Claim OwnershipBrand on Purpose
Subscribed: 3Played: 203
Subscribe
Description
Brand on Purpose is an engaging new podcast focused on uncovering the untold stories of entrepreneurs and senior leaders who have discovered how to serve a greater good while building or transforming major brands. Join host Aaron Kwittken as he speaks to innovative leaders who make it their brand's mission to do well by doing good.
27 Episodes
Reverse
Intrepid Group's Chief Customer Officer Leigh Barnes joins Aaron to talk about the purpose behind the world's largest adventure travel company. Leigh and Aaron leave no stone unturned as they discuss the corporate realities of being carbon positive in the travel industry, the importance of the B Corp certification, and the responsibility that travel companies have to do good for the people and places they do business in. Covering topics from modern slavery to the unethical practices of elephant ride programs, you won't want to miss this thought-provoking, wanderlust-inducing episode. Say Aloha to ethical, fun travel, and learn more about Intrepid Group at intrepidgroup.travel. Production Credits: Aaron Kwittken, Jeff Maldonado, Dara Cothran, Lindsay Hand, Katrina Waelchli, Meg Ruocco, Julia Brougher, Parker Jenkins, and Mathew Passy
Taco Bell Foundation Executive Director Tina Nguyen joins Aaron to spill the beans about the youth-oriented organization established in 1992. Aaron and Tina discuss the intention behind the Taco Bell Foundation's Live Más Scholarship, the role of brand authenticity in successful purpose-driven initiatives, and how passionate young people deserve the chance (and the resources) to change the world. Tune in to hear how your favorite fast food joint, from executives to restaurant staff, lives up to their "Live Más" slogan. To learn more about the Taco Bell Foundation's work visit tacobellfoundation.org. Production Credits: Aaron Kwittken, Jeff Maldonado, Dara Cothran, Lindsay Hand, Katrina Waelchli, Meg Ruocco, Julia Brougher, Parker Jenkins, and Mathew Passy
Stanley Black & Decker's Deb Geyer, VP of Corporate Social Responsibility, and Shannon Lapierre, Chief Communications Officer, join Aaron at the 2019 PRWeek PR Decoded conference in Chicago to talk about the 100-year-old Fortune 500 manufacturer's recent shift to purpose. Aaron, Deb and Shannon discuss the reason behind the company's purpose-driven transformation, how their roles complement one another when it comes to purpose initiatives, and the importance of being transparent about sustainability metrics. They also explore how the company is focusing on upskilling the workforce, planning for future generations and why 1 million manufacturing jobs are unfilled. Listen in to learn how the business plans on meeting its ambitious goal to be carbon positive by 2030 and how the manufacturing company almost made toys instead. Learn more about Stanley Black & Decker at stanleyblackanddecker.com. Production Credits: Aaron Kwittken, Jeff Maldonado, Lindsay Hand, Ashley McGarry, Katrina Waelchli, and Mathew Passy
Craig Minassian, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer at the Clinton Foundation, joins Aaron in-studio to discuss the mission and work of the Clinton Foundation and Craig's longstanding relationship with the Clintons from his time as assistant press secretary in the Clinton White House and with the 2008 presidential campaign. Craig and Aaron explore how Craig helped the Foundation navigate unprecedented false attacks during the 2016 election and perfected storytelling in a thunderstorm, President Clinton's unique ability to reach across the aisle and bring diverse groups of people together to solve the world's problems, the organization's incredible variety of global initiatives and programs, and how the Foundation has pioneered a new way for corporations to change and do good. Tune in to hear why Craig is optimistic that the polarization of today will eventually fade away and return to civil discourse. Learn more and get involved at clintonfoundation.org. Production Credits: Aaron Kwittken, Jeff Maldonado, Lindsay Hand, Ashley McGarry, Katrina Waelchli, and Mathew Passy
