Purpose 360

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: Resources + Links: Ziad Ahmed’s LinkedInUTA Acquires JUV ConsultingZiad Ahmed on EarnedCoachtopiaJUV Consulting’s Pro-Living Campaign

"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: Resources + Links: Connor Leipold’s LinkedInJohnson Outdoors’ 54-year historyClean Earth ChallengeCoral Reef Restoration with Mote

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: Resources + Links: Jim Greffet’s LinkedInESG at Eli LillyLilly 30x30

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: Resources + Links: Caryl Stern’s LinkedInLionTreeCaryl Stern’s PodcastCarol Cone on Listen on Purpose

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: Resources + Links: Justina Nixon-Saintil’s LinkedInIBM is skilling 30 million people globally by 2030IBM SkillsBuildIBM Sustainability Accelerator

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: Resources + Links: Martin Whittaker’s LinkedInThe 2024 JUST 100Contact JUST CapitalThe Case for Purpose

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: Resources + Links: Margaret Spence’s LinkedInAbout Margaret SpenceEmployee to CEO Action ProjectThe Inclusion Learning LabInclusion Unscripted Podcast

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: Resources + Links: Dayna Quanbeck’s LinkedInHow Rothy’s Makes Its ShoesHow Rothy’s Calculates Its Sustainability ImpactGive a Dime About PlasticRothy’s Recycling Program

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

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

In the ever-evolving business landscape, the state of purpose has faced significant challenges over the past year, many that have led to troubling ramifications. The politicization of the term “ESG” has caused companies to scale back their sustainability investments; an increasing number of DEI commitments and positions have also been reduced; and tensions between countries and political groups around the world continue to grow. And yet, the desperate needs of our planet and society are only intensifying and demanding more urgent action. And so, a pressing question arises: How can businesses continue to balance their commitment to purpose? We invited three purpose leaders to shed light on this crucial topic as we enter 2024. David Casey, Chief Inclusion and Social Impact Officer at Tapestry; Caryl Stern, Chief Impact Officer at LionTree and former Executive Director of the Walton Family Foundation and President & CEO of UNICEF USA; and Andy Pharoah, Vice President of Corporate Affairs and Sustainability at Mars, provide key insights into the needs of purpose in 2024 and offer valuable advice on how businesses can continue advancing purposeful impact despite barriers on the horizon. Resources + Links: David Casey’s LinkedInCaryl Stern’s LinkedInAndy Pharoah’s LinkedInPrevious Episodes: Episode 67: Building a Better Tomorrow with Mars Inc. (Andy Pharoah)Episode 149: Stretching What’s Possible with Tapestry (David Casey)

WSP, a leading engineering advisory and consulting firm, is paving the way to a sustainable and resilient future with its cutting-edge global innovation program, Future Ready. The program analyzes future trends through four lenses—Climate, Society, Technology, and Resources—to shape WSP’s approach to projects. From reviewing the evolving social and cultural norms influencing city design to rethinking resource utilization for a more efficient and sustainable economy, WSP is shaping a world that is not only functional, but sustainable and prosperous. We invited Alastair (Aly) MacGregor, Senior Vice President and Executive Business Line Leader for Property and Buildings at WSP USA, to speak about his recently released book Future Ready: Your Organization's Guide to Rethinking Climate, Resilience, and Sustainability. Aly shares insights on how other companies can redesign their sustainability plans to put climate and resiliency at the forefront of strategy and execution. Listen for insights on: Resources + Links: Aly MacGregor’s LinkedInFuture Ready ProgramFuture Ready: Your Organization’s Guide to Rethinking Climate, Resilience, and SustainabilityMcDonald’s Opens First Net-Zero Restaurant at Disney World

