Forces for Good

How can we put our money to work for climate? with Seventh Generation

Tue, 16 Dec 2025 05:00:00 GMT

Businesses have the opportunity to put their money where their mouth is and use everyday spending to further their sustainability goals. In this episode we’re sharing how to get started in climate finance, and why it might be one of the simplest sustainability moves you can make.

My guests are Kylie Nealis, Senior Program Manager for Climate Justice, B Lab US and Canada and Kate Ogden, Head of Advocacy and Movement Building at B Corp, Seventh Generation.

Climate finance provides an opportunity for large scale impact without massive changes to a company's production or supply chain. You can decarbonize your investments, choose partners who are as committed to sustainability as you are, and even buy greener insurance and retirement plans! Seventh Generation helped B Lab put together an inaugural Climate Finance Cohort dedicated to guiding B Corps on their climate finance journey.

You can also find our Business Climate Finance Resource Guide here: https://pardot.bcorporation.net/business-climate-finance-guide-2024

Learn more about B Lab at www.bcorporation.net

Views and opinions expressed during the podcast are those of the individuals expressing them and do not necessarily reflect those of B Lab or Hueman Group Media.

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How do we ensure everyone benefits from climate action?

Mon, 08 Dec 2025 22:01:21 GMT

Climate action doesn’t happen alone: effective leaders understand that relationships are essential to success. Climate justice is about the ‘who’ and the ‘how,’ not just the ‘what.’

Getting started can be daunting. That’s why B Lab, along with partners and stakeholders, recently published the Principles for Partnership with Frontline Communities .

Today’s guests were instrumental in writing and sharing these principles. They’ll tell us about how to implement them in your business and prove that purpose and profit are not mutually exclusive.

Clementina Consens is Senior Associate, Climate Justice B Lab US and Canada. Clarenda Stanley, otherwise known as Farmer Cee, is the CEO of Green Heffa Farms.

You can find the principles for partnership with Frontline Communities here: usca.bcorporation.net/principles-of-partnership-with-frontline-communities

Learn more about B Lab at www.bcorporation.net

Views and opinions expressed during the podcast are those of the individuals expressing them and do not necessarily reflect those of B Lab or Hueman Group Media.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How do we grow crops to nourish both people and the planet?

Mon, 24 Nov 2025 23:00:00 GMT

Agriculture and climate are inextricably linked. A healthy climate is key to producing healthy crops but modern agricultural practices often exacerbate climate change. There are also serious inequities between the Global North and the Global South built into our food systems.

In today’s episode, we’re joined by two guests who understand this system and are working hard to improve it. Gonzalo Muñoz is the Co-Founder of both Sistema B and Ambition Loop. Sistema B is the Latin American branch of B Lab and Ambition Loop is a climate focused NGO based in Chile.

Carlos Manuel Uribe is President at Flores El Capiro, a Colombia based flower grower and exporter.

For more information on this topic please check out:

COP28 Declaration on Sustainable Agriculture, Resilient Food Systems, and Climate Action: https://www.cop28.com/en/food-and-agriculture

AmbitionLoop.Earth: https://www.ambitionloop.earth/agriculture-food-systems

Learn more about B Lab at www.bcorporation.net

Views and opinions expressed during the podcast are those of the individuals expressing them and do not necessarily reflect those of B Lab or Hueman Group Media.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How can fashion become circular? with EILEEN FISHER and Closed Loop Partners

Mon, 10 Nov 2025 23:30:00 GMT

The global fashion industry is responsible for as much as 10 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions and generates a massive amount of waste that often ends up in landfills.

But it’s also an industry filled with innovation, and passionate, creative people who are ready to do business differently.

We recorded this episode live during New York Climate Week at Remake World's Wear Your Values Weekend. Our incredible audience was filled with the next generation of fashion designers and solutions designers who made the most of sharing a room with our pair of powerhouse speakers:

Carmen Gama is Director of Circular Design at B Corp, EILEEN FISHER, and Co-Founder of Make ANEEW

Lily Oswald is the Director of Growth and Strategy at Circular Services, a Closed Loop Partners Company. It's the largest privately-held recycling company in the US.

It’s not a conversation to be missed!

Learn more about B Lab at www.bcorporation.net

Views and opinions expressed during the podcast are those of the individuals expressing them and do not necessarily reflect those of B Lab or Hueman Group Media.