I scream, you scream we all scream for a more just world. Rob Michalak, Social Mission Special Projects Director and self-proclaimed "Village Elder" at Ben & Jerry's, joins Aaron to explore the concept of linked prosperity and how business can create justice in the world. Rob and Aaron discuss how Ben & Jerry's became the pioneer in putting purpose alongside product and mission and how the company's 1997 progressive values statement about advancing new models of economic justice is more true today than when it was written. Listen in to learn the value of standing for something whether or not everyone likes it and how you can raise the bar on business decisions. Rob also shares his favorite flavor. Learn more about Ben & Jerry's at benjerry.com and on Instagram at @benandjerrys. Production Credits: Aaron Kwittken, Jeff Maldonado, Lindsay Hand, Ashley McGarry, Katrina Waelchli, and Mathew Passy
Doug Michelman, president of the 1Million Project Foundation and chairman of the Sprint Foundation, joins Aaron to discuss the tech company's mission to help one million high school students who lack unreliable internet access reach their full potential by providing free devices and wifi. Aaron and Doug talk about what Doug learned working with values-led Levi Strauss early in his career, his experience spearheading Visa's CSR initiative right before the company's 2008 IPO, and launching the 1Million Project with President Obama in 2016 with only a PowerPoint presentation to back it up. Tune in to find out the most important piece of advice Doug received from former Sprint CEO and current SoftBank CEO, Marcelo Claure, and why it's hard to give things away for free – even to those who need them. Learn more about the 1Million Project at 1millionproject.org and on Twitter at @1MillionProject. Production Credits: Aaron Kwittken, Jeff Maldonado, Lindsay Hand, Ashley McGarry, Katrina Waelchli, and Mathew Passy
Tony Shumpert, vice president of recycling & reuse at Savers, joins Aaron in the studio to discuss the thrift chain's over 60-year dedication to sustainable retail – before it was mainstream. Tony and Aaron talk about how Savers keeps the average cost of an item at $4, the importance of stakeholder collaboration to tackle big issues, both of their feelings about "green-washing" and the rise of the conscious consumer, and where all the unsold clothing goes (spoiler alert: not in a landfill). Listen in to hear what made Tony pass on job opportunities at Starbucks and Target to join Savers. Learn more about Savers at savers.com and valuevillage.com. Production Credits: Aaron Kwittken, Jeff Maldonado, Lindsay Hand, Ashley McGarry, Katrina Waelchli, and Mathew Passy
Wan Kim, Global CEO of Smoothie King, joins Aaron to discuss how the international smoothie chain works to inspire others to #RuleTheDay by living a healthy and active lifestyle. Wan talks about how the company has grown since he purchased it from the founders in 2012, the importance of the One-Question Filter-Test initiative, why aligning everything with the company mission is imperative for success, and how Smoothie King's authenticity separates itself in the industry. Listen in to hear how Wan's unhealthy college lifestyle led to a lifetime love for smoothies. Learn more about Smoothie King one its website at smoothieking.com and on social at @SmoothieKing. Production Credits: Aaron Kwittken, Jeff Maldonado, Lindsay Hand, Ashley McGarry, Katrina Waelchli, Parker Jenkins and Mathew Passy
Daniel Martinez-Valle, CEO of Orbia (formerly Mexichem), joins Aaron to discuss the company's recent transformation and commitment to a purpose of advancing life around the world. Daniel and Aaron dive into Daniel's economic background and experience during the 1994 Mexico tequila crisis, the importance of "nested purpose," and why the transformation included a new living logo (ImpactMark) that changes as the company evolves. Listen closely to learn about how Daniel and his team came up with the name "Orbia." Learn more about Orbia at orbia.com, on Twitter and LinkedIn @orbia, and on Instagram @weareorbia. Production Credits: Aaron Kwittken, Jeff Maldonado, Lindsay Hand, Ashley McGarry, Katrina Waelchli, and Mathew Passy
Scott Tannen, CEO and founder of Boll & Branch, joins Aaron to talk about the world's first Fair Trade-certified luxury bedding company. Aaron and Scott discuss the "ah-ha" moment that led to the creation of the company, how Boll & Branch enhances the lives of cotton farmers in India, and the ways the company stays relevant and authentic in a crowded market. Listen in to hear how the name "Boll & Branch" came to be – and how to build a brand that even presidents love. Learn more about Boll & Branch at bollandbranch.com and on Instagram at @bollandbranch, and connect with Scott on LinkedIn at @Scott Tannen and Twitter at @ScottTannen. Production Credits: Aaron Kwittken, Jeff Maldonado, Lindsay Hand, Ashley McGarry, Katrina Waelchli and Mathew Passy.
