Welcome to the E-commerce Germany News Podcast powered by the E-commerce Berlin Expo.

In this inspiring episode of the EGN Podcast, host Efe von Thenen speaks with Leoni Rossberg, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Groundbreaker, and dives into the world of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and how it can be an accessible and impactful avenue for businesses of all sizes. They discuss the importance of CSR in today’s corporate landscape and how initiatives like Groundbreaker make it easy for companies to contribute to meaningful change. 

Groundbreaker is a nonprofit organization rethinking impact to create positive change for all involved. Through their Groundbreaker Talents program in Uganda, they provide a sustainable path out of poverty and promote a more diverse talent pipeline in tech.

Learn about the pivotal role CSR plays in modern businesses and how it’s evolving from being a mere "add-on" to a core component of strategic growth. Leonie explains how CSR should touch every department, from HR to marketing, and why it’s no longer enough for companies to simply donate – they must integrate social responsibility into the very fabric of their operations. In an era where consumers demand transparency and authenticity, businesses need to understand the real impact of their actions, or risk losing consumer trust and market relevance.

Leonie also provides insights into the challenges and opportunities within the tech industry, particularly the lack of diversity and the talent shortage, and how Groundbreaker is addressing these issues. With their innovative "Groundbreaker Talents" program, they are training young women in Africa to become skilled software engineers, creating a sustainable pathway out of poverty through education and employment. Through this program, companies can contribute to a brighter future by offering mentorship and financial support, while also fostering a diverse talent pipeline that benefits both their business and society.

Throughout the episode, we explore the importance of CSR in the e-commerce industry, how consumer behavior is shifting toward supporting brands with ethical practices, and why companies that ignore sustainability and social initiatives risk being left behind. Leonie offers practical advice on how companies can start with small yet impactful CSR projects, avoid the pitfalls of "greenwashing," and engage their employees in meaningful ways that go beyond traditional volunteer trips

🟠 Interested in being a guest on our podcast? Reach out to us at pr@ecommerceberlin.com

Timestamps:

(00:00:00 ) Introduction

(00:01:19 ) Leonie Rosberg’s Background and Groundbreaker’s Mission

(00:04:39 ) What is Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)?

(00:07:59 ) The Lack of Diversity in Tech and the "Groundbreaker Talents" Program

(00:15:15 ) Groundbreaker's Impact: Training Women in Software Engineering in Uganda

(00:18:07 ) How Companies Can Start with CSR Initiatives

(00:19:13 ) The Power of Mentorship and Employee Engagement in CSR

(00:24:03 ) The Role of CSR in E-Commerce: Consumer Expectations and Trends

(00:29:20 ) How Groundbreaker Helps Companies Meet CSR and ESG Goals

(00:35:09 ) The Importance of Authentic CSR: Avoiding Greenwashing

(00:42:43 ) The Future of CSR and Sustainability in Business

(00:45:23 ) Leonie’s Vision for Groundbreaker’s Growth and Expansion

(00:50:00 ) Final Thoughts and How to Get Involved

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