In turbulent times marked by economic volatility, environmental breakdowns, and widespread distrust, what we’re experiencing may feel unprecedented—but we’ve been here before. And as Paul Polman reminds us in his milestone conversation with Carol Cone, we are not without a compass. Paul, the former CEO of Unilever, is one of today’s most respected voices in sustainable leadership. He joined the 200th episode of Purpose 360 not to sugarcoat the challenges, but to ground us in enduring truths.

Paul’s insights are rooted both in strategy and humanity. He speaks of sustainability as the “heart of business,” where values like dignity, compassion, and the Golden Rule are guiding principles. He urges leaders to develop their own “inner core” to build resilient businesses but also resilient selves—emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. And he reminds us that real leadership today means moving from “human doings” back to human beings. Business, he says, must be structured to serve—anchored in long-term purpose and in solidarity with both people and planet.

At its core, Paul’s message to leaders and companies is both visionary and deeply grounded. He challenges companies to stop whispering behind closed doors and instead step forward together with clarity, courage, and moral conviction. The future, he believes, belongs to those who act with heart. And in a world that often feels fractured, Paul’s voice is a steady reminder that it’s our shared humanity—and our willingness to serve others—that will lead us through.

Listen for key insights on why:

• “Soft” values are the most strategic and essential
• Business must serve humanity (not the other way around)
• Successful leadership starts from within
• Silence to political changes is not a neutral position 

Resources + Links:

• Paul Polman’s LinkedIn
• Paul Polman’s Website
• Net Positive
• IMAGINE
• Paul’s Reflection on the Passing of Pope Francis

• (00:00) - Welcome to Purpose 360

With the frequency and intensity of natural disasters rising, companies are increasingly stepping up to play a role in relief and recovery. But while any financial aid is beneficial to and appreciated by responders and impacted communities, lengthy grant approvals, short-term funding, and rigid spending restrictions can unintentionally hinder responders instead of helping them.

We invited Amy Strecker, President of Duke Energy Foundation, to discuss how corporate foundations can best serve impacted communities after a disaster. Duke Energy Foundation is a leader in disaster response, prioritizing rapid aid, sustained recovery, and employee engagement. By fostering strong partnerships with local organizations and prioritizing both immediate relief and long-term rebuilding, Duke Energy Foundation ensures that communities are not just recovering—but emerging stronger and more resilient.

Disasters test the strength of communities, but they also reveal the power of collective action. Duke Energy Foundation’s approach demonstrates that when businesses step up with urgency, flexibility, and a long-term vision, they don’t just help communities rebuild—they help them thrive.

Listen for key insights on:

• Grantmaking strategies for disaster response
• Barriers a grant can create to a nonprofit organization and how to avoid creating them
• Mobilizing employees—regardless of their role—in disasters
• Building strong partnerships before disaster strikes

Resources + Links:

• Amy Strecker’s LinkedIn
• Duke Energy Foundation
• Duke Energy Foundation commits $1 million to support communities impacted by Hurricane Helene
• Duke Energy Line Worker Training

• (00:00) - Welcome to Purpose 360

The momentum behind diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) came to an abrupt halt at the start of the year. DE&I initiatives once championed as a force for workplace equity and growth are now being condemned, sidelined, and stripped of their visibility—at least until political winds shift again. But at what cost?

We invited Margaret Spence, an expert and advocate for transformative and inclusive change, to discuss the cost of these reduced investments and what organizations can do to respond. Margaret motivates leaders to not focus on the term “DE&I,” but on what inclusion truly means for a culture, a workplace, and our collective future. Companies must shift from performative actions to unshakable and deeply embedded commitments that are designed to withstand political and economic turbulence.

Margaret reminds us that the next generation deserves better than what we are willing to give it today. It is up to all of us—companies, employees, and communities—to ensure that the workplaces of tomorrow do not regress but instead rise to meet the promise of true inclusion. The question is not whether DE&I will survive, but whether we are willing to fight for the future it represents.

