Purpose 360 with Carol Cone

Latest Episodes:

Taking the Unreasonable Path to Purpose with Daniel Epstein • Part 2 Feb 23, 2021

Show notes

At Unreasonable, impatience is a virtue. That’s because the most pressing social-global challenges of our day require immediate action, and the relentless pursuit of solutions can literally save lives.

This week, we continue our conversation with Daniel Epstein, founder of the Unreasonable Group, an organization working to solve some of the world’s toughest challenges by investing in bright ideas and early-stage social enterprises. Today, Unreasonable has a community of more than 240 companies across 180 countries, which have collectively impacted nearly 550 million lives.

Listen for Daniel’s insights on:

The value of polarities in addressing challenges—confidence vs humility, patience vs impatience, collaboration vs independence—and how balancing often opposing mindsets can accelerate progress.
How culture, especially in early-stage companies, truly does “eat strategy for breakfast,” and how to scale an authentic culture during rapid growth.
Why and how Unreasonable has partnered with big companies like Goldman Sachs to help find and scale ideas.

Links & Notes

(00:00) - Welcome to Purpose 360
(00:53) - Part 2: Guest Danel Epstein – Unreasonable Group
(01:36) - Working With High Net Worth Family Offices
(05:22) - The Future of Capitalism
(08:05) - Access to the IP
(09:58) - In the Know
(13:36) - Unreasonable.is
(17:02) - Best Practices in Storytelling
(18:15) - Not for Profits
(19:15) - Working Through COVID
(22:24) - Lightning Round
(25:41) - Three Insights
(29:25) - What's Next
(30:02) - Wrapping Up

Taking the Unreasonable Path to Purpose with Daniel Epstein • Part 1 Feb 16, 2021

Show notes

To learn more, we spoke with Daniel Epstein, founder of the Unreasonable Group, an organization working to solve some of the world’s toughest challenges by investing in bright ideas and early-stage social enterprises. Today, Unreasonable has a community of more than 240 companies across 180 countries, which have collectively impacted nearly 550 million lives.

Listen for Daniel’s insights on:

The value of polarities in addressing challenges—confidence vs humility, patience vs impatience, collaboration vs independence—and how balancing often opposing mindsets can accelerate progress.
How culture, especially in early-stage companies, truly does “eat strategy for breakfast,” and how to scale an authentic culture during rapid growth.
Why and how Unreasonable has partnered with big companies like Goldman Sachs to help find and scale ideas.

Links & Notes

(00:00) - Welcome to Purpose 360
(00:53) - Guest Danel Epstein
(02:58) - Being Unreasonable
(05:30) - Who Is Daniel Epstein?
(11:25) - From Institute to Group
(13:46) - Favorite Values
(17:04) - Why Are These Values Important to Success?
(19:10) - In the Know
(24:50) - Partnership with Barclay
(29:04) - Barclay's Shift
(30:48) - Other Examples of Companies Mentored & Flourishing
(33:07) - Communicating With the Bank
(35:32) - Finding Wisdom at the Bank
(36:58) - Another Partnership Example
(41:15) - Finding New Directions and Partners

Caring for Communities in the Time of COVID with PNC’s Sally McCrady Feb 02, 2021

Show notes

As a community bank, PNC has always had a strong commitment to areas and people the company serves. That includes a strong commitment to PNC employees and their families.

Throughout COVID-19, PNC has doubled down on its efforts to support employees, customers, and communities. To talk about the company’s rapid, human-centric response to the pandemic, we welcomed back to the show Sally McCrady, President and Chair of the PNC Foundation and Director of PNC Community Affairs.

