A Good Force – a GivingForce original series

content typeInterview primary goalEducational summaryIn this insightful interview, Smruti Govan, Legal Director at PepsiCo, shares her unconventional career journey in human rights and corporate responsibility. She discusses effective strategies for integrating human rights into business operations, overcoming resistance, and scaling impactful programs across supply chains. keywordsHuman Rights, Corporate Responsibility, Supply Chain, ESG, Sustainability, Leadership, Impact, CSR, Business Strategy key topicsIntegrating human rights into corporate strategyScaling impact programs across supply chainsOvercoming resistance and building stakeholder buy-in guest nameSmruti Govan key frameworksBusiness and Human Rights FrameworkImpact Scaling Model action itemsBuild relationships and trust with stakeholders earlyUse data and case studies to demonstrate impactCelebrate small wins to maintain momentumTitlesScaling Human Rights in Global Supply Chains: Smruti Govan’s Journey at PepsiCoHow to Influence Corporate Human Rights Strategies: Lessons from Smruti Govan sound bites"Patience is key in driving sustainable change""Celebrate small wins along the impact journey""Inspire others to lead in human rights"Chapters00:00 Introduction to Human Rights in Business01:33 Smruti Govan's Unique Career Path04:25 Implementing Effective Programs for Women07:13 Challenges in Supply Chain Engagement10:16 The Importance of Supplier Relationships12:42 Navigating Internal and External Resistance15:29 Lessons Learned and Reflections18:12 Advice for Aspiring Human Rights Professionals21:07 The Growing Importance of Human Rights in Organizations22:34 Conclusion and Future Directions resourcesGivik Force - https://givikforce.comPepsiCo - https://pepsico.comBusiness for Social Responsibility (BSR) - https://www.bsr.orgAmnesty International - https://www.amnesty.orgPACE Program (by Gap Inc.) - https://www.gap.comRISE Program (by Gap Inc.) - https://www.gap.com guest linksLinkedIn - https://linkedin.com/in/smruti-govanTwitter - https://twitter.com/smruti_govan

content typeInterview primary goalEducational summaryIn this engaging interview, Denise Melanson shares her unique journey from a music booking agent to a leader in social impact within the entertainment industry. Discover practical tools, industry insights, and strategies for embedding purpose-driven initiatives into entertainment and sports, emphasizing authenticity, relationship-building, and systemic change. keywordssocial impact, entertainment industry, sustainability, inclusion, advocacy, nonprofit, artist representation, industry tools, ESG, CSR key topicsTransition from entertainment to social impactIndustry tools for inclusion and sustainabilityBuilding authentic relationships with talent and nonprofits guest nameDenise MelansonTitlesFrom Booking Agent to Social Impact Leader: Denise Melanson's JourneyBuilding Industry-Wide Tools for Inclusion and Sustainability sound bites"Authenticity is key to effective advocacy.""Let talent lead with their passions.""Focus on relationships, not just transactions."Chapters00:00 Denise's Journey from Music Agent to Social Impact01:31 The Shift in Passion and Purpose03:50 Building the Paradigm Social Impact Department06:37 Choosing Causes and Authenticity in Advocacy09:22 Developing Practical Tools for Social Change13:08 Navigating the Fast-Paced Music Industry14:27 Creating Tools for Accessibility and Sustainability17:49 Bridging Gaps Between Music and Sports20:26 Building Meaningful Relationships with Artists24:23 The Importance of Authentic Engagement resourcesParadigm Talent Agency - https://www.paradigmagency.com/Wasserman - https://www.wasserman.com/The Team - https://theteam.com/NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council) - https://www.nrdc.org/Save the Music Foundation - https://www.savethemusic.org/Green Sports Alliance - https://greensportsalliance.org/Music Sustainability Association - https://musicsustainability.org/ guest linksLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/denise-melanson/