As we revel in the joy of the holiday season, it's important to remember that 2.3 billion of the world’s children are ensnared in the harsh realities of conflict, both in distant regions and right within our own communities. Save the Children stands as a beacon of hope for children worldwide, working to alleviate suffering and build brighter futures for vulnerable young lives. The organization’s work extends across a spectrum of services ranging from healthcare and education to protection, emergency response, policy advocacy, and local empowerment programs. In 2023, Save the Children has been at the forefront of some of the world's most pressing conflicts. From providing aid in the aftermath of the Turkey-Syria earthquake to offering support in the war-torn regions of Ukraine and addressing the ongoing conflict between Israel and Gaza, the organization has demonstrated unwavering commitment to children caught in the crossfires. We invited Perry Yeatman, Head of Corporate at Save the Children, to speak about the organization's remarkable century-long impact and how it is forging partnerships to create positive change for the children of the world. Listen for insights on: Resources + Links: Perry Yeatman’s LinkedInGive to Save the Children with matching between 5-10x your donationSave the Children in UkraineSave the Children in GazaSave the Children & the Movie "Barbie" Are Helping Children Achieve Their Dreams

Every 79 seconds, someone is killed or injured in a drunk or impaired driving crash in the United States. As we near the holiday season, this risk increases to approximately 21 million chances of encountering an accident between November 1 and January 1. Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) is the foremost non-profit leading the fight to prevent the devastating consequences of impaired driving. The organization has played a crucial role since its inception, reducing crashes by 50% through advocacy efforts, influencing federal policy, leading education initiatives, and providing support services to victims. Ultimately, the power to reduce drunk driving lies not with any organization but with the people who make the decision to drive impaired. So this holiday season, MADD is introducing its new year-end campaign and cause platform, ToGetThere, with the aim of increasing everyone’s chances to get home safely. We invited Stacey Stewart, CEO, and Kim Pucci, Senior Director of Marketing and Engagement, to speak to MADD’s impact, how you can make a plan to drive safely this holiday season, and how they plan to get “there”— to a world in which impairment puts no lives at risk. Listen for insights on: Resources + Links: Stacey Stewart’s LinkedInKim Pucci’s LinkedInSign the ToGetThere PledgeDrunken-Driving Warning Systems Would Be Required for New Cars Under U.S. BillMADD’s Power of Parents ProgramMADD’s Power of Youth ProgramMADD’s Victim Support

Macy's Inc., inclusive of companies Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s and Bluemercury, is setting the stage for a remarkable new era of purpose with their new statement, "Mission Every One." This commitment to creating a brighter, more equitable future set the stage for significant changes across the enterprise, including the revitalization of their annual holiday season campaign. With Mission Every One at its core, Macy's took a critical look at existing programs and partnerships to ensure alignment with its new purpose. This led to the conclusion of a beloved long-term cause partnership and a search for a new nonprofit partner. The search culminated in 2022 when Macy's announced Big Brothers, Big Sisters of America, a nonprofit organization dedicated to mentorship and youth development, as its new signature partner. The first year’s partnership results were astounding, with Macy’s raising $4.78 million for the nonprofit. We invited Bobby Amirshahi, Senior Vice President and Head of Communications, and Sam Di Scipio, Senior Director of Social Impact, to walk us through how they are continuing to put Mission Every One into action to create a brighter future with bold representation for all. Listen for insights on: Resources + Links: Bobby Amirshahi’s LinkedInSam Di Scipio’s LinkedInMission Every OneMacy’s Celebrates the Holiday Season With Big Brothers Big Sisters.S.P.U.R. Pathways

What kind of company would you create if you could start from a blank slate? Despite being spun off from 130+-year-old Merck, Organon had this unique opportunity. The women’s health, biosimilars, and established medicines company started from the beginning, defining a new mission, establishing a board of directors, and unifying their impact around a commitment to the global health of women and girls. Nearly half of the world’s pregnancies are unintended. Organon is working to change that by ensuring women around the world have the power to decide when and whether they will start a family, enabling them to live their promises. Through the Her Promise Access Initiative, Organon collaborates with organizations in the world's least developed regions to offer education, training, and affordable contraceptive options. Central to this effort is "Her Plan is Her Power," which empowers women to manage their reproductive health, reducing unplanned pregnancies and disparities in high-need areas. We invited Geralyn Ritter, EVP of Corporate Affairs, Sustainability & ESG, to explain how Organon was structured to create meaningful change and empower women to live their promise. Listen for insights on: Resources + Links: Geralyn Ritter’s LinkedInHer Promise Access InitiativeHer Plan is Her PowerMerck for MothersGeralyn’s First Purpose 360 Episode “An Act of Grace”

