What does it mean to lead with integrity? Jillian unpacks this with Sarah Bowden, co-founder and Chief Operating Officer of The Worthy Co - a social enterprise where 100% of every purchase benefits survivors of trafficking, prostitution, and exploitation. There they learn to craft jewelry, candles, and apparel, all while earning a living wage in a supportive space of like-minded women.

Sarah was serving the trafficking survivor population and noticed them facing the same hurdle over and over: the inability to find a good job due to their backgrounds. She jumped into starting the company with a focus on nurturing their skill set, so they could become self-sufficient and open doors for themselves.

This week she discusses the growth of the nonprofit, the challenges of being a social entrepreneur, and her top 3 tips for leading businesses with integrity.

Takeaways from this episode
- The Worthy Co serves as a springboard for women with tough backgrounds and teaches them soft skills to expand opportunities beyond minimum wage jobs, while providing them a valuable female network.
- It can be tempting to exaggerate statistics like reach in a nonprofit, but the value of building relationships with people cannot be underestimated.
- Be careful about having a savior mentality and viewing your do-good initiative as a rescue mission. Don’t do for people what they can do themselves - simply be a steward.
- People don’t choose the upbringing they have. Where someone is born (and to whom) is up to chance, so bear that in mind and keep your humility.
- It’s okay to not be the expert and show your team that you don’t have all the answers.
- Prioritize your emotional health so you’re in the right mindset to keep your integrity. You’re not at your best when you’re not caring for yourself.
- Your actions evangelize your values. If you model being a workaholic to your team, it’s difficult to assure them that such behavior isn’t the expectation.

What does geopolitical risk analysis have in common with corporate gifting? As Jillian discovered, it was much more than one would think.

In this week’s episode, Jillian discusses her time working as a geopolitical risk analyst for Fortune 100 clients. With her unique access to C-suite executives, she repeatedly saw that they had genuine desire to do good in the communities they operated in around the world. The problem was learning where to start. With her help, they were able to get a better picture of the situation in their international markets and learn about risks.

The job laid a valuable groundwork for her as she sought out an opportunity to make a difference in her own way.

Takeaways from this episode:
- Geopolitical events occur at the complex intersection of geographical, security, political climate, and local cultural factors.
-  When companies consider opportunities in emerging markets, they must understand the potential impact that geopolitical events have on business and know how to manage risks.
- “Be a good corporate citizen wherever you go” is a phrase to live by, no matter the business you’re in.
- You can make a real difference in your business - even when it comes to something as small as corporate gifting.

Sometimes businesses forget that their business prospects aren’t nameless, faceless entities. They’re comprised of human beings – humans who enjoy being surprised and delighted. That’s why corporate gifting is important, but unfortunately, it’s often forgotten as the strong practice and business tool that it is.

Jillian emphasizes that corporate gifting should involve genuine gifts, which are not the same as marketing.
Marketing materials like branded swag are sometimes presented as gifts, but giving these sales-centric offerings can diminish the value of the gesture. On the other hand, real, personal, and thoughtful gifts can make someone feel special, seen, and heard - creating delight for the recipient. This in turn helps the gift-giver leave a memorable, lasting impression.

It can be easy to fall into the trap of keeping sales front and center in corporate strategy. But sales will come. First, however, it’s important to establish a foundation and create relationships. Since businesses are entities filled with human beings, relationships are the building blocks and what it’s all about.

Takeaways from this episode:
- Gifting is about the recipient, whereas marketing is about the business.
-  Consider: Would you prefer a gift you actually want and can use - or a gift that someone else wants you to have with their name on it?
-  Gifts are a way to nurture relationships and help you move beyond the “It’s just business” mindset.
- People are more likely to do business with people they know and trust. Think: Would you be more likely to open the door for a friend or for a salesman?
- People want gifts they’ll keep, not burdensome marketing materials that may get left behind.
-  Gifting has the power to open up communications, whereas marketing can be one-way communication that involves talking “at” the recipient.
- Add tangible personal touches to leave a good impression, such as monogramming.

Topics discussed:
- Gifting strategies
- Gifts aren't marketing
- Sales strategies
- Dos and don'ts of corporate gifting
- How to do better customer service

It’s easy to impose limitations on yourself when you’re a new brand just starting out. Looking at what you lack (rather than what sets you apart) is a common mistake to make. Even in Jillian’s earlier professional life, she felt intimidated about approaching a large brand for a partnership (even though it was ultimately successful).

