Explore every episode of the podcast A Good Force – a GivingForce original series

Summary
Coro Strandberg, President of Strandberg Consulting and co-founder and Chair of the Canadian Purpose Economy Project, traces her path from social work and the Vancity board to more than two decades advising businesses on social purpose. She explains how CSR evolved into sustainability and ESG, why metrics and executive incentives decide whether purpose ever leaves the boardroom, and how the Canadian Purpose Economy Project is working with boards, investors, business schools and disclosure standards to make social purpose the norm. She closes with practical first steps for companies ready to define their purpose and bring it to life.

Keywords
social purpose, CSR, sustainability, purpose economy, purpose governance, corporate governance, social impact, ESG, purpose disclosure, business transformation, social innovation

Key topics
The origins of social purpose and CSR
Transformational company guidelines and leadership
The importance of metrics and disclosure in purpose
The Canadian Purpose Economy Project and global efforts
Practical steps for companies to define and implement purpose

Sound bites
"Aligning those incentives was what drove subsequent innovation and really moved it from a boardroom agenda to, if you will, a management agenda."
"Boards of directors don't know the purpose of the companies that they're stewarding."
"A lot of businesses have an implicit purpose and they need to make it explicit."

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Coro Strandberg and her background
01:28 The start of Coro's journey in social responsibility
02:49 Early moves in community development and credit unions
03:15 The shift from philanthropy to strategic CSR in 1992
04:17 Communicating and embedding social responsibility in organisations
05:34 Incentivising management for social and environmental goals
07:27 The significance of metrics and sustainability reporting
09:16 The frontier ideas of purpose-driven business models
10:58 Transformational company guidelines and leadership qualities
12:54 The evolution from CSR to sustainability to ESG
15:01 The discovery of social purpose within organisations
16:46 The Canadian Purpose Economy Project and its vision
18:15 Gaps in purpose understanding and disclosure
19:27 Purpose governance guidelines and global outreach
23:20 First steps for companies to define purpose
24:41 The motivation behind purpose-driven work
26:07 Mobilising business for societal impact
27:01 Transforming business models to embed purpose
28:09 Operational shifts needed for purpose integration
29:32 Final thoughts and the importance of explicit purpose

Guest links
Coro Strandberg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/corostrandberg
Strandberg Consulting: https://corostrandberg.com
Canadian Purpose Economy Project: https://purposeeconomy.ca

Summary
Christian Bader leads corporate social responsibility at Premium Food Group, in one of the most scrutinised industries there is: meat. He started out in journalism, then spent years farming in Zimbabwe, where he learnt that sustainability only sticks when it pays. He explains what really drives the carbon footprint of a steak, how deforestation-free soy became a sector-wide standard, and why a customer buying a product a second time is the number that tells him a sustainable product has worked.

Keywords
sustainability, food industry, climate action, responsible sourcing, regenerative agriculture, carbon footprint, deforestation-free soy, primary data, vegan food, hybrid food, industry collaboration

Key topics
Christian's career transition from journalism to sustainability
The complexity of environmental metrics and acronyms
The role of economic viability in sustainable farming
Impact of meat production on climate change
Innovative practices like regenerative agriculture and deforestation-free soy
Industry collaboration for sustainability standards
Consumer behaviour and product repurchasing as success metrics
The potential of vegan and hybrid foods as alternatives

Sound bites
"Sustainability and economic viability have to go hand in hand."
"When you are standing on a field in your gum boots, you realise that here sustainability is not a theory. It's about someone's livelihood."
"We're not gonna save the planet by hoping that people are going to become vegan."

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Christian Bader and his background
01:22 The complexity of environmental metrics and acronyms
01:53 Christian's career transition from journalism to farming and sustainability
02:46 The role of economic viability in sustainable farming
04:00 Christian's entry into corporate sustainability and climate action
06:49 Balancing animal welfare and climate impact in meat production
11:59 Exploring alternatives to traditional meat, including vegan options
13:43 Measuring success through consumer re-purchasing and product acceptance
15:34 Industry collaboration and setting sustainability standards
17:17 Collecting primary data and sector-wide sustainability initiatives
20:48 Christian's experience moving back to Germany and cultural adaptation

Guest links
Christian Bader on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christian-bader-84b43190/
Premium Food Group: https://premiumfoodgroup.de/en/

Summary
Emily Salazar is Director of Social Impact and Advocacy at Lime. She got her start in impact work as a master's student in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, when a community garden she ran for local kids was sold to a developer. She organised the community, then went to the city as a partner rather than an opponent, and came away with a bigger garden on better land. From there she moved to HeadCount, where she brought digital tools into a paper-based voter registration operation, and then to Lime. She talks through Lime Access, Lime Hero and Lime to the Polls, and why impact only scales when it's built into the core business.

Keywords
social impact, urban mobility, micromobility, community engagement, advocacy, civic participation, voter registration, food access, sustainability, transport, Lime, HeadCount

Key topics
From community gardening to a career in impact and advocacy
Treating stakeholders as partners instead of opponents
Bringing digital tools to in-person voter registration at HeadCount
Why impact needs tech and marketing to scale
Lime Access, Lime Hero and Lime to the Polls

Takeaways
Advocacy works better when you treat the other side as a partner.
Digital tools paired with in-person organising reach people you'd never meet face to face.
Impact needs tech, marketing and product thinking behind it to scale.
Impact programmes grow fastest when they're tied to the core business.
Expect to fail and iterate. The collaboration lesson has to be relearned more than once.

Sound bites
"Impact is not just impact, it's tech, it's marketing, it's all of these other things, and it can't be siloed into just this impact space."
"Impact and advocacy doesn't have to work against business and development."
"Mobility is such a fundamental part of everyday life for city dwellers."

