
In our chat, we dive into:
The inspiration and origins behind Have Fun Do Good The benefits of incorporating volunteering into a more traditional vacation How Adam blended his experience with running a nonprofit and a for-profit business to run Have Fun Do Good The recent launch of their new initiative, Drink Beer Do Good How a Semester at Sea changed Adam’s lifeLinks from the Episode:
Adam on LinkedIn, Instagram, and his email Have Fun Do Good on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram Video of their first Arizona trip Drink Beer Do Good TOMS Pencils of Promise Charity: Water Causeartist Shoe Dog by Phil Knight The Last Dance (Michael Jordan docuseries)Full Show Notes & Episode Bonuses:
https://growensemble.com/have-fun-do-good-adam-kunes/
Connect with Grow Ensemble on Social:
YouTube Twitter LinkedIn InstagramTue, 30 Jun 2020 - 29min - 303 - #93 - What Does 'Voting with Your Dollar' Mean & What's Its Role in Impacting Change?
Resources & Links:
🌍 Better World Weekly Newsletter
📈Get Help Growing Your Purpose-Driven Business
Sometimes change doesn’t require you to completely change what you’re doing. Sometimes it only requires you to change how you’re doing it.
A huge example of this philosophy: voting with your dollar.
In this episode, we cover:
What voting with your dollar really means Why you should care where your dollars go How to "vote with your dollar" sustainably The role voting with your dollar plays in impacting changeFull Blog Post & Episode Bonuses:
https://growensemble.com/voting-with-your-dollar/
Connect with Grow Ensemble on Social:
YouTube Twitter LinkedIn InstagramThu, 25 Jun 2020 - 14min - 302 - #92 - How Conscious Investing & Spending Impacts Our Environment with John Treadgold, Communications Consultant & Founder of the Good Future Podcast
For the Full Show Notes & Any Extras: https://growensemble.com/good-future-john-treadgold/
Today we welcome John Treadgold to the podcast. John is a communications consultant specializing in advising organizations on how to communicate their impact, as well as the founder and host of the Good Future podcast where speaks to leaders and innovators who are rethinking economics and working to build companies focused on the greater good.
In our chat, we dive into:
John's diverse academic and professional journey How our choices in spending and investing can impact the environment What we can do to promote a more holistically sustainable lifestyle and economy The resiliency of ESG funds during the coronavirus crisis John's thoughts on what the new normal will look like in a post COVID-19 world Lessons and insights learned through his experience in the social enterprise spaceLinks from the Episode:
John Treadgold on Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn Good Future Podcast John’s piece on the new normal Doughnut Economics by Kate Raworth Against the Rules Podcast (Michael Lewis) B Corporation Humanitix Who Gives a Crap?For the Full Show Notes & Any Extras: https://growensemble.com/good-future-john-treadgold/
Tue, 23 Jun 2020 - 42min - 301 - #91 - How to Boost Workplace Giving with Rachel Klausner, Founder & CEO of Millie
For the Full Show Notes & Any Extras: https://growensemble.com/millie-rachel-klausner/
In this episode, we speak to Rachel Klausner, CEO & Founder of Millie. Born out of the hope to make charitable giving more intentional and accessible for the millennial generation, Millie is a charitable giving platform that makes giving back as simple as swiping right. Millie has proven especially advantageous in the workplace, allowing companies to easily connect with their team through causes they care about and matching donations.
In our chat, we discuss:
The relationship Millenials have with giving compared to other generations The day-to-day of running a start-up Transitioning into a new mode of programming How the Millie app has become a valuable tool in the workplace Rachel’s valuable advice on fundraising a social impact-startup Links from the Episode: Rachel on LinkedIn Millie on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter WorkInspired by Aron Ain Just Mercy - movie, book EJI L'Oréal Ben & Jerry’sFor the Full Show Notes & Any Extras: https://growensemble.com/millie-rachel-klausner/
Thu, 18 Jun 2020 - 48min - 300 - #90 - Better World Weekly 35: Why Purpose-Driven Blogs Fail, LeBron James & Voting Rights, Plus — Boosting Workplace Giving!
In this audio edition of the Better World Weekly, we discuss:
Want the Better World Weekly Newsletter sent straight to your inbox? Sign up here: https://growensemble.com/newsletter
Tue, 16 Jun 2020 - 14min - 299 - #89 - Better World Weekly 34: Tackling Racism in/out of Business, Landing a Job in Social Impact, and the 2nd March on Washington
In the latest Better World Weekly, current world events again take center stage. We discuss leaders tackling racism in the workplace, supporting black-owned businesses, how to land a job in social impact, the latest march on Washington, and more.
To sign up for the newsletter, go here:
For the archived email for this episode:
https://growensemble.com/bww-34/
Thu, 11 Jun 2020 - 15min - 298 - #88 - How to Turn a Sustainable Product into a Sustainable Movement with Matt Wittek, Founder of Fill it Forward
For the Full Show Notes & Any Bonuses: https://growensemble.com/fill-it-forward-matt-wittek/
Today we welcome Matt Wittek, Founder of Fill it Forward. Fill It Forward, previously Cupanion, originally began as a product-focused company that sold reusable water bottles, they have since innovated in the giving and technology spaces through launching the Fill It Forward app. Every time a consumer refills their own water bottle, they have the ability to give clean water to someone in need.
Since 2012, Fill It Forward has funded hundreds of clean water projects, benefiting communities across the world in an effort to alleviate the global water crisis.
