Paul Dunn is a widely respected business leader and four-time TEDx speaker. He was one of the original employees of Hewlett-Packard’s Australian division and went on to found a marketing firm that has assisted the growth of countless businesses. He is a disruptor both in business and in generosity, with the non-profit organization he chairs, B1G1 (Buy One Get One), enabling corporations to easily give back right into their business structures, creating over 164 million giving impacts to date.

In this episode, Paul discusses the tragedy that spurred him to donate on the spot, why so many companies are hesitant to give back, and his belief in “the power of small.”

Show Notes:

• How did Paul get to where he is?
  • Not through a Joseph Campbell's “hero’s story”but thanks to incredible luck.
  • He was headhunted from an early age and took inspiration from Silicon Valley culture.
  • Frequently worked with accountants and developed a unique perspective on the profession despite not being part of it.
  • Met a man named Pastor Silva, who related his experience with the 2004 Indian ocean tsunami that left his students orphaned and homeless. Was inspired to donate to the man and cover the children's housing and needs.
  • Realized in that moment that his life was no longer merely about business but giving value to the people he worked with.
  • Believes it's every businessperson obligation to be generous and help out.
  • Encounter with a deputy chef who had her own By One Give One program pushed him farther down the path to founding B1G1.
  
  
• What does Paul think is a key element of any business or organization?
  • To have systems that delight and inspire, pushing others to contribute and be the best selves they can be.
  
  
• What is “the power of small”?
  • When you forge connections not with your product but with the outcomes your product can provide to your users.
  
  
• What was the most challenging part of starting and growing B1G1?
  • Gaining the cooperation of organizations and companies to assist with this initiative.
  • Finding a way for B1G1 to be sustainable in and of itself.
  
  
• Why does Paul think so few businesses factor giving back into their business models?
  • The vast majority of businesses are typically smaller scale, and so the money they could give away is instead used to sustain themselves.
  • B1G1 is designed to work with smaller business models like these; the challenge is gaining traction and attention.
  • Businesses owners tend to also become obsessed with legacy and giving away eventually rather than in the moment; Paul wants them to “live” a legacy rather than “leave” one.
  
  
• What’s one story involving B1G1 has especially affected Paul?
  • The RIO Group, which focuses on recruitment, worked with local petrol companies in Australia to produce non-sniffable gasoline, reducing the amount of recreational gasoline sniffing by 94%.
  
  
• Who has been the most impactful person in Paul’s journey to do well and achieve financial success?
  • Masami Sato.
  
  
• Who has been the most impactful person in Paul’s drive to do good?
  • Once again, Masami Sato.
  
  
• When Paul is having a bad day, what does he do to get himself out of his funk?
  • Reads through his gratitude journal to remember what he’s grateful for.
  
  
• What book does Paul recommend to those seeking a more successful path in life?
  • The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg
  • Meaningful by Bernadette Jiwa
  
  
• What is the best piece of advice related to happiness Paul has for our listeners?
  • Find something you can feel grateful for.
  
  
• Places to find Paul:
  • B1G1
  
  

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“Rescuing Leftover Cuisine is a national 501(c)3 non-profit food rescue organization, operating in 16 cities and headquartered in New York City, that provides solutions to prevent excess wholesome cuisine from being wasted. RLC provides services such as food waste consulting, excess food delivery, co-branding services, and tax credit assistance.”

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