Listen for Sally’s insights on:

How PNC’s relationship-driven culture guided decision-making during COVID-19 and empowered employees
How PNC handled PPP funding and went above and beyond to support its small business customers at the height of the pandemic
How PNC’s signature early childhood education program, Grow Up Great, was adapted to continue serving beneficiaries throughout the pandemic, from employee volunteerism to partnerships and programming

Links & Notes

(00:00) - Welcome to Purpose 360
(00:54) - Sally McCrady
(03:08) - How PNC Adapted in 2020
(05:37) - Pivoting to Elder and Child Care
(06:23) - Responding to Employee Needs First
(07:50) - Company Culture as Lens
(09:10) - Handling LFunding
(10:56) - Relef Effort Donation
(12:07) - Helping Other Financial Institutions
(12:52) - Grow Up Great
(15:46) - Making the Shift to Help Partners
(17:13) - Virtual Volunteerism
(18:27) - Integrating Grow Up Great into Company's Brand DNA
(20:50) - Insights for 2021
(22:52) - Struggles for Kids in Online Learning
(24:56) - How Grow Up Great Helped the Company Overall
(27:13) - Last Thoughts

Taking the Organic Dream Mainstream Part 2 Jan 19, 2021

Show notes

Natural and organic foods are pantry staples for most consumers today. But the movement is taking on new meaning—and urgency—as societies better understand the link between the food we eat and the health of our planet.

Mark Retzloff is one of the pioneers of the natural, organic, and sustainable food industry. Over his 5+ decades in the industry, Mark has started, led, and managed a roster of big-name natural food and beverage brands, including Horizon Organic Dairy, Alfalfa’s Markets, Aurora Organic Dairy, and more. Today, Mark leads Flock, an organization aimed at fast-tracking innovations in regenerative agriculture through investments, a network of experts, and an accelerator program with Techstars, among other initiatives.

Listen for Mark’s insights on:

How he co-founded Horizon Organic Dairy (at a time when organic wasn’t a thing) and scaled it to be one of the nation’s leading dairy brands
Why listening to consumers is vital on a journey to disrupt big, traditional industries like agriculture and food
How the power of holding onto a dream can help innovators navigate challenges and execute on visions

Links & Notes

(00:00) - Welcome to Purpose 360
(00:53) - Mark Retzloff Part II
(02:01) - Advice to Young Entrepreneurs and Companies
(05:05) - Picking the Team
(07:43) - Determining Who to Give Advice to
(09:29) - In the Know
(12:53) - Flock
(15:27) - What Is Regenerative Ag?
(16:59) - Partnering With Techstars on Regenerative Ag
(26:02) - Three Things
(31:13) - In Closing

Taking the Organic Dream Mainstream Part 1 Jan 12, 2021

Show notes

Listen for Mark’s insights on:

How he co-founded Horizon Organic Dairy (at a time when organic wasn’t a thing) and scaled it to be one of the nation’s leading dairy brands
Why listening to consumers is vital on a journey to disrupt big, traditional industries like agriculture and food
How the power of holding onto a dream can help innovators navigate challenges and execute on visions

Links & Notes

(00:00) - Welcome to Purpose 360
(00:53) - Mark Retzloff Part I
(05:38) - Mark's Journey
(15:00) - Organic
(16:56) - Responses
(18:18) - Growing the Organic Movement
(22:13) - Pros and Cons of Retail
(23:31) - Early Feedback
(25:52) - In the Know
(27:57) - Organic Food Production Act
(39:16) - Organic Dairy
(47:52) - Selling Horizon to Dean Foods
(49:56) - Media on Organic Milk
(51:57) - Next Week: Part II

Advancing a ‘Purpose Mindset’ at Microsoft and Beyond Dec 15, 2020

Show notes

Akhtar Badshah is an expert on social impact, CSR, philanthropy, and international development—in addition to being an author and artist. Akhtar spent a decade at Microsoft, acting as a senior director of citizenship and public affairs to lead the company’s global community investment and employee programs.

After leaving Microsoft, Akhtar founded Catalytic Innovators Group, a consulting practice focused on accelerating social impact through catalytic innovation. Additionally, he teaches at the University of Washington School of Business, and Evans School of Public Policy and Governance. His most recent book, Purpose Mindset, helps people recognize their deeper purpose in life—both in terms of who they want to become, and who they want to serve.