In our chat, we cover:
Fill it Forward's journey and environmental Impact Lessons Matt has learned through actively persuing his and his company's mission How behavior has changed in the reuse space The momentum driven by Fill it Forward's innovations in giving The impact of taking risks financiallyLinks from the Episode:
Matt on LinkedIn Fill It Forward on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Vimeo, LinkedIn WaterAid Wine to Water Charity Water TOMS Warby Parker KeepCup Klean Kanteen Thirst by Scott Harrison Little One Step by Simon JamesFor the Full Show Notes & Any Bonuses: https://growensemble.com/fill-it-forward-matt-wittek/
Tue, 09 Jun 2020 - 43min - 297 - #87 - Better World Weekly 33: Nonviolent vs Violent Protests, the 64:4 Rule, & We’re Hiring!
Better World Weekly 33 covers quite a bit as we dive into violent vs nonviolent protests and their influence and ability to drive change, getting more done with your business by doing less, and hiring at Grow Ensemble as we continue to expand our business and impact.
To sign up for the newsletter, go here:
For the archived email for this episode:
https://growensemble.com/bww-33
Thu, 04 Jun 2020 - 21min - 296 - #86 - How Just One Percent Makes a Difference with Kate Williams, CEO of 1% for the Planet
For the Full Show Notes & Any Bonuses: https://growensemble.com/one-percent-for-the-planet-kate-williams/
In episode 86, we were honored to speak with Kate Williams, CEO of global environmental movement 1% for the Planet. 1% for the Planet inspires organizations and individuals to support environmental nonprofit solutions through an annual membership and everyday actions. Member companies pledge to give 1% of their total annual sales to environmental nonprofit partners. In 2019 alone, more than 3,000 members of the 1% for the Planet community spread amongst 40+ countries gave over $27 million.
In our episode with Williams, we dig into:
1% for the Planet’s history How just 1% truly is creating global change How businesses and nonprofits find success through powerful partnerships How Kate sees her role as CEO and leader The importance of storytelling to raise awareness and inspiration Links from the Episode: Kate on LinkedIn 1% for the Planet on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn The Planet Post The Planet Service Announcement We’re Still In Oliver Russell All Good Products Brooks Wine B Corporation The Overstory by Richard PowersFor the Full Show Notes & Any Bonuses: https://growensemble.com/one-percent-for-the-planet-kate-williams/
Tue, 02 Jun 2020 - 38min - 295 - #85 - Better World Weekly 32: Podcasting 101, Sustainable & Ethical Coffee, and a Plastic-Free YOU + ME
In Better World Weekly 32, we're sharing lessons and tips we've learned while running a podcast, ethical coffee companies you can feel good about supporting, and an initiative run by a few young and innovative entrepreneurs working to change the way the world handles plastic waste.
To sign up for the newsletter, go here:
For the archived email for this episode:
https://growensemble.com/bww-32
Thu, 28 May 2020 - 19min - 294 - #84 - How Businesses Can Go Plastic Neutral with CEO & Co-Founder of rePurpose, Svanika Balasubramanian
For Full Show Notes & Any Bonuses: https://growensemble.com/repurpose-svanika-balasubramanian/
Today we're chatting with the CEO & Co-Founder of rePurpose, Svanika Balasubramanian. rePurpose is a global movement of conscious consumers and businesses committed to going Plastic Neutral. As the world's first Plastic Credit Platform, rePurpose makes climate action simple and effective for companies of all sizes by removing and recycling as much ocean-bound plastic waste as they produce while embedding sustainability into their product experience to reach and retain purposeful consumers.
What we cover in our chat:
rePurpose's unique angle to combatting plastic waste How rePurpose went from an honors thesis to a full-blown company What's responsible for the company's quick and exceptional growth Svanika and her fellow co-founders' experience being young entrepreneurs in the space New Insights Svanika has learned about plastic waste on her journey The importance of an intentional company cultureLinks from the Episode:
Svanika on LinkedIn rePurpose on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter PlasticNeutral.Global 1% for the Planet B Corporation RISN MassChallenge Boston Sustainable Oceans Alliance Accelerator VitaCoco The Dip by Seth Godin The Most Good You Can Do by Peter SingerFor Full Show Notes & Any Bonuses: https://growensemble.com/repurpose-svanika-balasubramanian/
Tue, 26 May 2020 - 44min - 293 - #83 - Better World Weekly 31: The ‘Real’ Lord of the Flies, Virtual Movie Night, & a B Corp Treat
In this Better World Weekly, we're chatting about the basics of marketing a social enterprise, creating a circular economy, the 'real' Lord of the Flies, a certified B Corp treat to help you through quarantine, and more!
To sign up for the newsletter, go here:
https://growensemble.com/bww/
For the archived email for this episode:
https://growensemble.com/bww-31
Thu, 21 May 2020 - 22min - 292 - #82 - How Sustainable Product Design Creates a Circular Economy with Jeremy Lang, Founder of Pela
For Full Show Notes & Bonuses: https://growensemble.com/pela-case-jeremy-lang/
Today, we're talking with the Founder of sustainable phone case brand Pela, Jeremy Lang. Pela makes everyday products without everyday waste that educate and inspire a global community of people who are committed to making a positive impact on our planet. Their flagship product, the Pela phone case (the world's first 100% compostable phone case), has already garnered the support of over 100,000 customers worldwide.
In our chat, we discuss:
Jeremy's sustainable business journey Pela's mission to eliminate one billion pounds of waste How Jeremy juggled a full-time job and the development of Pela for years The importance of professional partnerships More on Jeremy's and Pela's approach to sustainabilityLinks from the Episode:
Jeremy on LinkedIn Pela on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter B-Corporation Climate Neutral Patagonia Tentree Ellen MacArthur Foundation Let My People Go Surfing by Yvon Chouinard The Infinite Game by Simon Sinek Essentialism by Greg McKeownFor Full Show Notes & Bonuses: https://growensemble.com/pela-case-jeremy-lang/
Tue, 19 May 2020 - 37min - 291 - #81 - Better World Weekly 30: Lessons from Cotopaxi’s CEO, The Best World Leader, and a Twice-in-a-Lifetime Opportunity
In our 5th audio edition of the Better World Weekly newsletter, we chat about lessons in entrepreneurship from Cotopaxi's CEO, world leaders, and a twice in a lifetime opportunity for CEO Anders Ankarlid and his company, A Good Company.