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Emily Salazar
01:05 Community gardening and food access in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
03:13 The garden sale and grassroots organising
05:02 Shifting from adversarial to collaborative advocacy
07:25 Learning the collaboration lesson again and again
08:24 Scaling civic engagement at HeadCount
10:43 Bringing digital tools to voter registration
12:37 Why impact needs tech and marketing
13:21 Burnout, 2020 and the move to Lime
15:33 Why transport access is social impact
17:47 Lime Impact Lab and Lime Access
20:28 Lime Hero, Lime to the Polls and Lime's impact pillars
22:18 What's next for Emily

Guest links
Emily Salazar on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilygibbs1/
Lime: https://www.li.me
Lime Impact Lab: https://www.li.me/why/community
HeadCount: https://www.headcount.org

Summary
Richard Donovan shares his journey from being involved in the launch of a new bank to leading global social innovation at Experian, highlighting key projects, challenges, and insights into creating impactful social programmes.

Keywords
social innovation, corporate responsibility, financial inclusion, social impact, Experian, innovation culture, social programmes, debt management, youth employment, systemic change

Key topics
Journey from the launch of Egg to leading social innovation at Experian
The importance of being prepared and creative in crisis situations
Transferable skills from communications to social impact
The process of integrating culture during mergers and acquisitions
Designing and testing social innovation programmes using research and AI
Success stories like the Brazil debt platform and work experience centres
The role of systemic thinking in social programme success and failure

Sound bites
"We realized we were way more successful than expected"
"Over indebtedness is a huge issue in Brazil"
"Using AI to build better customer journeys at speed"

Guest links
Richard Donovan on LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/richardadonovan
Experian: https://www.experianplc.com

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Richard Donovan's background
01:12 Starting at Egg and the launch chaos
02:02 Lessons from the Egg launch experience
03:01 Transition from innovation to social impact
04:11 Cultural integration during the Egg and Citi merger
08:27 Focusing social innovation efforts at Experian
11:30 Success and challenges in social programmes
12:41 Brazil's debt platform and its impact
14:08 Personal motivation and career shifts
16:34 The importance of problem understanding in innovation
18:14 Using workshops and AI for social innovation
19:53 Rapid development and scaling of social solutions
20:07 Impact of AI on social programme speed
21:11 Advice for social innovation and corporate responsibility
25:29 Systems thinking and systemic change in social programmes
26:39 Closing remarks and gratitude

Summary
Faith Taylor has built sustainability functions from scratch at Wyndham Worldwide, Tesla, and now Kyndryl. She walks through what actually works — making the business case with small wins, focusing effort where it counts, and staying resilient when progress is slow — and argues that intentionality matters more than ambition in creating change that lasts.

Keywords
ESG, sustainability, CSR, climate change, data centres, renewable energy, resilience, leadership, social impact, innovation, hospitality

Key topics

• Faith's move from brand leadership into sustainability
• Building a global CSR function at Wyndham Worldwide
• Why climate awareness became a strategic issue
• Operationalising sustainability across hospitality and tech
• Measuring impact and applying the 80/20 rule to ESG
• Technology and innovation in the energy transition
• The challenge of embedding sustainability in franchise models
• Resilience and positive vision in climate action
• Establishing and scaling sustainability and citizenship at Kyndryl

Takeaways

• Follow your passion and build your own role inside the organisation
• Prove the business case for sustainability through small wins
• Use the 80/20 rule to concentrate on high-impact areas
• Resilience and a positive vision sustain long-term change
• Global collaboration and leadership are essential to climate solutions

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and career overview
01:11 From brand leadership to sustainability
02:07 The rise of green consumerism and climate awareness
03:25 Creating her own role at Wyndham Worldwide
05:13 Building the business case through operational savings
07:47 Tracking impact and scaling initiatives
10:44 Using the 80/20 rule to focus effort
12:53 Bringing people and environmental goals together
15:24 When sustainability becomes part of everyday business
17:11 Saying no and staying true to your values
21:26 Balancing energy growth and sustainability in data centres
25:34 Global collaboration and leadership in climate solutions
29:52 Getting involved in social impact and human rights

Guest
Faith Taylor, Global Sustainability and ESG Officer, Kyndryl — LinkedIn

Summary
Anthony Sanchez, VP and Global Head of Community Impact at Moody's, traces his path from underserved communities to running corporate philanthropy at scale. He makes the case that volunteering only works when it's a genuine employee benefit rather than an obligation, and shares what he's learned about measuring impact that actually means something.

Keywords
community impact, employee volunteering, corporate social responsibility, nonprofit partnerships, skills-based volunteering, pro bono consulting, Moody's, American Express, disaster relief, impact measurement

Key topics

• Anthony's background and what drew him to community service
• How employee volunteering trends have shifted
• What's worked in Moody's community impact programmes
• Challenges and hard lessons from CSR initiatives
• Measuring success in volunteer programmes
• Adapting as social impact priorities change

Sound bites

• "I always knew I wanted to serve communities."
• "Community impact evolves with the times."
• "Volunteering is a benefit offered to employees."

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Moody's impact strategy
04:43 Anthony's background and motivation for community service
08:27 What actually drives employee engagement in volunteering
10:36 [programme name — verify] and skills-based volunteering
13:02 Lessons from disaster response: Superstorm Sandy
15:33 Balancing volunteer demand against organisational resources
20:05 Measuring programme success and impact
21:31 Where Moody's focus is heading next
23:40 Advice for corporate peers on community impact
26:12 Strategies for increasing employee participation
30:17 Leadership involvement and authentic storytelling
35:29 Overcoming barriers to volunteer programme uptake
40:39 Navigating reputation, risk, and compliance in CSR
44:25 Authenticity and transparency in impact programmes
46:23 Closing thoughts

Augustus Willman shares his journey from retail to tech, and how authentic partnerships and strategic storytelling turn CSR into lasting community impact aligned with measurable outcomes.