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How can seaweed help us rethink the value of nature?

Mon, 27 Oct 2025 22:00:00 GMT

Natural resources are not limitless, Yet, if used responsibly, nature-based solutions can provide innovative and regenerative alternatives to the world’s most harmful products.

Did you know that plastic could be replaced with seaweed in the coming years? Hoa Doan, Head of Impact and Sustainability at Notpla, a London based B Corp, joins us to share how they make seaweed based packaging.

Plus, learn how to build a nature-positive economy with Bosco Lliso, Nature Research Lead at The World Benchmarking Alliance. Don't miss this one!

Learn more about B Lab at www.bcorporation.net

Views and opinions expressed during the podcast are those of the individuals expressing them and do not necessarily reflect those of B Lab or Hueman Group Media.

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How do we all win in the Race to Zero?

Mon, 13 Oct 2025 21:03:41 GMT

Environmental science covers some large and confusing topics. In this episode, we invite you to head back to the classroom with us to learn about decarbonization. In order to combat climate change, businesses must reduce their carbon and other greenhouse gas emissions to net zero and beyond. Jane Eisenhardt joins us from The UN High Level Climate Champions. She is the Engagement and Acceleration Manager to their campaign, Race to Zero. She’ll stress how critical speed is to decarbonization.

Cecilia Plicco is Senior Director for Shared Value and Sustainability at B Corp Chiesi Pharmaceuticals. She'll share the innovative changes Chiesi has made to decrease emissions.

Learn more about B Lab at www.bcorporation.net

Views and opinions expressed during the podcast are those of the individuals expressing them and do not necessarily reflect those of B Lab or Hueman Group Media.

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Can Travel be Sustainable?

Mon, 29 Sep 2025 21:23:54 GMT

Travel is an impactful experience. It’s impactful on the traveler, on local communities, and on the environment. In this episode, we’ll tell you how the travel industry is driving efforts to champion positive change and tell you about personal changes you can make to travel more consciously.

Our guests this episode are working at all levels of the industry to improve travel. Julie Cheetham is Chief Operating Officer at Travalyst, a global non profit with the ambition to change the impact of travel for good through partnerships with big industry players like Booking.com, Trip Advisor and Google. Rodrigo Atuesta is Co-Owner & CIO of Impulse Travel, a B Corp certified tour planner based in Colombia. They’re working with local communities and individuals to make travel more sustainable.

Learn more about B Lab at www.bcorporation.net

Views and opinions expressed during the podcast are those of the individuals expressing them and do not necessarily reflect those of B Lab or Hueman Group Media.

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How are businesses putting people at the heart of climate action?

Tue, 16 Sep 2025 01:23:41 GMT

Being a force for good means centering people and the planet. Joining us for our inaugural episode of season 4 we have two B Corps who are doing just that.

Beauty and personal care brand, Faith in Nature was the first company to appoint nature to its board of directors. In the episode, Brand Director Simeon Rose tells us how the idea came about and how nature is represented in every decision the company makes.

We’re also joined by Yerba Madre CEO, Ben Mand. He’ll tell us how his company fills their iconic yellow cans with Yerba Mate (a caffeinated tea like beverage) while forming relationships with farmers and suppliers. Yerba Madre’s relationships with people allow them to implement climate focused changes that make their whole supply chain more sustainable.

In this episode we want to impress upon you that the climate fight is a holistic one. Throughout the season you’ll hear about groundbreaking climate solutions from companies big and small. All the while, we want you to remember that meaningful climate action is still possible but cannot happen without intentional action in all areas of a business!

Learn more about B Lab at www.bcorporation.net

Views and opinions expressed during the podcast are those of the individuals expressing them and do not necessarily reflect those of B Lab or Hueman Group Media.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Forces For Good Season 4 Coming Soon

Fri, 12 Sep 2025 04:01:00 GMT

Forces for Good takes a hard look at how companies are helping to solve the biggest social and environmental challenges we face.

On Season 4, we’re zeroing in on the environment and exploring sectors with the biggest climate impact: finance, fashion, travel, and more.

As the B Corps in this season demonstrate, meaningful climate action is not out of reach! We’ll tell you how both businesses and individuals can make a difference and how environmental progress can’t be made without addressing governance and social challenges.

