Carol Cone

CEO
Carol Cone ON PURPOSE

Carol is internationally recognized for her work in Purpose and CSR. Carol Cone ON PURPOSE is the return to her entrepreneurial roots and life’s passion: to educate, inspire and accelerate purpose programs and impacts for organizations, nonprofits and individuals around the globe.

Carol is internationally recognized for her work in purpose, corporate citizenship and CSR. Carol Cone ON PURPOSE is her third enterprise activating her purpose: to educate, inspire and accelerate purpose strategy, programs and impacts for corporations, brands, nonprofits and current and emerging professionals around the globe.  For more than 35 years, Cone has embraced a steadfast commitment to leading the purpose movement. Cone has executed over 250 purpose programs—from overall enterprise purpose to social purpose, ESG strategies and communications, to cause branding and nonprofit positioning, fundraising and stakeholder engagement. To amplify the value of purpose, over her career she has conducted more than 30 research studies to educate and inspire professionals to embrace this critical strategy. She also hosts the podcast Purpose 360, which has more than 110 episodes to date. And to support more powerful business and nonprofit partnerships, she authored Breakthrough Nonprofit Branding. This extensive body of work has gained her fascinating descriptions: Purpose Queen (from the BBC), one of the world’s 7 Sustainability Pioneers (Sustainable Brands) to “arguably the most powerful and visible figure in the world of ‘Cause Branding’ (PRWeek Power List). Her most special personal moment: meeting the Dalai Lama, prior to her speech in Calgary, titled “The Power of Business for Good.” When she met him, he held her hand for 5 minutes. It was about a week before she got the nerve to wash that hand.

Carol Cone is tagged in 42 assets. Page 1 of 3.
Article
Corporate Purpose in a Post-Election US: A Call for Continued Leadership

Companies that continue directing their resources and influence to create meaningful impact will not just survive but grow during the upcoming administration. Our research shows that the US public are ready for this leadership — now, it's up to bus... View More

Article
How Whirlpool, Washing Machine Project Are Bridging ‘the Global Washing Divide’

The Washing Machine Project and the Whirlpool Foundation are scaling distribution of a hand-cranked washing machine to help women and girls in remote areas reclaim time for education, work and personal growth — ushering in a new era of laundry that... View More

Article
$7M: How the Cost of a Super Bowl Ad Could Transform Lives

We challenge all of these advertisers to skim the nonprofits below and think about diverting even $1M of their game-time spend to instead address urgent social issues. ... View More

Article
Why ‘Authentic’ Has Been My Word of the Year Since 1983

For organizations ready to embrace the word of the year, here are 3 suggestions for how your organization can embed and bring to life a truly authentic, activated purpose. ... View More

Article
Authentic Purpose: How Bruce Katz, Founder and CEO of Rockport Shoe Company, Ignited My Purpose Journey

I learned a tremendous amount about creating an authentic purpose from Rockport’s journey. Together, we created one of the first purpose-driven companies. Thank you, Bruce, for that opportunity. ... View More

Article
Measure What Matters: Are You Optimizing Purpose to Uplift Your Workforce?

A first-of-its-kind diagnostic tool is helping companies ensure their purpose supports outcomes including talent attraction and retention, employee engagement, and performance. ... View More

Article
A CEO’s Perspective: 7 Insights to Discover and Activate Authentic Purpose

Kerry Group CEO Edmond Scanlon and Chief Corporate Affairs and Brand Officer Catherine Keogh share how the purpose-discovery process transformed the $7B company. ... View More

Article
The Power of $7M: How Companies Can Make a Lasting Impact with Their Super Bowl Ad Budget

Directing $7M to improving lives instead of selling products sends a powerful message of hope and generosity to millions of Super Bowl fans. ... View More

Video
Purpose and the Power of "We": Employees As Your Organization's Growth Engine

In the era of "Great Contemplation" and quiet quitting, employees are seeking opportunities to apply their personal purpose at work. Experts in organizational purpose, employee engagement, workforce development, and ESG will share actionable approach... View More

Slides
Purpose and the Power of "We": Employees As Your Organization’s Growth Engine

In the era of "Great Contemplation" and quiet quitting, employees are seeking opportunities to apply their personal purpose at work. Experts in organizational purpose, employee engagement, workforce development, and ESG will share actionable approach... View More

Slides
Purpose and the Power of "We": Employees As Your Organization’s Growth Engine

In the era of "Great Contemplation" and quiet quitting, employees are seeking opportunities to apply their personal purpose at work. Experts in organizational purpose, employee engagement, workforce development, and ESG will share actionable approach... View More

Article
Study: Employees Demanding More Meaning from Their Work Than Pre-Pandemic

New report from Allison+Partners, Carol Cone ON PURPOSE and The Harris Poll finds the C-Suite recognizes the imperative for organizational Purpose; yet, lack of alignment across functions threatens impact. ... View More

Article
Any Road Will Take You There, If You Don’t Know Where (or Why) You’re Going: Defining Purpose

While some sustainability terms have stood the test of time, others are now outdated. No matter what terms you use, you and your colleagues should have a shared understanding of what “purpose” means in your organization to gain its greatest benef... View More

Article
Super Bowl Ads Cost $6.5M This Year – What If Brands Used That Money for Good?

Advertising is a critical element for business success; and successful businesses are better positioned to give back to society. But we believe the societal impact of $6.5M can do far more to authentically connect stakeholders with brands than a half... View More

Video
Day 3-B3B2: Purpose as Critical Connective Tissue for Organizations in an Uncertain and Volatile World

This session will analyze how purpose could increasingly serve as critical connective tissue for companies in a COVID next world. This session will showcase leading company examples how purpose is embedded into an organization to impact culture, oper... View More

Article
'Bringing Humanity Back to Business': 10 Insights from Paul Polman

Carol Cone — internationally recognized Purpose pioneer and host of the Purpose 360 podcast — spoke with the former Unilever CEO and fellow Purpose pioneer on the eve of the release of his new book, Net Positive. ... View More

Slides
The Evolution of Purpose-Driven Leadership and What to Expect Next

Draw insightful observations from the long evolution of purpose-driven brand leadership using these slides from the SB'21 Trend Watching session "The Evolution of Purpose-driven Leadership and What to Expect Next" with Carol Cone.... View More

Video
The Evolution of Purpose-driven Leadership and What to Expect Next

This talk will draw insightful observations and lessons from the long evolution of purpose-driven brand leadership, taking into consideration the ‘whole arc’ of activating purpose in business. Pioneer and thought leader in the space Carol Cone wi... View More

Article
What Will Be Your Organization’s Authentic Purpose in 2021?

The power of authentic purpose comes from integrating it into an organization such that it generates shared value for all stakeholders. Here are my suggestions for organizations to define and integrate a truly authentic, activated purpose. ... View More

Slides
Purpose 360 Ebook

Purpose 360 was created to elevate and illuminate the leading companies, brands, NGOs, and individuals in the field of purpose. Since launching in late 2018, hosts Carol Cone and Chris Noble have interviewed nearly 60 organizations on the purpose jou... View More

Upcoming Events

June 8-10, 2026
SB'26 San Diego
US Event

February 18-19, 2026
SB'26 Tokyo
US Event