Kaneisha Grayson describes her business as “providing representation of what’s possible.” As the founder of The Art of Applying, she created the world’s largest black-owned and woman of color-owned graduate admissions consulting company. People all over the world can get help applying and getting admitted at top graduate schools - and hopefully receive as much financial aid as possible.

The program offers a comprehensive plan for underserved or marginalized groups to realize their full potential. For example, The Art of Applying has seen students who grew up with a single mother in a one-bedroom apartment break the cycle and rewrite their futures.

With that kind of promise, there’s a lot on the back-end to help the program run as smoothly as it can be. Kaneisha explains each aspect of how her business does good, with takeaways and “joy work” for you to apply as well.

Topics in this episode:
- Business coaching and mentorship
- Admissions consulting for marginalized groups
- Applying to universities
- Securing financial aid
- Representation in academia
- Self-care tactics
- Developing your team
- Caring for your clients

Takeaways from this episode:
- The Art of Applying helps its clients get accepted into top schools with as much financial aid / scholarships as possible, and cares for them with its “greenlight guarantee.”
- If you’re a service-based business, don’t be shy about capturing client stories, and celebrating and sharing them. This is a great business tool, and they’re often excited to share their success.
- Mentorship and career coaching are invaluable for helping students think outside the box about their future careers.
- As you seek to do good in your business, begin with doing good for yourself. Maybe this means not over-extending yourself or limiting your meetings to maximize your productivity.
- Be as transparent as possible with your clients about your services so there are no surprises.
- Find new ways to constantly improve your offerings to clients so you’re always doing good by them.
- Regularly communicate roles, responsibilities, and your vision with your team so there’s clarity and focus system-wide.
-Invest in your team, whether it’s through 1-on-1 meetings or continued learning.

To visit The Art of Applying:
https://theartofapplying.com

To listen to Kaneisha's upcoming podcast Scale Your Joy:
http://scaleyourjoy.com/

To book a free strategy session with Jillian:
https://mariemae.com/consulting

To learn more about Marie Mae:
https://mariemae.com/

To learn more about The Good Office Podcast:
www.thegoodofficepodcast.com

Show notes and more resources:
https://thegoodofficepodcast.com/episodes/40

You often hear “the sky is the limit” - but what does that look like for companies with a social impact strategy? When you brainstorm ways to bake impact into your business, it’s helpful to take note of companies who do it well and excel. After all, there’s a nugget of truth from their experience that you can take and apply to your own business where it makes sense.

This week Marie Mae Founder and CEO Jillian Ryan delves into why 3 companies nail their impact strategy: Salesforce, Patagonia, and Warby Parker. Even though they’re in different industries, they use their unique offerings, passions, and expertise to nurture sustainable change in the world. Their practices will inspire you and hopefully provide ideas for your own company’s growth.

Topics covered in this episode:
- Corporate social responsibility
- Company philanthropy
- Corporate foundations, donations, and grants
- Companies that make a positive impact (Salesforce, Patagonia, Warby Parker)

Takeaways from this episode:
- 93% of business leaders indicated they believe companies are not just employers, but stewards of society. That’s why it’s important to devote significant resources to socially responsible initiatives.
- Salesforce empowers nonprofits and schools to do what for-profit companies do thanks to their corporate philanthropy program - and focusing on what they can uniquely provide.
- Patagonia has not only looked at each step of their supply chain to do good, but they’ve seamlessly blended their brand identity with their ethics.
- Warby Parker uses programs and partnerships to train individuals in 50 countries to perform eye exams. This is a service in which they have expertise and makes sense for their brand.

Resources mentioned in this episode:
https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment

Book a free strategy session with Jillian:
https://mariemae.com/consulting

Learn more about Marie Mae :
https://mariemae.com/

Learn more about The Good Office Podcast:
www.thegoodofficepodcast.com

Show notes and more resources:
https://thegoodofficepodcast.com/episodes/39

In a time where COVID-19 has resulted in layoffs, many companies are aiming to protect their workforce at all costs. One such company is Savhera, a premium, organic essential oil company that employs sex-trafficking survivors. They identify those in need of dignified employment and provide them with not only living wages, but training and education to help them succeed across many areas of life.  

