The Purpose Profit Shift

In this episode of The Purpose Profit Shift, host Rachel E. Bernier-Green is joined by Rendel Solomon, a former managing director in private equity who pivoted to become a purpose-driven entrepreneur after the deaths of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor. Rendel shares his journey from corporate success to his commitment to democratizing wealth and fostering racial equity through finance. He discusses his ventures, including InHeirit, an AI-driven estate planning platform, and One Stock-One Future, an initiative to turn youth into shareholders. The conversation explores the intersection of systemic change, sustainable revenue, and the entrepreneurial spirit.

Rendel Solomon is a Chicago-based entrepreneur, financial activist, and advocate for wealth democratization. After spending 13 years in private equity, where he rose to the position of managing director, Rendel left his lucrative career in 2020 to pursue racial equity through finance. He co-founded InHeirit, an AI estate planning platform, and One Stock-One Future, a program that gives youth the opportunity to become public company shareholders. Rendel is also a TEDx speaker and has received numerous accolades for his work in financial literacy and racial justice.

Expect to Learn

• The story behind Rendel’s transition from private equity to purpose-driven entrepreneurship.
• How InHeirit is disrupting the estate planning industry by making the process more affordable and accessible.
• The impact of One Stock One Future and how it empowers youth by turning them into shareholders.
• Insights into the challenges of balancing capitalism with anti-oppression efforts.
• How Rendel navigates the tension between systemic change and generating sustainable revenue for his businesses.

 Episode Breakdown with Timestamps

• [00:00:00] - Introduction
• [00:05:07] - Rendel’s Story
• [00:22:30] - Rejecting Hustle Culture
• [00:30:09] - Quick Early Career Story
• [00:35:34] - How InHeirit is Solving Problems
• [00:42:16] - One Stock One Future - Navigating the Tensions
• [00:52:53] - The First Step
• [00:58:44] - Vision for a Truly Equitable Economy
• [01:09:10] - Learning is a Journey
• [01:12:03] - Closing Thoughts: Connect with Rendel and The Ongoing Journey of Purpose Profit Shift

 Follow the Guest

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rendelsolomon/ 
• Website:https://linktr.ee/Rendelsolomon 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rendel_solomon/?hl=en 
• X: https://x.com/RendelSolomon 
• Company’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/getInHeirit/ 
• Company’s Website: https://www.getInHeirit.com/who-we-are

Follow the Host

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelberniergreen/ 
• Website: https://ejconsortium.com/ 
• Company’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ejconsortium?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=MXgxeWVmbTJjdTMwNA== 
• Company’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ej-consortium/ 
• Company’s Twitter: https://x.com/EJConsortium 
• Company’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566522115133 

Listening Links: 

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0kmrlBqo4QHftlfmqo2Q32?si=4bd2e0e655864a26&nd=1&dlsi=37cbc85018304f35 
• Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-purpose-profit-shift/id1829627732 
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwbV6ikn-xvcU4EtMEKJW9Q

In this powerful episode of Purpose Profit Shift, host Rachel E. Bernier-Green speaks with Arnaud Saint-Paul, Founder of the Heart Leadership Institute, Tapuat, about leading from the heart in business. Arnaud shares how decades of success in tech and finance gave way to a mission-driven life focused on inner coherence, purpose, and transformational leadership. Their conversation unpacks how a values-aligned business mindset can lead to sustainable growth and meaningful impact.

Arnaud Saint-Paul is a former tech entrepreneur turned transformational leader. With 20 years of experience raising millions and earning innovation awards across Europe and the U.S., Arnaud now leads the Heart Leadership Institute. He is also the creator of the Heart Leadership Index, a tool used to measure coherence in leadership and organizations. His mission is bold: to open one billion hearts and prove that heart-centered leadership delivers measurable business results.