To sign up for the newsletter, go here:
For the archived email for this episode:
https://growensemble.com/bww-30
Thu, 14 May 2020 - 25min - 290 - #80 - How to Stop Mindless Consumption in E-Commerce with Anders Ankarlid, CEO of A Good Company
For the full show notes and any episode bonuses: https://growensemble.com/a-good-company-anders-ankarlid/
Today, we're sitting down with Anders Ankarlid, CEO & Co-Founder of ethical e-commerce store A Good Company. The mission and message behind A Good Company is to move away from mindless consumption into a world where we all make more conscious decisions every day. From product to service, Anders and A Good Company strive to make ethical practices, sustainability, and complete transparency the norm and not the exception in the e-commerce space.
In our chat, we dive into:
Anders' background and what led him to found A Good Company How the company found quick success The true environmental implications of free returns A Good Company's 3-pillared company structure: the company, A Good Community, and A Good Foundation Anders’ personal and professional priorities Reflections on both the past and future during COVID-19Links from the Episode:
Anders on Medium A Good Company on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube A Good Foundation Medium Instapaper The 4 Disciplines of Execution by Jim Huling, Chris McChesney, and Sean Covey The Power by Naomi AldermanFor the full show notes and any episode bonuses: https://growensemble.com/a-good-company-anders-ankarlid/
Tue, 12 May 2020 - 52min - 289 - #79 - Better World Weekly 29: April 2020 Review — Lessons & Conversations in Social Impact & Purpose-Driven Business
In the special 4th edition of the Better World Weekly Newsletter, we reflect on what the past month has meant to Grow Ensemble and what we hope to accomplish moving forward.
To sign up for the newsletter, go here:
For the archived email for this episode:
https://growensemble.com/bww-29
Thu, 07 May 2020 - 21min - 288 - #78 - How to Get Rid of Plastic in the Ocean with Eric Hudson, CEO of Preserve
For the full show notes and any episode bonuses: https://growensemble.com/preserve-eric-hudson/
In this episode, we're chatting with the CEO of Preserve, Eric Hudson. Preserve is a certified B-Corporation on a mission "to help reduce the harm caused by the industrial age by demonstrating that products can be both fabulous to use and lighter on the earth."
What we cover in our chat:
The evolution of Preserve as a company Insights into the impact single-use plastics have on the oceans Unconventional methods of reducing plastic’s environmental impact Innovative Initiatives contributing to the cause (such as POPI) The keys to Preserve's long-term success and sustainability How Eric foresees the Preserves continued developmentLinks from the Episode:
Eric on LinkedIn Preserve on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter POPI Gimme 5 Harry’s Seventh Generation Method SC Johnson Stonyfield Farm Hirshberg Entrepreneurship Institute B-Corporation Undaunted Courage by Stephen AmbroseFor the full show notes and any episode bonuses: https://growensemble.com/preserve-eric-hudson/
Tue, 05 May 2020 - 47min - 287 - #77 - What is the B Impact Assessment & Why Does it Matter?
For the full write up and any episode bonuses: https://growensemble.com/b-impact-assessment/
In this episode of the Social Entrepreneurship & Innovation Podcast, Cory is joined by Grow Ensemble Co-Founder, Annie Bright.
They chat about the B Lab's B Impact Assessment, "The most credible tool a company can use to measure its impact on its workers, community, environment, and customers."
Tune in to this episode to catch a few things:
What exactly is the B Impact Assessment? What companies could benefit from taking it? What sort of questions and criteria are covered in the roughly 2-hour assessmentFor the full write up and any episode bonuses: https://growensemble.com/b-impact-assessment/
Thu, 30 Apr 2020 - 20min - 286 - #76 - Better World Weekly 28: Why Write & Publish Online, How to Get 35,000 Cars Off the Road, & More!
Enjoy the 3rd audio edition of Grow Ensemble's Better World Weekly newsletter!
To sign up for the newsletter, go here:
For the archived email for this episode:
https://growensemble.com/bww-28
Tue, 28 Apr 2020 - 17min - 285 - #75 - What Lessons Can We Learn from the Founder of Patagonia?
Full #ReadEnsemble Review & Write-Up:
https://growensemble.com/let-my-people-go-surfing/
Better World Weekly Newsletter:
When the waves are good, surf. When there’s powder on the mountains, ski.
Patagonia Founder Yvon Chouinard didn’t set out to be a businessperson. As he mentions in this very book, Let My People Go Surfing, he grew up wanting to be a fur trapper.
Despite, or perhaps because of this fact, he’s responsible for starting what would ultimately become one of the most successful and well-regarded outdoor clothing brands in existence.
In this book, Let My People Go Surfing: The Education of a Reluctant Businessman, he shares the history of his life, early days of Patagonia, and coming to terms with his “profession” as a person in business.
#ReadEnsemble Rating:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Read More on Better World Books
With a summary, key quotes, and lessons learned, let’s dive in to this #ReadEnsemble write-up.
Thu, 23 Apr 2020 - 30min - 284 - #74 - BWW 27: PPP Funding Fail? The State of Social Entrepreneurship, and Earth Day's 50th?!?
The second audio edition of Grow Ensemble's Better World Weekly newsletter!
