Responsibly Different™

Ever felt like you're being swallowed up by perfectionism, especially when seeking investment for your business? Or felt the pressing need to start taking care of yourself more to avoid burnout? Join Brittany and Benn as we unpack a treasure trove of insights gleaned from our recent adventure at the BLD Southeast Conference in Raleigh, North Carolina. This was no mundane conference. It was a vibrant gathering of purpose-driven businesses, a celebration of unity, and a space for transformative conversations.

The panel on preventing burnout was a game-changer. It made us rethink our work-life balance and taught us the importance of finding joy beyond our professional lives. We delved into the concept of planning sprints and discussed the life-altering difference between soul singing and soul sighing. But the learning did not stop there. Our breakout sessions were enlightening, as we explored the intricacies of seeking investor funds without succumbing to perfectionism, the necessity of intentional community in the B Corp space, and the hard work that embracing diversity involves.

But the BLD Southeast was more than just panel discussions and breakout sessions. It was a journey of experiences that spanned a walking tour of Downtown Raleigh, an inclusive Networking session including the new Be Proud network, and the welcoming warmth of the B Corp community. So, let us take you on this journey. Listen as we share our stories, our insights, and the powerful lessons we learned about unity, diversity, self-care, and the strength of a well-knit community. Because at the end of the day, it's all about finding our shared purpose and celebrating it.

Quick Links
Blog Post: BLD SE 2023: Uniting the Southeast B Corp Community
Find Your B Local
Attend a BLD

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Meet Anne Richardson, the dynamic personality behind the B Corp certified Richardson Media Group, and dive into her inspiring journey of podcasting. We love how she's leveraged her media planning and buying SEO agency to create a platform for meaningful conversations. In this episode, we get personal about our shared love for podcasting, and how our values have influenced our business choices. We chat about the joy we've found in collaborating with the B Corp community and the exciting work we've been doing with the UNH B Impact Clinic and the B Corp Leadership Development Conference.

Anne's podcast, BSuite has a unique story behind its name, and the narrative continues to evolve with each episode. It all began with her love for media kits, her fascination with oral traditions, and now her podcast is a testament to how these early experiences have shaped her career. We also shed light on a uniquely inspiring guest of hers - a man from New York City who paints bee murals as a metaphor for self-sustaining life.

We also get real about intergenerational conversations in the workplace. She has been part of a small lunch group that bridges a ten-year age gap, and the richness of these discussions has been profound for her. Anne touches upon the podcast episode where she had this group of women on her podcast. We'll also touch upon the upcoming panel with NHBSR, where we'll emphasize the importance of not stereotyping individuals based on their age, gender, or identity. Our mini-podcast series on empowering women has brought fresh perspectives to the table, and we discuss how to strike a delicate balance between offering advice and sounding preachy. So join us as we embark on this engaging podcast journey, where we promise enlightening insights, hearty laughs, and thought-provoking conversations.

New Hampshire Businesses for Social Responsibility (NHBSR)
Richardson Media Group
BSuite Podcast

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Ready to unearth some mechanisms behind combating greenhouse gases and climate change? Join me in this enlightening conversation with Jenny Morgan, a passionate environmental justice advocate, and Market Development Manager at Tradewater. We dive straight into Tradewater's remarkable work in managing halocarbons and methane equivalent to a staggering 6.7 million metric tons of CO2, and the profound impact this has on our environment.

The episode takes a fascinating turn as we brave the choppy waters of cancel culture, greenwashing, and greenHUSHING. We break down how these controversial topics shape climate discourse and the cascading effects they have on brands like Windex and Nature Valley. Striking an optimistic note, we reveal how you can be a catalyst for change, starting with the power of your dollar. Then, we peel back the layers of the complex task of plugging orphaned oil and gas wells and the environmental hazards posed by leaking methane.

No stone is left unturned as we delve into the transformative power of collective action in curbing climate change. We share inspiring stories from Tradewater's impactful initiatives in Ghana and the courageous individuals on the frontlines of environmental conservation. The conversation takes a serious turn as we reflect on the ramifications of the Supreme Court's decision to lift federal protections for the majority of our wetlands. We round up the episode with a detailed discussion on B Corp certification, the insidious influence of greenwashing, and the potential of collective action to make a tangible difference in the fight against climate change.

Learn more at https://tradewater.us; Drawdown Solutions Library | Project Drawdown, and Giving Green | High-impact climate giving.

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Learn more about Campfire Consulting

Visit the Responsibly Different™ Shop where profits go back to nonprofit organizations. Wear your spark on your sleeve.

What if your banking choices could significantly reduce your carbon footprint?

Welcome to a journey where we navigate the environmental and social impacts of banking. Inspired by Charlie Cummings of Walden Mutual Bank's profound comparison of an average American's carbon footprint to a lump sum in a bank account, we explore how your financial decisions can make a real difference. Drawing insights from our research and our experiences, we offer practical advice and resources for making responsible banking choices.