• How Arnaud’s spiritual awakening shaped his shift from finance to heart-centered leadership
• Why coherence and presence are the foundation for better business outcomes
• What the Heart Leadership Index reveals about joy, burnout, and productivity in leader
• How underserved communities and youth are being empowered through heart-led education
• What resonant growth is and how companies can unlock it through inner alignment

• [00:00] – Teaser
• [00:48] – Welcome & Introduction to The Purpose Profit Shift
• [02:10] – Arnaud's Opening Remarks
• [05:24] – The Non-Negotiable Shift to Heart-Centered Work
• [06:58] – The Mission: Opening 1 Billion Hearts
• [10:33] – Arnaud's Spiritual Awakening at Age 13
• [12:18] – Reactions to Shifting from Tech/Finance to Spirituality
• [15:13] – Navigating Difficult Transformations & Trauma as a Leader
• [18:10] – Case Study: A CEO's Lawsuit as a Symbolic Challenge
• [20:51] – The Creation of the Heartful Method
• [23:28] – The ROI of the Heart: Data from the Heart Leadership Index
• [27:42] – Key Findings: Purpose, Non-Attachment, and Meditation
• [29:22] – The Impact of Coherence on Revenue & Resonant Growth
• [31:56] – Case Study: Tangible Business Outcomes from Heart Leadership
• [35:23] – Give Nation: Financial Literacy & Philanthropy for Kids & Underserved Communities
• [37:43] – The Heart Economy Movement: An Alternative to Extractive Capitalism
• [41:48] – Advice for Founders Struggling with Profit vs. Values
• [44:33] – How to Connect & Work with Arnaud
• [46:53] – Rachel's Closing Remarks & Resources
• [47:49] – Outro & Call to Action for Listeners

Follow the Arnaud Saint-Paul:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arnaudsaintpaul/
• Company's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tapuat/
• Company's Website: https://tapuat.com/

Follow the Host, Rachel Bernier-Green:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelberniergreen/
• Website: www.instagram.com/jointhryvo/
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/jointhryvo/
• LinkedIn (Company): www.linkedin.com/company/jointhryvo/
• Twitter/X: x.com/jointhryvo
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/jointhryvo
• Tiktok: www.tiktok.com/@jointhryvo

Listening Links:

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0kmrlBqo4QHftlfmqo2Q32
• Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-purpose-profit-shift/id1829627732
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@PurposeProfitShift
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In this episode of The Purpose Profit Shift, host Rachel E. Bernier-Green speaks with J Laurence Sarno, a Member Owner, Culture Circle Lead, and Marketing & Business Development Circles at CoLab Cooperative (Part-time, Remote), a values-driven tech company that has operated without hierarchy for over 15 years. The conversation dives into how worker cooperatives function, what it means to make decisions by consent, and how businesses can grow without compromising their values. Together, they unpack what ownership, collaboration, and purpose look like when the people doing the work actually own the company.

J Laurence Sarno joined CoLab in 2023 after years of experience in traditional corporate structures. At CoLab, Laurence is an equal owner and actively works in the culture, marketing, and business development circles. With a background in business development and a passion for culture building, Laurence brings a unique perspective to how businesses can scale impact while upholding democratic governance and collective ownership.

Expect to Learn

• What it actually looks like to work at a non-hierarchical, worker-owned tech cooperative
• How Sociocracy and nonviolent communication support effective decision-making
• Why CoLab only works with mission-aligned clients and how that shapes their business strategy
• How consent-based governance helps avoid decision paralysis and fosters shared responsibility
• The power of aligning pricing and profit with purpose, and how CoLab navigates financial sustainability

Episode Breakdown with Timestamps

• [00:00] – Teaser
• [01:02] – Introduction to CoLab Cooperative & The Worker-Owned Model
• [03:21] – The "Progress, One Mistake at a Time" Philosophy
• [07:03] – How Sociocracy and Governing by Consent Enables Collaboration
• [09:26] – Maintaining a Cohesive Culture Across Four Continents
• [12:02] – The Role of Nonviolent Communication in CoLab's Culture
• [17:02] – "Happiness" and Running Towards Difficult Conversations
• [20:07] – The Biggest Tension: Growing a Values-Based Business
• [23:31] – The "Financial Code Red" Trap and Investing in Internal Tools
• [27:50] – The Challenge of Strategy and Consensus Without Clear Goals
• [31:02] – Decision-Making in Practice: From Conflict to Consensus
• [39:07] – A Different Approach to Sales: Building for Client Success
• [42:43] – Client Retention and the Power of Long-Term Partnerships
• [48:29] – The Mindset of an Owner: Sharing Profit and Responsibility
• [50:06] – The Surprising Emotional Overhead of a Cooperative
• [54:02] – The Growing Tech Cooperative Movement and Catalytic Impact
• [56:02] – Closing Remarks & How to Connect with CoLab Cooperative