Explore how Karen Arsenault, Head of Social Impact and Sustainability at Best Buy Canada, exemplifies building engaging, long-term social impact programs internally driven from within a large organization. Learn about strategies to foster employee engagement, collaboration with vendors, and creative community outreach.Main Topics:The misconception that CSR/ESG is only for reputation polishing and its true broader purpose.Focus on quality over quantity in youth engagement programs like Teen Tech for Tomorrow.Leveraging internal communication channels and storytelling to inspire and involve over 10,000 employees.Building long-term partnerships with schools, vendors, and community organizations.Creative approaches to resource sharing, such as branded paper bags and art submissions.The importance of listening, trusting local teams, and empowering employees in community projects.Exploring vendor collaboration for technology donations and joint youth initiatives.Practical tips on engaging employees and partners through ongoing involvement and storytelling.Challenges with volunteer hour tracking and suggestions for integrated solutions.GivingForceBest Buy CanadaBGC CanadaMicrosoft Responsible AI CurriculumDell Education Technology SupportMeta (Facebook) Youth ProgramsVolunteerMatch or similar platforms for volunteering opportunitiesLinkedInTwitterTimestamps:00:00 - Introduction to the show's focus on impact-driven leadership00:45 - Misconceptions about CSR/ESG and holistic impact approach02:10 - Strategies for sharing impactful stories internally and externally03:55 - Journey into community and social impact work06:04 - Building long-term partnerships with schools and community centers08:05 - Feedback from employees involved in programs09:40 - Program design philosophy: quality over quantity11:00 - Engaging employees in local initiatives and challenges13:45 - Listening to community needs and empowering local teams15:16 - Designing youth programs that truly empower learners17:44 - Employee reactions to focused program areas19:28 - Internal communication challenges and solutions for employee engagement21:28 - Vendor collaboration examples and partnership opportunities23:24 - Creative resource sharing and cause marketing initiatives24:29 - Tracking efforts and encouraging volunteer participation27:00 - Technology platforms and storytelling collection29:28 - Challenges with volunteer hour tracking and solutions33:15 - Summary and closing insights from KarenResources & Links:Connect with Karen Arsenault:No coughs, no edits, clear storytelling on how internal engagement and community partnerships can be crafted for genuine social impact.

content typeInterview primary goalEducational summaryIn this insightful interview, Roos Brugink, Global Community Investment Lead at AstraZeneca, shares her journey in social impact, the strategic integration of CSR initiatives, and the challenges and opportunities in health-focused philanthropy. Discover how AstraZeneca aligns its business goals with societal needs, measures impact, and fosters youth leadership to create sustainable change. keywordsCSR, social impact, health equity, AstraZeneca, youth leadership, sustainability, NGO partnerships, impact measurement, corporate purpose key topicsIntegration of CSR and business strategyImpact measurement and evaluationYouth leadership development and engagement guest nameRoos BruginkTitlesUnlocking Impact: How AstraZeneca Integrates CSR and Business GoalsThe Power of Youth Leadership in Health Impact sound bites"Preventing diseases by instilling healthy habits early.""Top-down and bottom-up approaches are essential.""Network, values, and stakeholder management are key."Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background01:20 Challenges in Social Impact and Sustainability05:51 AstraZeneca's Approach to Health and Community Engagement07:56 Volunteering and Employee Engagement Strategies09:41 Youth Leadership and Opportunities14:15 Measuring Impact and Sustainability17:16 Personal Journey and Advice for Newcomers resourcesAstraZeneca's Young Health Program - https://www.astrazeneca.com/our-responsibility/health-initiatives.htmlOne Young World - https://www.oneyoungworld.comBusiness for Social Impact (BSI) Impact Framework - https://businessforsocialimpact.orgPQMD Network Partnership for Quality Medical Donations - https://pqmd.org guest linksLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/roosbrugink

