This week, DelRae sits down with Tony’s Chocolonely's Inspire to Actress, Joke Aerts (that’s pronounced Yo-ka) who is growing Tony’s Open Chain, founded by Tony's Chocolonely.

Joke has over 20 years of both field and market experience in nonprofit sustainable agriculture work and sustainability standards (Rainforest Alliance, FSC, RSPO, Fairtrade).

When she isn’t fighting for sustainable livelihoods and land use, you can find Joke with her head in a book, in the kitchen cooking something (probably Japanese or Korean, lately), or getting some fresh air with her sketchbook in hand.

ABOUT TONY'S

Tony’s believes that their 5 Sourcing Principles (100% traceable beans, paying a higher price that enables a living income, strong farmers, long-term relationships, and quality & productivity) form the foundation of bringing equality into the cocoa value chain.

Tony's wants to inspire other chocolate brands to do the same by joining them in their way of working in the Open Chain and becoming mission allies. Tony's believes that together, everyone can change the norm in the chocolate industry.

EPISODE QUESTIONS:

1. Tell us about what brought you to where you are today.


2. How do you define “Social Impact,” and measure the success of a Social Enterprise?


3. Paint a picture for us, how would a world that puts farmers first create equity and sustainability in the Cocoa Industry?


4. Tell us your strategy around collaboration and what that looks like?


5. What do you believe has shaped your consciousness around building an equitable business model?


6. Do you have any personal or professional failures that have helped shaped who you are?


7. How do you find Work/Life Integration and Well-Being as a Working Mom?


8. How do you practice Self-Care?


9. Tell us what your top three values are and why?


10. What advice would you have for aspiring social impact entrepreneurs? What resources and networks do you suggest they seek out?


11. What are questions a young professional should ask if they’re seeking out a company that they want to align with when it comes to their social values and mission?


12. What kind of legacy do you want to leave?

RESOURCES:

"Cocoa traders and processors make little distinction between certified and non-certified cocoa. It's all heaped together in one big pile and used by Western choco-giants. If you buy a bar of chocolate made with certified cocoa you know that somewhere in the world the equivalent quantity of certified beans was purchased. But they're not necessarily in your bar." - Want to learn more about the Cocoa Industry and how Tony's is making a difference in it? Visit Tony's Chocolonely on ⁠Instagram⁠ | ⁠Website⁠

CONNECT:

Connect with DelRae Messer on Instagram | Website

Connect with Joke Aerts on LinkedIn