Listen for Akhtar’s insights on:

How Microsoft developed, evolved, and scaled its global citizenship efforts, including groundbreaking programs like YouthSpark; and how it engaged and empowered employees around the world through skilled volunteerism, gift matching, and more
How to advocate for investments and advancements in citizenship, philanthropy, and purpose within your organization
How adopting a “purpose mindset” can help both senior leaders and ground-floor employees bring personal purpose to work, and thus better invest in an organization’s purpose and the stakeholders it serves

Links & Notes

About Akhtar Badshah
Akhtar Badshah on LinkedIn
Catalytic Innovators Group
Purpose Mindset: How Microsoft Inspires Employees and Alumni to Change the World (Microsoft Alumni Network) by Akhtar Badshah

(00:00) - Welcome to Purpose 360
(00:44) - Akhtar Badshah
(04:15) - Akhtar's Background
(05:53) - Purpose Mindset
(07:02) - The Numbers
(09:46) - Establishing Microsoft's Giving Culture
(14:49) - Why Such Incredible Generosity?
(16:31) - Journey to the Great Giving Machine
(20:26) - Most Effective Ways to Get Employees Motivated
(22:18) - Individuals Who Created Their Own Movements
(28:54) - Opening Up to Sharing
(30:07) - Room to Read
(33:16) - Growth Vs. Purpose Mindset
(34:44) - In the Know
(37:37) - 5 Principles Contributing to a Purpose Mindset
(43:04) - From Know-It-Alls to Learn-It-Alls
(45:49) - Why It's So Important Today
(47:12) - Three Key Points to Creating a Giving Engine
(50:26) - Book Recommendation
(51:23) - Dumbledore Quote
(52:37) - Wrapping Up

Evofem’s “Soul” Purpose is to Improve the Lives of Women Part 2 Dec 08, 2020

Show notes

Pioneering business and bioscience leader Saundra Pelletier embodies resilience and fortitude. Her company, Evofem Biosciences, exists to give women control over their sexual and reproductive health. It’s doing so with a first-of-its-kind hormone free, on-demand prescription birth control gel, Phexxi.

Leading, funding, and scaling a biosciences company is challenging, let along one with an unyielding commitment to social impact at its core. Saundra, who fills the role of CEO, President, and Executive Director, calls Evofem’s sole purpose its “soul” purpose—and that centers on bringing to market products that address unmet needs in women’s reproductive and sexual health. It’s been a challenging road, but one that Saundra has been proud to travel with the growing Evofem team.

Listen for Saundra’s insights on:

How social issues and user insights can guide business and product development
Why Evofem put social impact at the center of the business, and how Saundra has evolved and scaled the model, including plans to eventually distribute Phexxi in the developing world
Why focusing on “the little things”—like kindness and thoughtfulness—can make all the difference in building a successful business and empowering employees

Links & Notes

(00:00) - Welcome to Purpose 360
(01:54) - Introduction to Part 2 with Saundra Pelletier
(02:58) - Evofem's Phexxi
(05:30) - Marketplace Response
(06:38) - Distributing to the Developing World
(07:50) - Advice to Women Wanting to Go Into Bioscience
(10:05) - Composition of Investors
(11:28) - Response From Physicians
(13:32) - Social Media Reactions
(15:20) - Comparing to the Little Blue Pill
(15:48) - In the Know
(18:48) - Insights for Entrepreneurs Wanting to Advance Women's Sexual Health
(20:37) - Dealing With Cancer
(23:54) - Three Points to Share
(27:20) - Last Thoughts
(28:22) - Wrapping Up

Evofem’s “Soul” Purpose is to Improve the Lives of Women Part 1 Dec 01, 2020

Show notes

Listen for Saundra’s insights on:

How social issues and user insights can guide business and product development
Why Evofem put social impact at the center of the business, and how Saundra has evolved and scaled the model, including plans to eventually distribute Phexxi in the developing world
Why focusing on “the little things”—like kindness and thoughtfulness—can make all the difference in building a successful business and empowering employees