Key topics

- Building authentic partnerships in CSR

- Strategic storytelling for impact

- Aligning corporate purpose with community needs

- Scaling community programmes globally

- Overcoming internal buy-in challenges

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Augustus Willman's journey

04:48 Starting in retail and moving to tech

09:29 Myth busting: CSR does not have to be one-off

12:08 Building the Microsoft community programme

16:07 Challenges in showcasing value to stakeholders

19:02 Key supporters and mentors in CSR work

22:46 The future of CSR and corporate investment in social impact

26:50 Effective communication with leadership

30:19 Living in Ireland and building community

34:20 Next steps and building a global network

Resources

Microsoft corporate responsibility - https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/corporate-responsibility

GivingForce - https://givingforce.com

content type

Interview

primary goal

Educational

summary

In this episode, Jill Stonberg shares her journey from environmental studies to leading sustainability at Virgin Voyages, highlighting the challenges and successes in decarbonization, community impact, and engaging travelers in sustainability efforts.

keywords

sustainability, decarbonization, cruise industry, social impact, environmental responsibility, Virgin Voyages, corporate responsibility, eco-tourism, community engagement

key topics

Journey from environmental studies to cruise industry

Decarbonization strategies and board engagement

Engaging guests in sustainability activities

Balancing strategy with tangible actions

Overcoming challenges in sustainability leadership

takeaways

Persistence and resilience are key in sustainability roles.

Engage leadership and stakeholders early and often.

Start small with tangible projects to build momentum.

Effective communication with non-experts is crucial.

Authentic guest engagement enhances brand loyalty.

guest name

Jill Stonberg

Titles

From Tech to Travel: Jill Stonberg's Sustainability Journey

Decarbonizing Cruises: Inside Virgin Voyages' Strategy

sound bites

"Decarbonization strategy was the hardest thing I faced."

"You can't do this work on your own, stakeholder engagement is key."

"Follow your passion and start small to build momentum."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Warm Welcome

00:00 The Journey into Sustainability

05:28 Transitioning from Tech to Travel

09:28 Balancing Strategy and Hands-On Work

16:28 Challenges in Decarbonization

22:53 Advice for Newcomers in Sustainability

resources

Virgin Voyages Official Site - https://www.virginvoyages.com/

Presidio Graduate School - MBA in Sustainable Business - https://www.presidio.edu/

Jill Stonberg - LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jillstonberg/

guest links

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jillstonberg/

Twitter - https://twitter.com/jillstonberg

content type

Interview

primary goal

Educational

summary

In this insightful interview, Smruti Govan, Legal Director at PepsiCo, shares her unconventional career journey in human rights and corporate responsibility. She discusses effective strategies for integrating human rights into business operations, overcoming resistance, and scaling impactful programs across supply chains.

keywords

Human Rights, Corporate Responsibility, Supply Chain, ESG, Sustainability, Leadership, Impact, CSR, Business Strategy

key topics

Integrating human rights into corporate strategy

Scaling impact programs across supply chains

Overcoming resistance and building stakeholder buy-in

guest name

Smruti Govan

key frameworks

Business and Human Rights Framework

Impact Scaling Model

action items

Build relationships and trust with stakeholders early

Use data and case studies to demonstrate impact

Celebrate small wins to maintain momentum

Titles

Scaling Human Rights in Global Supply Chains: Smruti Govan’s Journey at PepsiCo

How to Influence Corporate Human Rights Strategies: Lessons from Smruti Govan

sound bites

"Patience is key in driving sustainable change"

"Celebrate small wins along the impact journey"

"Inspire others to lead in human rights"

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Human Rights in Business

01:33 Smruti Govan's Unique Career Path

04:25 Implementing Effective Programs for Women

07:13 Challenges in Supply Chain Engagement

10:16 The Importance of Supplier Relationships

12:42 Navigating Internal and External Resistance

15:29 Lessons Learned and Reflections

18:12 Advice for Aspiring Human Rights Professionals

21:07 The Growing Importance of Human Rights in Organizations

22:34 Conclusion and Future Directions

resources

Givik Force - https://givikforce.com

PepsiCo - https://pepsico.com

Business for Social Responsibility (BSR) - https://www.bsr.org

Amnesty International - https://www.amnesty.org

PACE Program (by Gap Inc.) - https://www.gap.com

RISE Program (by Gap Inc.) - https://www.gap.com

guest links

LinkedIn - https://linkedin.com/in/smruti-govan

Twitter - https://twitter.com/smruti_govan

content type

Interview

primary goal

Educational

summary

In this engaging interview, Cheryl Rosario shares her extensive experience in nonprofit, corporate philanthropy, and DE&I initiatives. She discusses her career journey, impactful projects, and insights on building sustainable CSR and DEI strategies that resonate beyond corporate cycles.

keywords

CSR, DEI, corporate philanthropy, nonprofit, community impact, leadership, strategic planning, social responsibility, inclusion, corporate social responsibility

key topics

Career journey in nonprofit and corporate sectors

Impactful community projects and partnerships

Strategies for sustainable CSR and DEI initiatives

Managing diverse teams across global communities

guest name

Cheryl Rosario

key frameworks

Sustainable Impact Model

Community-Centric CSR Strategy

action items

Reflect on your organization's core mission and stay committed.

Engage communities early and often to ensure impactful projects.

Foster diversity and inclusion to strengthen team performance.

Build resilient programs that can withstand political and economic changes.

Titles

Building Lasting Impact: Cheryl Rosario's CSR & DEI Journey

From Girl Scouts to Global Corporations: A Leadership Story

sound bites

"Arts support can solve societal issues."

"Diverse teams think better and perform stronger."

"Stay true to your mission, even if it takes longer."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Warm Weather Discussion

00:00 Cheryl's Journey into Philanthropy

02:12 Early Career and Leadership Development

04:48 Impact at American Express

07:33 Transition to Wyndham and Unique Challenges

10:05 Corporate Social Responsibility and Community Engagement

12:43 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Strategies

15:33 Managing Global Teams and Local Needs

18:00 Opportunities for CSR and DEI Leaders

resources

Munich Re - https://www.munichre.com

American Express Foundation - https://about.americanexpress.com/our-story/american-express-foundation

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts - https://www.wyndhamhotels.com

Habitat for Humanity - https://www.habitat.org

National Trust for Historic Preservation - https://savingplaces.org

Learning Ally - https://learningally.org

guest links

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/cherylrosario

Twitter - https://twitter.com/cherylrosario

Website - https://cgrconsulting.com

content type

Interview

primary goal

Educational

summary

In this engaging interview, Denise Melanson shares her unique journey from a music booking agent to a leader in social impact within the entertainment industry. Discover practical tools, industry insights, and strategies for embedding purpose-driven initiatives into entertainment and sports, emphasizing authenticity, relationship-building, and systemic change.

keywords

social impact, entertainment industry, sustainability, inclusion, advocacy, nonprofit, artist representation, industry tools, ESG, CSR

key topics

Transition from entertainment to social impact

Industry tools for inclusion and sustainability

Building authentic relationships with talent and nonprofits

guest name

Denise Melanson

Titles

From Booking Agent to Social Impact Leader: Denise Melanson's Journey

Building Industry-Wide Tools for Inclusion and Sustainability

sound bites

"Authenticity is key to effective advocacy."

