Purpose 360

Aflac is proving that a well-crafted philanthropic initiative can thrive by continuously adapting to the evolving needs of those it serves. Launched in 2018 as part of Aflac’s Childhood Cancer Campaign, My Special Aflac Duck® is a soft and cuddly companion that was designed to support children undergoing cancer treatment by helping them prepare for medical procedures, express their emotions, and engage in distraction therapy. Created with input from child life specialists and psychologists, My Special Aflac Duck® offers a range of interactive features—from medical play accessories to calming Soundscapes—all aimed at making a child’s journey through treatment more manageable.Aflac’s commitment to My Special Aflac Duck® has not waned since the initiative’s launch. Instead, Aflac has continued to distribute the medical companion to pediatric cancer patients (at no cost to them) and has evolved it to support children with sickle cell disease, another population facing long, difficult treatments.We invited two Aflac executives who worked on the duck’s development to speak to the program’s success and evolution: Jon Sullivan, Director of Corporate Communications, and Buffy Swinehart, Senior Manager of Corporate Social Responsibility. They share insights on how companies can sustain and grow their social impact efforts and remain true to their mission while making a real difference.Listen for insights on:How to pitch philanthropic opportunities to a CEODeveloping a public and philanthropic initiative that can stand up to scrutiny in public relationsThe importance of grounding philanthropic initiatives in data and researchResources + Links:Jon Sullivan’s LinkedInBuffy Swinehart’s LinkedInMy Special Aflac Duck®This robot duck eases children through cancer treatmentsParents and Caregivers Report a Reduction in Anxiety and Distress in Young Cancer Patients Using the My Special Aflac Duck® (00:00) - Welcome to Purpose 360 (00:13) - Aflac (01:09) - Meet Jon and Buffy (05:08) - MSAD's Origin Story (09:18) - Describing the Duck (14:35) - Initial Rollouts (19:00) - Sickle Cell Duck (20:29) - Other Innovations (21:50) - Research and Credibility (23:50) - Stories (26:57) - Advice for Authentic Ideas (32:30) - Purpose in an AI-Driven World (33:17) - Last Thoughts (35:11) - Wrap Up

Sixty percent of the global population handwashes their clothing in rivers, streams, and buckets. While living and volunteering in a remote village in India, Nav Sawhney witnessed firsthand the immense burden this chore placed on women like his neighbor Divya. Determined to find a solution, Nav returned to the UK, founded The Washing Machine Project (TWMP), and created the manual "Divya" washing machine. However, TWMP faced challenges scaling its impact to reach more people who desperately needed it.Meanwhile, in the United States, the Whirlpool Foundation had developed a similar off-grid manual washing machine, recognizing that this same laborious task deepens social inequities and stunts personal advancement. With the vast resources of Whirlpool engineers, the Foundation was well-equipped to produce these machines yet struggled to find an effective distribution method.The subsequent, serendipitous collaboration between TWMP and the Whirlpool Foundation is yielding incredible impact at scale. We invited Nav Sawhney, Founder of TWMP, and Deb O'Connor, Managing Director of the Whirlpool Foundation, to speak about the origin of their "one plus one equals three" relationship, their human-centric approach to Whirlpool employee engagement, and the significant “unlock” their work together will have on women and girls worldwide, including Nav’s friend Divya and her family.Listen for insights on:The “Washing Divide” and its impact on inhibiting economic growth and social inequalityIntroducing employees to a social issue and inviting them to be part of the solutionBalancing empathy and action when working directly with beneficiariesResources + Links:Deb O’Connor’s LinkedInNav Sawhney’s LinkedInSustainable Brands: How Whirlpool, Washing Machine Project Are Bridging ‘the Global Washing Divide’Meet the Divya Washing Machine (00:00) - Welcome to Purpose 360 (00:13) - Whirlpool (02:02) - Meet Deb and Nav (04:51) - Washing Machine Project (05:48) - First Reaction (08:11) - Global Washing Divide (09:29) - Design (11:44) - The Name (15:44) - Kolams (16:46) - Insights to These Relationships (17:51) - Employee Involvement (19:00) - Committment (20:20) - Reception (22:34) - Number of Machines (23:42) - Purpose in an AI-Driven World (25:03) - Final Thoughts (26:49) - Wrap Up