Join host Irving Chan-Gomez for a brand new episode September 16, 2025.

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Can we make AI work for us?

Mon, 26 May 2025 21:00:00 GMT

AI is poised to radically transform the way we work. This moment is an opportunity for workers, business leaders, and governments to come together and harness this powerful technology for good – or face the consequences of failing to act.

Today’s guests, Richie Jones and Hilke Schellmann, help us learn how people and AI fit together into the future of work.

Hilke is an Assistant Professor of Journalism at New York University and an Emmy award-winning investigative reporter. Recently, her reporting has been focused on AI. In the episode, she gives us an overview and a warning about how AI has been shaping hiring processes.

Richie is the Founder and CEO of Vvast, an e-commerce services company (and B Corp). He also helped found and is a member of the Ethical AI Coalition. Their goal is to introduce more transparency into the use of AI so that companies can learn from each other.

B Lab believes that AI can be a force for good, but no one person – not a worker, not a CEO, not even governments – can do this alone. We all need to demand transparency and accountability from those in the business of AI.

Learn more about B Lab at www.bcorporation.net

Views and opinions expressed during the podcast are those of the individuals expressing them and do not necessarily reflect those of B Lab or Hueman Group Media.

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How do I make my voice heard at work?

Mon, 12 May 2025 21:36:51 GMT

The ability for employees to speak up is critical to creating a system that is fair, representative, and works for all. Our guests today, Jenny Holdcroft and Antoine Heuty, are both on a mission to make sure people are heard by their employers.

Jenny is Deputy Director of Business Engagement at the Shift Project, the leading center of expertise on the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. She and Shift champion unions and organized labor.

Antoine is Senior Vice President of Human Rights at EcoVadis and founder of Ulula. Ulula is a B Corp that gives workers the ability to communicate with their employer anonymously. It can be used to make complaints about working hours or conditions in real time.

If you see or know about human rights violations in the workplace, you can report them to the UN:

https://www.ohchr.org/en/reporting_violations

Learn more about B Lab at www.bcorporation.net

Views and opinions expressed during the podcast are those of the individuals expressing them and do not necessarily reflect those of B Lab or Hueman Group Media.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How can workers share in the prosperity they help create?

Tue, 29 Apr 2025 04:01:07 GMT

The best way to build a thriving business is to build a thriving workforce. In this episode, we look at two ways both a business and its people can prosper.

First, we’ll learn about worker cooperatives from Julian McKinley, Co-Executive Director for Partnerships and Growth at the Democracy at Work Institute. A business co-op is a group of workers coming together to co-own the business for which they work. Generally, workers in a co-op have better working conditions, higher wages, and more power. The business also benefits from more democratic decision making, lower administrative costs, and even tax benefits in some cases!

In the second half of our episode, we're going to take a look at the B Corp, Naturesweet. CEO and President, Rodolfo Spielmann and Sustainability and Social Impact Officer, Fernanda Suarez tell us about how having a prosperous work force is a part of their business model.

Learn more about B Lab at www.bcorporation.net

Views and opinions expressed during the podcast are those of the individuals expressing them and do not necessarily reflect those of B Lab or Hueman Group Media.

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What does it mean to “go purpose?” with Patagonia

Mon, 14 Apr 2025 21:36:11 GMT

Alternative ownership structures, like cooperatives and employee ownership trusts, are some of the most powerful wealth and power distributors we have at our disposal. Are they the key to creating better jobs?

Today’s guests would tell you yes!

In this episode, we hear the story of how B Corp and outdoor clothing brand, Patagonia donated itself to Planet Earth and we learn more about alternative ownership structures.

Greg Curtis is the Executive Director of Holdfast Collective, the nonprofit that owns all of Patagonia’s non voting stock and distributes its profits to environmental causes. Our second guest is Mark Hand, Assistant Professor of Political Science at the University of Texas at Arlington. He’s an expert in democratization and teaches us about the alternative ways to set up a company that you might not learn in business school.

Learn more about B Lab at www.bcorporation.net

Views and opinions expressed during the podcast are those of the individuals expressing them and do not necessarily reflect those of B Lab or Hueman Group Media.

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Will the green transition work for workers?