"Let talent lead with their passions."

"Focus on relationships, not just transactions."

Chapters

00:00 Denise's Journey from Music Agent to Social Impact

01:31 The Shift in Passion and Purpose

03:50 Building the Paradigm Social Impact Department

06:37 Choosing Causes and Authenticity in Advocacy

09:22 Developing Practical Tools for Social Change

13:08 Navigating the Fast-Paced Music Industry

14:27 Creating Tools for Accessibility and Sustainability

17:49 Bridging Gaps Between Music and Sports

20:26 Building Meaningful Relationships with Artists

24:23 The Importance of Authentic Engagement

resources

Paradigm Talent Agency - https://www.paradigmagency.com/

Wasserman - https://www.wasserman.com/

The Team - https://theteam.com/

NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council) - https://www.nrdc.org/

Save the Music Foundation - https://www.savethemusic.org/

Green Sports Alliance - https://greensportsalliance.org/

Music Sustainability Association - https://musicsustainability.org/

guest links

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/denise-melanson/

content type

Interview

primary goal

Educational

summary

In this engaging interview, Jessica O'Neill shares her journey from academia to impact investing, emphasizing the importance of rigor, innovation, and responsible use of data and AI in social impact work. Discover insights on measuring impact, building scalable programs, and the role of entrepreneurship in creating sustainable change.

keywords

Impact Investing, Social Impact, Data and AI, Impact Measurement, Social Determinants of Health, Innovation, Rigor, Impact Programs, CSR, ESG

key topics

Impact measurement and data use

The journey from academia to impact investing

The myth of profit versus impact

Building scalable impact programs

Responsible use of AI and data in social impact work

guest name

Jessica O'Neill

Titles

From Academia to Impact Investing: Jessica O'Neill's Journey

Measuring Impact with Data and AI: Insights from Jessica O'Neill

sound bites

"Innovation solves real problems"

"AI can help us do good in impact"

"Stop overthinking and go back to basics"

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Jessica O'Neill and her impact journey

00:14 Jessica's background and transition from academia to impact investing

02:00 Myth of profit versus impact and the importance of innovation

03:56 Jessica's early life, curiosity, and academic pursuits

05:16 Learning about social determinants of health and public health

06:32 Moving upstream to address root causes of social issues

07:10 Common threads across sectors: rigor and accountability

08:35 Using data and AI responsibly in impact work

11:01 Valuable impact metrics and measuring deeper impact

13:01 Key aha moments and going back to basics

17:54 Advice for building evidence-based impact programs

19:42 Getting into impact roles: skills and passions

21:30 The importance of flexibility and continuous learning

resources

Impact Investing at the American Heart Association - https://www.heart.org/en/impact

Social Determinants of Health - CDC - https://www.cdc.gov/socialdeterminants/index.htm

AI for Good Conference - https://aiforgood.itu.int/

Impact Measurement and Management (IMM) Frameworks - https://www.oecd.org/innovation/impact-measurement-and-management.htm

guest links

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicaoneill

Twitter - https://twitter.com/jessicaoneill

Explore how Karen Arsenault, Head of Social Impact and Sustainability at Best Buy Canada, exemplifies building engaging, long-term social impact programs internally driven from within a large organization. Learn about strategies to foster employee engagement, collaboration with vendors, and creative community outreach.Main Topics:

• The misconception that CSR/ESG is only for reputation polishing and its true broader purpose.
• Focus on quality over quantity in youth engagement programs like Teen Tech for Tomorrow.
• Leveraging internal communication channels and storytelling to inspire and involve over 10,000 employees.
• Building long-term partnerships with schools, vendors, and community organizations.
• Creative approaches to resource sharing, such as branded paper bags and art submissions.
• The importance of listening, trusting local teams, and empowering employees in community projects.
• Exploring vendor collaboration for technology donations and joint youth initiatives.
• Practical tips on engaging employees and partners through ongoing involvement and storytelling.
• Challenges with volunteer hour tracking and suggestions for integrated solutions.

• GivingForce
• Best Buy Canada
• BGC Canada
• Microsoft Responsible AI Curriculum
• Dell Education Technology Support
• Meta (Facebook) Youth Programs
• VolunteerMatch or similar platforms for volunteering opportunities

• LinkedIn
• Twitter

Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction to the show's focus on impact-driven leadership00:45 - Misconceptions about CSR/ESG and holistic impact approach02:10 - Strategies for sharing impactful stories internally and externally03:55 - Journey into community and social impact work06:04 - Building long-term partnerships with schools and community centers08:05 - Feedback from employees involved in programs09:40 - Program design philosophy: quality over quantity11:00 - Engaging employees in local initiatives and challenges13:45 - Listening to community needs and empowering local teams15:16 - Designing youth programs that truly empower learners17:44 - Employee reactions to focused program areas19:28 - Internal communication challenges and solutions for employee engagement21:28 - Vendor collaboration examples and partnership opportunities23:24 - Creative resource sharing and cause marketing initiatives24:29 - Tracking efforts and encouraging volunteer participation27:00 - Technology platforms and storytelling collection29:28 - Challenges with volunteer hour tracking and solutions33:15 - Summary and closing insights from KarenResources & Links:Connect with Karen Arsenault:No coughs, no edits, clear storytelling on how internal engagement and community partnerships can be crafted for genuine social impact.

content type

Interview

primary goal

Educational

summary

In this engaging interview, Sara Fromstein shares her journey from activism to corporate social impact, emphasizing the importance of trust, authenticity, and focus in DEIB and CSR initiatives. Discover how her work at Deciem and her insights on building belonging and impactful partnerships are shaping a more inclusive and responsible business landscape.