Listen for key insights on:

• Shifting language away from traditional DEI terms
• How individuals—and not just corporations—can advance inclusion
• The threat of AI to workplace equity 

Resources + Links:

• Margaret Spence’s LinkedIn
• Margaret Spence on Episode 165 of Purpose 360
• Margaret Spence’s Website
• New York Times: These Words Are Disappearing in the New Trump Administration

• (00:00) - Welcome to Purpose 360

In 2020, the newly founded Truist Foundation was defining its philanthropic priorities when the COVID-19 pandemic changed everything. The Foundation quickly pivoted to provide rapid response support, setting up an open grant application portal and deploying an initial $25 million—which later doubled to $50 million—to provide critical relief to communities hit the hardest. This approach not only solidified Truist Foundation’s commitment to community care but also laid the groundwork for how it would address future crises with urgency, empathy, and impact.

This strategy became crucial when Hurricane Helene hit Western North Carolina in 2024, leaving 250,000 homes impacted across 39 counties. Truist Foundation, alongside the broader company, responded with a $700 million commitment to long-term recovery in the region. From immediate essentials like water and supplies to innovative support like mobile showers for impacted residents, Truist ensured aid went beyond financial assistance.

We invited Lynette Bell, President of Truist Foundation, to discuss how Truist’s commitment to disaster relief has evolved since the pandemic, the lessons learned along the way, and how their work continues to uplift communities with care, dignity, and long-term support.

Listen for key insights on:

• The benefit of rapid response philanthropy when disasters hit
• How to adapt philanthropic strategy in real time to meet urgent community needs
• How Truist Foundation’s work generates business value

Resources + Links:

• Lynette Bell’s LinkedIn
• Truist Foundation
• Truist Foundation Grant Application
• Truist Cares for Western North Carolina
• Inspire Awards

• (00:00) - Welcome to Purpose 360

Changemakers from One Young World Series

Host Carol Cone interviews Elio Leoni Sceti, co-founder of The Craftory, a mission-driven investment firm focused on responsible consumer packaged goods (CPG). Elio shares insights into The Craftory’s approach to funding purpose-led brands that embed sustainability and social impact at their core. He discusses the evolution of consumer consciousness, the challenges of scaling ethical brands, and the importance of integrating responsible practices into a company's DNA rather than treating them as a marketing afterthought. For young changemakers, he emphasizes the power of bold thinking, strategic focus, and perseverance in building businesses that drive meaningful impact.

This episode is part of our multi-episode series featuring some of the world’s most influential changemakers who attended the 2024 One Young World Summit, a global forum that brings together young leaders from 190+ countries to accelerate social impact.

Resources + Links:

• Elio Leoni Sceti’s LinkedIn
• The Craftory
• One Young World

• (00:00) - Welcome to Purpose 360

Changemakers from One Young World Series

Host Carol Cone interviews Tendai Mtawarira, also known as "The Beast," a renowned rugby player and gold medalist from South Africa. Tendai shares insights from his illustrious rugby career and his inspiring work with The Beast Foundation, which he founded to give back to the next generation. He discusses his commitment to empowering youth across Africa through education, sports, and leadership development, highlighting programs like "Lead Like a Girl," aimed at supporting young girls from marginalized communities.

This episode is part of our multi-episode series featuring some of the world’s most influential changemakers who attended the 2024 One Young World Summit, a global forum that brings together young leaders from 190+ countries to accelerate social impact.

Resources + Links:

• Tendai Mtawarira’s LinkedIn
• The Beast Foundation
• Lead Like a Girl
• One Young World

• (00:00) - Welcome to Purpose 360

Child sexual abuse online is a devastating global health crisis that has grown exponentially over the last decade. Thorn, a nonprofit focused on combating this crisis, reveals that the number of reported child sexual abuse files in the U.S. alone surged from 450,000 in 2004 to more than 90 million by 2022. This alarming increase highlights the urgency to address the pervasive and harmful impact of online predators, which will affect nearly 70% of youth by the time they finish high school. The need for robust technological interventions and awareness is more critical than ever to safeguard children in the digital age.

We invited Julie Cordua, CEO of Thorn, to discuss the nonprofit’s innovative approach, which combines technology and social research to create solutions that help detect and mitigate online child abuse. Julie emphasizes the importance of collaboration with tech platforms and the critical role of parental guidance in fostering safe online environments for children. Her insights shed light on the multifaceted efforts required by companies and parents to tackle this issue.