Follow the guest, J Laurence Sarno

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jlaurencesarno/
• Website: https://www.colab.coop/

Resources:

http://www.smallgiantsbook.com/

Follow the Host, Rachel Bernier-Green:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelberniergreen/
• Website: www.instagram.com/jointhryvo/
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/jointhryvo/
• LinkedIn (Company): www.linkedin.com/company/jointhryvo/
• Twitter/X: x.com/jointhryvo
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/jointhryvo
• Tiktok: www.tiktok.com/@jointhryvo

Listening Links:

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0kmrlBqo4QHftlfmqo2Q32
• Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-purpose-profit-shift/id1829627732
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@PurposeProfitShift

In this episode of The Purpose Profit Shift, host Rachel E. Bernier-Green speaks with Anne Bahr Thompson, a leading CSR thought leader, author, and the creator of the Me-to-We Continuum. Anne has worked with some of the world’s largest brands, helping them move beyond superficial CSR efforts and align their business strategies with meaningful social impact. Join us as we discuss how businesses can harmonise purpose and profit, how leadership plays a crucial role, and why the future of business must be relational rather than transactional.

Anne Bahr Thompson is a seasoned CSR thought leader and the author of Do Good: Embracing Brand Citizenship to Fuel Both Purpose and Profit. With extensive experience advising top global brands, Anne developed the Me-to-We Continuum, a framework that helps companies transition from self-interest to stakeholder citizenship. Her work challenges businesses to rethink the traditional balance between purpose and profit, helping them build sustainable, impactful strategies that serve a broad range of stakeholders.

Expect to Learn:

• The Me-to-We Continuum: Anne's groundbreaking framework that helps businesses move from self-focused strategies to a holistic, stakeholder-centric approach.
• Why purpose and profit do not have to be at odds, and how companies can create a virtuous cycle of growth by benefiting everyone in their ecosystem.
• What stakeholder citizenship means, and how businesses can embrace a more integrated approach to corporate responsibility.
• The importance of leadership alignment: How getting clear on personal and organisational values is key to creating a brand that genuinely serves its purpose.
• How businesses can build trust, responsibility, community, and contribution through authentic, purpose-driven actions.

Episode Breakdown with Timestamps:

• [00:00:00] – Teaser
• [00:01:11] – Welcome & Introduction to The Purpose Profit Shift
• [00:03:04] – The Pull from Corporate Branding to Deeper Purpose
• [00:05:56] – The Personal Reasons for Leaving Corporate Life
• [00:09:31] – A Childhood Letter to P&G: Early Brand Alignment Instincts
• [00:13:04] – Defining Stakeholder Citizenship vs. Shareholder Capitalism
• [00:16:57] – Breaking Down the "Me to We" Continuum Framework
• [00:22:04] – Contemplating a Book 2.0 and New Ideas on Coherence
• [00:26:50] – Data and Evidence: How Purpose Drives Profit and Growth
• [00:31:53] – Case Study: Nespresso's Sustainable Brand Strategy
• [00:40:00] – Advice for Navigating the Current Backlash Against Purpose
• [00:52:05] – How Personal Purpose Unfolds Over a Lifetime
• [00:56:01] – Creating Brave Spaces for Growth, Not Just Safe Spaces
• [00:59:00] – A Practical Framework for Uncovering Your Purpose
• [01:10:39] – A Pivotal Career Lesson on Relationships in Business
• [01:16:21] – Call to Action and Final Takeaways

Follow the guest, Anne Bahr

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anne-bahr-thompson-626116/
• Website: https://annebahrthompson.com/anne-bahr-thompson/
• X: https://x.com/annebt?lang=en

Follow the Host, Rachel Bernier-Green:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelberniergreen/
• Website: www.instagram.com/jointhryvo/
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/jointhryvo/
• LinkedIn (Company): www.linkedin.com/company/jointhryvo/
• Twitter/X: x.com/jointhryvo
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/jointhryvo
• Tiktok: www.tiktok.com/@jointhryvo

Listening Links:

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0kmrlBqo4QHftlfmqo2Q32
• Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-purpose-profit-shift/id1829627732
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@PurposeProfitShift

In this episode of Purpose Profit Shift, host Rachel E. Bernier-Green sits down with Ian Peterman, founder and CEO of Peterman Design Firm, to explore how conscious business design can lead to both profitability and sustainability. Ian shares how his journey through burnout, overwork, and business failure ultimately led him to build a thriving seven-figure company that prioritizes human well-being and purposeful impact. Together, they break down what it really takes to create a values-aligned business that doesn’t sacrifice your health or principles in pursuit of success.