keywords

Social Impact, DEIB, CSR, Trust, Belonging, Corporate Responsibility, Community Partnerships, Impact Strategy, Leadership, Diversity and Inclusion

key topics

Trust as the Foundation of Social Impact

Focus and Strategy in CSR and DEIB

Authentic Partnerships and Community Trust

guest name

Sara Fromstein

key frameworks

Trust as the Foundation of Impact

Focus and Listening in CSR

action items

Prioritize authentic partnerships based on trust

Focus impact efforts on areas with larger influence

Ask questions and foster curiosity within teams

Titles

Building Trust in Social Impact: Sara Fromstein's Journey

The Power of Focus in CSR and DEIB Initiatives

sound bites

"CSR is not optional today"

"Focus on impact, not activity"

"Address systemic issues early"

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Setting the Stage

00:18 The Importance of Social Impact and Belonging

02:43 Sara's Journey into Social Impact

04:55 Building DEIB Roadmaps at Deciem

07:39 Choosing Partnerships and Community Engagement

10:20 Lessons Learned in Social Impact Initiatives

13:05 Navigating Global Challenges and Changes

15:53 Looking Forward: Access to Truth and Knowledge

18:15 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

resources

Deciem and The Ordinary - https://deciem.com/

Sara Fromstein on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarafromstein/

Impact Strategy Frameworks - https://hbr.org/2020/01/impact-strategy-frameworks

guest links

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarafromstein/

content type

Interview

primary goal

Educational

summary

In this insightful interview, Roos Brugink, Global Community Investment Lead at AstraZeneca, shares her journey in social impact, the strategic integration of CSR initiatives, and the challenges and opportunities in health-focused philanthropy. Discover how AstraZeneca aligns its business goals with societal needs, measures impact, and fosters youth leadership to create sustainable change.

keywords

CSR, social impact, health equity, AstraZeneca, youth leadership, sustainability, NGO partnerships, impact measurement, corporate purpose

key topics

Integration of CSR and business strategy

Impact measurement and evaluation

Youth leadership development and engagement

guest name

Roos Brugink

Titles

Unlocking Impact: How AstraZeneca Integrates CSR and Business Goals

The Power of Youth Leadership in Health Impact

sound bites

"Preventing diseases by instilling healthy habits early."

"Top-down and bottom-up approaches are essential."

"Network, values, and stakeholder management are key."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

01:20 Challenges in Social Impact and Sustainability

05:51 AstraZeneca's Approach to Health and Community Engagement

07:56 Volunteering and Employee Engagement Strategies

09:41 Youth Leadership and Opportunities

14:15 Measuring Impact and Sustainability

17:16 Personal Journey and Advice for Newcomers

resources

AstraZeneca's Young Health Program - https://www.astrazeneca.com/our-responsibility/health-initiatives.html

One Young World - https://www.oneyoungworld.com

Business for Social Impact (BSI) Impact Framework - https://businessforsocialimpact.org

PQMD Network Partnership for Quality Medical Donations - https://pqmd.org

guest links

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/roosbrugink

content type

Interview

primary goal

Educational

summary

In this engaging interview, Nina Rauch, Head of Social Impact at Lemonade, shares her journey from founding Pink Week to scaling impact programs within a for-profit company. She discusses the importance of embedding impact into business strategy, targeting younger generations for philanthropy, and overcoming challenges in social impact initiatives.

keywords

Impact, Social Impact, Lemonade, Pink Week, CSR, ESG, Impact Strategy, Generational Giving, Corporate Impact, B Corp

key topics

Impact strategy integration in business

Targeting younger generations for philanthropy

Scaling impact programs within corporations

guest name

Nina Rauch

Titles

Scaling Impact from Pink Week to Lemonade: Nina Rauch's Journey

Embedding Impact into Business Strategy: Lessons from Lemonade

sound bites

"Impact should be part of the company's DNA"

"Think outside the box for impact roles"

"Authentic impact builds trust and longevity"

Chapters

00:00 Dental Adventures and Personal Anecdotes

00:02 Introduction to Nina Rauch and Her Journey

01:47 The Importance of Engaging Younger Donors

03:29 Founding Pink Week: A Personal Mission

07:28 Transitioning to Lemonade: A New Chapter

09:13 Scaling Impact at Lemonade: Success Stories

10:47 Navigating Challenges in Social Impact

13:42 Mentorship and Support in the Impact Space

21:30 Advice for Aspiring Impact Professionals

resources

Pink Week - https://pinkweek.org

Lemonade - https://www.lemonade.com

Deed Volunteer Platform - https://deed.com

Forbes 30 Under 30 - https://www.forbes.com/30-under-30/

Impact Strategy Frameworks - https://impactstrategy.org

guest links

LinkedIn - https://linkedin.com/in/ninarauch

Twitter - https://twitter.com/ninarauch

content type

Interview

primary goal

Educational

summary

In this insightful interview, Helen Wilson, Head of Responsible Business at Rathbones Group, shares her journey from oceanography to finance, emphasizing the interconnectedness of sustainability issues and the importance of collaboration, practical impact, and adaptive strategies in ESG and responsible investing.

keywords

ESG, sustainability, responsible business, finance, collaboration, climate, social impact, nature, regulation, financial services

key topics

Interconnectedness of sustainability issues

Helen Wilson's career journey from oceanography to finance

The importance of collaboration in ESG

Challenges and opportunities in responsible investing

guest name

Helen Wilson

Titles

From Fish to Finance: Helen Wilson's Journey in Sustainability

Unlocking the Interconnected Nature of ESG with Helen Wilson

sound bites

"Business is a solution, capital flows are a solution."

"We need to bring people on the sustainability journey."