Ever thought your banking practices could reflect your personal values? Find out how banking with credit unions and entities like Aspirations Bank can uplift local economies and communities. Aspirations Bank, a certified B Corp and a 1% for the planet member, exemplify how your debit card usage can actively offset your carbon footprint. We delve into the benefits of aligning your financial decisions with your convictions and explore how Conscious Coalition provides 10% cashback when we shop with certain businesses.

Now, what if we told you ESG wasn't just three random letters but held the key to understanding banking's impact on the environment, people, and communities? Join us as we dissect ESG (Environment, Social, and Governance) and its relevance in banking. We discuss the disparities in banking, focusing on how communities of color have been historically denied wealth-building opportunities. To elucidate this, we take you through the history of Black-owned banks in the US and their commitment to their communities. Let's make sense of the past, challenge the present, and build a brighter future together!


Quotes:

"$125,000 in a bank account is equivalent to an entire year of the average American's carbon impact. So an entire year of eating, driving, flying, buying, etc. All those behaviors are the same as $125,000 parked in a bank account with one of the top five banks in the country. And the reason is because those same five institutions are the single largest funders of fossil fuel development in the world."- Charley Cummings

“When 70% of African Americans don’t have a bank branch in their neighborhood, it suggests to me that they are much further away from the American Dream.” - Kenneth Kelly, chairman and CEO of First Independence bank in Detroit

Links: 

• Aspiration Bank 
  • Conscience Coalition List
  • Planet Protect by offsetting your fuel
• REI and Capital One Partnership
• Why we need Black-Owned Banks
• The Black Businessman Who Built and Empire Despite Jim Crow Oppression
• Our Episode with PayActive from March 2022

Books:

• Let Us Put Our Money Together: The Founding of America's First Black Banks
• The Color of Law: A Forgotten History of How Our Government Segregated America

Things we didn't talk about but still helpful!

• ESG & B Corps Event Tickets, Virtual

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Visit the Responsibly Different™ Shop where profits go back to nonprofit organizations. Wear your spark on your sleeve.

Have you ever found yourself in the right room at the right time, and it remarkably changed the course of your life? That's precisely what happens most days to our guest, Nathan Stuck. An unexpected invitation to the B Summit in Amsterdam shifted his career and led him to start championing the B Local movement in Georgia. From his vibrant upbringing across the United States to his philosophy of placing oneself in the right situations, Nathan’s story is a testament to the transformative power of serendipity and proactive engagement through networking.

Nathan’s journey has seen him ignite a spark in the B Local movement in Georgia, growing it from a modest group of eight into a robust community of 30. Learn how his collaborations with Twanna Harris injected fresh energy into the organization, and how an old boss played a critical role in the early stages. From tackling the tricky dynamics of board membership to the importance of a structured approach and delegation, you'll gain a rare insider's perspective into the evolution of B Local Georgia and the significance of B Corp certification in this process.

But don't think that Nathan's impact stops at community building; his knack for networking is truly awe-inspiring. Known for his omnipresence at events, Nathan shares his unique approach to creating significant connections and staying top of mind. Hear about his different experiences and his unyielding passion for connecting people. We wrap up our intriguing conversation by discussing the reimagination of capitalism and the power of fostering supportive relationships which all will be taking place at the B Corp Leadership Development Conference (BLD) in the Southeast  in the fall of 2023. If you've ever wondered about the possibilities that come with stepping into the right room, this episode is your invitation.

BLD Southeast website
B Local Georgia website
B the Change Georgia podcast
Nathan's Ted Talk - TEDxFolsom
Nathan's Book - Happy Monday: Designing Your Dream Career

Board Members
Nathan Stuck, Chairperson - Profitable Purpose Consulting
Scott Sadler - Boardwalk Capital Management
Ceddrick Lovins - BetterWorld Technology
Jake Mosley - University of Georgia
Stuart Wood - Last Bottle Clothing
Zack Godfrey - Benevity
Twanna Harris - Tribal Good
Garrett Warmbein, MBA Board Fellow - UGA
Ally Hellenga, Community Manager
Riley Moran, MBA Board Fellow
Sally Lorimer, MBA Board Fellow

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Learn more about Campfire Consulting

Visit the Responsibly Different™ Shop where profits go back to nonprofit organizations. Wear your spark on your sleeve.

Venture into the transformative world of sustainable practices thriving in Wisconsin with Lisa Geason-Bauer from B Local Wisconsin. As an ardent sustainability practitioner and sociologist, Lisa illuminates our pathway with insights into B Local Wisconsin's mission, unfolding journey, and the impact of their projects. From the genesis as a group of committed volunteers to emerging as a fully recognized entity under B Lab, and their aspirations of becoming a 501c3 organization, this episode promises an in-depth exploration into sustainable development at the grassroots level.