Links & Notes

(00:48) - Welcome to Purpose 360
(01:53) - Introduction to Saundra Pelletier
(03:48) - Saundra's Background
(06:07) - Her Work Starts
(07:48) - Her Trip to Africa
(09:18) - Shifting to Non-Profit
(12:39) - The Numbers
(14:08) - Starting Evofem
(16:36) - In the Know
(19:47) - Meeting FDA Approval While Also Empowering Women
(22:16) - The FDA Journey
(25:16) - Resilience During Challenges
(27:12) - Their Sole Purpose Is Their Soul Purpose
(29:34) - Part 2 Next Week

Scaling Activism at Patagonia Nov 17, 2020

Show notes

Long considered the “gold standard” for purpose-driven companies, Patagonia might be considered an activist organization that happens to sell apparel and outdoor gear. This week, we continue our conversation with Corley Kenna on the organization’s move to becoming a B-Corp, scaling community activism and more.

Listen for Corley’s insights on:

How Patagonia developed and evolves key purpose-led initiatives including Patagonia Action Works, Tin Shed Ventures, Patagonia Provisions, Patagonia Films, and Worn Wear
How Patagonia enforces transparency throughout the business and supply chain, including addressing its own ills and articulating clear steps forward
Why Patagonia has thrived as a business while taking sometimes contentious, and frequently unapologetic stances based on values—such as telling customers “don’t buy this jacket” or encouraging advocates to “vote out the a**holes”
How Patagonia empowers its employees to live the company’s values—and their own—through industry-leading initiatives and benefits

Links & Notes

(00:00) - Welcome to Purpose 360!
(01:04) - Patagonia Part 2
(02:28) - Leadership
(04:21) - New CEO Ryan Gellert
(07:08) - Ryan's Special Question
(08:23) - Yvon's Involvement
(09:40) - Becoming a B-Corp
(11:46) - Scaling Actions Like Time to Vote
(15:16) - In the Know
(17:27) - Products
(20:42) - Patagonia's Films
(23:38) - How to Start Your Shift to Be Purpose-Focused
(26:20) - Advancing Your Purpose Further
(28:44) - Surround Sound Storytelling
(29:59) - Communicating to Every Employee
(31:41) - Parting Words
(32:03) - Wrapping Up

Patagonia is in Business to Save the Planet Nov 10, 2020

Show notes

Long considered the “gold standard” for purpose-driven companies, Patagonia might be considered an activist organization that happens to sell apparel and outdoor gear. While founder Yvon Chouinard placed the stewardship of our Earth at the center of the business from day one, Patagonia has only deepened its foothold in environmental issues, from climate activism to the protection of public lands.

To talk about Patagonia’s radical journey and trail-blazing approach to purpose, Purpose 360 welcomed Corley Kenna, Director of Global Communications and Public Relations. Listen for Corley’s insights on:

How Patagonia developed and evolves key purpose-led initiatives including Patagonia Action Works, Tin Shed Ventures, Patagonia Provisions, Patagonia Films, and Worn Wear
How Patagonia enforces transparency throughout the business and supply chain, including addressing its own ills and articulating clear steps forward
Why Patagonia has thrived as a business while taking sometimes contentious, and frequently unapologetic stances based on values—such as telling customers “don’t buy this jacket” or encouraging advocates to “vote out the a**holes”
How Patagonia empowers its employees to live the company’s values—and their own—through industry-leading initiatives and benefits

Links & Notes

(00:00) - Welcome to Purpose 360!
(02:02) - The Numbers
(05:17) - Corley Kenna
(13:10) - Who Is Patagonia?
(14:35) - Yvon
(16:49) - Shifting New Mission Statement Through Co's Ecosystem
(18:25) - Scale and Call to Action
(20:17) - In the Know – The Dialogue Project
(22:38) - Sharing Best Practices
(24:23) - Time for Employees
(26:36) - COVID & BLM
(29:06) - Holistic Solutions
(31:23) - Patagonia Action Works
(34:37) - Patagonia's Public Trust Trailer

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