The B Better Podcast

In this episode, we sit down with Bron Thomson and Emily Vaka’uta, the co-CEOs of Springload Te Pipītanga, to explore their journey in leading one of New Zealand's foremost digital agencies with a focus on purpose-driven work and bicultural leadership.

Episode Highlights:

In this episode, Richard Evans, Managing Director of Talent Nation, discusses the evolving landscape of sustainability recruitment and the critical role of aligning purpose-driven professionals with organisations committed to environmental and social responsibility.

Key topics include:

• Talent Nation's Mission: Richard shares how Talent Nation specialises in executive search and recruitment within the sustainability, environment, and energy sectors, emphasizing their commitment to connecting purpose-driven individuals with organizations that prioritize positive impact.

• B Corp Certification: He discusses Talent Nation's achievement as the first recruitment company in Australia to attain B Corp status, highlighting the significance of this certification in demonstrating a company's dedication to high social and environmental performance standards.

• Trends in Sustainability Recruitment: Richard provides insights into the growing demand for expertise in sustainability and environmental roles, reflecting on how businesses are increasingly seeking professionals who can drive their sustainability agendas.

• Challenges in Purpose-Driven Recruitment: He explores the challenges organisations face in recruiting for purpose-driven roles and offers strategies for effectively attracting and retaining talent committed to sustainability.

• Future Outlook: Richard shares his vision for the future of sustainability recruitment, discussing emerging trends and the evolving expectations of both employers and candidates in the sector.

This conversation offers valuable perspectives on the intersection of recruitment and sustainability, providing listeners with a deeper understanding of how aligning talent with purpose-driven organisations can drive meaningful change.

Andrew Thornton is the co-founder of Heart in Business and the founder of Belsize Budgens, a London-based grocery store known for its commitment to sustainability and community engagement. He is also a keynote speaker, sharing his journey from a profit-focused entrepreneur to a purpose-driven business leader.

Episode Highlights:

This episode offers valuable insights into how businesses can integrate purpose and profit, setting a standard for ethical leadership in the industry.

In this episode, Paul Button, co-founder of Rotorua Canopy Tours, joins us to share his journey of combining eco-adventure tourism with a strong commitment to sustainability. Paul dives into Rotorua Canopy Tours’ process of becoming a B Corp, reflecting on the challenges and rewards of building a business that not only provides unforgettable experiences but also makes a positive impact on the environment.

Key topics include:

This conversation is a perfect example of how businesses can be a force for good—balancing profit with purpose and doing business the B Corp way. Don’t miss out on hearing how Rotorua Canopy Tours is setting a new standard for sustainability in the tourism industry!

In this episode, Matt shares his journey from professional skiing and founding Forefront Ski Brand to pioneering sustainable innovation with Checkerspot and Wnder Alpine. Learn how bio-based materials from algae are transforming ski and snowboard production, the challenges of commercialising new technologies, and the impact of earning B Corp certification. Matt also discusses future plans to expand into apparel and other industries, showcasing the versatility of algae-based alternatives.

In this episode, we chat with Dawn Boulware, VP of Social and Environmental Responsibility at Taos Ski Valley, the only B Corp-certified ski resort in the world. Dawn shares the fascinating history of Taos, from its founding by Ernie Blake in 1955 to its transformation under current ownership. We discuss the unique community and cultural heritage of Taos, the challenges of running a sustainable ski resort, and the importance of authentic purpose in business.

Learn how Dawn created her role, spearheaded Taos’s sustainability efforts, and achieved B Corp certification. We explore everything from geothermal heating and renewable diesel to supporting local businesses and balancing environmental impact with customer experience. Dawn also highlights the power of connection, community, and action to drive meaningful change in the ski industry and beyond.

If you're ready to learn how to ski responsibly, embrace local culture, and be inspired by a leader committed to doing business for good, this episode is for you. Tune in and discover why Taos Ski Valley is more than just a ski resort—it’s a movement.