Mon, 31 Mar 2025 21:50:48 GMT

What does it really mean to go green? As the climate crisis accelerates, businesses are under pressure to transition away from fossil fuels, adopt sustainable practices, and reduce their environmental impact. But this shift isn’t just about the planet—it’s about people, too.

In this episode, we hear from Marina Gning, CEO of ApiAfrique, a B Corp proving that sustainable businesses can create both environmental impact and quality jobs. She shares how manufacturing locally in Senegal—despite industry norms—has empowered workers, especially women, and strengthened the local economy. We also speak with Andrew Prag, Managing Director for Policy at We Mean Business Coalition, about why businesses must center workers in their sustainability strategies and how a just transition benefits both people and profit.

Learn more about B Lab at www.bcorporation.net

Views and opinions expressed during the podcast are those of the individuals expressing them and do not necessarily reflect those of B Lab or Hueman Group Media.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Workplace belonging: Perk or priority?

Mon, 17 Mar 2025 21:38:19 GMT

How do we make sure everyone feels welcome when they show up to work? Our unique qualities are what make us great at our jobs and we have to build inclusive workplaces where we can show off those talents. Our guests today are Tom Strong, Director of Employer Activation at the National Fund for Workforce Solutions and Sarah White, CEO and Founder at Fairware. Sarah shares why social justice is a business imperative for her and how she promotes inclusivity on her team. Tom shares his experience working with companies to simply ask workers what they need and provide that support. Overall, this episode provides a guide book to increase worker's access, wellness, and sense of belonging.

Learn more about B Lab at www.bcorporation.net

Views and opinions expressed during the podcast are those of the individuals expressing them and do not necessarily reflect those of B Lab or Hueman Group Media.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How do you find meaning at work?

Mon, 03 Mar 2025 22:45:52 GMT

People want meaningful, purpose driven jobs now more than ever. In this series so far, we’ve talked about what makes a job "good" - we’ve looked at pay, economic mobility, benefits, hours and scheduling. But what about purpose? In this episode, we dive into why workers are demanding more meaning in their careers and how it keeps them engaged for the long haul. Annemiek Nusmeijer is the owner of Greenjobs.nl, a B-Corp and the largest job board in the Netherlands for sustainable positions. In this episode, she tells us how young people are flocking to her site in hopes of finding meaningful employment. We also welcome Julie Richards, Guardian News & Media director of sustainability and operational transformation to the show. Julie tells us how The Guardian pursues impact in their day to day operations. Finally, we asked some members of the B Corp community to tell us what they look for in a ‘good’ job. Spoiler Alert - It’s almost always purpose!

Learn more about B Lab at www.bcorporation.net

Views and opinions expressed during the podcast are those of the individuals expressing them and do not necessarily reflect those of B Lab or Hueman Group Media.

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Which Comes First, Policy or Progress?

Mon, 17 Feb 2025 23:09:15 GMT

Policy and progress can’t exist without each other. Without progress there would be no demand for new policy and without new policies we wouldn’t see progress continue. In this episode we focus on policy and the workplace - is it business-focused policy or societal progress that really improves the livelihoods of employees? Our guests for this episode are Jamila Rizvi, Deputy Managing Director at Future Women, a B Corp committed to achieving gender equity in Australian workplaces and Wojciech Baginski, B Lab Global-Board of Directors and Partner at Impactive.law. They share examples of policy and progress working in tandem ranging from the rise of the 40 hour work week to child care options increasing women's participation in the workforce.

Learn more about B Lab at www.bcorporation.net

Views and opinions expressed during the podcast are those of the individuals expressing them and do not necessarily reflect those of B Lab or Hueman Group Media.

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What do lobsters have to do with job opportunities?

Mon, 03 Feb 2025 22:54:40 GMT

Maine’s Lobster Industry is at a breaking point. Jobs all over the state depend on lobster fishermen bringing in over 100 million pounds of lobster each year. But with fewer and fewer legacy lobstermen this is becoming harder and harder. That’s where retraining and economic mobility come in. Young people and immigrants from all over the country, and the world, are filling the labor gap in Maine.

In this episode we’re joined by Ben Conniff, Co-Founder of Luke’s Lobster and Ryan Rippel, Director, Economic Mobility and Opportunity at The Gates Foundation. We’ll discuss how businesses can create economic opportunities for workers in their communities and meet the challenges of a changing economic landscape through training, development and mentorship programs.