Gloria Gilbert Stoga, president of Puppies Behind Bars, joins Aaron to talk about the nonprofit that trains prison inmates to raise service dogs for wounded veterans and first responders. Aaron and Gloria discuss the People Magazine article that inspired Gloria to quit her job and start a nonprofit, the challenges of working with prisons and raising over 1,200 dogs, and how dogs can bring people from such different backgrounds and life experiences together. Listen in to hear about how Gloria's view of inmates has shifted over the past 20+ years. Learn more about Puppies Behind Bars at puppiesbehindbars.com and on social at @puppiesbehindbarsorganization (Instagram/Facebook) and @pbborganization (Twitter). Production Credits: Aaron Kwittken, Jeff Maldonado, Lindsay Hand, Ashley McGarry, Katrina Waelchli, and Mathew Passy
Pam and Mike Davis, founders of Our Green House, join Aaron to talk about how the eco-friendly baby basket company works to both provide a gift for new parents and save the environment, elephants, gorillas and turtles all at the same time. Pam and Mike discuss the parenting fears that led to the creation of the company when their kids were young, how they prioritize being a family-first brand, and how the rising popularity of sustainability and environmentally-friendly products impacted the company. Listen in to hear about Pam's close encounter with a gorilla on a trip to Africa that ultimately inspired the creation of the brand. Learn more about Our Green House on its website at www.ourgreenhouse.com and on social at @ourgreenhouse. Production Credits: Aaron Kwittken, Jeff Maldonado, Lindsay Hand, Ashley McGarry, Katrina Waelchli, and Mathew Passy
Dave Powers, President & CEO of Deckers Brands, joins Aaron to talk about how the multi-billion-dollar global footwear and lifestyle company comprised of UGG, Koolaburra by UGG, HOKA ONE ONE, Teva and Sanuk, gives back to the community, the environment and its employees. From his prior experiences at Timberland and Converse, Dave learned the importance of creating an emotional connection through storytelling and how prioritizing the consumer and environment during all decision making creates a successful company. Listen closely to find out what Dave's favorite shoe is and whether or not he has a favorite brand. Learn more about Deckers on its website at www.deckers.com, and each of the brands on Instagram at @UGG, @koolaburra, @hokaoneone, @teva and @Sanuk. Production Credits: Aaron Kwittken, Jeff Maldonado, Lindsay Hand, Ashley McGarry, Katrina Waelchli, and Mathew Passy
Abhi Lokesh, co-founder and CEO of Fracture, joins Aaron to discuss how the photo-printing service is revolutionizing photo framing and motivating people to take their iPhone masterpieces to the wall. Abhi talks about how a trip to Swaziland inspired the creation of Fracture, why sustainability remains centerfold in Fracture's business strategy, and the importance of being vulnerable and transparent with employees. Tune in to hear about the outcome of Abhi's very first investor pitch – to his dad. Learn more about Fracture at Fractureme.com and on Instagram @fractureme, Twitter @FractureMe and Facebook @Fractureme. Production Credits: Aaron Kwittken, Jeff Maldonado, Lindsay Hand, Ashley McGarry, Katrina Waelchli and Mathew Passy.