Marie Mae Founder and CEO Jillian Ryan talks with Savhera Founder Dr. Vanessa Bouché about the ways they promote serving others in their business. This includes the way they lead with a people-first mindset and how they’ve adapted during COVID-19.

Topics discussed:
- Preserving your workforce during COVID-19
- Corporate gifting
- Investing in your employees
- Sex trafficking survivors
- COVID-19 impact on business

Takeaways from this episode:
- One of the most important things a company can do right now is learn to adapt and pivot to unexpected circumstances - which can in turn help preserve your workforce.
-  Many employees’ mental health are suffering right now, so consider ways to show you value them and spread the love.
- The divide between essential and non-essential workers is often responsible for who is exposed to COVID-19, which automatically puts certain populations at risk.
- Savhera uses the PIES human development model (Physical, Intellectual, Economic, and Spiritual) for employees, many of which come from the red-light district in Delhi.
- Many of their employees have never had any level of education, but Savhera teaches them literacy, math, and other professional skills to carry them through life.

Learn more about Savhera:
https://savhera.com/

Connect to Dr. Vanessa Bouché:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-vanessa-bouch%C3%A9-101093130/

Book a free strategy session with Jillian:
https://mariemae.com/consulting

To purchase our wellness products mentioned in this interview:
https://mariemae.com/shop

Learn more about The Good Office Podcast:
www.thegoodofficepodcast.com

Show notes and more resources:
https://thegoodofficepodcast.com/episodes/38

You might have a company in mind that you want to emulate, one that just seems to nail their do-good strategy. It may seem like magic how they manage to connect with their customers and make a true impact on the industry - but it’s actually a science. 

Marie Mae Founder and CEO Jillian Ryan draws from her background in international business to break down what makes a successful impact strategy. The “secret” begins with the intersection of 3 different areas: the impact you (your company) are uniquely qualified to provide, the impact your customers want to make, and the impact solution that is truly needed to solve a real issue. This week you’ll learn what each entails.

Topics covered in this episode:
- How to develop an impact strategy
- Discovering your strengths
- How to be charitable in your work
- Customer research
- Your differentiator / value proposition

Takeaways from this episode:
- To find an impact you’re uniquely qualified to provide, first think about your expertise and then consider what would provide value to others.
- It may take soul-searching and introspection to figure out your unique qualifications, and don’t be afraid to ask others about your strengths.
- Discovering customer motivations and passions requires market research and knowing your customer.
- Customers may not even know their own motivations for buying. This could be up to you to uncover.
- Look for an impact that’s truly needed – not one you want to provide.
- All 3 elements must align to succeed.

Resources mentioned in this episode:
How to Determine Your Impact Zone Framework:
http://thegoodofficepodcast.com/s/Determining-Your-Impact.pdf

Book a free strategy session with Jillian:
https://mariemae.com/consulting

Learn more about The Good Office Podcast:
www.thegoodofficepodcast.com
www.instagram.com/thegoodofficepodcast.com

Connect with Marie Mae on Social media:
https://www.pinterest.com/mariemaecompany
https://www.instagram.com/mariemaecompany
https://www.facebook.com/mariemaecompany

Show notes and more resources:
https://thegoodofficepodcast.com/episodes/37

True or false: You should wait until your company has grown to hire a public relations firm.

You might be surprised to hear this is false. Your business is receiving PR whether or not you’re putting effort into it. Being thoughtful about your PR strategy helps you build meaningful relationships over the long term, which results in brand loyalty. When your mission is to wield your business to do good, PR is an important tool to spread that impact.

Connie Wong of Moderne Press specializes in representing emerging brands that are often female led. With a focus on creating individualized plans directed by her clients’ brand values, she shares how to tell your story and cut through the clutter to capture media attention - and reach your target market. She’ll also share her top 3 tips for using business as a force for good, which is especially important to her as a someone working to elevate small businesses.

Takeaways from this episode:
- To present your company to the media, begin by knowing who you are, your brand ethos, your customer, and your story - and be able to describe it briefly in an elevator pitch.
- Consider which media outlets are most conducive to telling your story in the right way that also reaches your target market for maximum impact.
- Before you email a journalist, read what they’ve written prior to get a sense of what they’re interested in hearing about. Think about how you can further their narrative and bolster the types of stories they like to tell.
- Don’t make your pitch solely about you and your business. Think about how what you do can help serve their target readers.
- Maybe your story idea is a good one, but not good right now. Follow up later or offer other story ideas if it makes sense.
- Many businesses consider PR a luxury for when they’ve grown. However, it’s to help you grow - through crafting your story, building influence, and shaping your reputation.
- Your PR strategy is a marathon, not a sprint. Plant the seeds now for long-term impact, like meaningful relationships based on connections and ethos.