To sign up for the newsletter, go here:
For the archived email for this episode:
https://growensemble.com/bww-27
Tue, 21 Apr 2020 - 25min - 283 - #73 - How Employers Can Improve the Financial Health of Their Staff Now with Ennie Lim, CEO & President of HoneyBee
See Full Show Notes here: https://grownesemble.com/honeybee-ennie-lim/
Today we deep dive with Social Entrepreneur Ennie Lim, Founder of the B Corp HoneyBee. Lim and the HoneyBee team work with hundreds of businesses and organizations across the U.S. to re-imagine financial health support in the workplace.
In our conversation, we discuss:
Ennie’s own personal financial crisis and how that led to her founding HoneyBee HoneyBee’s growth since launch in 2016 The method and meaning behind HoneyBee’s work HoneyBee’s company culture (authenticity and empathy being major components) Prioritizing financial wellness in the workplace, in this crisis and beyondLinks from the Episode:
Ennie on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn HoneyBee on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn B-Corps What Do You Do with an Idea? by Kobi Yamada Emotional Intelligence 2.0 by Travis Bradberry & Jean Greaves Scarcity by Sendhil Mullainathan How I Built This with Guy Raz Emily Weiss from Glossier Episode Dirty Money (Netflix) Tiger King (Netflix)See Full Show Notes here: https://grownesemble.com/honeybee-ennie-lim/
Thu, 16 Apr 2020 - 40min - 282 - #72 - BWW 26: Mission-Driven Marketing in a Crisis, Sustainable Home Goods without the Grocery Store, and Virtual Community Building
The first audio edition of Grow Ensemble's Better World Weekly newsletter!
To sign up for the newsletter, go here:
For the archived email for this episode:
https://growensemble.com/bww-26
Tue, 14 Apr 2020 - 45min - 281 - #71 - How to Build Community Around the Dinner Table with Jenn Graham, CEO of Civic Dinners
See Full Show Notes here: https://growensemble.com/civic-dinners-jenn-graham/
Episode 71 of the podcast welcomes Founder & CEO of purpose-driven nonprofit Civic Dinners, Jenn Graham. The goal of Civic Dinners is to inspire global impact through community, connection, and conversation. They do this by helping people transform dinner tables into forums for positive social change. However, in the midst of the current crisis facing us all, in this new phase of "social-distancing," Graham shares her thoughts on navigating a new reality, and what her and Civic Dinners is doing to keep the conversation going despite it all.
In our talk with Graham, we dive into:
The story and meaning behind Civic Dinners How She and the company are addressing and adapting to the COVID-19 pandemic What's led to Civic Dinners' momentum and success, having over 1,500 dinners hosted, from New Zealand to Atlanta, and many cities in between since launch. Lessons and insights she has learned over the years on successfully fostering civic engagement and communityLinks from the Episode:
Jenn on Facebook, LinkedIn Civic Dinners on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn For the Love of Cities by Peter Kageyama The Emotional Infrastructure of Places by Peter Kageyama Jasmine Crowe of Goodr Techstars Social Impact Team Center for Civic Innovation FellowshipSee Full Show Notes here: https://growensemble.com/civic-dinners-jenn-graham/
Tue, 07 Apr 2020 - 42min - 280 - #70 - Intentional Impact: The Critical Role of Self-Awareness on the Path to Purpose with Justin Frank Polgar, Founder of YES Cacao
See Full Show Notes here: https://growensemble.com/yes-cacao-justin-polgar/
In today's episode, amidst the current global crisis, we have a very important and meaningful, deep-dive chat with Justin Frank Polgar. A dedicated craftsman, father, and the Founder of impact-driven botanical chocolate company, YES Cacao, Polgar has spent the past 10+ years on a journey of self-reflection--learning to allow his true self to guide him in life and business.
In our chat with Polgar, we cover:
The mission and meaning behind YES Cacao His insights and personal reflections on the current crisis facing us all Why self-awareness is key to succeeding in the purpose-driven space The opportunities Justin is anchoring himself to during this tumultuous period and how YES Cacao is moving forward Staying determined and mindful in the midst of chaos His chocolate-making journey and what the craft means to him today The difference between making decisions out of "obligation from ego vs guidance from your higher self"Links from the Episode:
Justin on Facebook, Instagram Yes Cacao on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter The Right Use of Will by Ceanne DeRohan Messiah (2020, created by Michael Petroni, Netflix) The Philosopher’s Stone Grind Well Adjusted Clinic Dr. Randall’s Medicinal Mushrooms 11th Hour CoffeeSee Full Show Notes here: https://growensemble.com/yes-cacao-justin-polgar/
Tue, 31 Mar 2020 - 1h 08min - 279 - #69 - 10 Years on a Mission to Save Our Planet (One Reusable Cup at a Time) with Abigail Forsyth, Co-Founder of KeepCup
See Full Show Notes here: https://growensemble.com/keepcup-abigail-forsyth/
Episode 69 welcomes the Managing Director and Co-founder of KeepCup, Abigail Forsyth. KeepCup is known worldwide for its bright, bold, and instantly recognizable reusable cups that have diverted billions of disposable cups from the landfill. Abigail is extremely passionate about saving our environment having dedicated her time and effort to many ventures bringing awareness to the cause.