Every day, we make small decisions to lead more sustainable lives. These choices reflect a growing awareness of the impact humans have on the planet. Yet when it comes to banking, many overlook the influence our choice of financial institution can have on the environment and in our communities. Where we choose to save and invest our money can align with—or work against—our personal values. This is where Walden Mutual Bank comes in, offering an opportunity to make a more conscious and positive impact through everyday financial choices.Walden Mutual Bank is driven by a mission to support the sustainable growth of local communities. The bank offers consumer savings accounts, grow local accounts, and CDs which fund loans for local sustainable food, farm, and community businesses across New England and New York, enabling customers to contribute to a healthier, more resilient regional economy.We invited Charley Cummings, Founder and CEO of Walden Mutual Bank, to share his insights on building a reputable banking institution in a mutual structure and how it has successfully funded underrepresented borrowers—all while supporting a sustainable regional economy.Listen for insights on:How traditional business can implement a mutual structureHow this funding approach enables businesses with distinct ecological priorities to secure specialized loansServing underrepresented businesses and borrowersResources + Links:Charley Cummings’ LinkedInWalden Mutual BankUnderstanding What “Mutual” MeansPartner Story: A.R.C. Shellfish HatcheryPartner Story: Carl King, Vermont Natural Beef and Kingston Place (00:00) - Welcome to Purpose 360 (00:13) - Walden Mutual Bank with Charley Cummings (01:40) - Charley’s Background (05:29) - Investors (11:09) - Stories of Beneficiaries (16:49) - Risk and Relationships (21:09) - More Loan Data (23:06) - Depositors (25:24) - Long-Term Vision (28:18) - Customer Base (28:54) - The Banking Industry (30:38) - Last Thoughts (33:00) - Wrap Up

In 2026—two years from now—the United States will celebrate its 250th birthday, making it the perfect time to show America some love by sprucing up neighborhoods across the country. Since 1953, the nonprofit Keep America Beautiful has been inspiring and working alongside people nationwide to beautify their communities.Keep America Beautiful is inviting everyone to join the Greatest American Cleanup. In addition to calling upon individuals, families, clubs, and community groups, Keep America Beautiful is rallying 25,000 local governments and leaders across the country to commit to a declaration of independence from litter, calling on everyone to plant trees, clean up litter, and improve recycling practices. Importantly, this effort transcends party lines, bringing people together in a time of political divisiveness to pursue a common goal.We invited Jennifer Lawson, President and CEO of Keep America Beautiful, to introduce the Greatest American Cleanup and share how the organization will inspire people to contribute to a cleaner, greener, and more beautiful country.Listen for insights on:How you can get involved in the Greatest American CleanupMaintaining relevance and impact as a nonprofit for 70+ yearsPositioning and leading an organization that transcends partisan dividesResources + Links:Jennifer Lawson’s LinkedInThe Greatest American CleanupMLK Community ImprovementKeep America Beautiful’s Do Beautiful Things Podcast (00:00) - Welcome to Purpose 360 (00:13) - Keep America Beautiful (03:15) - Jenny Lawson’s Back Story (04:55) - KAB’s Purpose and Legacy (05:56) - Misperceptions (07:46) - Vision (08:47) - Being Purple (10:20) - Getting Outside (11:49) - America’s 250th Birthday Plans (14:35) - Companies Involved (16:17) - MLK Corridors (18:02) - Overall Drivers (20:27) - Keeping It Relevant Over Time (24:24) - Looking Forward (25:22) - Action Steps (27:20) - AI and Purpose (27:59) - Last Thoughts (28:31) - Wrap Up