Topics covered in this episode:
- How to pitch your business
- Reaching out to PR firms
- PR as a tool for your business
- Crafting an elevator pitch
- Using your business to do good
- The importance of corporate values

Moderne Press PR:
http://www.modernepr.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/conniewong/

Book a free strategy session with Jillian:
https://mariemae.com/consulting

Learn more about The Good Office Podcast:
www.thegoodofficepodcast.com
www.instagram.com/thegoodofficepodcast.com

Connect with Marie Mae on Social media:
https://www.pinterest.com/mariemaecompany
https://www.instagram.com/mariemaecompany
https://www.facebook.com/mariemaecompany

Show notes and more resources:
https://thegoodofficepodcast.com/episodes/36

Typical corporate philanthropy involves donating a portion of profits to a charitable cause. While that’s a laudable act, there are certain risks involved – and it may not be the best way to effect lasting change when it’s the sole or primary way your business gives back.

Marie Mae Founder and CEO Jillian Ryan discusses 4 reasons why donations alone may not be the best avenue for your business’s give-back strategy, as well as how to ensure your efforts will be longstanding and successful. This episode will show how baking impact into your business is beneficial and a worthwhile investment of time and resources.

Topics covered in this episode:
- Corporate philanthropy
- Donating to charity
- Creating sustainable change with corporate giving
- Partnering with nonprofits
- Incorporating philanthropy in your business plan

Takeaways from this episode:
- Charitable giving is often the first thing to get cut when business isn’t doing well. It’s also at risk when you bring in new investors or experience other large structural changes.
- True partnerships are much more effective, efficient and rewarding. You can work together for true symbiosis where everyone’s operations are better off.
- The best formula to make an impact is when your company is uniquely qualified to provide the impact your customers and clients want to make when working with you.
- If the cause you’re donating to doesn’t align with the impact your customer wants to make while working with you, your give-back strategy will be unsuccessful.

Episode 30: How to Do a Year-End Impact Review
https://thegoodofficepodcast.com/episodes/30

Episode 33: The Roadmap to Multiply Your Profitability and Maximize Your Impact
https://thegoodofficepodcast.com/episodes/33

Book a free strategy session with Jillian:
https://mariemae.com/consulting

Learn more about The Good Office Podcast:
www.thegoodofficepodcast.com
www.instagram.com/thegoodofficepodcast.com

Connect with Marie Mae on Social media:
https://www.pinterest.com/mariemaecompany
https://www.instagram.com/mariemaecompany
https://www.facebook.com/mariemaecompany

Show notes and more resources:
https://thegoodofficepodcast.com/episodes/35

Estate planning may not be the first thing we think about when it comes to female empowerment - but Ifeoma “Iffy” Ibekwe sees it as just that. As the principal attorney at Ibekwe Law, she believes every woman deserves a plan to legally protect herself and her loved ones.

The value guiding her law firm? Every woman has the capacity to make money and manage money, and she deserves to preserve her voice and make decisions that could impact generations. This fuels Iffy and helps her shape her business decisions.

Today she will share her tips for getting started on creating a will, how she started her entrepreneurial journey, and 3 ways to make an impact and do good with your own endeavors. She’ll also share why creating a will is particularly important right now and how she wielded her niche to take a stand during the Black Lives Matter movement.

