Building on Zeno Group’s recent report on “Allies & Advocates,” which provides a new blueprint for civil society engagement in an increasingly polarized world, Paul Holmes sat down with Sarah Ogden, chief client officer for Zeno in London, and Georg Schmitt, former head of stakeholder engagement for the World Economic Forum and now a member of Zeno’s reputation advisory board, to discuss the report’s recommendations.

Looking at corporate engagement with civil society issues on a continuum that starts with mere compliance, progresses through support and advocacy, and culminated in activism, the report found that both consumers and executives feel the “sweet spot” is in the middle: with companies supporting and advocating for social causes. The discussion focused on a strategic approach that can help companies decide when and how to engage.