The COVID-19 pandemic forced a reevaluation of many aspects of society, and the sports industry was no exception. Deemed "non-essential," professional sports and recreational activities ground to a halt — in one instance, in the middle of a professional game. This classification served as a wake-up call: if sports wanted to remain relevant, it would need to evolve and adapt.We invited Neill Duffy, Chief Executive & Founder at 17 Sport, the world’s first sports impact company operating at the intersection of sport, business, and purpose, to discuss this necessary evolution and how industry leaders have driven progress. Neill highlights the transformative potential of the sports industry, noting examples of how athletes, sporting goods companies, and events like the Olympics and Paralympics are driving social and environmental progress. From breaking barriers for underrepresented groups to incorporating sustainable practices at major events, the industry is showing that it can be a catalyst for positive change.Listen for insights on:Progress and impact from the International Olympic Committee’s Agenda 2020+5Sustainability planning ahead of the Paris OlympicsThe evolution of storytelling in sports activationSpecific examples of sporting events and companies embracing social and environmental strategiesResources + Links:Neill Duffy’s LinkedInLegacy Sport: How to Win at the Business of Sport in the Age of Social GoodAllianz MoveNowAthletes for GoodThe Ocean Race: Racing with PurposeAdidas Breaking Barriers (00:00) - Welcome to Purpose 360 (00:13) - 17 Sport • Neill Duffy (01:49) - Neill’s Background (03:35) - Why 17 Sport? (04:12) - Definition of Purpose (04:47) - Olympics (06:58) - Purpose and the IOC (11:53) - Accelerating the Shift (13:47) - Who’s Leading (15:49) - SuperBowl (20:26) - 17 Sports Initiatives (25:42) - The Athletes (28:04) - Behind the Athletes (29:51) - Lightning Round (31:38) - Last Thoughts (32:20) - Wrap Up

Countries around the world are anticipating the start of the Paris Olympics, a celebration of the unifying power of sports.For many, an introduction to sports begins at a young age. From participating in a sport to watching games with family, sports plays a pivotal role in shaping youth, teaching invaluable life skills such as teamwork, leadership, and resilience and encouraging healthy lifestyles through active play. But unfortunately, children are dropping out of sports at alarming rates. Not only does this impact their lifelong health, but it influences whether children will grow up to become sports fans.We invited Kevin Martinez, Vice President of Corporate Citizenship at ESPN, to highlight programs central to ESPN’s mission to serve sport fans anytime, anywhere. Kevin discusses several of ESPN’s programs, including Don't Retire, Kid; Foundation V; and ESPN’s partnership with Special Olympics, and highlights ESPN’s aim to support and nurture both athletes and fans, reinforcing the idea that sports are for everyone.Listen for insights on:The business and community value of investing in sportsBusiness areas that corporate citizenship professionals need to be aware of to expand their impact and make the business case for social impactMaintaining connections and communication with other corporate citizenship professionals to drive greater overall impactResources + Links:Kevin Martinez’s LinkedInESPN x Special OlympicsV FoundationThe Emperor of All MaladiesDon’t Retire, Kid (00:00) - Welcome to Purpose 360 (00:13) - ESPN's Kevin Martinez (01:09) - Kevin’s Background (04:14) - Intuition (06:53) - Sports (08:06) - ESPN’s Purpose (09:30) - Programmatic Work (12:48) - Kids in Sports (16:40) - Equity in Sports (20:27) - Olympics (22:23) - Last Thoughts (25:03) - Purpose and AI (27:56) - Wrap Up

What does purpose have to do with movements? StrawberryFrog, a movement marketing agency, were faced with this question when clients came to them with a purpose statement but were unsure how to activate it. This led to a pivotal realization: purpose activation is essentially a movement, where a group of people rally around a shared purpose to drive change.Inspired, StrawberryFrog decided to enter the purpose field, focusing on mobilizing employees and consumers around a purpose, in addition to conducting innovative research. Their primary research tool, the first-of-its-kind Purpose Power Index (PPI), empirically measures how well companies activate purpose at the core of their business. The PPI reveals key insights, from what drives purpose to how it enhances employee engagement and retention. We invited Chip Walker, Head of Strategy, to share key insights from StrawberryFrog’s work and research with purpose, highlighting the transformative power of purpose and showing that, when companies move beyond merely defining their purpose to actively living it, they can ignite powerful internal and external change.Listen for insights on:The primary drivers of purposePurpose’s role on an employee’s hierarchy of needsKey purpose gaps at organizationsStrategies for measuring purpose internally and externallyResources + Links:StrawberryFrogPurpose Power IndexStrawberryFrog Case Studies (00:00) - Welcome to Purpose 360 (00:13) - StrawberryFrog (01:54) - Chip’s Background (04:11) - Movement Marketing (06:29) - Relationship with Work (06:49) - Favorite Client (09:58) - Purpose, Merger, and New Brand (11:58) - Internal Activation (16:02) - Purpose Power Index (21:12) - Metrics (24:45) - Purpose Gap (26:27) - Measurement (28:38) - Convincing the C-Suite (29:50) - Purpose in an AI World (31:42) - Last Word (33:40) - Wrap Up