Learn more about B Lab at www.bcorporation.net

Views and opinions expressed during the podcast are those of the individuals expressing them and do not necessarily reflect those of B Lab or Hueman Group Media.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What makes a job “good”?

Mon, 20 Jan 2025 09:30:00 GMT

‘A good job’ is a phrase we hear all the time. But what does it really mean? Perhaps some combination of fair pay, flexible hours, and a strong purpose? In this episode we set the foundation for our series on good jobs with Sarah Kalloch, Executive Director of Good Jobs Institute and Joachim Krapels, Head of Strategy & Global B Corp Movement at B Lab Global. We dive into the current employment landscape, how we got here, and how businesses in the B Corp community are supporting employees to thrive, not just survive.

Learn more about B Lab at www.bcorporation.net

Views and opinions expressed during the podcast are those of the individuals expressing them and do not necessarily reflect those of B Lab or Hueman Group Media.

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Forces For Good Season 3 Coming Soon

Fri, 17 Jan 2025 14:00:30 GMT

Forces for Good from B Lab is back with host Irving Chan-Gomez.

Our show takes a hard look at how businesses are helping to solve the biggest social and environmental challenges of our time.

This season we dive deep into what makes a good job. Across this 10 episode series, we'll use examples, anecdotes and data from experts and the B Corp companies to explore how workers can demand more from their employers.

We'll make the business case for good jobs, look at how society and economic systems are contributing to rising inequality and we’ll hear what businesses are doing to improve.

Forces for Good Season 3 launches January 21st!

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How supporting entrepreneurs transforms communities

Tue, 10 Oct 2023 04:01:12 GMT

Why don’t Black and brown entrepreneurs have the same access and opportunities as their wealthy, white counterparts? How can access, opportunity and support empower these entrepreneurs so that their great ideas are able to thrive and make a difference in the world?

Jay Bailey is the President and CEO of the Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs. When we sat down in Aspen, we talked about how access is the key to empowering entrepreneurs and how RICE is building that access.

Learn more about B Lab at www.bcorporation.net

Learn more about Danone North America at Danonenorthamerica.com.

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Produced by Hueman Group Media.

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How leaders create legacies that last

Tue, 03 Oct 2023 13:08:59 GMT

What is philanthropy’s role in finding the next world-changing great leader? What if the solutions to some of the world's biggest problems are out there, but they just need a little help scaling?

Anne Welsh McNulty is the co-founder and president of the John P. and Anne Welsh McNulty Foundation. When we sat down in Aspen, we talked about impact centered leadership, what moral courage means and how the McNulty Foundation is helping develop some of the next great problem solvers.

Learn more about B Lab at www.bcorporation.net

Learn more about Danone North America at Danonenorthamerica.com.

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Produced by Hueman Group Media.

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How business purpose drives progress

Tue, 26 Sep 2023 07:03:26 GMT

Why does purpose matter? How can for profit companies have a positive impact on their communities? How are purpose and profit linked?

Rob Falzon is Vice Chair at Prudential Financial and a Member of the Board of Directors and Lata Reddy is Senior Vice President of Inclusive Solutions. When we sat down in Aspen, we talked about impact investing, community work, and balancing purpose in the financial sector.

Learn more about B Lab at www.bcorporation.net

Learn more about Danone North America at Danonenorthamerica.com.

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Produced by Hueman Group Media.

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How can we change the way society approaches nutrition

Tue, 19 Sep 2023 04:24:29 GMT

How are food and justice linked? How can we change the way our society approaches nutrition? How can businesses and individuals be a part of that?

Maya Feller is a nationally recognized, registered dietician-nutritionist who brings a culturally sensitive approach to her work. Curt Ellis is the CEO of FoodCorps, a nonprofit focused on food justice and education. When I sat down with the two of them in Aspen, we talked about how to infuse culture, connection, and community into food.

Learn more about B Lab at www.bcorporation.net

Learn more about Danone North America at Danonenorthamerica.com.

Check out System Catalysts.

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Produced by Hueman Group Media.

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How to take a solutions based approach to climate change

Tue, 12 Sep 2023 04:25:43 GMT

As we increasingly witness the effects of climate change, what can we expect for the future of our planet? How can we mitigate these harmful effects? What is the importance of coming together to find solutions?

