The 5Cs

In the first episode, host Charlene Norman of Good Stewardship; Lasting Impact took a brutally honest look at the in between stage we are all living through -- the messy middle.  In this episode, she begins sharing the thoughts of Ernesto van Peborgh founder of the Seva Institute and prolific writer on Substack as a case study we can all learn from.Key observations we can make -Recognize the Hollowing of Success-Understand the True Cost of Power-Embrace the Descent: Leaving the Comfort Zone-Move Beyond Material Divestment to Existential Investment-Accept That the Journey Is Ongoing (and Messy) Ready to benchmark your leadership impact? Take this 5-minute Stewardship Quiz and get a personalized report showing exactly where you rank - plus actionable strategies to elevate your performance.The 5Cs Podcast connects forward-thinking executives who are building sustainable competitive advantages while driving positive impact. Think of it as an exclusive network of leaders who understand that stewardship isn't just good ethics - it's good business.Connect with Charlene Norman on LinkedIn, subscribe to our Substack for strategic insights, or download the full series on Spotify and Apple.

There is some degree of burnout in the lives of those trying to make a better world. Host Charlene Norman of Good Stewardship; Lasting Impact takes a brutally honest look at the in between stage we are all living through.   This first episode looks closely at the messy middle Key Highlights-The Myth of the Overnight Transformation-Why the Messy Middle Matters—Now More Than Ever-The Real Costs of Change: What Success Stories Don’t Tell You-Actionable Strategies for Surviving (and Thriving) in the Messy Middle-Embracing the Mud, Not Just the Lotus-You’re Not Alone—And That’s the Point Ready to benchmark your leadership impact? Take this 5-minute Stewardship Quiz and get a personalized report showing exactly where you rank - plus actionable strategies to elevate your performance.The 5Cs Podcast connects forward-thinking executives who are building sustainable competitive advantages while driving positive impact. Think of it as an exclusive network of leaders who understand that stewardship isn't just good ethics - it's good business.Connect with Charlene Norman on LinkedIn, subscribe to our Substack for strategic insights, or download the full series on Spotify and Apple.

The final episode looks behind one of the most persistent—and misunderstood—mantras in business: “The market demands higher returns.” With host Charlene Norman of Good Stewardship; Lasting impactThis episode focuses entirely on Taking Back Control: Building Businesses for the Long TermKey HighlightsThe market isn’t a single, unified force. It’s a collection of actors—investors, shareholders, analysts, customers—each with their own interests and time horizons.  This means you have agency. You can choose which investors and stakeholders to engage with. It also means short-term pressure is not inevitable. AND, the loudest voices aren’t always the majority.Long-term thinking is possible—and necessary—especially in sustainability and climate sectors.  Listen in to learn how. Ready to benchmark your leadership impact? Take this 5-minute Stewardship Quiz and get a personalized report showing exactly where you rank - plus actionable strategies to elevate your performance.The 5Cs Podcast connects forward-thinking executives who are building sustainable competitive advantages while driving positive impact. Think of it as an exclusive network of leaders who understand that stewardship isn't just good ethics - it's good business.Connect with Charlene Norman on LinkedIn, subscribe to our Substack for strategic insights, or download the full series on Spotify and Apple.

The look behind one of the most persistent—and misunderstood—mantras in business: “The market demands higher returns.” With host Charlene Norman of Good Stewardship; Lasting impactThis episode is all about Following the Money.  Who or What Exactly is  Making the Demands?Key Highlights:-The Real Drivers Behind “Market Demands”-Private Equity & Venture Capital: The Clock is Ticking-The Short-Term Trap: How Investor Pressure Shapes Decisions-Activist Investors: The Loud Minority-Executive Compensation: When Leaders Think Like Traders-Making Better Trade-Offs: A Framework for Long-Term Thinking-Sustainability: The Ultimate Long-Term Investment Ready to benchmark your leadership impact? Take this 5-minute Stewardship Quiz and get a personalized report showing exactly where you rank - plus actionable strategies to elevate your performance.The 5Cs Podcast connects forward-thinking executives who are building sustainable competitive advantages while driving positive impact. Think of it as an exclusive network of leaders who understand that stewardship isn't just good ethics - it's good business.Connect with Charlene Norman on LinkedIn, subscribe to our Substack for strategic insights, or download the full series on Spotify and Apple.