In our episode with Abigail, we chat about:
Her commitment to inspiring others to reduce and reuse KeepCup's 10 years in business milestone The current climate crisis, especially how it has impacted Australia with the recent bushfires Her dream of rehabilitating land affected by the fires The evolving role of KeepCup as they enter their second decade of business How success has impacted both her and the companyLinks from the Episode:
Abigail on LinkedIn KeepCup on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn “Australia Bushfires: A Signal to Act” by Abigail Forsyth “Our Hopes and Ambitions for the Next Decade” by Abigail Forsyth B-Labs (B-Corps) 1% for the Planet Abigail’s interview in Business Insider Australia The Mandibles by Lionel Shriver The Walking Dead by Robert Kirkman War on WasteSee Full Show Notes here: https://growensemble.com/keepcup-abigail-forsyth/
Tue, 24 Mar 2020 - 33min - 278 - #68 - Planet-Friendly Profit: Insights into Funding a Better World with Mike Winterfield, Founder of Active Impact Investments
See Full Show Notes here: https://growensemble.com/active-impact-investments-mike-winterfield/
In this episode, we chat with Mike Winterfield, the Founder of Active Impact Investments—a venture capital firm that exclusively supports small to medium-sized social ventures in their early stages—helping them scale their impact and profit by providing funding and extensive capacity-building services to their portfolio companies.
In our chat with Winterfield, we dive into:
His 20 years in the tech industry and his transition into Impact Investing The edge that allowed him to move into the financial space successfully His insights and outlook on what impact investing is and Active Impact Investments' unique approach to it The effect impact investing has on social and environmental wellbeing What Mike is most excited about moving forward in his line of work Resources for those interested in the impact investment spaceLinks from the Episode:
Active Impact Investments on LinkedIn Mike on LinkedIn B-Corps SoCap Social Finance Forum B Labs Champions Retreat Whiplash by Jeff Howe Joi Ito Factfulness by Hans Rosling Linchpin by Seth Godin Tip of the Spear by Ryan Hendrickson Drawdown by Paul Hawken Carbon Engineering Beyond Meat TeslaSee Full Show Notes here: https://growensemble.com/active-impact-investments-mike-winterfield/
Tue, 17 Mar 2020 - 55min - 277 - #67 - Forming a Global Partnership Around a Sustainable (and Luxurious) Night’s Sleep with Phoebe Yu & Kat Dey of Ettitude
See Full Show Notes here: https://growensemble.com/ettitude-phoebe-yu-kat-dey/
In today's episode, we welcome the founders of Sustainable home goods brand, Ettitude, Phoebe Yu and Kat Dey. Born in 2014 from CEO Phoebe's desire for eco-friendly, high-quality bedding at an affordable price, Ettitude has revolutionized the home textiles space with their proprietary bamboo lyocell fabric that is as environmentally conscious as it is comfortable.
In our chat, we discuss:
Phoebe and Kat's entrepreneurial journeys The inspiration for Ettitude Ettitude’s unique bedding products + the process behind them What Phoebe & Kat see as their respective roles in the company and their partnership Ettitude’s role in the global marketplace The culture Phoebe and Kat have cultivated around the company What they see for Ettitude’s growth and futureLinks from the episode:
Ettitude on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn Phoebe on LinkedIn Kat on LinkedIn Tesla by HumanKind Beautycounter Exhalation: Stories by Ted Chiang (short stories) The Biggest Little Farm (dir. John Chester, 2019) The Game Changers (dir. Louie Psyhoyos, 2019)See Full Show Notes here: https://growensemble.com/ettitude-phoebe-yu-kat-dey/
Tue, 10 Mar 2020 - 33min - 276 - #66 - The Fight for Carbon Neutrality: Reducing the Global Carbon Footprint One Company at a Time with Austin Whitman, Founder & CEO of Climate Neutral
See Full Show Notes here: https://growensemble.com/climate-neutral-austin-whitman/
In episode 66, we're chatting with Austin Whitman, founding CEO of Climate Neutral - an independent nonprofit organization that launched in March 2019. They are working to improve the world's knowledge of global warming and climate change and accelerate the transition to a low carbon world, reducing the amount of carbon dioxide and other fossil fuels by offering an easy system for companies to measure, offset, and reduce their carbon footprint and become "Carbon Neutral Certified."
In our episode, we discuss:
Climate Neutral's system for helping companies reduce their carbon emissions Austin Whitman's journey and inspiration for founding Climate Neutral The Company's unexpected rapid growth since its launch in 2019 (they now work with over 120 brands helping them become Carbon Neutral Certified, we here at Grow Ensemble are one of those brands!) The challenges they have faced since launch What the future looks like for the Climate Neutral teamLinks from the episode:
Climate Neutral on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn Austin on LinkedIn Peak Design Peter Dering on Grow Ensemble BioLiteSee Full Show Notes here: https://growensemble.com/climate-neutral-austin-whitman/
Tue, 03 Mar 2020 - 36min - 275 - #65 - The Many Facets of Social Good: Making an Impact through Family, Failures, and a Thriving B Corp Certified Business with Greg Hemmings, CEO of Hemmings House
See Full Show Notes for this Episode here: https://growensemble.com/hemmings-house-greg-hemmings/
Today, we welcome Greg Hemmings, dedicated social entrepreneur, family man, courageous jack-of-all-trades, and CEO & co-founder of Hemmings House, a certified B-Corp film production company based in Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada focusing on producing content that makes a difference.
In our episode, we chat about:
Hemmings House's origin story and impact Gregs approach to jumping headfirst into new projects and experimentation How Greg has learned to overcome failure Greg’s parental journey Making positive social impact through B-Corps Greg’s goals for 2020Links from the Episode:
Greg on Instagram, LinkedIn Hemmings House Pictures on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube The Millennial Dream Greg’s 2019 Review The Boiling Point The Love Economy Filmpreneur Kaiya Hemmings’ CBC Report Not Business as Usual B-CorpSee Full Show Notes for this Episode here: https://growensemble.com/hemmings-house-greg-hemmings/
Tue, 25 Feb 2020 - 41min - 274 - #64 - Climate Neutral Certification: A Commitment to Combat Climate Change
⭐️Show Notes: https://growensemble.com/climate-neutral-certified
⭐️Newsletter: https://growensemble.com/newsletter/
Show Description 👇
We’re with Greta! Global warming is the biggest existing threat to humankind. We are seeing the increasingly devastating effects of climate change each year.