Swim against the current with us as we navigate through the partnerships and education initiatives fueling sustainable business in Wisconsin. Unearth the beauty of collaborations as B Local Wisconsin joins hands with diverse groups - spanning organizations, businesses, and local governments, to weave social sustainability into the fabric of their communities and public policies. Listen in to the fascinating discussions around the influential B Impact Assessment tool and the impact of the co-organized Crash Course in Sustainability event held in partnership with the Wisconsin Sustainable Business Council.

As we steer through the tide, we open up conversations on B Corp advocacy and action, shining a spotlight on B Local Wisconsin's endeavors. Lisa unravels the intricacies of the shifting work environment in the face of COVID-19, and the transformative dialogues around emotional and mental well-being, safety, and social emotional learning. And that's not all. Expect to gain insights into the pivotal role of manufacturers, how B Local Wisconsin is fostering a more equitable, inclusive environment, and the intriguing evolution of career paths. Join us on this enlightening journey full of inspiration, insight, and the future of sustainable business.

Benefit Corp vs B Corp episode to share more insight into the difference
B Local Wisconsin B Corp Video

Current B Local WI Board Members 2023:
Lisa Geason-Bauer, Chair - Evolution Marketing
Sarah Lasar, Past Chair - Envest Microfinance
Mfoniso Ekong, Events Chair - gener8tor
Darrie Matthew Burrage, Liberatory Action Chair - Integrated Work
Melina Marcus, Marketing Chair - Rebel Green
Kelsey Moses, Events Committee - Lakefront Brewery
Davidson Kane, Marketing Committee - Kane Communications
Ren LaDassor, Graphic & Media Designer (Marketing Committee) - Just Coffee Co-op
August Ball, Liberatory Action Committee -  Cream City Conservation
Laura Loucks, Events Committee - Edge Impact
Rachel Winter, Volunteer Community Member on Marketing Committee
Kathleen Nicherson, Chair of emerging Climate Action Committee - 3Degrees
Tom Eggert - Board Member working on our nonprofit paperwork 

Co-Founders of B Local WI:
Mary Stelletello, Co-founder & Past Chair - Vista Global Coaching & Consulting
Tom Eggert, Co-founder - Retired Sustainability Professional & Executive Director Emeritus - Wisconsin Sustainable Business Council
Scott Anderson, Co-founder & Past Chair - Artisan Dental
Mark Starik, Co-Founder & Past Co- Chair - Retired Professor and 

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Visit the Responsibly Different™ Shop where profits go back to nonprofit organizations. Wear your spark on your sleeve.

Curious about how to bridge business pursuits with a passion for sustainability and change-making? Michelle Reid, Chairperson of B Local Vancouver, joins us for an enlightening conversation about her journey navigating this unique intersection. Her experiences with Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC)and B Lab shed light on the power of businesses as catalysts for good, while also offering some insightful narratives on balancing career and motherhood.

Michelle guides us through the evolution of B Local Vancouver, detailing how it bloomed from hosting monthly breakfasts to becoming a cornerstone in the Canadian event scene. She emphasizes the shift from traditional high-scale conferences to a more diverse model that foregrounds climate justice, equity, and inclusion. Furthermore, she shares her aspirations for expanding B Locals throughout British Columbia and the steps being taken to foster inclusivity.

The latter part of our discourse with Michelle delves into the monumental efforts of B Local Vancouver in fortifying the Canadian community. With initiatives that promote local involvement, accessibility, and unity, Michelle and her team are revolutionizing the concept of community engagement in local events. Don't miss her recollection of the fun tradition of running the seawall at Champions Retreat. This conversation is bound to spark your curiosity about the potential of business as a force for good.

B Local Vancouver Website
Business Development Bank of Canada Website
B Lab US and Canada Website

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Visit the Responsibly Different™ Shop where profits go back to nonprofit organizations. Wear your spark on your sleeve.

We're thrilled to share our conversation with Kel Moody, an esteemed board member of B Local PDX, who shares their intriguing journey from a woodworking apprenticeship to a leadership role in the B Corp community. Get a close-up view of how Kel spearheads events designed to foster a sense of belonging, optimism, and a strong focus on social and environmental justice. Curious how a woodworking apprenticeship can lead to such impactful work? You won't want to miss this!

Our discussion extends into the heart of B Local PDX's operations in Portland, where they are making waves in community engagement and board succession planning. With a rich two-year tenure as board chair, Kel shares their upcoming transition off the board and the succession plan set in place. Hear their thoughts on the critical two-year commitment from board members and the shadowing process that equips new members with the organization's core values and objectives. Sounds like a daunting task, right? You'll be surprised at how Kel and the board manages it all.