Greg Gershuny is the Executive Director of the Aspen Institute Energy and Environment Program, – and co-director of Aspen Ideas Climate. When we sat down in Aspen, he underscored the importance of convening. He says coming together to drive solutions and change creates the greatest impact.

Learn more about B Lab at www.bcorporation.net

Learn more about Danone North America at Danonenorthamerica.com.

Check out System Catalysts.

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Produced by Hueman Group Media.

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How do business leaders create impact?

Tue, 05 Sep 2023 05:58:20 GMT

How are for-profit companies changing the way businesses operate to benefit people and the planet? What challenges do they face along the way? How is B Corp certification helping?

Melanie Chow is the Vice President of Mission and Sustainability at Danone. When we sat down in Aspen, we had an honest conversation about how Danone is grap-pling with creating impact in an agricultural industry that demands innovation and effort.

Danone North America is one of the world’s largest Certified B Corporations and we’ve partnered with them to bring you this live series from the Aspen Ideas Festival.

Learn more about B Lab at www.bcorporation.net

Learn more about Danone North America at Danonenorthamerica.com.

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Produced by Hueman Group Media.

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We’re Heading to the 2023 Aspen Ideas Festival with Danone

Fri, 16 Jun 2023 15:36:08 GMT

Driving positive impact for people and the planet takes collaboration, innovation, and inspiration. In this special series, B Lab’s Forces for Good is featuring live conversations from the 2023 Aspen Ideas Festival. In partnership with Danone North America, one of the largest Certified B Corporations, this podcast will share groundbreaking ideas and stories about putting purpose into action. From inclusive nutrition to reimagined models of leadership in business , learn about the solutions that help address some of the toughest societal and environmental challenges of our time.

Join host Irving Chan Gomez (Growth and Partnerships at B Lab Global) as he interviews experts and leaders from some of the world’s most remarkable nonprofits and businesses attending this year’s Aspen Ideas Festival.

If you’ll be at the Aspen Ideas Festival, come say hi! We’ll be in the Danone tent in The Grove on June 28th and 29th. Even if you’re not heading to Aspen, look out for our special series coming soon!

This series is produced by our Webby-winning partner, Hueman Group Media.

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How can business learn from mistakes and improve?

Tue, 21 Feb 2023 07:37:18 GMT

B Corp Certification is a journey, not a destination. Making your business a Force for Good – and ensuring it stays that way – means constantly working to improve your practices. Whether or not they are part of the B Corp community, all businesses looking to improve their social and environmental impact can benefit from a continuous improvement mindset. The goal for every B Lab employee, non-profit leader, and business we’ve talked to on this podcast is not perfection. It’s focusing on learning, accountability, transparency, and a commitment to getting better all the time. In this episode we answer:

What is continuous improvement and why is it important?
How can B Corps acknowledge mistakes and continue to improve even after certification?
What is the B Impact Assessment and how can it help your business become a force for good?

Guests include:

Femme van Gils, Sustainability Manager, Ace and Tate (article)

Kaye Matereke, Senior Partner, Lighthouse Capital and Member, B Lab Standards Advisory Council

Chris Marquis, Professor, University of Cambridge and Author, Better Business: How the B Corp Movement is Remaking Capitalism

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How can companies build and sustain an engaged workforce?

Tue, 07 Feb 2023 05:46:31 GMT

So much of what makes up a ‘good’ business is external. They promote the positive impact of goods and services to customers, they put out PR statements about their purpose, and they make commitments that shareholders and customers call for.

But what about the people who make a company run? In this episode we answer:

How can companies ensure that workers are satisfied and share their sense of purpose?
How can businesses give employees opportunities to learn and grow?
What is the best way for businesses to get and implement feedback from workers?

Guests include:

Bernard Gouw, Senior Manager Social Standards, B Lab

Douglas English, Founder and CTO, Culture Amp

Moniek Tersmette, Business Humanizer and Founding Partner, Innate Motion

Jasmine Huang Qian, Cultural Decoder and Business Humanizer, Innate Motion

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How can business take collective action on issues that matter?