In this episode, I'm joined by Leo Tsuo from Weston Backcountry to talk about his journey from growing up in Boulder, Colorado, to leading a sustainable transformation in the ski and snowboard industry. Leo shares insights from his early career in renewable energy, the importance of authentic purpose in business, and how he transitioned Western Backcountry from a faith-driven brand to one rooted in sustainability.

We explore challenges in supply chain and offshore manufacturing, the difference between taking a stance and making real impact, and how businesses can do good by doing well. Leo also opens up about his path to B Corp certification and why it’s more about building community and bringing people on the journey than just crunching numbers.

With memorable wisdom like "offer a handshake, not a pointed finger," this conversation is packed with inspiration for anyone passionate about purpose-driven business.

Join Tim Jones as he chats with Chris Jansen and Jason Pemberton from Leadership Lab about their journey of integrating purpose into business, their exploration of the B Corp framework, and how collaboration and systems thinking drive their work. They share candid insights on the challenges, lessons, and future opportunities in creating a business that balances profit and impact.

Want to stay inspired? Sign up for Leadership Lab’s newsletter here and keep up with their latest updates and insights.

In this episode of B Better Podcast, I talk with Kirsty McKay, Co-Founder of Sawmill Brewery, New Zealand’s first B Corp-certified brewery. Kirsty shares Sawmill’s journey to certification, the challenges of building a purpose-driven business, and what it means to truly commit to sustainability in every pint.

Kirsty dives into Sawmill’s eco-conscious practices, from zero-waste production to sustainable packaging, and shares her insights on creating a culture of purpose that inspires their team and community. She also offers advice for businesses wanting to start their own journey toward positive impact.

Join us for an inspiring chat on brewing a better world—one beer at a time. Cheers to change!

_______________________________

Ready to B Better?

If you want to learn more about B Corp and if it could be the right thing for you we also have:

➡️ Our free e-book "To B Or Not To B; The What, Why & How of B Corp" is the DEFINITIVE guide to B Corp - ⁠⁠⁠https://growgood.co/bcorp-ebook/⁠⁠⁠

➡️ Connect with me on LinkedIn here - ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/timjonesthegrowgoodguy⁠⁠⁠

➡️ Check out how we can work together to make some epic stuff happen here - ⁠⁠⁠https://growgood.co/bcorpconsulting/⁠

Feeling like you’re ready to B Better and want to see if we can help?

➡️ Well then feel free to have a chat with us by booking a call here ⁠⁠⁠https://timgrowgoodco.pipedrive.com/scheduler/jYqm2LUl/30-minute-client-discovery-call⁠⁠⁠

Until next time, B Better!

Curiosity killed the cat, but you needn't worry.

In this long-awaited and possibly my favourite episode recorded to date, we dive deep in with Ian Harvey from Collective Intelligence around the topics of curiosity, diversity of thought, and trust, and how that is all increasingly important for the modern business leader.

From a background as a farmer into the corporate world and the cut and thrust of board dynamics, Ian is now CEO of New Zealand-based B Corp Collective Intelligence. His aim now through the business

is to provide pathways for leaders across all different sectors to be able to have the highest level of clarity in their lives.

Beyond that, we explore Ian's powerful journey and the crucial event in his formative years that led him on the path that he's on.

This is an episode you will not want to miss.

Check it out! And get inspired.

_______________________________

Ready to B Better?

If you want to learn more about B Corp and if it could be the right thing for you we also have:

➡️ Our free e-book "To B Or Not To B; The What, Why & How of B Corp" is the DEFINITIVE guide to B Corp - ⁠⁠⁠https://growgood.co/bcorp-ebook/⁠⁠⁠

➡️ Connect with me on LinkedIn here - ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/timjonesthegrowgoodguy⁠⁠⁠

➡️ Check out how we can work together to make some epic stuff happen here - ⁠⁠⁠https://growgood.co/bcorpconsulting/⁠

Feeling like you’re ready to B Better and want to see if we can help?

➡️ Well then feel free to have a chat with us by booking a call here ⁠⁠⁠https://timgrowgoodco.pipedrive.com/scheduler/jYqm2LUl/30-minute-client-discovery-call⁠⁠⁠

Until next time, B Better!