Listen for insights on:

• How technological solutions are empowering tech companies to detect and combat online child sexual abuse
• Practical advice on how to have open, non-judgmental conversations with children about online safety
• Importance of collaboration between nonprofits, tech companies, policymakers, and communities to create a safer online environment for children

Resources + Links:

• Julie Cordua’s LinkedIn
• Thorn website
• Safer Platform
• NoFiltr
• Solutions for Parents

• (00:00) - Welcome to Purpose 360

In today’s business landscape, companies are judged not just by their financial performance but by how well they meet the expectations of the public. People want businesses to pay fair wages, invest in their employees, support communities, and act with integrity. JUST Capital has spent the past decade tracking these expectations and measuring how well companies live up to them, ultimately creating a powerful framework for evaluating responsible business practices.

We invited Martin Whittaker, CEO of JUST Capital, to speak about the organization’s Americans’ Views on Business survey and the 2025 JUST 100 rankings. This year’s survey findings reveal that, despite political polarization, Americans agree that companies should create value for all stakeholders, including workers, customers, communities, and the environment. And with the JUST 100, Hewlett Packard Enterprise topped the JUST 100 list for the second year in a row, serving as a reminder that companies that prioritize stakeholder value are performing better in the market.

Listen for key insights on:

• What to learn from the companies topping the 2025 JUST 100 list
• Key trends on the growing demand for transparency, ethical decision-making, and worker investment
• How corporate leadership is evolving in response to public expectations

Resources + Links:

• Martin Whittaker’s LinkedIn
• JUST Capital
• 2025 JUST 100 List
• Americans’ Views on Business survey

• (00:00) - Welcome to Purpose 360

In today’s polarized political climate, companies are facing an increasingly complex challenge: how to navigate Americans’ diverse and contrasting beliefs. With a new presidential administration now in place, businesses are grappling with whether to step up involvement, stay quiet about social impact initiatives, or even scale back. The latest research from Carol Cone ON PURPOSE and The Harris Poll offers insights into the American public’s evolving expectations for corporate purpose.

We invited Wendy Salomon and Charlie Spinale from The Harris Poll to discuss the new research alongside host Carol Cone. With nearly half of Americans saying companies should take a larger role in social issues under the new administration, Salomon, Spinale, and Cone share recommendations for how companies can advance progress for authentic social issues. With these research insights, companies can navigate the fine line between action and overreach, fostering trust and driving societal impact in a way that unites rather than divides​.

Listen for key insights on:

• Why mental health is a top priority, and the role companies can play through policies, resources, and supportive workplace cultures.
• Why caring for seniors is a key issue for employees, consumers, and communities and how companies can address these concerns.
• The importance of engaging thoughtfully and how to avoid generic proclamations and instead focus on actionable initiatives that reflect a company’s values.

Resources + Links:

• Wendy Salomon’s LinkedIn
• Charlie Spinale’s LinkedIn
• Sustainable Brands: Corporate Purpose in a Post-Election US: A Call for Continued Leadership
• EPiQ: Employee Purpose iQ

• (00:00) - Welcome to Purpose 360

Every year, we consult with the leading voices in social impact, purpose, and sustainability and ask that they share their predictions for what lies ahead in 2025. From technological advancements and evolving corporate responsibilities to a new U.S. presidential administration and cut-backs in DEI investments, these experts share their perspectives on the future of purposeful work.

We invited Justina Nixon-Saintil, Chief Impact Officer at IBM; Martin Whittaker, CEO of JUST Capital; Caryl Stern, Managing Director at LionTree; and Jennifer Lawson, CEO of Keep America Beautiful, to share their predictions for 2025. Each brings a unique perspective shaped by their experience in social impact, corporate responsibility, and sustainability. Together, they explore the challenges and opportunities ahead, including how purpose-driven organizations can create meaningful change in the new year.

Listen for insights on:

• AI’s transformative potential to improve education, community engagement, and nonprofit work
• Why it’s urgent that businesses move beyond superficial commitments
• Disability inclusion as a critical aspect of DEI
• How collective action can help address environmental issues

Resources + Links:

• Justina Nixon-Saintil’s LinkedIn
• Justina Nixon-Saintil’s Purpose 360 Podcast Episode
• Martin Whittaker’s LinkedIn
• Martin Whittaker’s Purpose 360 Podcast Episode
• Caryl Stern’s LinkedIn
• Caryl Stern’s Purpose 360 Podcast Episode
• Jennifer Lawson’s LinkedIn
• Jennifer Lawson’s Purpose 360 Podcast Episode

• (00:00) - Welcome to Purpose 360