Operating a successful purpose-led company comes with its share of challenges — even to the companies that excel at it. Driving meaningful impact, investing in a sustainable future, and fostering employee engagement all require strategic decision making and often significant internal transformations. So how are the best companies navigating these challenges? An unwavering commitment and a well-defined strategic approach set purpose-driven champions apart from their peers. At PwC, this is brought to light through “Positive Equation,” the company’s purpose strategy, as well as its values, which are ingrained in day-to-day operations. We invited Shannon Schuyler, Chief Purpose & Inclusion Officer at PwC, to return to Purpose 360 to speak about the nuances and challenges of maintaining a purpose-driven approach through the lens of her work, challenges, and progress at PwC. Listen for insights on: Resources + Links: Shannon Schuyler’s LinkedInShannon’s 2022 Purpose 360 EpisodePwC’s New EquationDigital Upskilling at PwC

Welcome to the forefront of corporate citizenship, where the Civic 50, an initiative by Points of Light, stands as a beacon for businesses. For the past 11 years, Points of Light has recognized the 50 most community-minded companies through a rigorous annual survey. Only a few companies, including Citi and Hasbro, have been honored every year. For honorees, it's not just a badge of recognition but a strategic advantage, offering insights into where they stand relative to competitors and how to enhance their social impact. And for those businesses yet to participate, it serves as a blueprint for how to align their time, talent, and resources for impactful social change within both their operations and communities. We invited Kevin Colman, Senior Director of Global Philanthropy and Social Impact at Hasbro and President of the Hasbro Foundation, and Brandee McHale, Head of Community Investing and Development at Citi and President of Citi Foundation, to share practical advice and examples for how leading companies embed social responsibility and community impact into their business strategies and cultures. Listen for insights on: Resources + Links: Kevin Colman’s LinkedInBrandee McHale’s LinkedInCivic 50The 2024 Civic 50 Survey

Journalism’s “Golden Age” was very different from the profession today. It’s no longer about getting the big interview or capturing the nation’s attention with a blockbuster story. Now, anyone can simply go online to report their own news. The field is far from dying though. Gen Z’s entrance into the workforce highlights how the generation's values, combined with technological shifts, are shaping a different yet equally impactful era for journalism. We invited Gen Z’er Alexa Mikhail, reporter at Fortune Magazine, to share her journey from the classroom to the newsroom. Alexa also delves deep into her generation, exploring their resolute pursuit of authenticity, purpose, and work-life balance. Listen for insights on: Resources + Links: Alexa Mikhail’s LinkedInAlexa’s Mikhail’s Email for Article PitchingAlexa’s Fortune Magazine Articles“A crisis of confidence is plaguing women in menopause—and workplaces are failing to support them”

From designer fashion to sports equipment, the resale market is experiencing a renaissance like never before. In fact, the resale market has grown so exponentially that it is projected to reach $77 billion within the next few years. This is a big victory for sustainability, especially given the carbon footprint of the fashion industry. Keeping a t-shirt or pair of shoes in circulation longer is one of the greatest ways to counteract the impacts of fast fashion. With this rise in resale, there is a golden opportunity for the brands behind the products to get involved. This idea led Adam Siegel, now CEO, to co-found Recurate. Recurate is a platform that empowers clothing brands to embrace the circular economy through the potential of resale, offering tools to allow customers to buy resale and secondhand products seamlessly. By facilitating the transition to a circular business model, Recurate not only helps brands make a positive impact on the planet but also opens up new revenue streams and enhances their brand image in an increasingly conscious marketplace. Listen for insights on: Resources + Links: Adam Siegel’s LinkedInRecurateRecurate’s BrandsThe Circular Fashion is Now ReportEllen MacArthur Foundation’s Butterfly Diagram for Visualizing the Circular Economy