Topics covered in this episode:
- Entrepreneurship and purpose
- Estate planning
- Tips for creating a will
- Empowering women through the law
- Medical directives and financial directives
- Preserving your voice through generations
- Protecting your children

Takeaways from this episode:
- Estate planning is not just for the ultra-wealthy; it’s for anyone and everyone 18 and older who can make decisions for themselves.
- Especially now during a pandemic, it’s important for women to have instructions for healthcare and financial decisions if she’s in an emergency, unavailable or incapacitated.
- Having a plan in place takes the burden off family members who would otherwise worry about making the right decision.
- To get started on your will, first consider what components you’d like included and who you want to help carry out your plans.
- Enjoying whatever you do for a living, or at least finding purpose in it, helps you “do good” in what you do. It’s hard to work as a force for good when you lack belief in it.
- Dedicate your resources to the good you wish to accomplish in the role you have.
- Pave the way for others, helping mentor them by speaking to their issues and supporting their journey.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Wills In Texas:
http://willsintexas.com/
Video resources:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrKvcRBaDMHIxHSsmqKpEcA

To book Iffy as a Speaker:
http://iffyibekwe.com/

Book a free strategy session with Jillian:
https://mariemae.com/consulting

Learn more about The Good Office Podcast:
www.thegoodofficepodcast.com
www.instagram.com/thegoodofficepodcast.com

Connect with Marie Mae on Social media:
https://www.pinterest.com/mariemaecompany
https://www.instagram.com/mariemaecompany
https://www.facebook.com/mariemaecompany

Show notes and more resources:
https://thegoodofficepodcast.com/episodes/34

There’s a proven process for multiplying your profitability as a company, and you can do it from your desk. The method to achieving this? Having an action plan that hits the “peak impact zone” - where the impact both you and your customer want to make is something you’re uniquely qualified to provide.

In episode 30 of The Good Office Podcast, Jillian Ryan shared her tips for crafting a year-end assessment. This week she takes it a step further, walking you through the process of getting your “do good” strategy off the ground through an action plan. Her step-by-step guidance - which she learned by working with Fortune10 Companies - helps synchronize your business’s purpose and profits so they won’t compete with each other. It’s an iterative, intentional process making you and your customers happy, creating a real impact, while boosting your business’s bottom line.

Topics discussed in this episode:
· Creating your company’s annual action plan
· Aligning business purpose with profits
· What to do after your year-end assessment
· Messaging with clarity
· Business purpose and growth
· Implementing strategy and new ideas

Takeaways from this episode:
· Businesses succeed in the purpose-driven profit zone. This is the intersection of 1) the impact you want to make 2) the impact your customer wants to make, and 3) the impact you’re uniquely positioned to provide and the recipient needs.
· If your impact is competing with your ability to make profits, your purpose will be cut. That’s why it’s important to find a sustainable purpose that will in turn propel your business.
· Start small and choose one area to focus on as you seek to start creating an impact. You can’t fix everything at once, and you can always build on it later.
· Know the questions to ask to get started on your implementation plan, as well as the timing to best position it for success.
· Communicate clear expectations to your team for how their actions and specific role contribute to the company objective. 
· Establish metrics and a timetable to evaluate your progress, and make tweaks along the way. If something isn’t working, phase it out and move forward.
· Acting on your purpose attracts clients that are well aligned with you.

Resources Mentioned in this episode:
Book a Strategy Session at:
https://mariemae.com/consulting

B Corp Directory:
https://bcorporation.net/directory

United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals:
https://unfoundation.org/what-we-do/issues/sustainable-development-goals/?gclid=Cj0KCQiA9P__BRC0ARIsAEZ6irhGpDTRZYlHWoQhC8bI8OX5ikcx4IANtpV2KO5hSVfH_fComjruGA4aAnytEALw_wcB

Episode 30: How to Do a Year-End Impact Review
https://thegoodofficepodcast.com/episodes/30

Learn more about The Good Office Podcast:
www.thegoodofficepodcast.com
www.instagram.com/thegoodofficepodcast.com

Connect with Marie Mae on Social media:
https://www.pinterest.com/mariemaecompany
https://www.instagram.com/mariemaecompany
https://www.facebook.com/mariemaecompany

Show notes and more resources:

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed corporate culture. To make an impact on company goals, processes, and relationships, leaders must think outside the box. Different times require well-crafted solutions to stay ahead of challenges, which Cindy Constable offers as an award-winning TEDx speaker, business growth strategist and more.

Jillian Ryan, international business expert and Founder of Marie Mae Company, speaks with Cindy about her entrepreneurial journey and her recommended strategies for building a corporate culture by design. She emphasizes the importance of planning and “if you don’t know where you are, you won’t know how you’re going to get there.” They’ll also discuss Cindy’s top tips for using her agency as a force for good.