Ian Peterman is a seasoned designer, entrepreneur, and the founder of Peterman Design Firm, a conscious design studio known for creating environmentally responsible products and brands. With over 15 years of experience working with innovators and companies like HP and Nike, Ian is also the host of the Conscious Design Podcast and co-author of the book Conscious Design. His firm champions a four-day workweek and emphasizes a people-first culture that proves ethical business is not only possible, it's profitable.

Expect to Learn

• How Ian went from burnout and failure to building a thriving conscious design firm
• Why traditional startup culture sets founders up for exhaustion
• The real economics of shifting to a four-day workweek
• How to build client relationships with clear boundaries and aligned values
• Why pricing with transparency can actually strengthen your business

Episode Breakdown with Timestamps

• [00:00:00] – Teaser
• [00:01:11] – Introduction to the Purpose Profit Shift and Guest Ian Peterman
• [00:02:32] – Childhood Entrepreneurship: The Greeting Card Business
• [00:06:29] – Personal Connections: Homeschooling and Family
• [00:08:16] – The First Adult Venture: Starting a Design Firm
• [00:12:11] – The "Business in a Box" Model and Its Challenges
• [00:16:02] – The Value of Cross-Functional Knowledge
• [00:21:04] – The Turning Point: Realizing the Grind Wasn't Working
• [00:29:41] – Implementing a Four-Day Work Week and Healthier Boundaries
• [00:36:29] – The Tactical Reality of Setting Boundaries
• [00:42:58] – Impact on Team Culture and Attracting Talent
• [00:48:16] – A Radical Pricing Strategy: Value, Certainty, and Filters
• [00:51:03] – Diversifying the Client Base and a Transparent Discovery Process
• [00:56:39] – The "Two-Way Filter" for Client and Company Alignment
• [00:59:34] – Phased Pricing to Avoid Stifling Creativity
• [01:00:11] – Building a Values-Aligned Team Through Conversation
• [01:04:50] – Prioritizing Family and Acting as a Buffer for the Team
• [01:06:35] – Trusting Your Team to Solve Problems and The Dangers of Micromanaging
• [01:10:26] – Conclusion and How to Connect with Ian

Follow the Guest Lan Peterman:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ianpeterman/
• Ian’s Website: https://www.ianpeterman.com/
• Ian’s Podcast: https://www.consciousdesignhaus.com/category/podcast/
• Company's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/petermanfirm/
• Company's Website: https://www.petermanfirm.com/

Follow the Host, Rachel Bernier-Green:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelberniergreen/
• Website: www.instagram.com/jointhryvo/
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/jointhryvo/
• LinkedIn (Company): www.linkedin.com/company/jointhryvo/
• Twitter/X: x.com/jointhryvo
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/jointhryvo
• Tiktok: www.tiktok.com/@jointhryvo

Listening Links:

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0kmrlBqo4QHftlfmqo2Q32
• Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-purpose-profit-shift/id1829627732
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@PurposeProfitShift

In this episode of The Purpose Profit Shift, host Rachel E. Bernier-Green speaks with Amy Keller, Co-Founder of Climate Candy, about how she's reshaping the candy industry by focusing on sustainability and environmental impact. Amy shares how her background in both the candy industry and climate-conscious entrepreneurship led her to create a business model that upcycles imperfect produce into healthy, sustainable fruit snacks. Learn how Climate Candy is proving that innovation, sustainability, and profitability can go hand in hand in even the most traditional industries.

Amy Keller is the founder and CEO of Climate Candy, a company that transforms imperfect fruits and vegetables into healthy fruit chews, all while focusing on sustainability and reducing food waste. Previously, she was involved in her family’s candy business, Spangler Candy Company, and now, through Climate Candy, she is pioneering a new era in the food industry. Amy is a 7-time Ironman, a champion of environmental causes, and a 2025 Meaningful Business 100 winner for her innovative solutions to global challenges.