This week’s episode focuses on how to approach and begin working with larger brands as a small business. Jillian presents her top 5 pieces of advice for how a smaller brand can not only make the first step toward a profitable partnership, but leave a solid impression and deliver real value. These tips may help you land a new partner and expand your reach while earning your team respect.

Takeaways from this episode:
- Don’t be scared or shy away from larger companies - if your business is set up to scale, large brands (and larger orders) can be just as easy as smaller ones.
- Take the leap instead of waiting until you think you’re ready.
- Bring in bigger partners who have the experience and scalability necessary to tackle larger projects (e.g. printing vendors).
- Nurture relationships with your production partners - they’re valuable assets to have.
- Lacking in annual revenue and employees? You can make up for that with customer service and hard work.
- You don’t need a big team to create a polished proposal that thoughtfully addresses your client’s pain points.
- Consider what you offer that the larger businesses can’t, with a plan addressing how to make your clients’ jobs easier.
- Your “do good” strategy is an important offering when scoring these larger deals. Big brands tend to look favorably upon this (and often want to be part of it).
- Going the extra mile to help others gives a morale boost to the business and can be a selling point.

Topics discussed in this episode:
- How to scale a small business
- How to land deals with dream companies
- How to win over companies with a great pitching strategy
- How to pitch large companies
- Dealing with impostor syndrome

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/0

Visit Marie Mae's website to learn more about its mission:
https://mariemae.com

This year has brought many societal issues to light, and many brands have responded by showing their support on social media and other marketing channels. But how do brands show that their support isn’t simply virtue signaling or performative, but the real deal?

Tribe Alive is an ethical fashion brand that rapidly grew - from supporting 4 female makers in Honduras to sustainably employing 350 artists and partners in 5 different countries. With 85% of the world’s garment workers being women, typically in unsafe conditions and poverty, Tribe Alive is dedicated to sustainability and social consciousness throughout their entire supply chain. Their employees work in safe and meaningful work environments, are given opportunities to grow, and are treated with dignity and respect.

Founder and CEO Carly Burson is driven by activism, social enterprise and impact consumerism as a medium to empower women. Today she shares how her company achieves this, plus her top 3 tips on authentically showing up for social justice issues as a brand leader or business owner.

Takeaways from this episode:
- Back up your words with action. Go beyond tweets and quotes and commit to an agenda with true, tangible action.
- Commit to an anti-racism policy. Racial equity training is a must, and there should be no tolerance for those who won’t adhere to it.
- Think about how implementation looks, starting with an open and honest dialogue with your team where everyone has a voice and shapes the policies.
- Take steps to share resources among your team and communicate your plan to implement anti-racist policies.
- Show up for organizations in the U.S. that work to empower and amplify black/minority/disadvantaged communities.
- Encourage better hiring practices to bring a diverse range of ideas to the table.
- Foster a culture where everyone feels safe to speak up (and where it’s okay to disagree with leaders).
- Bring the human element into capitalism, providing your team a living wage, donating a portion of profits to social justice causes, and even giving employees election day off.

Topics covered in this Podcast:
- Social Justice Issues
- Authentic Leadership
- America's criminal justice system
- Anti-racist workplace policies
- How to foster healthy company culture
- Racial inequality
- Capitalism
- Systematic racism

Resources mentioned in this Podcast:
‘1619,’ a Podcast From The New York Times
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/23/podcasts/1619-podcast.html
White Fragility book:
https://www.amazon.com/White-Fragility-People-About-Racism/dp/0807047414
The New Jim Crow book:
https://www.amazon.com/New-Jim-Crow-Incarceration-Colorblindness/dp/1620971933/ref=sr_1_2?crid=3MKC1B2BPC94P&dchild=1&keywords=the+new+jim+crow&qid=1600377515&s=books&sprefix=the+new+ji%2Cstripbooks%2C167&sr=1-2

Follow Carly and Tribe Alive on social media:
https://tribealive.com/
https://www.instagram.com/tribealive
https://www.facebook.com/wearetribealive/
https://www.instagram.com/carlyrburson/

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

Back in July (Episode 5), Jillian outlined the top 5 reasons giveback strategies fail and how business leaders can avoid making the same mistakes. This week’s episode takes it one step further: how to successfully craft the strategy itself now that you’ve bypassed the pitfalls.