A new series into one of the most persistent—and misunderstood—mantras in business: “The market demands higher returns.” With host Charlene Norman of Good Stewardship; Lasting impactIf you’re a business leader, executive, or anyone who’s ever sat through a board meeting where this phrase was uttered (likely with a dramatic sigh and a PowerPoint slide), you know how powerful and paralyzing it can be. But what if the “market” isn’t the all-powerful, faceless force we’ve been led to believe? What if the real drivers are far more specific, and the consequences of following this myth are more damaging than we realize?Key Highlights-The Origin Story: How the Myth Began-The 1980s: Corporate Raiders and the Rise of Short-Termism-The Lasting Impact: Executive Compensation and Activist Investors-The Real “Market”: Who’s Actually Making Demands?-The Consequences: What’s at Stake for Long-Term Value-How Leaders Can Push Back and Prioritize Sustainability Ready to benchmark your leadership impact? Take this 5-minute Stewardship Quiz and get a personalized report showing exactly where you rank - plus actionable strategies to elevate your performance.The 5Cs Podcast connects forward-thinking executives who are building sustainable competitive advantages while driving positive impact. Think of it as an exclusive network of leaders who understand that stewardship isn't just good ethics - it's good business.Connect with Charlene Norman on LinkedIn, subscribe to our Substack for strategic insights, or download the full series on Spotify and Apple.

The fascinating (and sometimes sneaky) history of marketing’s role in climate change. With John Gorman of Cachet and Medium fame. In this final episode, John introduces his “four C’s” framework—Clarity, Consistency, Compassion, and Channels. A smarter, trust-building alternative to fear-based messaging. With wit and wisdom, the episode challenges business leaders to ditch shame tactics and embrace communication that empowers, connects, and inspires real change. Because saving the planet shouldn’t require a guilt trip. Just a better message.   Ready to benchmark your leadership impact? Take this 5-minute Stewardship Quiz and get a personalized report showing exactly where you rank - plus actionable strategies to elevate your performance.The 5Cs Podcast connects forward-thinking executives who are building sustainable competitive advantages while driving positive impact. Think of it as an exclusive network of leaders who understand that stewardship isn't just good ethics - it's good business.Connect with Charlene Norman on LinkedIn, subscribe to our Substack for strategic insights, or download the full series on Spotify and Apple.

The fascinating (and sometimes sneaky) history of marketing’s role in climate change. With John Gorman of Cachet and Medium fame.  We do a deep dive into the long-term consequences of shame-based marketing. We’ll go deep into the nuances of shame-based marketing, its psychological fallout, and—most importantly—how to build trust and community in a fractured world.This episode is a masterclass for business leaders and executives who want to understand not just what works in marketing, but why it works (or doesn’t), and how these strategies shape our society—especially in the context of climate change.Covering-The Problem with Shame-Based Marketing-The Psychological Fallout: Learned Helplessness and Distrust-The Social Cost: Alienation, Radicalization, and the Flat Earth Phenomenon-Why Facts Don’t Change Minds—But Belonging Doesand more Ready to benchmark your leadership impact? Take this 5-minute Stewardship Quiz and get a personalized report showing exactly where you rank - plus actionable strategies to elevate your performance.The 5Cs Podcast connects forward-thinking executives who are building sustainable competitive advantages while driving positive impact. Think of it as an exclusive network of leaders who understand that stewardship isn't just good ethics - it's good business.Connect with Charlene Norman on LinkedIn, subscribe to our Substack for strategic insights, or download the full series on Spotify and Apple.