Tue, 24 Jan 2023 05:30:28 GMT

Businesses are usually seen as competitors but, in order to solve the crisis facing our planet they need to work together, collaboratively and collectively. In this episode we answer:

What does collective action really mean?
How are coalitions built within industries and among businesses with similar goals for sustainability, social change, and more?
What are the advantages — and challenges — of taking action as a collective?

Guests include:

Shaun Russell, Founder, Skandinavisk

Manjyot Ahluwalia, Regional Director Asia, The Global Methane Hub, formerly Senior Program Officer, World Wildlife Fund

Amy Clarke, Co-Founder and Chief Impact Office, Tribe Impact Capital

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How can business advance racial justice?

Tue, 10 Jan 2023 05:01:30 GMT

Our current economic system is built on a history of injustice, inequity, violence, and oppression. But businesses do have options to build more inclusive workplaces. On the show, we speak with businesses (both large and small) that are attempting to disrupt legacies of oppression. In this episode we answer:

What can companies do to dismantle these conditions of violence and oppression in their business practices?
How can business standards drive our economy towards a system that is more equitable, inclusive, and just?
What is the significance of SDG10, Reduced Inequalities, in working towards a just and anti-racist world for all workers?

Guests include:

Ellonda Williams, Director of Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, B Lab Global

Ana Luiza Herzog, Reputation Manager, Magazine Luiza [Magalu]

Laura Thompson, CEO & Co-Founder, Clothing The Gaps

Sarah Sheridan, Deputy CEO & Co-Founder, Clothing the Gaps

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How can business support sustainable food production?

Tue, 20 Dec 2022 04:19:46 GMT

Sustainable food and agricultural systems are critical to human wellbeing and the health of our planet. Yet, environmental degradation, climate change, hunger, poverty, economic inequality, and the impacts of war all contribute to a complex of interconnected challenges that put our foodways in crisis. How can business be driven to make decisions that mitigate food waste and loss, fight hunger, and address the growing threats of climate change? In this episode we answer:

What aspects of business practices intersect with foodways? (I.e., supply chains, food waste, packaging, plant based vs animal products)
What are the positive climate impacts of business working toward sustainable foodways?
How can consumers discern which products are ethically and sustainably sourced?

Guests include:

Julie-Anne Finan, Manager of Multinational Standards and Certifications, B Lab Global

Stephanie de Heer, Vice President Marketing & Communications, World Business Council for Sustainable Development, formerly Global Director, Marketing and Communications, Rainforest Alliance

Celine Barral, Chief Sustainability Officer and Corporate Communication, Bonduelle

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How can business alleviate poverty and promote living wage?

Tue, 06 Dec 2022 08:13:57 GMT

There's not a worker alive today who does not want to be paid fairly for their labor. But what is a fair, living wage? In this episode, we speak to experts who help us understand the difference between a minimum and a living wage, dig into profiles of workers and industries that are at the greatest risk of falling below a living wage standard, and showcase businesses that are working to ensure every worker — throughout their entire supply chain — is fairly and ethically compensated. "Living Wage" features experts from B Lab, Fairtrade International, and SOKO, a women-led, people-first ethical jewelry brand, connecting artisans in Kenya with the global market. In this episode we answer:

What constitutes a living wage?
Who is most impacted by wage gaps?
How can businesses provide a living wage across the global supply chain?

Guests include:

Joanne Calabrese, CEO, Soko

Wilbert Flinterman, Senior Advisor, Workers’ Rights and Trade Union Relations for Fairtrade International

Bernard Gouw, Senior Manager of Social Standards, B Lab Global

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How can business promote social justice activism?

Tue, 22 Nov 2022 05:16:39 GMT

How can businesses take part in movements for social and environmental justice? It might seem like a strange question — business is a core driver of negative impacts, from economic inequality to environmental extraction. Yet by examining their practices and changing for the better — and advocating for peers to do the same — businesses can unlock enormous potential for positive change. Activism has a place in corporate boardrooms, and businesses can enable activist work both among their employees and in their actions at a corporate level. In this episode we answer:

What does it mean to be a business activist — or an activist business?
How can business activism help companies envision and work toward what is truly needed to improve life for all people and the planet?
How is business activism tied to collective action in the business community, and how can they complement each other?

Guests include:

Amanda Gordon, Chief Customer Officer, Future Super

Charmian Love, Co-Founder, B Lab UK; Global Director of Advocacy, Natura & Co.