Perhaps the most prominent discussion on this topic comes in the news as it describes governmental “efforts” to address the global climate crisis; the creation of the Paris Agreement; the United State’s departure from the Paris Agreement; etc. etc.
The governmental movements are incremental and they need to increase in speed and scope.
We have good news and bad news:
Bad news first: The grimy fossil fuel industry is not alone in contributing to the destructive levels of greenhouse gas emissions that are destroying our planet. We all play a role in the destruction.
Good news: Since we are all involved in the destruction, we can also take action against climate change at a meaningful level every day. We don’t have to wait for the government to require that we reduce our energy consumption!
In late 2019, we at Grow Ensemble made our first official commitment to protect, preserve, and advocate on behalf of our home planet—we enrolled in 1% for the Planet, where one percent of our revenues go to vetted environmental nonprofits.
Now, we are excited to share how we at Grow Ensemble are continuing to advance our climate action efforts…
We have committed to carbon neutrality!
Listen in to this episode for more on our most recent announcement.
Fri, 21 Feb 2020 - 11min - 273 - #63 - Visual Arts as a Force for Good: Highlighting the Worldwide Refugee Crisis through Visual Storytelling with Francisco & Alejandra Alcala of Home Storytellers
See Full Show Notes here: https://growensemble.com/home-storytellers-francisco-alejandra-alcala/
Francisco & Alejandra Alcala, a powerful father-daughter duo, founded the United States-based nonprofit Home Storytellers in 2018. Their mission is to inspire people, philanthropic organizations, businesses, and governments to act in support of proven solutions that enable refugees’ self-reliance through visual storytelling. They deliver impact with very attractive ROI through communication campaigns powered by artful, character-driven short documentary films they produce with a team of seasoned filmmakers and photojournalists.
Based in Mexico, Francisco brings a unique combination of more than 30 years’ experience as a senior business executive in four continents for the Kellogg Company and a transformation into a photojournalist and documentary filmmaker. Alejandra is a visual designer based in Barcelona. Even though her background is in graphic design and she recently completed her post-grad in motion graphics and 3D design, her career has led her to explore different disciplines, such as animation, post-production, and art direction. Together, they have found that they can leverage their skills and passion to make a difference in the lives of many refugees through the art of storytelling.
They have since completed their first project, a short documentary called Hot Dogs on a Tricycle, which profiles a young man and his mother who were forced to flee El Salvador and successfully sought asylum status in Mexico. This film, produced in partnership with Asylum Access, helped that organization bring about social change by shedding light on the refugee crisis. They have recently released the trailer for their second project, Sawdust, profiling a Congolese refugee and his story of resettlement with his family in a refugee camp, a camp that is home to 42,000 refugees, in Malawi.
In this episode, Francisco and Alejandra discuss how they came up with the idea of using film production to showcase sustainable solutions for this refugee crisis, the lessons learned from their first film and partnership, and the goals they are hoping to achieve with their next film currently in development.
Tue, 18 Feb 2020 - 56min - 272 - #62 - Social Enterprise Marketing: The 6-Step Framework to Marketing a Mission-Driven Business Online
See Full Show Notes here: https://growensemble.com/social-enterprise-marketing/
Running a social enterprise, let alone marketing a social enterprise, is inherently more difficult.
You, as a social entrepreneur, have set your standards higher.
Achieving a profitable business model isn’t enough.
You’ve also determined to use your business as a force for good, to make an impact.
Whether you’ve determined to address chronic and systemic inequality, or the greatest environmental problems of our time, you’ve set your sights on a business model that’s about much more than doing business as usual.
And that’s why we want to see you succeed, get found online by potential customers and advocates of your brand, and accelerate the change you are looking to make in your industry and within the lives of your customers.
At Grow Ensemble, we’ve developed a Framework, a step-by-step marketing system built specifically for growing successful social enterprises and purpose-driven businesses.
This has come from my own work, where I took up digital marketing on the side in college, to starting my career in a digital marketing agency where I eventually became the CEO. At the time, I supervised nearly 100 client accounts, now, with Grow Ensemble, we produce a weekly podcast that has grown in listenership 289% year over year as well as a blog, that has helped increase our website traffic 267% over last year.
In efforts to accelerate this movement of social entrepreneurship and sustainable business, we help our purpose-driven clients to do the same—build their audiences online, compete and beat other traditional profit-centric businesses in their marketplace, all using our now tried and tested Grow Ensemble Framework.
And that is in part our goal for this post as well, to help you and your social enterprise get a game plan for marketing and messaging both your brand and mission online to build an audience of customers and advocates, to advance your impact even further (online and offline).
In this episode, we’ll start by outlining and introducing the principles that underlie this strategy, then we’ll dive deeper into each phase so you can get a sense for doing them yourself.
Tue, 11 Feb 2020 - 1h 05min - 271 - #61 - From Wall Street to B Corp: The Transition from CPA to CEO of a Thriving Conscious Company with David Kahl, CEO of Fully
See Full Show Notes here: https://growensemble.com/fully-david-kahl/
David Kahl founded Ergo Depot in 2005, which was rebranded as Fully in 2016. Fully is an office furniture company committed to making workplaces healthier, happier, and more productive through its innovative, sustainable designs. Fully’s growth and commitment to running a better business has truly been profound and exceptional to learn about and watch. They were certified as a B Corp back in 2013 and are leaders in their local Portland chapter, helping develop a guide on how to create strong local B Corp associations around the world.