The fascinating (and sometimes sneaky) history of marketing’s role in climate change. With John Gorman of Cachet and Medium fame, we delve into the art—and occasional trickery—of automotive advertising. John unpacks the origins of “Truck Month,” revealing how clever timing and aggressive tactics turned pickups into profit powerhouses. The conversation takes a witty detour into shame-based marketing, exploring how brands manipulate emotions to drive sales, sometimes at the cost of trust. With sharp insights and a dash of humor, we challenge business leaders to rethink profit-driven strategies and imagine a more ethical, sustainable approach to marketing.Key ideas and concepts-The Anatomy of "Truck Month": More Than Just a Sale-The Profit Engine: Why Trucks Dominate the Market-Shame-Based Marketing: The Psychology Behind the Pitch-The Long-Term Risks: Eroding Trust and Brand Value-Beyond the Auto Industry: Shame in Health, Wellness, and Sustainability-Rethinking Corporate Priorities: A Call to Action Ready to benchmark your leadership impact? Take this 5-minute Stewardship Quiz and get a personalized report showing exactly where you rank - plus actionable strategies to elevate your performance.The 5Cs Podcast connects forward-thinking executives who are building sustainable competitive advantages while driving positive impact. Think of it as an exclusive network of leaders who understand that stewardship isn't just good ethics - it's good business.Connect with Charlene Norman on LinkedIn, subscribe to our Substack for strategic insights, or download the full series on Spotify and Apple.

The fascinating (and sometimes sneaky) history of marketing’s role in climate change. With John Gorman of Cachet and Medium fame, we unpack how campaigns like “litter bug” and the infamous crying Native American ad cleverly shifted blame from corporations to consumers, turning shame into a business strategy. With wit and insight, John challenges business leaders to rethink responsibility—asking what might have happened if industry, not individuals, had been held accountable from the start. A must-listen for executives ready to lead real change.Key Highlights-The Birth of "Litter Bug"-Corporate Maneuvering-Iconic Campaigns with Hidden Agendas-The Power of Shame-Imagining a Different Path Ready to benchmark your leadership impact? Take this 5-minute Stewardship Quiz and get a personalized report showing exactly where you rank - plus actionable strategies to elevate your performance.The 5Cs Podcast connects forward-thinking executives who are building sustainable competitive advantages while driving positive impact. Think of it as an exclusive network of leaders who understand that stewardship isn't just good ethics - it's good business.Connect with Charlene Norman on LinkedIn, subscribe to our Substack for strategic insights, or download the full series on Spotify and Apple.

The Do-Better Revolution: From Broken Systems to Universal DesignThe final in this three part series with guest Kim Scofield of Blonde Bad Wolf, we complete the discussion about fixing the structural issues behind why messages about climate, sustainability and all things green are not landing. And end with a game changing use of AI to immediately see and feel the easy, inexpensive and highly effective ways we can we put in place.  Ready to benchmark your leadership impact? Take this 5-minute Stewardship Quiz and get a personalized report showing exactly where you rank - plus actionable strategies to elevate your performance.The 5Cs Podcast connects forward-thinking executives who are building sustainable competitive advantages while driving positive impact. Think of it as an exclusive network of leaders who understand that stewardship isn't just good ethics - it's good business.Connect with Charlene Norman on LinkedIn, subscribe to our Substack for strategic insights, or download the full series on Spotify and Apple.

It's Not Them, It's Your Structure: Simple Fixes That Change EverythingThe second in a three part series with guest Kim Scofield of Blonde Bad Wolf, we discuss the structursl issues driving the reasons why messages about climate, sustainability and all things green are not landing. And provide easy, inexpensive and highly effective ways we can we put in place to make messaging more effective. Ready to benchmark your leadership impact? Take this 5-minute Stewardship Quiz and get a personalized report showing exactly where you rank - plus actionable strategies to elevate your performance.The 5Cs Podcast connects forward-thinking executives who are building sustainable competitive advantages while driving positive impact. Think of it as an exclusive network of leaders who understand that stewardship isn't just good ethics - it's good business.Connect with Charlene Norman on LinkedIn, subscribe to our Substack for strategic insights, or download the full series on Spotify and Apple.