Pavithra Ram, Impact Navigator, Tony’s Chocolonely

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How can business take on the climate crisis?

Tue, 08 Nov 2022 05:44:31 GMT

Climate crisis is not a looming threat — it’s already here. Catastrophic extreme weather events are on the rise, and they’re taking a devastating toll around the world. Businesses are one of the biggest contributors to the crisis — and yet they are also among the most important players in finding solutions.

In this episode, we dive into the science-backed targets that a growing community of business leaders are committed to achieving as early as 2030. Our colleagues share evidence-based actions and tools that ensure businesses can adhere to the highest standards of environmental responsibility, and we hear from a producer’s advocate who is pushing for more immediate recognition and response to the impact the crisis has on farmers and workers around the globe. In this episode we answer:

What role do businesses play in driving the climate crisis?
What tactical steps can businesses take to be a part of climate solutions?
Why should social justice be at the center of climate action?

Guests include:

Kubasu Agapeters, Operations Manager at Fairtrade Africa

Veena Harbaugh, Director of Sustainability at Sendle

Brigitta Nemes, Senior Manager of Environmental Standards at B Lab

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How can business combat greenwashing?

Tue, 25 Oct 2022 05:06:03 GMT

Have you noticed an influx of products marketed as sustainable, eco-friendly, or recycled? You're not alone. As the global climate emergency accelerates and consumer awareness grows, businesses are increasingly leveraging green marketing to reach conscientious customers. But not all marketing is created equal.

On the show, experts explain the problem of "greenwashing," when marketing is designed to make consumers believe a business is doing more for the environment than they really are. We also talk about how to spot greenwashing and learn from companies that are telling transparent stories about their environmental footprint. In this episode we answer:

What is the difference between green marketing and greenwashing?
How have businesses and the advertising sector misled consumers about their environmental responsibility?
How can these same players combat greenwashing?
How can consumer awareness combat greenwashing?

In this episode, we discuss Patagonia as an exemplary B Corp. At the time of recording, Patagonia had not yet made their groundbreaking announcement transferring ownership to the Patagonia Purpose Trust and the Holdfast Collective, where every dollar not reinvested into Patagonia will be distributed as dividends to protect the planet. Patagonia’s unprecedented decision drives home the value of business taking concrete action to be a force for good.

Guests include:

Maria Correa, Head of Marketing and Communications at B Lab Europe

Luke Purdy, Director of Social Impact & Group Account Director at Wieden + Kennedy

Sharoni Rosenberg Amszynowski, author of “WTF is Purpose” and Executive Director at the PwC Chile Foundation

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How can business act with purpose?

Tue, 11 Oct 2022 04:12:31 GMT

“Purpose-driven company.” You've likely heard these words, but what does it actually mean for a company to act with purpose? In the inaugural episode of B Lab’s original podcast, “Forces for Good,” we tackle how growing social and environmental conscientiousness in the business community has led many companies to rethink their mission and become increasingly accountable for impact beyond return on investment for shareholders—including how their processes and output affect workers, customers, communities, and the environment. In this episode we answer:

What does it mean for a business to “act with purpose?”
What mechanisms do successful purpose-driven companies use?
How do we move beyond buzzwords to create an economy that acts in accordance with stakeholder governance?

Guests include:

Gail Bradbrook, Founder, Extinction Rebellion

Anthea Kelsick, Former Co-CEO, B Lab U.S. & Canada; Senior Advisor, Novata

Dan Osusky, Head of Standards & Insights, B Lab Global

Alain Sylvain, Co-founder and CEO, SYLVAIN

Learn more about B Lab at www.bcorporation.net

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Forces for Good - Trailer

Wed, 28 Sep 2022 18:28:58 GMT

Forces for Good, a new podcast that tells the story of economic systems change through the lens of the B Corp movement. Our show takes a hard look at how businesses are solving the biggest societal and environmental problems of our time. This season, we dive deep into topics including: the purpose industrial complex, how to spot greenwashing, what it means to be an activist business, and how companies can learn from their mistakes and continuously improve.

In each episode, host Irving Chan-Gomez (Growth & Partnerships at B Lab Global) speaks with entrepreneurs and experts on what companies are doing to move beyond buzzwords, change destructive practices across industries, and drive positive impact for people and the planet.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.