But every journey has its bumps, and for B Local PDX, it was the pandemic. Discover how they navigated the challenging terrain of event engagement during these times and their ongoing commitment to represent diverse voices in the business world. Kel's intentional effort to create a welcoming space for people of color is noteworthy, as is their reflection on the relationships built and the support received during their tenure. Finally, hear Kel's inspiring story of breaking the mold and embracing their unique identity. Want to know what it takes to break free and embrace your unique identity? Kel's story is a testament to the power of authenticity. Tune in for a dose of inspiration!

B Local PDX Website
Alluvium Gatherings Website: Cultivating thriving communities and ecosystems through shared experiences

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Learn more about Campfire Consulting

Visit the Responsibly Different™ Shop where profits go back to nonprofit organizations. Wear your spark on your sleeve.

Imagine a world where businesses align profit with purpose and where sustainability is not just a buzzword but a way of life. This is the vision that our guest, Winnie Mulamba, Executive Director of the For Good Movement in Florida, strives to bring to reality. Winnie's journey from Kenya to the United States and her dedication to sustainability and business management will leave you inspired and looking at the world through a unique lens.

Join us as we navigate through the workings of the Florida For Good Network and the B Tourism Collective, initiatives that Winnie is instrumental in. They are more than just organizations, they are communities welcoming businesses at different stages of their sustainability journey. You'll learn about the intricacies of transitioning systems and the importance of inclusivity. But that's not all; we also delve into the vibrant B Corp culture in Florida and how it’s being nurtured, one university, one student at a time.

Brace yourselves as we dive into the hard-hitting aspects of advocacy and stakeholder participation, and their indispensable role in shaping communities. Winnie presents a compelling case for the upcoming BLD Conference as a platform for fostering meaningful dialogues and collaboration. So, if you're someone who believes in the power of collective action and the vision of a sustainable future, this conversation with Winnie Mulamba is the perfect opportunity to get involved and be part of the For Good Movement.

For Good Movement in Florida Website
B Tourism Website
Jared Meyer's episode with Benn; Impactful Decisions


Are you a business leader in Florida seeking for a values-aligned community? Click the link to. Join - Florida For Good and get connected!

Are you interested in starting your B Corp journey or recertify your B Corp status? Sign up for our Spring cohort at the Business For Good Lab Program and get your impact assessment done by a team of student consultants and peer B Corp mentor for as quick as 8 weeks! **valued at $ 6,000​​** Sign up today, spots are filling up quickly!

Florida For Good is excited to invite you and your colleagues at the first ever in-person B Leadership Development (BLD) conference in the Southeast. This is going to be a great opportunity for your team members to join fellow B Corps and other mission-driven businesses to learn, connect and establish partnerships that support the growth of your business and positive impact work. You can learn more about the conference and get your tickets HERE.

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Learn more about Campfire Consulting

Visit the Responsibly Different™ Shop where profits go back to nonprofit organizations. Wear your spark on your sleeve.

Ever wonder what it takes to transform a B Corp member into an integral part of the B Local movement? Join us as we sit down with Rose Lavelle from B Lab US and Canada, who weaves the intriguing narrative of her journey from B Local to full-time employment at B Lab. She provides an illuminating look at the mission and layers of B Lab, the B Local program, and the Good Standing Checklist that serves as a powerful tool for strategic planning and onboarding. for B Locals.

The riveting conversation continues as we navigate the successes and challenges of B Local groups. From sustainability journeys and forming partnerships, to the contemplation of formalizing as nonprofits, Rose sheds light on a myriad of topics. She spotlights the impressive work of successful B Local leaders and emphasizes the importance of B Corp values as the cornerstone of all their endeavors.

In the world of B Locals, succession planning and structured leadership are key. Rose gives us an insider's perspective on the process of recruiting leaders and keeping them engaged. We discuss the potential of a united B Corp community and how they can leverage each other's resources to drive success. As we approach the end of our insightful dialogue, Rose shares her vision for B Lab and B Locals, painting a promising picture of the next five years. Join us for this captivating discussion that reveals the inner workings and future prospects of B Lab and B Locals.

B Local Communities - Website
Asheville & WNC
Bay Area
Boston
Colorado
Connecticut
Florida for Good
Georgia
Idaho for Good
Illinois
Los Angeles
Maine
Manitoba
Michigan
Mid-Atlantic
Minnesota
New York City
North Carolina Triangle
Ontario
Philadelphia
Portland (PDX)
Quebec
San Diego
Tennessee
Texas
Vancouver
Vermont
Washington
Wisconsin

B Corp Networks - Website
Black, Indigenous, & People of Color
B Locals
B Tourism
B Corp Beauty Coalition
B Corp Marketers
B2B B Corps
B Corp HR Professionals
B Fashion
EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating Systems) 
We the Change

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Visit the Responsibly Different™ Shop where profits go back to nonprofit organizations. Wear your spark on your sleeve.