The Right-Handed World: Why Your Climate Message Isn't LandingThe first in a three part series with guest Kim Scofield of Blonde Bad Wolf, we discuss the reasons why messages about climate, sustainability and all things green are not landing and easy, inexpensive and highly effective ways we can we put in place to make messaging more effective.  Ready to benchmark your leadership impact? Take this 5-minute Stewardship Quiz and get a personalized report showing exactly where you rank - plus actionable strategies to elevate your performance.The 5Cs Podcast connects forward-thinking executives who are building sustainable competitive advantages while driving positive impact. Think of it as an exclusive network of leaders who understand that stewardship isn't just good ethics - it's good business.Connect with Charlene Norman on LinkedIn, subscribe to our Substack for strategic insights, or download the full series on Spotify and Apple.

Want to start leveraging climate data as a strategic asset?  Lean in because the winners will be those who adapt first and best to the new climate realities.Key Takeaway:If your business touches Canada—or relies on North American infrastructure, supply chains, or markets—climate change is already reshaping your operating environment. The impacts are not theoretical or distant; they’re here, now, and accelerating.Charlene shows the tangible relevance the statistics have on a business.  From the ripple effects, to understanding the science to sector specific impacts and opportunitiesShe ends with a five point program that is clear, actionable, and tailored for executives who want to lead, not lag.Naturally, if you'd like to talk through your own issues, you can find her here and here. Ready to benchmark your leadership impact? Take this 5-minute Stewardship Quiz and get a personalized report showing exactly where you rank - plus actionable strategies to elevate your performance.The 5Cs Podcast connects forward-thinking executives who are building sustainable competitive advantages while driving positive impact. Think of it as an exclusive network of leaders who understand that stewardship isn't just good ethics - it's good business.Connect with Charlene Norman on LinkedIn, subscribe to our Substack for strategic insights, or download the full series on Spotify and Apple.

Why Most Climate Conversations Fail (And How to Fix Them)This episode we break down the art and science of productive climate conversations—drawing on real-world experience, psychological insight, and actionable strategies you can use with your teams, customers, board members, and partners.Key Insight:Most climate conversations fail because we lead with data, fear, or confrontation—expecting people to abandon their frameworks and adopt ours. That’s not how human psychology or organizational change works.Takeaways:1. Start with Shared Values, Not Scientific Data2. Acknowledge and Build on Existing Knowledge3. Make It Immediately Relevant to Their World4. Frame Change as Building on Strength, Not Admitting Weakness5. Start Small, Celebrate Wins, Scale UpThe Climate Conversation Toolkit: Five Spokes for Every Leader Ready to benchmark your leadership impact? Take this 5-minute Stewardship Quiz and get a personalized report showing exactly where you rank - plus actionable strategies to elevate your performance.The 5Cs Podcast connects forward-thinking executives who are building sustainable competitive advantages while driving positive impact. Think of it as an exclusive network of leaders who understand that stewardship isn't just good ethics - it's good business.Connect with Charlene Norman on LinkedIn, subscribe to our Substack for strategic insights, or download the full series on Spotify and Apple.

