Walking the Talk
These companies have moved beyond pledges and are making good on their commitments to pursuing a purpose beyond profit.
The Role of Business in the Racial Equity and Justice Movement
Cross-Posted from Organizational Change. Every problem that confronts the US today can be traced back to racist ideology. Businesses cannot survive on just the small percentage of the very wealthy buying goods. Mass incarceration, poverty, healthcare disparities — all of these issues affect your bottom line and profits.
#JustBrands: To Push Cultural Change, Brands Must Unpack Their ‘BAGS’
Cross-Posted from Organizational Change. After a humbling, informative and inspiring first day, day two of Sustainable Brands’ Just Brands virtual event examined case studies of DEI excellence in practice.
#JustBrands: To Effectively Address Equity, Brands Need to Rebuild From Within
Cross-Posted from Organizational Change. Day 1 of Sustainable Brands’ Just Brands virtual event brought together business, racial justice and social good leaders for frank discussions on the context for racial inequities in the US, what equity really means in 2020, and businesses' role in creating it.
Target Reveals Sweeping Action Plan to Advance Racial Equity
Cross-Posted from Organizational Change. Target’s new Racial Equity Action and Change committee (REACH) has created an action plan which focuses on four areas: Team, Guests, Communities and Civic Engagement and Public Policy.
Coalition of CEOs Endorses Economic Roadmap for Sustainable Post-COVID Recovery
Cross-Posted from The Next Economy. In an open letter, the group of 14 CEOs calls on governments to accelerate such a transition by recognizing and supporting purpose-first business as an emerging fourth sector of the economy.
Viola Brands: A Case Study in Cultivating Racial Equity
Cannabis producer Viola Brands is determined to increase minority representation in the industry. Its Viola Cares program provides education, employment and other resources; in order to create 10,000 jobs within the cannabis industry for Black people.
The Role of Black Employees in Creating Equitable Workplaces
Cross-Posted from Organizational Change. We are living in a moment that’s demanding employers to change the way in which they position themselves — if they really believe in inclusion — while Black employees can really evaluate where they are and how they feel about their workplace.
Trending: Banking Giants Begin to Walk Their Talk on Climate Change
Cross-Posted from Finance & Investment. A 1% for the Planet account from Bank of the West, and new actions from Morgan Stanley and BlackRock, could signal turning point in big finance.
Cartwright to Brands: Look Inward Before Responding to Social Issues
Cross-Posted from Marketing and Comms. Keith Cartwright, the creative force behind such powerful statement ads as P&G’s “The Look” and “The Choice,” shares his insights and advice to brands and agencies on how to most authentically respond in times of crisis.
Social Impact: A Sales Tool for the Post-Pandemic World
While the majority of companies recognize that social impact is valuable, few have managed to successfully integrate it into one of the most mission-critical activities: their sales strategy.
The COVID Covenant: Don’t Go Back — Go Big and Go Now!
We know that we can buy less, use less, work from home, drive less, collaborate more; and have business, society and government move faster — because we just did all of that. How can we respond as powerfully and courageously to other super-critical threats?
Good Start — But Let’s Move from ‘Brand Say’ to ‘Brand Do’
Much-needed updates to a growing number of brands in response to the Black Lives Matter movement is a great start. But deep, lasting impact requires two main actions — apologies; and adjusting the social paradigm.
Caremongering: The Future of Sustainable Enterprise
Cross-Posted from The Next Economy. COVID-19 accelerated a shift from “me” to “we”; and a new trend called "caremongering" not only characterizes people's behavior towards each other, but what they look for in the companies they support. At Fjord, we believe those companies designing with the benefit of all life in mind will thrive now and in the decade ahead.
Research Shows Business Imperative for Authentic Action to Address Social Injustices
The latest Porter Novelli Purpose Tracker reveals a new mandate for US companies to authentically and substantively address racial inequality and myriad social justice issues.
Kolster to Brands: Avoid the ’Hero Trap’ and Close the Intention-Action Gap
Internationally recognised speaker and author Thomas Kolster, also known as Mr. Goodvertising, takes a hatchet to his earlier beliefs around purpose-driven brands in a new book, “The Hero Trap.” He says the one question brands need to be asking and acting on to change behaviors at scale and unlock sustainable growth that benefits all is ‘Who can you help people become?’
Storytelling Has the Power to Eliminate Institutional Racism, Forever
Corporate America, through storytelling, can eliminate institutional racist policies and laws to create economic opportunities for African Americans; and hence, themselves. I urge every corporation to create storytelling programs to weave your employee/client/supplier base into a seamless diversity quilt.
Black Lives Matter; Racial Equity Is Fundamental to Our Vision of a Flourishing Future
We must foster resilient and just societies in order to solve the major challenges that face the world. So, systemic racism and barriers to equity must be embedded into the sustainability equation and conversation.
Brands Speak Out to Support Black Lives Matter, But Actions Speak Louder
Cross-Posted from Marketing and Comms. Brands are more willing than ever to take public stands in support of important issues. But while many aren’t much more than social media sound bytes, others go beyond lip service to action.
Learning from Leadership: How to Create a Climate-Positive, Post-Pandemic Future
Cross-Posted from The Next Economy. Embracing serendipity, climate positivity and wisdom from the natural world are just a few pertinent principles from the host of inspiring discussions on day 1 of the SB Leadership Summit — along with a shift in focus to being “known for what we allocate, not what we accumulate.”
What Would Carbon Neutrality Mean for Small Businesses?
Cross-Posted from Business Case. No matter the size of your company, there are certainly steps you could be taking to move closer to the elusive dream of net zero. In no way is the path to carbon neutrality easy, but bearing any costs and challenges now could secure the future success of your business.