Fully, best known for the Jarvis chair, was recently acquired by a larger publicly traded furniture company back in Pennsylvania called Knoll. It was particularly fascinating to discuss with David this process and hear his reflections on it. He expresses both the positive and the negative sides of this acquisition process. It’s a great opportunity to learn about an exemplary model of a better business and a better businessperson.
Hearing about David’s transition from being a Wall Street CPA to a mindful CEO of a conscious business that is working to change the world one desk at a time is inspiring. Sometimes it takes a catastrophic event to give you some perspective, which is David’s situation, but it is awesome to witness how David has transformed as a human and as a businessperson since that event. David discusses that impetus for founding Fully, how David feels he has contributed to the success of Fully as a company, and the details of the acquisition process.
Tue, 04 Feb 2020 - 45min - 270 - #60 - From Nonprofit to Social Enterprise: Insights & Lessons Learned on a 15 Year Entrepreneurial Journey with Rahama Wright, Founder of Shea Yeleen
See Full Show Notes here: https://growensemble.com/shea-yeleen-rahama-wright/
Rahama Wright founded Shea Yeleen (a health and beauty company dedicated to empowering women in West Africa and the United States through the production, sale, and use of shea butter products) about 15 years ago in 2005. However, since then, Shea Yeleen has certainly taken a significantly different shape from how it originally was incepted. What originally started as a nonprofit has since transformed into a social enterprise business model. Rahama made this transition about six years ago. From that turning point, you can now find their shea butter in Whole Foods and MGM Resorts, and they have been featured in O, The Washington Post, MSNBC, and more.
It was excellent to hear Rahama share her truthful and insightful reflections on what has contributed to her staying power and her endurance in what can be an experience filled with such trials and tribulations, and what lessons she has extracted from this 15-year journey. We tend to glorify these kinds of experiences, but we found that Rahama was more honest than most in discussing both the positive and negative aspects of her journey with this company. And that’s what we loved so much about our conversation with her.
In this episode, we discuss Shea Yeleen’s beginnings as a nonprofit and how and why Rahama made the decision to convert the business into a social impact for-profit model instead; her honest reflections on this intense 15-year journey of entrepreneurship she’s been on; and some wise tips on both traveling and staying power as a business.
Tue, 28 Jan 2020 - 54min - 269 - #59 - Company Culture Design: A Holistic Look at Defining Values & Purpose for Better Business with Lorie Corcuera, CEO & Co-Founder of SPARK Creations Inc.
See Full Show Notes here: http://growensemble.com/spark-creations-lorie-corcuera/
Nine years ago, Lorie Corcuera co-founded SPARK Creations Inc. after going through a brutal divorce where she struggled to hold on to her identity and sense of self. After revitalizing herself, and defining her own individual values and purpose, she knew she wanted to help others do the same. While she and fellow co-founder Aileen De La Torre started with women’s retreats, their impact grew to a point where they brought their discovery process to organizations to help establish a more sustainable culture that leaves employees feeling more engaged -- not just in the workplace, but in the rest of their lives as well.
Lorie is insistent about the concept of life-long learning. She insists against using the word “expert” because while she always wants to share what she has learned, she knows that she is still learning and evolving. This type of open-minded thinking is a major component of why she is so effective at this line of work, and how SPARK has been able to reach almost a decade of impactful work.
What does an ideal company culture look like? What are the limiting factors that prevent organizations from getting to that point? How can leaders begin to reflect on their own personal values and belief system more deeply? These are the main questions that drive the thoughtful conversation within this episode.
Tue, 21 Jan 2020 - 36min - 268 - #58 - Building a Community of World-Changing Women in Business with Meghan French Dunbar, CEO & Co-Founder of Conscious Company Media
See Full Show Notes here: https://growensemble.com/conscious-company-media-meghan-dunbar/
Meghan French Dunbar is the CEO and co-founder of Conscious Company Media - the nation’s leading media company dedicated to purpose-driven businesses and social enterprises. Conscious Company Media produces national events, such as the World-Changing Women’s Summit, the Conscious Company Leaders’ Forum (a forum dedicated to training leaders to use business as a force for good), and Their flagship product, Conscious Company Magazine, which was the first nationally distributed print publication in the U.S. to focus exclusively on sustainable and conscious business practices.
While Meghan’s role transitioned from doing everything in start-up land to editor-in-chief of the magazine to focusing on her responsibilities as CEO, she has learned a lot about herself and her passions and skills. Meghan has determined that her true zone of genius is in bringing people together to have thoughtful, deep conversations, providing people with the knowledge and tactics needed to change their lives. While she loves helping all kinds of people, her real focus is on allowing women to be more authentic, feminine leaders in the mission-driven business space, which is why she developed both the summit and her podcast.
But she could not have done this alone. Meghan emphasizes the power of community, and how important it is to surround yourself with people who share common experiences with you and believe in similar values. Four years ago, she founded a group of seven female CEOs who continue to meet and share their thoughts on being a woman in this space every other month. She also offers insights she has learned from both male and female business owners who have inspired her on this journey through the space.
In this episode, Meghan shares her journey with us, discussing her experience co-founding Conscious Company Media, lessons learned along the way, her thoughts on community, and her deep-rooted passion for connecting with, empowering, and supporting impact-driven women to help them make their mark by making a difference.
Tue, 14 Jan 2020 - 44min - 267 - #57 - (Pt. 2) 50 Social Entrepreneurs & Change-Makers Share Advice & Lessons Learned to Inspire You to Change the World
See the full show notes here: https://growensemble.com/social-entrepreneurs/
In early 2019, we here at Grow Ensemble launched The Social Entrepreneurship & Innovation Podcast, where each week we’ve been releasing an episode featuring both established and emerging leaders in the social impact and socially responsible business space.