Expect to Learn

• How to build a business that balances purpose with profitability
• The power of upcycling imperfect produce and reducing food waste
• How sustainability in business can be a competitive advantage
• Why taking risks and remaining tenacious is essential for success
• The challenges and triumphs of disrupting traditional industries

Episode Breakdown with Timestamps

• [00:00] - Teaser
• [01:16] - Introduction to the Purpose Profit Shift and Guest Amy Keller
• [04:47] - Holding True to Mission While Scaling a Purpose-Driven Company
• [07:57] - The Unique Food Service and Impact Reporting Business Model
• [10:02] - Maintaining Environmental Standards and a "Seed to Market" Approach
• [11:52] - Winning the Google Single-Use Plastics Challenge
• [13:45] - Debunking the Myth That Sustainable Business is More Expensive
• [18:45] - The Biggest Surprises of Building a Profitable, Purposeful Company
• [21:17] - Convincing Traditional Funders and Distributors to Take a Chance
• [23:32] - Building the Right Team: Advisors and Fractional Employees
• [26:21] - Managing Pressure as a Purpose-Driven Founder
• [29:11] - The Vision for Climate Candy in Five Years
• [37:24] - Final Thoughts: The Power of a Clear Mission

Follow the Guest Amy Keller:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amygkeller/
• Company's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/climate-candy%E2%84%A2/
• Company's Website: https://climatecandy.com/

Follow the Host, Rachel Bernier-Green:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelberniergreen/
• Website: www.instagram.com/jointhryvo/
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/jointhryvo/
• LinkedIn (Company): www.linkedin.com/company/jointhryvo/
• Twitter/X: x.com/jointhryvo
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/jointhryvo
• Tiktok: www.tiktok.com/@jointhryvo

Listening Links:

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0kmrlBqo4QHftlfmqo2Q32
• Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-purpose-profit-shift/id1829627732
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@PurposeProfitShift

In this episode of Purpose Profit Shift, host Rachel E. Bernier-Green speaks with Chris Bolman, founder of Brightest and executive director of The Brightest Foundation. They discuss how Chris left the high-growth tech world to create a platform that makes sustainability accessible, and what it really takes to build systems that transform society.

Chris Bolman is a social entrepreneur and the visionary behind Brightest, a leading Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) software platform serving nonprofits, startups, and Fortune 500s alike. With a background as VP of Marketing at Percolate and early work in solar energy, Chris combines tech expertise with a deep commitment to social impact.

Expect to Learn:

• Why Chris left a successful career in tech to start a purpose-driven business
• What it means to “build systems to change the system”
• How Brightest helps organizations measure ESG impact at scale
• The economics of pricing for impact while remaining profitable
• How AI is transforming the future of sustainability and social enterprise

Episode Breakdown with Timestamps:

• [00:00] – Teaser
• [01:05] – Introduction to the Purpose Profit Shift and Guest Chris Bolman
• [07:15] – From VP at a Sequoia-Backed Startup to Building for Purpose
• [11:05] – Building Systems to Change the System: The Brightest Mission
• [14:45] – Democratizing ESG: Why Brightest Serves Startups and Non-Profits
• [17:30] – The Portfolio Pricing Strategy: Balancing Profit and Purpose
• [21:27] – The Importance of B Corp Certification and Accountability
• [23:55] – How Brightest Tracks Its Own Impact and Operational Values
• [26:35] – The "Double Bottom Line": How Sustainability is Good for Business
• [29:10] – A Look Inside: How Brightest Uses Its Own Platform
• [31:05] – The Role of AI and Automation in Impact Measurement
• [33:28] – The Next Radical Shift: AI and the Integration of Purpose
• [38:41] – The Broader Impact of AI on Jobs and the Economy
• [42:42] – Consumer Responsibility and the Power of Your Dollar
• [44:59] – Chris's Personal Definition of Success and Work-Life Balance
• [48:52] – Closing Thoughts and How to Connect with Brightest

Follow the Guest Chris Bolman:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisbolman/
• Company's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/brightestinc/
• Company's Website: https://www.brightest.io/

Follow the Host, Rachel Bernier-Green:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelberniergreen/
• Website: www.instagram.com/jointhryvo/
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/jointhryvo/
• LinkedIn (Company): www.linkedin.com/company/jointhryvo/
• Twitter/X: x.com/jointhryvo
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/jointhryvo
• Tiktok: www.tiktok.com/@jointhryvo

Listening Links:

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0kmrlBqo4QHftlfmqo2Q32
• Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-purpose-profit-shift/id1829627732
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@PurposeProfitShift

Heads up! You will hear the business name EJ Consortium, but that name has been changed to Thryvo Financial Advisory.

