We live in woke times. What started as a way to show one's awareness of social and especially racially motivated injustices has itself been culturally appropriated by a myriad of other groups and causes, including big business. Corporate wokery appears to be everywhere.

At Apella, we are pro purpose and have seen first-hand the transformative benefits a genuine desire to do the right thing can have on the fortunes of an organisation. But when a firm signals its virtue, how do we know if its genuine and not just purpose washing? Is it really the responsibility of a firm to fix the social ills of society?

As always we'd like to hear from you. Do you think it's important for companies to take a stand on environmental and social issues or should they stick to what they are designed for - generating a fair and reasonable rate of return? Get in touch with us on social media or email [email protected]

Our guest on this episode is Apella founder partner Jenny Scott. Jenny has worked as Executive Director of Communications at the Bank of England and co-lead for Bank wide strategy. She was also advisor to the Governor, and sat on the Bank's executive committee and risk committee. Formerly economics and politics correspondent for the BBC and presenter of the Daily Politics she is now trustee of Pro Bono Economics.

The Little Questions podcast is presented by Matt Young and Andrew Brown.

Matt Young is an Apella founder partner with 25 years of experience in Corporate Affairs. He was corporate affairs director at Lloyds Banking Group, part of the senior team which rescued the bank and rebuilt its reputation following the financial crisis. Formerly communications director at Santander UK and board member of the BBA.

Apella partner Andrew Brown is a former Director of Communications and Public affairs at Ageas Insurance, Andrew has more than ten years' experience leading the corporate affairs functions for global, listed, multifaceted firms across a range of regulated and unregulated sectors. Formerly Director of Communications at Drax Group plc and Group Corporate Affairs Director at Regus plc.

Find out more about Apella Advisors at www.apellaadvisors.com and you can get in touch by emailing [email protected]

This podcast was produced by the www.thepodcastcoach.co.uk