Even with a supportive family and access to quality education, opportunities for meaningful and inclusive work can be scarce for people with disabilities once they reach adulthood. The transition from school to the workforce is often overlooked, exposing a systemic failure to provide equal opportunities for all individuals, regardless of cognitive or physical ability. Ultranauts, a company born from a recognition that cognitive diversity could lead to strategic business success, embodies the transformative power of leveraging neurodiversity in the workforce. The company’s approach defies conventional hiring practices by prioritizing abilities over society’s perceived limitations. By recognizing the unique talents inherent in neurodiverse individuals, Ultranauts not only addresses a glaring market gap and conducts a profitable technology company (with a Net Promoter Score of 100), but has also pioneered a model of inclusive employment for other companies to implement. We invited Rajesh Anandan, Co-Founder of Ultranauts, to discuss the company’s founding and how its model has proven to be effective for both employees and customers, proving that inclusion isn't just a buzzword, but a strategic imperative for business success. Listen for insights on:The business value of cognitive diversity in work teamsMisconceptions that burden neurodiverse adultsStrategies to drive greater inclusion between employees, regardless of cognitive diversity Resources + Links:Rajesh Anandan’s LinkedInAbout UltranautsUltranauts Case StudiesUniversal WorkplaceTeamX (00:00) - Welcome to Purpose 360 (00:13) - Ultranauts • Rajesh Anandan (02:21) - Meet Rajesh (09:10) - Mission (10:08) - What Is Neurodivergent? (11:20) - Hiring Using Cognitive Diversity (12:40) - Key Benefits (14:57) - Customers (16:47) - Why Hire Neurodivergent Persons? (18:23) - Universal Workplace (26:46) - Last Word (31:07) - Wrap Up

Does acting on values hurt the bottom line? According to Daniel Aronson, Founder and CEO of Valutus, the answer is no—in fact, the converse is true. In his new book, The Value of Values, Daniel shows that making ethical choices can actually increase a company's profits and competitive advantage, often without much extra cost or risk.Using research and real-world examples, Daniel explains that the true business value of ethical actions—like taking strong steps to fight climate change, supporting job seekers, or creating an inclusive workplace—is higher than most people think. He finds that these actions can bring returns four to ten times greater than expected. Daniel joins host Carol Cone to talk about The Value of Values and how the book can help business leaders improve profits, gain customers, and advance their careers by making ethical choices. This book is a valuable resource for anyone looking to lead with integrity in today’s business world. Listen for insights on:Three primary perceived obstacles to investing in valuesQuantifying values-driven investments for customers, operations, risk reduction, and employeesSteps to take as a sustainability employee to bring concrete and relevant data to the CFO Resources + Links:Daniel Aronson’s LinkedInThe Value of ValuesCurated Valuation Resources for Purpose 360 Listeners OnlyValutus (00:00) - Welcome to Purpose 360 (00:13) - Value of Values Book with Daniel Aronson (01:43) - Daniel and Valutus (03:35) - Why Write It? (06:20) - Eureka Moment (07:39) - Showing There Was Value (09:25) - Submerged Value (11:19) - List of Submerged Values (13:37) - Proving the Submerged Value (14:36) - Financial Outcomes (17:01) - The Values Are Left Off Spreadsheets (19:07) - Why Quantify Values (20:36) - Daniel’s Favorite Case (23:56) - Response (24:43) - Making the Case for Values (27:17) - Optimism / Pessimism (29:08) - Last Thoughts (30:21) - Purpose and AI