"Collaboration is essential for driving real impact."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Technical Difficulties

00:00 Introduction to Responsible Business and ESG

01:05 Understanding Interconnectedness in Sustainability

02:42 Helen's Journey into Sustainability

05:08 Evolution of CSR to ESG

08:47 Financial Services and Responsible Business

13:27 Challenges and Lightbulb Moments in Sustainability

17:52 Future Focus: Nature and Social Mobility

21:04 The Role of AI in Financial Education

resources

Task Force for Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) - https://tnfd.info/

Rathbones Group - https://www.rathbones.com/

Helen Wilson's LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/helenwilson/

ESG and sustainability resources at Rathbones - https://www.rathbones.com/our-thinking/sustainability

guest links

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/helenwilson/

content type

Interview

primary goal

Educational

summary

In this engaging interview, Rohit Burman shares his journey at the intersection of business and purpose, emphasizing the importance of authenticity, trust, and resilience in impact work. Discover insights from his extensive experience in global brands, impactful projects like HIV prevention in South Africa, and personal lessons that shape his approach to social impact and inclusion.

keywords

Impact, Inclusion, Sustainability, Corporate Social Responsibility, Leadership, Diversity, Social Impact, Purpose, Business Strategy, Personal Journey

key topics

Impact and purpose in business

Building trust and authentic leadership

Transformative social impact projects

Personal lessons and resilience in impact work

guest name

Rohit Burman

Titles

From Purpose Statement to Purpose Practice: Rohit Burman's Impact Journey

Building Trust and Resilience in Social Impact with Rohit Burman

sound bites

"It's about how you show up in the work"

"Impact is a journey, not a ladder"

"Say more yes than no to open new possibilities"

Chapters

00:00 The Journey of Impact and Purpose

01:33 Myths in the Field of Inclusion and Diversity

06:02 Influences and Inspirations

11:27 Proud Moments and Achievements

13:54 Challenges and Lessons Learned

15:45 Energy Management and Personal Growth

17:54 The Power of Saying Yes

18:47 The Importance of Multiple Identities

resources

PVH Corporation - https://www.pvh.com/

Calvin Klein - https://www.calvinklein.com/

Tommy Hilfiger - https://usa.tommy.com/

UNICEF South Africa HIV Partnership - https://www.unicef.org/southafrica/

Impact and Inclusion Strategies at PVH - https://www.pvh.com/impact-inclusion

guest links

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rohitburman/

content type

Interview

primary goal

Educational

summary

In this engaging interview, Erika Mork shares her extensive experience in nonprofit fundraising, international perspectives, and insights into effective donor engagement strategies. Discover how to navigate the complexities of philanthropy, the importance of community-centered approaches, and practical tips for securing funding.

keywords

nonprofit fundraising, philanthropy, donor engagement, community-centered fundraising, grant writing, nonprofit strategy

key topics

Fundraising strategies and best practices

International influence on philanthropy

Effective donor engagement and motivations

takeaways

Community-centered fundraising balances donor interests with community needs.

Effective evaluation plans include clear metrics and outcome measures.

Successful Give Days create urgency and foster a sense of belonging.

Understanding donor motivations enhances engagement and giving.

Partnerships with corporate programs can provide valuable in-kind and financial support.

guest name

Erika Mork

key frameworks

Community-Centered Fundraising

Logic Models for Outcomes

action items

Incorporate outcome measurements in grant proposals.

Develop community engagement strategies that respect donor motivations.

Plan and execute Give Day campaigns with clear urgency and goals.

Build partnerships with corporate and community organizations.

Titles

Unlocking Fundraising Success: Insights from Erika Mork

The Art of Donor Engagement: Strategies from a Nonprofit Expert

sound bites

"Organizations doing real good deserve proper funding."

"Community-centered fundraising builds trust and impact."

"Understanding donor motivations enhances engagement."

Chapters

00:00 Influences and Experiences in Nonprofit Work

00:51 The Role of Funding in Nonprofits

03:25 Transitioning into Fundraising

05:18 The Journey into Fundraising

06:28 The Success of Give Days

09:56 Common Threads in Philanthropy

15:15 Navigating Philanthropic Demands

16:03 Community-Centered Fundraising

22:24 Common Mistakes in Grant Seeking

25:46 Future Endeavors in Philanthropy

resources

GivingForce - https://givingforce.com

University of Lynchburg - https://www.lynchburg.edu

Grant Writing Resources - https://grantspace.org

The Seven Faces of Philanthropy (Book) - https://www.amazon.com/Seven-Faces-Philanthropy-Understanding-Motivation/dp/1118876444

guest links

LinkedIn - https://linkedin.com/in/erika-mork

Twitter - https://twitter.com/erikamork

content type

Interview

primary goal

Educational

summary

In this engaging interview, Stephanie Bormann shares her journey from HP to DPR Construction, highlighting innovative programs like 40 Days of Doing Good and the importance of embedding CSR into company culture. Discover practical insights on leadership, community impact, and fostering employee engagement in social initiatives.

keywords

CSR, employee engagement, community impact, corporate philanthropy, volunteer programs, leadership, ESG, social impact, DPR Construction, HP

key topics

Embedding CSR in corporate culture

Innovative employee volunteer programs

Leadership's role in social impact

guest name

Stephanie Bormann

key frameworks

40 Days of Doing Good

action items

Start small with volunteer programs and build from there

Engage leadership early and often

Use gamification to motivate participation

Embed social impact into company culture

Titles

How to Embed CSR into Company Culture: Lessons from Stephanie Bormann

40 Days of Doing Good: A Successful Employee Volunteer Program

sound bites

"I wish more companies would do this."

"When we do good, we do well."