We’ve covered a variety of topics with social entrepreneurs and innovators from a wide breadth of industries—tour companies, medtech, agencies, hospitality, and many many more.
In each conversation, I know our team here at Grow Ensemble has extracted a variety of lessons, and in this post (and two-part podcast) we want to share (a few) of those lessons with you.
Whether you want to hear from the CEOs of some of the world’s most successful socially responsible businesses, small business leaders punching way above their weight, or Executive Directors from nonprofit organizations influencing massive positive change, they are all in here. :)
Not to mention, businesses you’ll see (or hear) here, aren’t just running a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program to check the boxes on social good, these businesses and business people have integrated positive social change and impact into their core of how they do business and how they show up in the world.
What a pleasure it was to sit down with so many generous and successful social entrepreneurs and innovators thus far!
Excited for many more inspiring conversations and connections in the year to come.
See the full show notes here: https://growensemble.com/social-entrepreneurs/
Fri, 10 Jan 2020 - 1h 38min - 266 - #56 - (Pt. 1) 50 Social Entrepreneurs & Change-Makers Share Advice & Lessons Learned to Inspire You to Change the World
See the full show notes here: https://growensemble.com/social-entrepreneurs/
In early 2019, we here at Grow Ensemble launched The Social Entrepreneurship & Innovation Podcast, where each week we’ve been releasing an episode featuring both established and emerging leaders in the social impact and socially responsible business space.
We’ve covered a variety of topics with social entrepreneurs and innovators from a wide breadth of industries—tour companies, medtech, agencies, hospitality, and many many more.
In each conversation, I know our team here at Grow Ensemble has extracted a variety of lessons, and in this post (and two-part podcast) we want to share (a few) of those lessons with you.
Whether you want to hear from the CEOs of some of the world’s most successful socially responsible businesses, small business leaders punching way above their weight, or Executive Directors from nonprofit organizations influencing massive positive change, they are all in here. :)
Not to mention, businesses you’ll see (or hear) here, aren’t just running a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program to check the boxes on social good, these businesses and business people have integrated positive social change and impact into their core of how they do business and how they show up in the world.
What a pleasure it was to sit down with so many generous and successful social entrepreneurs and innovators thus far!
Excited for many more inspiring conversations and connections in the year to come.
See the full show notes here: https://growensemble.com/social-entrepreneurs/
Tue, 07 Jan 2020 - 1h 40min - 265 - #55 - Solving a Global Crisis: Reuniting Displaced Families Worldwide using Donated Airline Miles with Andy Freedman, Co-Founder of Miles4Migrants
See Full Show Notes here: https://growensemble.com/miles-4-migrants-andy-freedman/
Andy Freedman is the co-founder and managing director of Miles4Migrants, a nonprofit that uses donated airline miles to unite separated refugees and immigrant families. Since their inception in 2016, they’ve flown over 1,800 people, reunited 600+ families, and redeemed over 27 million frequent flyer miles, the equivalent of over $700,000 in cash value. In 2019 alone, they’ve flown nearly 400 individuals internationally, and with the worsening of the U.S. border crisis this last year, they’ve flown over 700 individuals within the United States. They certainly are not slowing the pace, as they’ve recently partnered with United Airlines for a Miles on a Mission campaign, where they were tasked with raising 5 million frequent flyer miles in 28 days. As of November 15, they hit that goal.
What’s incredibly valuable about Andy and Miles4Migrants’ story is the power of volunteerism and how it really takes a village. Andy and his two co-founders all currently volunteer their time to manage their organization. All work day jobs and are actively engaged husbands and fathers in addition to running this organization. While they finally were able to hire paid staff this year, they also relied on the power and passion of volunteers in a rapid period of growth after a tweet mentioning their work went viral last year. Learning more about how this organization was run without paid staff for several years is inspirational for those just starting up.
There are two fascinating topics of conversation in this episode. The first is the opportunity to learn and understand more about the needs of these refugees and asylum seekers. In efforts to put into perspective how impactful a small action like these airline miles can be in making such a significant life-changing impact. On the other side, following the trajectory of Miles4Migrants can help you visualize the process of identifying a problem in a population you’d like to serve and taking it from an idea to a full-blown execution.
Tue, 31 Dec 2019 - 38min
Podcasts ähnlich wie The Social Entrepreneurship & Innovation Podcast
- Global News Podcast BBC World Service
- El Partidazo de COPE COPE
- Herrera en COPE COPE
- The Dan Bongino Show Cumulus Podcast Network | Dan Bongino
- Es la Mañana de Federico esRadio
- La Noche de Dieter esRadio
- Hondelatte Raconte - Christophe Hondelatte Europe 1
- Dateline NBC NBC News
- 財經一路發 News98
- La rosa de los vientos OndaCero
- Más de uno OndaCero
- La Zanzara Radio 24
- L'Heure Du Crime RTL
- El Larguero SER Podcast
- Nadie Sabe Nada SER Podcast
- SER Historia SER Podcast
- Todo Concostrina SER Podcast
- 安住紳一郎の日曜天国 TBS RADIO
- TED Talks Daily TED
- アンガールズのジャンピン[オールナイトニッポンPODCAST] ニッポン放送
- 辛坊治郎 ズーム そこまで言うか! ニッポン放送
- 飯田浩司のOK! Cozy up! Podcast ニッポン放送
- 吳淡如人生實用商學院 吳淡如
- 武田鉄矢・今朝の三枚おろし 文化放送PodcastQR