We are facing a tragedy of the commons — and have been for a while. At worst, businesses are taking advantage of the planet and society and aren’t holding themselves fully responsible for the damage they are doing. When companies release excessive carbon into the air or keep wages low, the resulting environmental damage and societal burdens are paid for by the average citizen and the taxpayer. Christopher Marquis explores this reality in his new book, The Profiteers. He explains the systemic issues underlying today's most pressing global challenges, from climate change to inequality, shedding light on the ways in which businesses privatize gains while socializing costs. But at the heart of Marquis's work lies a call to action for leaders across sectors to embrace a new vision of business. The Profiteers serves not only as a wake-up call to the inherent flaws of our current system but provides a roadmap for a more sustainable and equitable future. We invited Christopher Marquis, Cambridge University professor and author of other books (including Mao and Markets: The Communist Roots of Chinese Enterprise and Better Business: How the B Corp Movement Is Remaking Capitalism), to discuss how The Profiteers exposes the hidden toll of environmental damage, low wages, and systemic discrimination, calling for a paradigm shift in business practices. Listen for insights on:The exploitation of the “the commons” by businessesHow governance alignment can help corporate sustainability efforts succeedExamples of creative thinking that led to social and environmental innovation Resources + Links:Christopher Marquis’ LinkedInThe ProfiteersPurpose 360: Igniting the B Corp Movement with Chris MarquisPurpose 360: Open Hiring for Wide Open Dreams with Greyston (00:00) - Welcome to Purpose 360 (00:11) - The Profiteers Book (02:16) - Chris’ Background (05:16) - Book’s Genesis (08:34) - The Problem (13:35) - Public Commons – Who Pays the Costs? (15:27) - Regulation (16:48) - Danone (19:15) - Employees as Lever (20:30) - Other Stand Outs (27:27) - The Playbook to Recreate Our Economic System (30:53) - Purpose and AI (32:08) - Why Buy This Book? (33:12) - Last Thoughts (33:29) - Wrap Up

Gen Z is an important stakeholder for companies: they're powerful consumers, passionate activists, and many are already part of the workforce. But when it comes to engaging Gen Z, older generations are the ones studying them—and deciding what will work best. This felt counterproductive to 16-year-old Ziad Ahmed, who questioned why decisions about his generation were being made without them. And so Ziad founded JUV Consulting in 2016—when he and his co-founders were still teenagers—to help companies make decisions and create campaigns with diverse Gen Zers at the table. We invited Ziad to speak about how, eight years later, JUV Consulting has created purpose-driven and inclusive campaigns for top companies, driven by the belief that the future revolves around co-creation, community, and challenging conventions. Since this conversation was recorded, JUV Consulting was acquired by United Talent Agency. Listen for insights on:The fundamental topics and methods to engage Gen ZFinding common ground across generationsInvesting in and engaging Gen Z influencers Resources + Links:Ziad Ahmed’s LinkedInUTA Acquires JUV ConsultingZiad Ahmed on EarnedCoachtopiaJUV Consulting’s Pro-Living Campaign (00:00) - Welcome to Purpose 360 (00:13) - JUV Consulting's Ziad Ahmed (02:48) - Who is Ziad? (04:21) - Getting Gen Z in the Room (06:46) - JUV Consulting (08:45) - Their Purpose (10:18) - Key Issues (12:17) - Impact (14:06) - Convincing Their Teams (15:23) - Coachtopia (18:30) - Developing Strong Relationships (19:02) - Z Confrontation (19:45) - Another Example (20:32) - Influencers (23:52) - Saying ‘No’ (24:01) - Pro-Living (27:17) - Messaging in a Political Year (28:43) - Last Word (30:14) - Wrap Up

"If a check would fix the problem, I would've written that check already," said Sam Johnson, founder of Johnson Outdoors. These words embody the company's ethos founded with a reverence for nature and a commitment to its preservation. Since its inception, Johnson Outdoors has steadfastly safeguarded the outdoors while nurturing consumers’ passion for outdoor adventure and enjoyment.At the heart of Johnson Outdoors' success lies an unwavering commitment to its founding principles. As a family company, its leadership understands and protects the company’s values and purpose. As an employer, the company hires individuals who share this deep-rooted respect for nature, helping foster a culture united in environmental stewardship and a love for spending time outdoors.We invited Connor Leipold, Johnson Outdoors Spokesman and SCUBAPRO Brand Manager, to share his insights. This initiative continues to inspire and empower outdoor enthusiasts worldwide, demonstrating our collective commitment to preserving the natural wonders that serve as our playground.Listen for insights on:How tapping into employee passions can inspire innovationSurpassing goals in the consumer and employee-driven Clean Earth ChallengeIdentifying like-minded partnerships and creating innovative preservation solutionsResources + Links:Connor Leipold’s LinkedInJohnson Outdoors’ 54-year historyClean Earth ChallengeCoral Reef Restoration with Mote (00:00) - Welcome to Purpose 360 (00:13) - Johnson Outdoors • Connor Leipold (02:43) - Meet Connor (04:24) - Brands and Divisions (05:43) - Innovation in Products and Programs (07:39) - Their Purpose (09:19) - Legacy and Environment (11:34) - Superior Design, Low Environmental Impact (13:05) - Clean Earth Challenge (16:40) - Success Stories (19:17) - Partnerships (21:33) - Lessons Learned (24:59) - Sustainability Pillars (26:29) - Relationship with Mote (29:40) - Advice for Listeners (31:09) - Last Word (32:46) - Wrap Up