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In a role reversal episode of Purpose Profit Shift, host Rachel E. Bernier Green becomes the guest as she shares the story behind Purpose Profit Shift and her own entrepreneurial evolution. Interviewed by her cousin and creative partner Conchetta Woods, Rachel dives into how personal burnout, a collapsing ceiling, and a desire to create community wealth drove her to launch a new kind of business, a consulting firm helping purpose-driven entrepreneurs build sustainable, profitable companies that also change the world.

Rachel E. Bernier Green is a social entrepreneur, activist, and the founder of Thryvo Financial Advisory, a finance and operations consulting firm serving mission-driven businesses. Formerly a corporate accountant and bakery owner, Rachel’s journey spans global impact, personal reinvention, and unwavering commitment to economic justice.

Expect to Learn:

• How Rachel’s burnout and health challenges pushed her to pivot from corporate to entrepreneurship.
• The mission behind EJ Consortium and how it empowers other values-based businesses.
• Why many social enterprises fail, and what can be done differently to sustain impact.
• How to build a business that aligns with your personal values without sacrificing profit.
• Rachel’s vision for a new economy and the real reason behind launching Purpose Profit Shift.

• [00:00] – Teaser
• [02:18] – Welcome and format twist: Rachel becomes the guest
• [05:28] – “This or That” game reveals Rachel’s business values
• [08:42] – Leaving corporate: burnout, baking, and breaking points
• [13:57] – Why she built a bakery that hired returning citizens
• [17:43] – Launching EJ Consortium: The mission, the model, and the mistake that inspired it
• [21:28] – Helping founders who want to do good but don’t know how
• [25:57] – Small business vs. scaling: how her firm works with all stages
• [28:49] – Mistakes entrepreneurs make when scaling too fast
• [31:18] – Why founders must value themselves in their pricing and schedules
• [33:34] – How to get started with Thryvo and what they offer
• [34:27] – Creating the podcast: The vision behind The Purpose Profit Shift
• [37:41] – Final reflections: You can change the world with your business

Follow the Guest Concheta Woods:

• Personal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrzchetta/
• Company's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dominionvideo/
• Company's landing page: https://www.dominionchi.com/followers-to-customers?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAadWBBd-fIbzpG5sCWExq2DIQZT2lNEPQNmYbpA5pC_fzcRY-KNvpBHTrouePw_aem_x6DQYVKtIu1akdkgZOjIGA
• Company's Sales page: https://www.dominiondesignsmm.com/10x-growth-6212?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaeuh8pfnvpFDUpEhNdAEOOSTFxd2GQgEPpRWT2IT1ZPxv0pYc5m9ph2AJE6TA_aem_Q_sMWo8XkH_qVTaAWqvLqg

Follow the Host, Rachel Bernier-Green:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelberniergreen/
• Website: www.instagram.com/jointhryvo/
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/jointhryvo/
• LinkedIn (Company): www.linkedin.com/company/jointhryvo/
• Twitter/X: x.com/jointhryvo
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/jointhryvo
• Tiktok: www.tiktok.com/@jointhryvo

Listening Links:

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0kmrlBqo4QHftlfmqo2Q32
• Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-purpose-profit-shift/id1829627732
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@PurposeProfitShift

In this episode of Purpose Profit Shift, host Rachel E. Bernier Green is joined by Deon Bonaparte, CEO of Threi Strategy and a brand strategist who is redefining how entrepreneurs turn personal challenges into community impact. Deon shares his powerful journey from growing up in difficult circumstances, graduating with a 1.7 GPA, and overcoming stuttering to becoming a visionary leader in brand strategy. This episode offers a deep dive into how Deon helps purpose-driven businesses, especially those led by BIPOC entrepreneurs, build strategies that close wealth gaps while driving profit and social impact.

Deon Bonaparte is the CEO of Threi Strategy, a brand strategy firm dedicated to helping organizations, particularly BIPOC-led businesses, create meaningful impact through strategic branding and marketing. Deon’s personal story is one of resilience and transformation, overcoming significant obstacles in his life to become a trusted advisor to entrepreneurs looking to scale their businesses. His approach to brand strategy integrates purpose with action, enabling businesses to turn their missions into measurable, market-ready strategies.