The 5Cs is taking a wee breakNope, we're not rolling in the grass, dancing on the beach, or even swimming in the ocean. We've officially hit the pause button – giving you time to breathe and us time to plot world domination. (Kidding! Sort of.)Plot twist: We're actually busier than a golden retriever at a tennis ball factory!Behind the scenes, we're recording like mad scientists preparing for Year Four. YEAR FOUR, people! Who knew talking about the little beast called Climate Change and its love affair with Business would keep us going this long?Spoiler alert: It's because of YOU.Your Mission (Should You Choose to Accept It):1. Meet Your Host IRL (Well, Sort Of)Friday, September 12th at noon EST – I'm pulling back the curtain! Join me, Charlene Norman, on Zoom for a no-holds-barred Q&A. Bring your burning questions, wild ideas, or just come say hi.Sign up here for the Zoom linkFine print: Private event, no recording, maximum fun guaranteed.2. Binge-Watch... Er, ListenMissing our Saturday morning coffee chats? I've rescued some fan favourites from the vault:What is Climate Anxiety? (Spoiler: It's real)Finding Hope in the Darkness (Plot twist: There actually is some)Beyond GDP: Exploring Alternatives (Economics gets exciting)Climate Change is No Joke: Let's Laugh at Our Ignorance (Because sometimes you've got to laugh or you'll cry)Season Four drops September 6th – mark your calendars, set your alarms, tell your dog (they're excellent at reminding you about important things). PSA from Your Friendly Neighbourhood Podcaster:Yes, sunshine feels amazing after our long winter hibernation, but let's not become human jerky, shall we? Keep that water bottle closer than your phone, slather on the sunscreen like you're frosting a cake, and remember – your pets are wearing fur coats in this heat. They're not impressed. Ready to benchmark your leadership impact? Take this 5-minute Stewardship Quiz and get a personalized report showing exactly where you rank - plus actionable strategies to elevate your performance.The 5Cs Podcast connects forward-thinking executives who are building sustainable competitive advantages while driving positive impact. Think of it as an exclusive network of leaders who understand that stewardship isn't just good ethics - it's good business.Connect with Charlene Norman on LinkedIn, subscribe to our Substack for strategic insights, or download the full series on Spotify and Apple.

Host Charlene Norman is recovering from hand surgery this month. To help ease her guilt in NOT being able to produce a new episode and to answer the questions about the 5Cs origin story, she has pulled out the original first four episodes.  Listen in as she candidly admits her mistakes, discusses why she got into it and then decide for yourself if the podcast has morphed apppropriately.In this the final episode of the series, she looks at the progress made over the last sixty years.Key Highlights-The Generational Backdrop: 1950s–1970s-The Slow Burn of Climate Awareness-Misinformation and Missed Opportunities-From Science to Policy: The Long Road-International Agreements: Progress and Pitfalls-The Youthquake: Gen Z and Greta Thunberg-Actionable Steps -Leading with Compassion and Clarity Ready to benchmark your leadership impact? Take this 5-minute Stewardship Quiz and get a personalized report showing exactly where you rank - plus actionable strategies to elevate your performance.The 5Cs Podcast connects forward-thinking executives who are building sustainable competitive advantages while driving positive impact. Think of it as an exclusive network of leaders who understand that stewardship isn't just good ethics - it's good business.Connect with Charlene Norman on LinkedIn, subscribe to our Substack for strategic insights, or download the full series on Spotify and Apple.

Host Charlene Norman is recovering from hand surgery this month. To help ease her guilt in NOT being able to produce a new episode and to answer the questions about the 5Cs origin story, she has pulled out the original first four episodes.  Listen in as she candidly admits her mistakes, discusses why she got into it and then decide for yourself if the podcast has morphed apppropriately.In this the third episode in the series, she continues to search for who is to blame.Key Highlights-Who Are the Boomers, the Joneses, and Gen X?-The Competitive Edge: How Boomers Shaped Work Culture-Gen X: The Latchkey Generation’s Resilience-The Ripple Effects: Society, Equity, and the Environment-Key Takeaways for Business Leaders  Ready to benchmark your leadership impact? Take this 5-minute Stewardship Quiz and get a personalized report showing exactly where you rank - plus actionable strategies to elevate your performance.The 5Cs Podcast connects forward-thinking executives who are building sustainable competitive advantages while driving positive impact. Think of it as an exclusive network of leaders who understand that stewardship isn't just good ethics - it's good business.Connect with Charlene Norman on LinkedIn, subscribe to our Substack for strategic insights, or download the full series on Spotify and Apple.