At the heart of Eli Lilly's purpose lies a deep understanding: their insulin is more than just a product—it’s essential for peoples’ health and survival.This purpose, to unite caring with discovery to create medicines that make life better for people around the world, is embedded deeply within the organization. The company focuses on ensuring their medicines are inclusive to all patients by investing in clinical testing diversity and removing obstacles that might prevent patients from accessing their medicine—both at and beyond the pharmacy counter. And, to ensure patients have reliable access to life-saving medications for years to come, Eli Lilly has invested $100 million towards achieving climate goals by 2030. Through this commitment, Eli Lilly is not only safeguarding the planet but reaffirming the company’s dedication to the well-being of every individual who relies on their medicines.We invited Jim Greffet, Head of ESG Strategy at Eli Lilly, to explain how the company’s environmental and social commitments are grounded in purpose strategy, as well as how the company helps its employees lead purposeful careers.Listen for insights on:Purpose’s role in long-term strategyImproving health outcomes through philanthropic investmentsUnderstanding equity and inclusion at your company through the “employee journey”Inspiring employees to identify environmental solutions and investing in themResources + Links:Jim Greffet’s LinkedInESG at Eli LillyLilly 30x30 (00:00) - Welcome to Purpose 360 (00:13) - Eli Lilly (02:06) - Meet Jim Greffet (04:00) - A Day in the Life (06:53) - Purpose Statement (08:20) - Diabetes (09:04) - Living the Value of Accessibility (13:35) - Measuring and Scaling (14:22) - Local Investment (15:43) - DEI (17:31) - Level Up (20:34) - Societal Changes to DEI (21:58) - DEI and Supply Chain (23:00) - Environment (26:39) - Lightning Questions (28:46) - Last Words (29:55) - Wrap Up

Caryl Stern's remarkable journey spans more than 30 countries and several high-impact roles, including former CEO of UNICEF USA, former Executive Director of the Walton Family Foundation, and present Chief Impact Officer at LionTree, an independent investment and merchant bank for creativity, community, and capital. From her inspirational upbringing (shaped by her mother who survived the Holocaust) to her innovative work at UNICEF, Caryl offers invaluable insights for navigating the complexity of a changing world. She shares poignant stories about the importance of urgency in helping children globally and how storytelling can mobilize support for essential causes.Caryl also discusses her work at LionTree to drive social impact through innovative, for-profit solutions. Caryl’s journey illustrates how a sense of responsibility to create a better world can accelerate impact.Listen for insights on:Mobilizing support and awareness for critical causesTransitioning to new opportunities and career pathsEvolving as a leader to meet the needs of your organization Resources + Links:Caryl Stern’s LinkedInLionTreeCaryl Stern’s PodcastCarol Cone on Listen on Purpose (00:00) - Welcome to Purpose 360 (00:13) - Lion Tree • Caryl Stern (02:27) - Caryl’s Background (06:52) - Leadership (10:02) - Listening and Learning (11:54) - UNICEF (18:55) - Balancing Heritage with New Ideas (21:56) - Walton Family Foundation (24:44) - LionTree (27:07) - Advice (28:59) - Wrap Up