"Start anywhere, and it will grow."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Housekeeping

00:00 Stephanie's Philanthropic Journey

05:01 The Importance of Corporate Social Responsibility

08:11 Innovative Volunteer Programs at HP

11:51 Overcoming Challenges in Employee Engagement

15:17 Evolving Volunteer Preferences and Skills

18:28 Advice for Aspiring CSR Professionals

21:49 Future Endeavors in Community Initiatives

resources

40 Days of Doing Good Program - https://example.com/40-days-of-doing-good

Career Village Platform - https://careervillage.org

Rebecca Wang at ServiceNow - https://linkedin.com/in/rebeccawang

B. Bacolandro's Publications on Purpose-Driven Work - https://amazon.com/bacolandro-purpose-driven

Boston College Corporate Impact Certificate - https://bostoncollege.edu/certificates

Holy Cross Social Impact Program - https://holycross.edu/social-impact

guest links

LinkedIn - https://linkedin.com/in/stephaniebormann

Twitter - https://twitter.com/stephaniebormann

Website - https://dprconstruction.com

content type

Interview

primary goal

Educational

summary

In this engaging interview, Seth Laxman shares his journey from environmental activism to leading advocacy campaigns at Lush Cosmetics. Discover how he leverages employee activism, navigates corporate risks, and drives social change through innovative campaigns that align business values with impactful action.

keywords

Environmental activism, Corporate social responsibility, Employee activism, Lush campaigns, Climate change, Advocacy, Social impact, Business for good

key topics

Seth Laxman's transition from Greenpeace to Lush

The role of employee activism in corporate social responsibility

Strategies for effective advocacy campaigns in retail

Overcoming perceived risks in social activism

Long-term systemic change versus short-term campaigns

takeaways

Employee activism is a powerful asset for brands when leveraged correctly.

Consistent messaging and deep partnerships are key to successful campaigns.

Addressing systemic issues requires ongoing effort, not one-off actions.

Building community and networks enhances resilience in impact work.

Authenticity and deep engagement are crucial for campaign success.

guest name

Seth Laxman

key frameworks

Systemic Change Model

Long-term Impact Strategy

Titles

From Greenpeace to Lush: A Journey of Advocacy and Impact

How Lush Uses Employee Activism to Drive Social Change

sound bites

"You win more people over by standing strong."

"Business can be a core blocker for climate action."

"Customer engagement is a different value exchange."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

00:00 Activism and Advocacy at Lush

01:34 The Importance of Employee Activism

04:08 Challenges in Corporate Activism

06:42 Personal Journey into Advocacy

09:45 Transitioning from Nonprofit to Private Sector

12:24 Guiding Principles and North Star

14:50 Lessons Learned in Advocacy

17:25 Advice for Aspiring Activists

19:56 Upcoming Campaigns and Future Directions

resources

Greenpeace - https://www.greenpeace.org

Lush Cosmetics - https://www.lush.com

Grist 50 - https://grist.org

Ben & Jerry's - https://www.benjerry.com

guest links

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sethlaxman

Twitter - https://twitter.com/sethlaxman

Keywords

ESG, sustainability, responsible business, climate change, human rights, corporate responsibility, investment, diversity, inclusion, business strategy

Summary

In this conversation, Ejaz Rashid interviews Victor Riega, a responsible business manager at Rathbone's Group, discussing his journey in the ESG and sustainability space. Victor shares insights on the challenges faced in the industry, the importance of pragmatic approaches, and the influential figures who shaped his career. He emphasizes the need for businesses to integrate sustainability into their core operations and offers advice for aspiring professionals in the field.

Takeaways

Victor Riega has over 15 years of experience in financial services and ESG.

He believes that understanding the consequences of decision-making is crucial.

Victor emphasizes the importance of being pragmatic in sustainability efforts.

Compromise may be necessary for long-term benefits in sustainability.

Building relationships and understanding business language is key to success.

Awareness of sustainability within companies is a positive indicator of progress.

Victor highlights the importance of patience in the sustainability journey.

Triodos and Aviva are examples of companies excelling in sustainability.

Sustainability professionals should act as connectors and mediators.

Businesses generally want to do the right thing regarding sustainability.

Titles

Navigating the ESG Landscape with Victor Riega

The Pragmatic Approach to Sustainability

sound bites

"This is an inflection point, we need to act."

"Businesses want to do the right thing."

"Be patient in your sustainability journey."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Victor Riega and His Journey

03:42 The Challenges of ESG and Sustainability

08:00 Lessons Learned in the Sustainability Space

12:08 Influential Figures in Victor's Career

16:14 Staying Focused on Sustainability Goals

19:51 Advice for Aspiring Sustainability Professionals

Keywords

Natalie Moore, Kareem Mostafa, Apps for Good, London 2012, education, leadership, nonprofit, collaboration, impact, technology

Summary

In this engaging conversation, Natalie Moore, CEO of Apps for Good, shares her inspiring journey from a shy student to a leader in the education and tech sectors. She discusses her pivotal role in the London 2012 Olympics, her transition to leadership, and the lessons learned along the way. Natalie emphasizes the importance of collaboration, community, and putting beneficiaries first in the nonprofit sector. She also offers valuable advice for future leaders in education and tech, highlighting the need for innovation and a focus on real impact.

Takeaways

Natalie started her career at the London 2012 Olympics.

She believes in equal access to opportunities for young people.

Leadership requires a shift from doing to enabling.

Scaling in nonprofits should focus on depth, not just reach.

Collaboration is key in the nonprofit sector.

Young people can solve real problems with technology.

Don't reinvent the wheel; learn from others.

It's important to listen to beneficiaries' needs.

Trust in your team and their expertise.

Stay true to your mission and theory of change.

Titles

From Shy Student to CEO: Natalie's Journey

Empowering Young People Through Tech

Sound bites

"It's about depth and relevance."

"Trust in your team."

"Don't reinvent the wheel."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Setting the Stage

00:00 Natalie's Journey to the London 2012 Olympics

00:58 Transitioning from Olympics to Education

07:58 Myths in the Education Sector

09:59 Hard-Won Lessons in Leadership

12:55 Staying True to the Mission

14:46 From Shy Teenager to Successful CEO

15:24 The Importance of Mentorship

17:28 Realizing the Impact of Technology

20:49 Advice for Entering Education and Impact Tech

22:43 Collaboration and Community Engagement

24:13 The Power of Sharing Knowledge

Keywords

social impact, corporate responsibility, leadership, mentorship, employee engagement, authenticity, community impact, CSR, social justice, non-profit

Summary

In this conversation, Ejaz Rashid and Kaiya Salemy discuss the journey into social impact leadership, the importance of authenticity in corporate responsibility, and the challenges faced in the field. Kaiya shares her experiences transitioning from business development to leading social impact initiatives, emphasizing the need for genuine engagement and the balance between personal passion and professional boundaries. They also touch on the significance of mentorship, self-care, and the evolving landscape of social impact work.