Topics discussed:
- Yearly audits and planning
- The importance of internal communication in business
- Using a facilitator for company planning
- New-year working sessions
- Business growth strategy
- Corporate culture and COVID-19
- Developing a company mission, vision and values
- The impact of small business in the local economy

Takeaways from this episode:
- Crafting and tracking yearly plans with key performance indicators (KPIs) is like using a GPS: Even if you need to pivot along the way, it helps you recalculate a new direction to your destination.
- Have a communications plan: We often focus on external communications, but strong internal communication helps build culture and keep everyone aligned.
- To build corporate culture by design, start with a full-scale review, auditing your business processes, investigating their effectiveness, and double-checking them against your values. Ask if it makes sense moving forward.
- Establish a planning session agenda and timeline, and engage stakeholders along the way (include customer input and data).
- Facilitators are invaluable in company planning by helping everyone build a consensus, identifying blind spots, and providing a new perspective.
- Have scenario-planning ready for situations like a pandemic. Investigate back-up plans and ways to stay nimble.
- Small businesses drive the economy, so try to think of ways to support other small businesses in non-traditional ways. Your money can also make an impact.
- Don’t be afraid to invest in yourself; this is the first stepping-stone to investing and supporting others.

Resources mentioned in this episode:
PESTEL Analysis:
https://www.business-to-you.com/scanning-the-environment-pestel-analysis/
SWOT Analysis:
https://www.businessnewsdaily.com/4245-swot-analysis.html#:~:text=A%20SWOT%20analysis%20is%20a,in%20making%20a%20business%20decision.

Connect to Cindy Constable:
http://www.cindyrconstable.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/cindyrconstable/

Book a Corporate Gifting Strategy Session through:
https://mariemae.com/corporate

Learn more about The Good Office Podcast:
www.thegoodofficepodcast.com
www.instagram.com/thegoodofficepodcast.com

Connect with Marie Mae on Social media:
https://www.pinterest.com/mariemaecompany
https://www.instagram.com/mariemaecompany

Representation matters. That’s why Joyce Guan West founded Coaching with Empathy, where she serves as an executive and business coach specializing in helping Asian-Americans, people of color, and women. Though Asian Americans are a large part of the professional workforce, the percentage in the C-suite is small and disproportionate. Joyce’s work serves as a force for good by helping them land management roles and inspiring them with her own leadership.

In this episode, Joyce discusses her journey as an entrepreneur and how networking has helped her success. Through it all she’s learned many entrepreneurial truths, such as how and when to pivot from her original business plans in order to succeed in a natural new direction. Finally, she gives her top 3 tips for using coaching to make a difference in the world.

Takeaways from this episode:
- It’s important to focus on the customer as early as possible when creating a product or service. Validate your offering with them early on to ensure you’re on track and your hard work isn’t wasted.
- There’s value in knowing how to run different aspects of a business in order to see how everything fits together.
- When times are tough, lean into it: Tackle your problems, delve into the details, and bring your courage to find a solution.
-  Identify a target group you’re passionate about serving. This will have a ripple effect in that population.
- Take care of your employees to take care of your clients. Encourage your team to rejuvenate and reenergize with self-care so they can perform their best.
- Address any moments with teammates or clients that don’t respect your boundaries.
- Give people hope by sharing your story, and let your empathy lead the way.

Topics from this episode:
- Authentic Leadership
- Empathy in the workplace
- Representation in the workplace
- Entrepreneurial Lessons
- Business Coach

Resources mentioned in this episode:
How to Conduct an Annual Life Review That Will Catapult You into the New Year
https://schlaf.medium.com/how-to-conduct-an-annual-life-review-that-will-catapult-you-into-the-new-year-d5aaffebac1f

Book a Corporate Strategy Session through:
https://mariemae.com/corporate

Learn more about The Good Office Podcast:
www.thegoodofficepodcast.com
www.instagram.com/thegoodofficepodcast.com

Connect with Marie Mae on Social media:
https://www.pinterest.com/mariemaecompany
https://www.instagram.com/mariemaecompany
https://www.facebook.com/mariemaecompany

Show notes and more resources:
https://thegoodofficepodcast.com/episodes/31

How to connect with Joyce Guan West:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/joyceguanwest/
https://www.instagram.com/joyceguanwest/