As technology continues to redefine industries and jobs, IBM is a beacon of progress, driven by a purpose to be a catalyst that makes the world work better. Through flagship initiatives like the SkillsBuild program, IBM is arming both internal and external workers with the tools and knowledge necessary to thrive in today's economy. By fostering opportunities for upskilling and reskilling, IBM not only bolsters individual employability but also empowers individuals to pursue career paths previously out of reach.Justina Nixon-Saintil is one example of the transformative power of continuous learning. Initially an engineer and then an educator, Justina today serves as IBM's Vice President and Chief Impact Officer — so she knows a thing or two about reskilling and adaptation. We invited Justina to share how IBM is setting a standard for corporate responsibility through employee volunteering, skills development, and the Sustainability Accelerator, which has been heralded as a blueprint for corporate responsibility.Listen for insights on:Activating employee volunteers through their skills and passionsAdvancing in or getting started with your sustainability careerCreating an infrastructure that evaluates the internal and external ethical use of AIResources + Links:Justina Nixon-Saintil’s LinkedInIBM is skilling 30 million people globally by 2030IBM SkillsBuildIBM Sustainability Accelerator (00:00) - Welcome to Purpose 360 (00:13) - IBM's Justina Nixon-Saintil (02:23) - Justina’s Background (05:37) - Engineer to CIO (08:25) - Insights with Gap Time (10:36) - IBM’s Purpose Statement (11:46) - Volunteerism (13:57) - SkillsBuild (18:11) - IBM Sustainability Accelerator (26:12) - Impact Measurement (27:25) - Future of AI for Social Impact (31:03) - Suggestions for Careers in Social Impact (33:21) - Recommendations (34:41) - Last Word (36:04) - Wrap Up

How do we identify the companies that are truly "good?” We might look through their sustainability reports or tally up the awards they've received, but finding an answer is rarely simple—and it can depend on a range of factors, from how companies treat their employees to whether they practice sound governance.JUST Capital is at the forefront of this work. A non-profit organization dedicated to aligning corporate behavior with the values of the American public, JUST Capital releases its highly anticipated "100 Most JUST Companies" list each year to spotlight the businesses that prioritize their workers, communities, customers, the environment, and shareholders and governance over profit alone.Martin Whittaker, CEO of JUST Capital, returns to Purpose 360 to explore the recently released 2024 rankings, shedding light on what matters most to Americans today and what distinguishes the most “just” companies from all the rest.Listen for insights on:The American public’s three most important issuesWhy “just” companies lead in financial performanceThe methodology behind the JUST 100Resources + Links:Martin Whittaker’s LinkedInThe 2024 JUST 100Contact JUST CapitalThe Case for Purpose (00:00) - Welcome to Purpose 360 (00:13) - Just Capital • Martin Whittaker (01:50) - Martin’s Background (03:28) - The JUST 100 (07:31) - Query Numbers (08:49) - Core Issues (11:10) - Governance (12:07) - HPE (14:06) - CEO Leadership (15:22) - Hard Results (17:16) - Surprises (17:53) - Other Stories (18:53) - Best Practices (20:38) - Responsible Business (22:07) - 5 Years (25:11) - Last Words (26:25) - Wrap Up

Having a diverse and inclusive workplace makes good business sense, but the truth is that we're stuck at an impasse. Companies are so focused on how many people from different backgrounds they employ that they’re missing the point. It’s not about the numbers. It's about ensuring that every individual is equitably woven into the fabric of the organization and has opportunities to advance and thrive.We invited Margaret Spence, an advocate for transformative change in the DEI landscape, to elaborate on where companies currently stand with DEI and what needs to change. With a commitment to challenging the status quo, questioning barriers, and leading inclusively, Margaret offers a compelling vision. Her expertise extends beyond rhetoric, by proving that DEI is not just a checkbox but an ongoing commitment.Listen for insights on:Recommended data points for tracking DEI success and impactHow being entrenched in the status quo can obstruct inclusionNavigating bias and inclusion challenges as a person of colorResources + Links:Margaret Spence’s LinkedInAbout Margaret SpenceEmployee to CEO Action ProjectThe Inclusion Learning LabInclusion Unscripted Podcast (00:00) - Welcome to Purpose 360 (00:13) - Margaret Spence (02:47) - Margaret’s Background (06:28) - Personal Purpose (08:30) - Inclusion Lab (11:30) - DEI (16:42) - Examples Doing DEI Well (18:07) - Growth and Barriers (24:15) - Employee to CEO Project (25:58) - Inclusion Lab (28:14) - Cohorts (29:01) - Measurement (31:07) - Recommendations (33:51) - Looking to the Future of DEI (37:36) - Last Thoughts

