Yes, our work environments have shifted lately! And many leaders may be feeling a little disoriented. If you are looking for a way to enhance your work for greater success, this episode is for you. The good news is this: You don’t have to start over completely. You can build on what has worked in the past when our companies  faced monumental challenges. Mark Lorch, former union steward and leader extraordinaire, shares his stories of how an oil refinery with 11 labor unions found the secrets to transformation. They moved from an adversarial culture to a workplace characterized by respect and the quest for common ground. Hear him tell how they did it.  The universal truths in his stories can help us now as we too seek common ground.

How can you take risks, learn, and grow while our world is in crisis? My guests offer timely advice based on their lives as outdoor adventurers and organizational experts. For many years, Geoff Powter and Kathi Irvine have traveled the world while also helping leaders change themselves and their companies. And, Geoff is a renowned mountain writer who has climbed in the mountain ranges of Nepal, Peru, Morocco, France, Switzerland, and Italy. From their home in the Canadian Rockies, Geoff, and his life and business partner, Kathi Irvine join us. 

Stressed anyone? Our world right now is challenging to say the least. Yet what a great time to learn, according to Jerry Abrams, Envisioneer, Center for Creative Leadership, and Adjunct faculty and Senior Fellow with Virginia Tech's  Center for Leadership in Global Sustainability (CLiGS). In this episode, Jerry shares a simple roadmap for how to learn,  become a stronger leader, and develop greater resilience through a practice that requires a mere 10 - 15 minutes a day!

Brands with purpose are more resilient than others, according to Denise Roberson, Chief Purpose Officer of TWBA/Chiat/Day. In this episode, she provides evidence of the strength that comes from brand purpose. She provides examples of how purpose has guided the decisions and actions of some of our most iconic brands.  And Denise shares how you can lean on your purpose to make quicker and better decisions. 

Here we are in the middle of one of the worst crises our world has ever faced. We are living through tough times! Yet each of our guests this season brings messages of hope and optimism. Their common theme is we can get through this crisis together. Every guest shares uplifting advice for these gloomy days to brighten our outlook and show us how we can become stronger and more resilient as we continue to pursue our purpose and live our values. Listen to this preview of Season 2. 

So you want your company to make a positive social and environmental contribution intentionally. How do you make this happen? If you are in Kentucky, you can turn to Canopy; the nonprofit Scott Koloms created to help businesses make money while addressing some of our world's toughest problems. In this episode, Scott offers all of us tips on how to get started in Kentucky or any place. According to Scott, the magic is in finding a solution to a business problem that will also have a direct and measurable social benefit. He talks about how to hit those home runs.

"It's all about how you make your money and how you spend your money," according to my guest for this episode, Carolyn Berkowitz, president of the Association of Corporate Citizenship Professionals. Of course, this advice applies to all of us whether we are thinking of starting a corporate citizenship program in our companies or considering our actions as workers and consumers. Carolyn offers intriguing ideas for starting corporate social responsibility programs without a lot of complexity and expense, no matter what your company size. And what if you don't run a company? Her tips are thought-provoking for every one of us as we work and buy.

So you want to make a positive impact on your world through your work?  Great!  However, let’s face it. Our passion for doing good isn’t always enough to make it happen. My guest this week shows you how to start out with a simple commitment and fulfill it through intentional and mindful actions. In this episode, Scott Koloms, President of Facility Management Services (FMS), shares his journey to make a positive social impact through his work. His company is the world's first janitorial service to become a B Corps!  And they just landed a coveted spot on Real Leaders Impact Awards. This ranking includes the top 100 companies growing by doing good. Join us to hear how he did it and what you can do to make your desire for positive impact real.

Hey, you aspiring social entrepreneurs. Have you been considering how you can create a business for both profit and social impact?  If so, this episode is for you!

Now if you are thinking, “I am not ready to start a business so this episode doesn’t apply to me,” stick with me, because my guest today shares some nuggets that will help you increase your power for good works no matter what your vocation or job.  

Anne Chambers, a serial entrepreneur, has been starting social impact businesses since the ’90s. And yes, her aim with these startups is to make a profit as well.  How does she do it? In this episode, Anne shares her secrets including how to co-create a business with your prospective customers.

So you think the rapid growth of your purpose-driven company will increase your social impact. But how do you expand it without losing the unique culture that made it excel in the first place? If you are wondering how you can hold on to your positive culture and scale it up as you grow, this podcast is for you. Bryan de Lottinville, the founder and CEO of Benevity, the global leader in corporate social responsibility and employee engagement software, shares stories about how he started his B corporation and how he is scaling the culture as the business faces the challenges of breakneck growth.