Don Fox, CEO of Firehouse Subs, joins Aaron to talk about how the sandwich restaurant gives back to first responders. Aaron and Don discuss how Don's firing from Burger King was the best thing that could have happened to him, how franchisees perform better with increased focus on philanthropic pursuits, and the importance of making an authentic connection with charity, including which companies do it well (and which don't). Stay tuned to find out which sub is Don's favorite. Learn more about Firehouse Subs and the Public Safety Foundation at firehousesubs.com. Production Credits: Aaron Kwittken, Jeff Maldonado, Lindsay Hand, Ashley McGarry, Katrina Waelchli, and Mathew Passy
To kick off Season 2, Wild Earth CEO and Founder Ryan Bethencourt joins Aaron to talk about the plant-based pet food taking the industry by storm. Aaron and Ryan talk about what it was like to pitch on Shark Tank with no sales (and secure Mark Cuban's investment), Ryan's quest to make the world a better and more sustainable place for both people and animals, and whether or not pet food can be Kosher. Listen closely to find out what Ryan thinks about "judgey" vegans and his go-to Chipotle order. Learn more about Wild Earth at wildearth.com. Production Credits: Aaron Kwittken, Jeff Maldonado, Lindsay Hand, Ashley McGarry, Katrina Waelchli, and Mathew Passy
Richard Perkin, Co-Founder of apparel company Gells, sits down with Aaron to discuss starting a business with his spouse, learning on the fly and their first "Oh s***" moments as entrepreneurs. Richard also shares key advice from his experiences developing authentic relationships with Gells' partner charities. Listen closely to learn Richard's secret to maintaining a healthy balance between Gells, family life, and a full-time job. Read more about Gells and their partner charities at https://gells.org/. Production Credits: Aaron Kwittken, Jeff Maldonado, Lindsay Hand, Ashley McGarry, Giovanna Pineda, Katrina Waelchli, Jake Honig, and Mathew Passy
Damian Bradfield, President and Chief Marketing Officer of WeTransfer, joins Aaron to talk about WeTransfer's growth from a file transfer service into a purpose-driven digital media company. Aaron and Damian discuss the social causes that WeTransfer promotes, cultural differences between the Netherlands and the U.S., and Damian's advice for aspiring entrepreneurs. Listen in to hear why Damian wants WeTransfer's users to take a break from the internet – including WeTransfer. Follow Damian on Twitter @djbradfield, follow WeTransfer on Instagram @wetransfer, and read WeTransfer's editorial page at wepresent.com. Production Credits: Aaron Kwittken, Jeff Maldonado, Lindsay Hand, Ashley McGarry, Giovanna Pineda, Katrina Waelchli, Jake Honig, and Mathew Passy
Rob Butcher, Swim Across America CEO, and Pam Ryan, Swim Across America board chair and Goldman Sachs managing director, join Aaron to talk about how the organization wants to change the vernacular from "you have cancer" to "there is hope." They share stories about the organization's very first swim and their most memorable event experiences, including Aaron's impressive 10K swim this July across the Long Island Sound, and why corporate donations are worth more than just money. Find out how you can get involved, even if you don't know how to swim, at www.swimacrossamerica.org. Production Credits: Aaron Kwittken, Jeff Maldonado, Lindsay Hand, Ashley McGarry, Giovanna Pineda, Katrina Waelchli, Jake Honig, and Mathew Passy
Teresa Orsolini, Chief Marketing Officer of Swell Investing, joins Aaron to talk about the journey to build Swell Investing to be part of the growing $30 trillion impact investing industry…shortly before the company announced it would be ceasing operations on August 31, 2019. Aaron and Teresa discuss why she pivoted from a successful marketing career, how companies got included in (and booted from) Swell's portfolios, and how she worked to bridge the gap between consumers and their investments. Tune in to find out which centenarian company you've never heard of was one of Teresa's favorites on the platform and why Aaron felt this episode was still important to share, despite the recent news. Production Credits: Aaron Kwittken, Jeff Maldonado, Lindsay Hand, Ashley McGarry, Giovanna Pineda, Katrina Waelchli, Jake Honig, and Mathew Passy
Comments
Download from Google Play
Download from App Store
United States