Takeaways

Kaiya's journey reflects a non-traditional path into social impact.

Authenticity is crucial in corporate responsibility initiatives.

Volunteer events should focus on genuine impact rather than performative actions.

Self-care is essential for social impact practitioners to avoid burnout.

Mentorship plays a vital role in navigating the social impact landscape.

Aligning social impact initiatives with business goals enhances authenticity.

Listening to employees' perspectives is key to effective social impact strategies.

It's important to define what meaningful impact looks like for your organization.

Social impact leaders should advocate for themselves and their work.

The landscape of social impact is constantly evolving, requiring adaptability.

Titles

Navigating the Social Impact Landscape

The Journey to Authentic Corporate Responsibility

Sound bites

"It's about equitable program access."

"This is a perfect combination of my passion."

"You have to protect yourself a little bit."

Chapters

00:00 Setting the Stage for Collaboration

00:00 Introducing Kaiya Salemy: A Journey into Social Impact

01:07 Kaiya's Background: From Economics to Social Justice

05:59 Navigating Career Transitions in Social Impact

10:50 Lessons Learned: Balancing Passion and Professionalism

16:19 Mentorship and Advocacy in Social Impact

18:28 Advice for Aspiring Social Impact Leaders

21:41 Self-Care in the Social Impact Space

Keywords

corporate philanthropy, Time to Give Network, executive time donation, charity, social impact, entrepreneurship, CSR, ESG, leadership, nonprofit

Summary

In this conversation, Andrew Kaufman discusses his journey as the founder of Time to Give Network, a platform that transforms executive time into charitable donations. He shares insights on the challenges of being a first-time CEO, the importance of conviction in entrepreneurship, and the future aspirations for his organization, including global expansion and corporate partnerships.

Takeaways

Andrew's journey began with a desire to leave a legacy beyond financial success.

The Time to Give Network connects executives with charities through time donations.

Conviction is crucial for entrepreneurs facing challenges and setbacks.

Andrew emphasizes the importance of community support in his venture.

The platform aims to simplify corporate philanthropy for businesses.

Andrew's experience in financial services shaped his understanding of access and networking.

He believes in the potential for significant social impact through his model.

The journey of a first-time CEO involves continuous learning and adaptation.

Andrew's vision includes expanding the platform to the US market.

Feedback from the community has been invaluable in refining the platform.

Titles

Transforming Time into Charity: Andrew Kaufman's Journey

The Power of Executive Time Donations

Sound bites

"I wanted to leave a legacy."

"Conviction is everything in business."

"It takes a village to make this work."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Time to Give Network

07:02 The Journey of a First-Time CEO

11:50 Navigating Challenges and Breakthroughs

21:07 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

24:01 Future Aspirations and Global Expansion

Keywords

CSR, education, mentorship, social impact, community engagement, diversity, equity, inclusion, corporate responsibility, leadership

Takeaways

Education is the foundation for social mobility.

Community engagement in CSR is often cyclical and dependent on external factors.

Good intentions do not always lead to impactful outcomes.

Mentorship plays a crucial role in personal and professional development.

It's important to advocate for equitable access to education.

Listening is a vital skill in leadership and collaboration.

Navigating corporate environments is essential for success.

Strategic partnerships can amplify social impact efforts.

Young professionals should focus on measurable outcomes in CSR initiatives.

Personal experiences shape one's approach to community service.

Summary

In this conversation, Kathleen Martinez shares her journey from a first-generation college graduate to a leader in corporate social responsibility (CSR) and education. She discusses the importance of education as a foundation for social mobility, the cyclical nature of community engagement in CSR, and the challenges faced in advocating for equitable access to education. Kathleen emphasizes the role of mentorship in personal and professional growth and offers valuable advice for aspiring CSR professionals. The conversation also touches on the significance of strategic partnerships in amplifying social impact efforts and the need for measurable outcomes in CSR initiatives.

Titles

Empowering Change Through Education and CSR

Navigating the Challenges of Corporate Social Responsibility

Sound bites

"Education is the foundation for social mobility."

"Community engagement in CSR is often cyclical."

"Listening is a vital skill in leadership."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

11:25 Challenges in CSR and Education

17:02 Lessons Learned and Personal Growth

25:55 The Importance of Mentorship

40:45 Advice for Aspiring CSR Professionals

52:02 Future Endeavors and Opportunities

Keywords

CSR, ESG, corporate social impact, ethical leadership, stakeholder engagement, social entrepreneurship, community partnerships, youth development, leadership coaching, social change

Summary

In this conversation, Ian Duffy shares his journey from an engineer to a leader in corporate social impact, discussing the evolution of CSR and ESG, the importance of ethical leadership, and the lessons learned from his extensive experience in stakeholder engagement. He emphasizes the significance of clarity, honesty, and building relationships in driving social change, while also highlighting the role of mentorship and service in his career. Ian offers valuable advice for newcomers in the ESG and CSR space, encouraging them to focus on collaboration and integrity in their work.

Takeaways

Ian Duffy's journey reflects a blend of engineering and social impact.

CSR and ESG have evolved from philanthropy to ethical leadership.

Engagement should focus on honesty and transparency, not just pleasing everyone.

Clarity in decision-making is essential for successful projects.

Building relationships is as important as the projects themselves.

Mentorship has played a crucial role in Ian's professional development.

The importance of aligning personal and organizational ambitions in partnerships.

Service and giving back are key components of a fulfilling career.

Newcomers should focus on understanding how things work in their field.

Saying yes to opportunities can lead to unexpected career paths.

Titles

Navigating the Path of Corporate Social Impact

The Shift from Philanthropy to Ethical Leadership

Sound bites

"Clarity in decision-making is crucial."

"Listen, learn, co-create in your work."

"Step into your passion and skill set."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Ian Duffy and His Journey

03:00 The Evolution of CSR and ESG

05:51 Lessons Learned in Corporate Engagement

09:09 Defining Your North Star in Impact Work

12:05 Influences and Mentorship in Leadership

14:52 Building Successful Partnerships

18:01 Advice for Newcomers in ESG and CSR

20:59 The Importance of Service and Giving Back