• Deon’s personal journey from academic struggles to building a successful career in brand strategy.
• How to identify hidden advantages in challenges and turn them into strengths for business growth.
• The role of purpose in shaping strategic business decisions and how it leads to long-term success.
• The power of self-awareness and faith in guiding business strategy and leadership.
• Insights into growing a business with a clear focus on purpose and community impact.

• [00:00] - Teaser
• [01:02] - Introduction to Deon Bonaparte
• [04:12] - Realization of Strengths by Deon
• [08:31] - Identifying Hidden Advantages
• [13:33] - Breaking Through Business in 30 Days
• [23:36] - Lessons from a Failed Business
• [32:03] - Signal to Noise
• [38:11] - Embracing Authenticity and How Imperfections are often Strengths
• [47:53] - God redirects us to our paths
• [51:30] - Impact of Threi on the World
• [55:21] - Closing Thoughts: A final reflection on the importance of purpose and strategy in business

Follow the Guest Deon:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deon-bonaparte-0087a0169/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deon_bonaparte/
• Company’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/threi-strategy/
• Company’s Website: https://www.threistrategy.com/

Follow the Host, Rachel Bernier-Green:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelberniergreen/
• Website: www.instagram.com/jointhryvo/
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/jointhryvo/
• LinkedIn (Company): www.linkedin.com/company/jointhryvo/
• Twitter/X: x.com/jointhryvo
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/jointhryvo
• Tiktok: www.tiktok.com/@jointhryvo

Listening Links:

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0kmrlBqo4QHftlfmqo2Q32
• Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-purpose-profit-shift/id1829627732
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@PurposeProfitShift

In this episode of Purpose Profit Shift, host Rachel Bernier Green speaks with David Lidz, founder of Appalachian Field Services (AFS) Builds and co-founder of WaterBottle Co‑Op, a worker-owned real estate cooperative revitalizing West Baltimore through equitable, community-centered housing. David shares his powerful journey from government relations in D.C. to homelessness and recovery, and ultimately to building a social enterprise rooted in worker ownership and shared equity.

David Lidz is the founder of AFS Builds and co-founder/CEO of WaterBottle Co‑Op, where he leads community-centered real estate development that empowers workers and addresses systemic inequality. His innovative "community equity model" prioritizes local ownership and economic upliftment for marginalized workers.

Expect to Learn

How personal recovery fueled David’s vision for social entrepreneurship.

The role of AFS Builds in the foundation of WaterBottle Co‑Op.

What makes the worker-owned cooperative model effective in real estate.

How WaterBottle Co‑Op is reversing exploitative patterns in housing markets.

The financial strategies behind equitable real estate and community ownership.

The difference between restorative rehab and extractive flipping

David’s Reading List

Episode Breakdown with Timestamps

[00:00]: Introduction

[06:15]: From Government Relations to Addiction and Recovery

[13:45]: What kept you going after Recovery

[16:53]: Transition from a Traditional Business Owner

[21:24]: Appalachian Field Service Needed to be a Worker Co-Op

[25:57]: Benefits of Non-Extractive Financing Models

[34:16]: Walking Away after the Bill Passed

[38:03]: Measuring Success: From 3 to 30+ Properties and $6.5M Raised

[45:43]: The Impact Real Estate Portfolio: A National Replication Model

[56:00]: Holistic Healing Through Business and Community Empowerment

[58:54]: Where to Find David and Learn More

Follow Guest David:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidlidz/

Company’s Website: https://www.waterbottle.coop/

Company’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/waterbottlecooperative/

Company’s 2nd LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/appalachian-field-services/

Company’s 2nd Website: https://www.afsbuilds.com/

Company’s 2nd Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afsbuilds/

Follow the Host, Rachel Bernier-Green:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelberniergreen/
• Website: www.instagram.com/jointhryvo/
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/jointhryvo/
• LinkedIn (Company): www.linkedin.com/company/jointhryvo/
• Twitter/X: x.com/jointhryvo
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/jointhryvo
• Tiktok: www.tiktok.com/@jointhryvo

Listening Links:

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0kmrlBqo4QHftlfmqo2Q32
• Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-purpose-profit-shift/id1829627732
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@PurposeProfitShift