A Good Force – a GivingForce original series

Summary Carol Cone, CEO of Carol Cone ON PURPOSE and host of the Purpose 360 podcast, has spent more than four decades connecting companies with social and environmental causes. She traces cause marketing from American Express’s Statue of Liberty restoration campaign to today’s corporate purpose work, and explains how Rockport, Kerry Group and Patagonia built purpose into the core of their businesses. She also shares the story behind My Special Aflac Duck, a social robot for children with cancer, and why she wants to see OnMed CareStations reach rural communities. Keywords cause marketing, cause branding, corporate purpose, social impact, brand purpose, social innovation, sustainability, purpose-driven business, corporate social responsibility, purpose queen Key topics History and origins of cause marketing and purpose branding The role of authenticity and values in social impact Case studies of purpose-driven initiatives, including Patagonia and Aflac The importance of partnerships and community engagement Future trends in purpose and social impact, including AI and healthcare innovation Sound bites “Companies and brands must engage and align with a social issue or an environmental issue.” “You want to create something that comes from the soul, that works on the competencies, that is where the puck is going, not to where the puck has been.” “Every company’s purpose today can be made to work harder.” Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Carol Cone and her impact in cause marketing 00:20 The origins of cause marketing and the role of American Express 00:47 The evolution of purpose branding and shared value 01:13 How companies can navigate political and economic cycles 01:36 Carol’s journey into social impact and cause marketing 01:43 Case study: Rockport and the walking movement 01:47 The development of the Aflac social robot for children with cancer 01:49 The importance of authentic purpose and values in business 01:50 Innovative projects like the OnMed CareStation for healthcare access 01:52 The role of partnerships and community involvement 02:04 Future trends: AI, social impact and corporate responsibility 02:05 Carol’s advice for companies and individuals in purpose-driven work Guest links Carol Cone on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carol-cone-8651aa3/ Carol Cone ON PURPOSE: https://carolconeonpurpose.com

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