Remember, you don’t have to choose between profit and impact when it comes to your business’s giveback plan. It requires sufficient time and strategy, and it should capitalize on your unique offerings and strengths. If you’re thoughtfully building a profitable, purpose-driven business and aligning it with this step-by-step process, you can make a positive – and sustainable – impact on your cause of choice.

Takeaways from this episode:
- You must assess the scope of your operations (where you spend your money, as well as examine all current stakeholders), so you know how to both grow your company and increase your impact.
- Consider what differentiates your business and what unique skillset you bring to the table.
- Ask yourself 3 questions about your strategy: Is your list of ways to give back practical? Is it the best way your business can make an impact? Does it align with what your company does and what your customers want?
- Know what your strategy will look like in practice: how you’ll roll out the initiative and who you’ll work with to make it happen.
- Develop an action plan with a timeline to execute and implement your initiative, breaking it out into manageable steps along the way.
- Communicate the purpose clearly and in a way that excites and motivates your stakeholders.
- Know how to monitor your progress, keeping key metrics in mind so you can pivot if need be and recognize what success looks like. Be thoughtful about the long haul!

Topics in this episode:
- Sustainable Give Back strategies
- How to do Good with your Business
- Strategies to make an impact with your Business
- Business Lessons

Resources mentioned in this episode:
Episode 05. The Top 5 Reasons Giveback Strategies Fail - and How To Avoid Them
https://thegoodofficepodcast.com/episodes/05

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/0

Visit Marie Mae's website to learn more about the products:
https://mariemae.com

Money is the most powerful tool you have, so spend it in a way that makes a difference in the world. That’s the idea behind purchasing power, which this week’s returning guest, Bethany Tran, illustrates as the founder and CEO of The Root Collective. By partnering with independent Guatemalan workshops, her brand offers ethical shoes and accessories that provide above-fair trade wages to its workers.
Bethany started her business 7 years ago with the mission to create change in the world through social enterprise. By giving local Guatemalan artisans jobs with fair wages, she has moved away from the common practice of simply providing charity and instead gives them meaningful work to help their communities. She discusses the domino effect of ethical retail and how investing in quality pieces can be far more gratifying than a quick shopper’s high.

Key takeaways from this episode:
- What it means in entrepreneurship to live your convictions
- The challenges in creating a social enterprise
- Shifting your thinking away from the consumerist “buy, buy, buy” mindset – opting instead to buy less and choose well
- The ripple effect that results from spending money in impactful ways
- The mental overload we get from amassing too much stuff
- Top tips for using purchasing power to do good, including where to start, how to ease in, and why we shouldn’t aim for immediate perfection

Topics covered:
- How to use your purchasing power for good
- Fast fashion vs slow fashion
- America's consumerism problem
- The path to creating ethical shopping habits
- Resources for using your purchasing power for good

Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
Episode 02: How to Lead with Integrity with Bethany Tran
https://thegoodofficepodcast.com/episodes/02

To learn more about Bethany and the Root Collective:
www.therootcollective.com
www.instagram.com/therootcollective

To learn more about Jillian and the Good Office Podcast, please visit: www.thegoodofficepodcast.com.

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

Visit our website to learn more about our products:
https://mariemae.com

In today’s world, truly successful businesses go beyond simply providing a product or service to deliver value. They can have purpose and a positive impact on communities – purpose that shapes and even defines their overall brand.

This week Jillian welcomes someone who embodies this ideal: Director of Marketing and Digital for the Tory Burch Foundation, Molly Heffernan, the mind behind big wins like the global campaign #embraceambition and the first Tory Burch Foundation pop-up shop. As part of her work with this foundation, she helps empower women through programs and initiatives that invest in the success and sustainability of women-owned small businesses – important especially now during the pandemic.

This episode dives into the campaign’s origin and mission to help women welcome and embrace their ambitious side. Jillian and Molly discuss the struggles female entrepreneurs often experience when it comes to internalized biases arising from society’s perception of them. In addition, Molly outlines her top 3 pieces of advice to small business owners, including the importance of pivoting your business in light of COVID-19.