Host Charlene Norman is recovering from hand surgery this month. To help ease her guilt in NOT being able to produce a new episode and to answer the questions about the 5Cs origin story, she has pulled out the original first four episodes.  Listen in as she candidly admits her mistakes, discusses why she got into it and then decide for yourself if the podcast has morphed apppropriately.In this the second episode in the series, she begins with a look at who to blameKey HighlightsGenerational Lessons: From the Greatest Generation to BoomersThe Unintended Consequences of “Me First”Actionable Strategies 1. Reframe Success: From Individual Gain to Collective Good2. Foster Community Engagement3. Prioritize Long-Term Impact Over Short-Term Wins4. Embrace Self-Reflection and Personal Responsibility5. Lead with Empathy and TransparencyConclusion: Building a Legacy of Compassion  Ready to benchmark your leadership impact? Take this 5-minute Stewardship Quiz and get a personalized report showing exactly where you rank - plus actionable strategies to elevate your performance.The 5Cs Podcast connects forward-thinking executives who are building sustainable competitive advantages while driving positive impact. Think of it as an exclusive network of leaders who understand that stewardship isn't just good ethics - it's good business.Connect with Charlene Norman on LinkedIn, subscribe to our Substack for strategic insights, or download the full series on Spotify and Apple.

Host Charlene Norman is recovering from hand surgery this month.  To help ease her guilt in NOT being able to produce a new episode and to answer the questions about the 5Cs origin story, she has pulled out the original first four episodes.  Listen in as she candidly admits her mistakes, discusses why she got into it and then decide for yourself if the podcast has morphed apppropriately.The original premise was about reimagining capitalism so that profit and compassion can not only coexist but thrive together.  This requires four pillars:1. Environmental Accountability2. Respect and Kindness3. Accountability to Stakeholders4. Community-Centric OfferingsIn addition, two key issues need to be addressed1. Wage Gap disparity between executive and employee pay must be closed. This isn’t just about optics; it’s about fairness and social stability.2. Environmental Justice comes into play in that businesses must internalize the true costs of their environmental impact, rather than passing them on to society.The Bottom Line:Reimagining capitalism is not just about “doing well by doing good.” It’s about fundamentally rethinking the rules of the game to ensure that profit never comes at the expense of people or the planet.  AND it's smart business.  Because-Talent Magnet: Top performers want to work for companies with purpose and integrity.-Customer Loyalty: Consumers are increasingly values-driven and will pay a premium for ethical brands.-Risk Mitigation: Companies that ignore social and environmental risks face regulatory, reputational, and operational threats.-Long-Term Value: Sustainable, stakeholder-focused companies outperform their peers over the long haul.This is NOT about perfection or utopia. It’s about making better choices—day in and day out—that move us closer to a world where business is a force for good.  Ready to benchmark your leadership impact? Take this 5-minute Stewardship Quiz and get a personalized report showing exactly where you rank - plus actionable strategies to elevate your performance.The 5Cs Podcast connects forward-thinking executives who are building sustainable competitive advantages while driving positive impact. Think of it as an exclusive network of leaders who understand that stewardship isn't just good ethics - it's good business.Connect with Charlene Norman on LinkedIn, subscribe to our Substack for strategic insights, or download the full series on Spotify and Apple.

Climate change. For many business leaders and executives, the term conjures images of melting glaciers, dire scientific reports, and a sense of overwhelming scale. It’s easy to feel that the problem is too big, too abstract, and too far removed from our daily lives. But what if there's a different way? The host, Charlene Norman, of Good Stewardship; Lasting Impact explores how personal experience and storytelling might transform the way we approach climate change. Here are the main themes covered in this episode.1. Make Climate Change Personal: Start with Your Own Weather Diary2. Connect the Dots: Understand the Long Game of Nature3. Shift the Narrative: It’s Not About Saving the Earth—It’s About Saving Ourselves4. Build Community Through Storytelling and Relationships5. Be a Bridge Builder: Inspire Action for Future GenerationsConclusion: YOUR Story Matters—Now Share It Ready to benchmark your leadership impact? Take this 5-minute Stewardship Quiz and get a personalized report showing exactly where you rank - plus actionable strategies to elevate your performance.The 5Cs Podcast connects forward-thinking executives who are building sustainable competitive advantages while driving positive impact. Think of it as an exclusive network of leaders who understand that stewardship isn't just good ethics - it's good business.Connect with Charlene Norman on LinkedIn, subscribe to our Substack for strategic insights, or download the full series on Spotify and Apple.