The fashion industry is continuing to undergo crucial transformations. With the environmental toll of fast fashion evident, consumers are demanding more from the brands they love: top-notch quality, enduring designs, and an unwavering commitment to sustainability.Rothy’s, a direct-to-consumer shoes and accessories brand, is leader in this shift. At the heart of Rothy's success is a revolutionary approach to sustainability that combines innovative materials, a zero-waste factory, and no-waste manufacturing practices. Each pair of shoes is crafted not only for style and comfort but designed to minimize its ecological footprint. Rothy's takes it a step further by prioritizing longevity, ensuring their products are designed for long-term use. For products that do reach their end-of-life point, Rothy’s encourages a sustainable life cycle through a recycling program, using well-worn shoes to create new products.We invited Dayna Quanbeck, President of Rothy’s—but Chief Operating Officer and Chief Finance Officer at the time of recording—to explain how the company is helping consumers understand the harmony between fashion and environmental responsibility. As we step into a future that demands both, Rothy's will continue the way with style and sustainability.Listen for insights on:Revolutionizing the use of unconventional materials like plastic bottles and algaeChallenging consumer perceptions of eco-friendly materialsMaking consumers your product championsIncorporating advocacy into a company’s impactResources + Links:Dayna Quanbeck’s LinkedInHow Rothy’s Makes Its ShoesHow Rothy’s Calculates Its Sustainability ImpactGive a Dime About PlasticRothy’s Recycling Program (00:00) - Welcome to Purpose 360 (00:13) - Rothy's (01:18) - Dayna’s Backstory (05:45) - Shifting Toward Stylish and Comfortable (07:04) - Three Pillars of Sustainability (11:11) - Production Journey (13:59) - Learning from Feedback (14:54) - Programs (17:24) - Give a Dime About Plastic (19:27) - Plastic Innovation (20:56) - Sustainability Council (21:48) - Future of Circular Fashion (22:58) - Customer Stories (26:08) - Recommendations (27:52) - Wrap Up

COP is a pivotal moment for United Nations members, politicians, and business leaders to gauge progress in tackling climate change and chart a course for action. At COP 28 this past December, a new group came to the forefront. Youth from around the world finally secured a seat at the decision-making table and were embraced more prominently than ever before.This generation sets itself apart through a commitment to causes that matter, as well as its emergence as leaders that look beyond the needs of just their organizations or cause, focusing on impact for the world as a whole.Four remarkable One Young World Ambassadors are part of this transformative group of young leaders. In the second half of this two-part series, host Carol Cone welcomes Kehkashan Basu of Green Hope Foundation and Mavis Durowaa Mainu of OAK Foundation, who both deliver a clear message: that the youth of today are not waiting for change, they are propelling it.Resources + Links:Kehkashan Basu’s LinkedInMavis Durowaa Mainu’s LinkedInGreen Hope FoundationOAK FoundationOne Young World (00:00) - Welcome to Purpose 360 (00:13) - One Young World Ambassadors Part 2 (02:02) - Mavis’s Background (05:30) - Kehkashan’s Background (09:22) - COP 28 (29:07) - Last Thoughts (31:34) - Wrap Up

COP is a pivotal moment for United Nations members, politicians, and business leaders to gauge progress in tackling climate change and chart a course for action. At COP 28 this past December, a new group came to the forefront. Youth from around the world finally secured a seat at the decision-making table and were embraced more prominently than ever before.This generation sets itself apart through a commitment to causes that matter, as well as its emergence as leaders that look beyond the needs of just their organizations or cause, focusing on impact for the world as a whole.Four remarkable One Young World Ambassadors are part of this transformative group of young leaders. In the first half of this two-part series, host Carol Cone welcomes Anna Stanley-Radière of the World Business Council for Sustainable Development and Enkhuun Byambadorj of Breathe Mongolia—Clean Air Coalition, who both deliver a clear message: that the youth of today are not waiting for change, they are propelling it.Resources + Links:Anna Stanley-Radière’s LinkedInEnkhuun Byambadorj’s LinkedInWorld Business Council for Sustainable DevelopmentBreathe Mongolia—Clean Air CoalitionOne Young World (00:00) - Welcome to Purpose 360 (00:13) - COP 28: One Young World Ambassadors (Environment) (02:54) - Backgrounds (06:33) - Initial Spark (08:53) - One Young World (11:44) - Secret Sauce (13:27) - COP 28 (21:06) - Dubai (27:02) - Last Thoughts (32:31) - Wrap Up