Takeaways from this episode with Molly:
- Envision your business after the pandemic and begin working backwards from there.
- Find a way to reach people and help, even when circumstances change – even if you have to rethink your business a bit.
- Seek a fresh perspective. Don’t be afraid to ask the community, brand ambassadors, and more to crowdsource ideas and inspiration.
- Pursue and jump on opportunities as they arise, knowing that you’re worthy to have a seat at the table.
- Tap in to your brand story in an authentic way. It’s not just about what you sell; it’s about who you are and what you stand for. In particular, women in business have compelling stories, so don’t be afraid to share them to connect with your audience.
- Understand that your mission can be a strong differentiator in the market.

Topics Discussed:
- Female Empowerment
- Tory Burch Foundation's work
- Leading a business during COVID-19
- Impostor Syndrome
- Ambitious Female Leaders
- Women Owned Businesses
- Growth Mindset
- How to Grow a Brand
- Resources to grow a brand

Resources Mentioned in This Podcast:
http://www.toryburchfoundation.org/resources/
https://www.instagram.com/toryburchfoundation/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/toryburchfoundation/
https://twitter.com/ToryBurchFdn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mollyheffernan/

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

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:
thegoodofficepodcast.com/episodes/13

Visit Marie Mae's website to learn more about the products:
https://mariemae.com

Corporate Gifting in 2020 presents new limitations, and equally, new opportunities to really make a positive impact with vendors, clients and employees. In this episode, Jillian Ryan provides an insightful Corporate Gifting roadmap which includes timelines, etiquette tips during a pandemic, and explains why Thanksgiving is bypassing Christmas as the perfect time for gifting.

This episode covers questions that most businesses are asking themselves:
- How to show gratitude to employees, clients or vendors
- When should corporate gifts be sent
- What are the best corporate gift ideas this year
- Where is it appropriate to send gifts, as people are still working from home

In addition, Jillian shares her top 3 tips to creating a Corporate Gifting strategy that doesn't just work for your company, but how to use it to create impact in businesses that need your money the most like local, women-owned, minority and Black owned-businesses.

Takeaways from this episode:
- The Pandemic has accelerated Marie Mae's hyper growth this year. Corporate Gifting is in demand more than ever!
- Consider potential supply chain issues, so...
- ...secure your gifts early if you want access to the best product selection.
- Give gifts that make an impact.
- Choose the impact that you want to make and focus your efforts there.

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/12

Visit Marie Mae's website to learn more about the products:
https://mariemae.com

In this episode, Jillian interviews Kara Christensen, Economic Empowerment Program Manager at the nonprofit New Friends New Life to discuss how businesses can be more inclusive and support Human Trafficking survivors to overcome the challenges they face when re-entering the workforce, and what is needed for healthy, trauma-informed (and trained) workplaces.

Kara shares how this nonprofit is restoring and empowering formerly trafficked teen girls and sexually exploited women and their children (their 'members'), and the triggers that most of their members struggle with during day-to-day activities, such as taking public transportation or reading body language. Jillian and Kara also discuss some shocking human trafficking statistics in Texas, and who is most at risk to be trafficked here in the US.

Takeaways from this episode:
- Trauma has a huge effect on the way people think and interact with other people, and particularly in the way that their body responds to the world. Trauma stunts mental and physical growth, and can lead to symptoms of isolation, shame, and unworthiness.
- It only takes 48 hours for a young person to get picked up off the streets and trafficked in the sex trade, and nearly 87% of teens who have been trafficked have been abandoned or abused at a really young age.
- 77% of trafficking victims are US citizens; 86% of which are female.
- Dallas, TX has an estimated $99 million annual revenue of illegal sex trade.
- New Friends New Life acts as a liaison between the corporation / business and the member, for a healthy, learnable positive community creation.
- Through an economic empowerment program, New Friends New Life helps their members overcome fears such as submitting a background check during job applications, and empowers them to apply for opportunities that before they considered themselves "unworthy of".

Topics discussed in this episode:
- Human Trafficking
- Types of Human Trafficking
- Human Trafficking Hotspots in the US
- How companies can be a trauma trained workplace
- New Friends New Life
- At-risk youth groups
- Who can be at risk of human trafficking
- Sex Trafficking targets

To connect to New Friends New Life please visit:
https://www.instagram.com/newfriendsnewlife/
https://www.facebook.com/newfriendsnewlife/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/new-friends-new-life/

To connect to Kara Christensen, Economic Empowerment Program Manager please email:
[email protected]
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/11

Visit Marie Mae's website to learn more about the products:
https://mariemae.com