content typeInterview primary goalEducational summaryIn this insightful interview, Helen Wilson, Head of Responsible Business at Rathbones Group, shares her journey from oceanography to finance, emphasizing the interconnectedness of sustainability issues and the importance of collaboration, practical impact, and adaptive strategies in ESG and responsible investing. keywordsESG, sustainability, responsible business, finance, collaboration, climate, social impact, nature, regulation, financial services key topicsInterconnectedness of sustainability issuesHelen Wilson's career journey from oceanography to financeThe importance of collaboration in ESGChallenges and opportunities in responsible investing guest nameHelen WilsonTitlesFrom Fish to Finance: Helen Wilson's Journey in SustainabilityUnlocking the Interconnected Nature of ESG with Helen Wilson sound bites"Business is a solution, capital flows are a solution.""We need to bring people on the sustainability journey.""Collaboration is essential for driving real impact."Chapters00:00 Introduction and Technical Difficulties00:00 Introduction to Responsible Business and ESG01:05 Understanding Interconnectedness in Sustainability02:42 Helen's Journey into Sustainability05:08 Evolution of CSR to ESG08:47 Financial Services and Responsible Business13:27 Challenges and Lightbulb Moments in Sustainability17:52 Future Focus: Nature and Social Mobility21:04 The Role of AI in Financial Education resourcesTask Force for Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) - https://tnfd.info/Rathbones Group - https://www.rathbones.com/Helen Wilson's LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/helenwilson/ESG and sustainability resources at Rathbones - https://www.rathbones.com/our-thinking/sustainability guest linksLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/helenwilson/

content typeInterview primary goalEducational summaryIn this engaging interview, Erika Mork shares her extensive experience in nonprofit fundraising, international perspectives, and insights into effective donor engagement strategies. Discover how to navigate the complexities of philanthropy, the importance of community-centered approaches, and practical tips for securing funding. keywordsnonprofit fundraising, philanthropy, donor engagement, community-centered fundraising, grant writing, nonprofit strategy key topicsFundraising strategies and best practicesInternational influence on philanthropyEffective donor engagement and motivations takeawaysCommunity-centered fundraising balances donor interests with community needs.Effective evaluation plans include clear metrics and outcome measures.Successful Give Days create urgency and foster a sense of belonging.Understanding donor motivations enhances engagement and giving.Partnerships with corporate programs can provide valuable in-kind and financial support. guest nameErika Mork key frameworksCommunity-Centered FundraisingLogic Models for Outcomes action itemsIncorporate outcome measurements in grant proposals.Develop community engagement strategies that respect donor motivations.Plan and execute Give Day campaigns with clear urgency and goals.Build partnerships with corporate and community organizations.TitlesUnlocking Fundraising Success: Insights from Erika MorkThe Art of Donor Engagement: Strategies from a Nonprofit Expert sound bites"Organizations doing real good deserve proper funding.""Community-centered fundraising builds trust and impact.""Understanding donor motivations enhances engagement."Chapters00:00 Influences and Experiences in Nonprofit Work00:51 The Role of Funding in Nonprofits03:25 Transitioning into Fundraising05:18 The Journey into Fundraising06:28 The Success of Give Days09:56 Common Threads in Philanthropy15:15 Navigating Philanthropic Demands16:03 Community-Centered Fundraising22:24 Common Mistakes in Grant Seeking25:46 Future Endeavors in Philanthropy resourcesGivingForce - https://givingforce.comUniversity of Lynchburg - https://www.lynchburg.eduGrant Writing Resources - https://grantspace.orgThe Seven Faces of Philanthropy (Book) - https://www.amazon.com/Seven-Faces-Philanthropy-Understanding-Motivation/dp/1118876444 guest linksLinkedIn - https://linkedin.com/in/erika-morkTwitter - https://twitter.com/erikamork

content typeInterview primary goalEducational summaryIn this engaging interview, Seth Laxman shares his journey from environmental activism to leading advocacy campaigns at Lush Cosmetics. Discover how he leverages employee activism, navigates corporate risks, and drives social change through innovative campaigns that align business values with impactful action. keywordsEnvironmental activism, Corporate social responsibility, Employee activism, Lush campaigns, Climate change, Advocacy, Social impact, Business for good key topicsSeth Laxman's transition from Greenpeace to LushThe role of employee activism in corporate social responsibilityStrategies for effective advocacy campaigns in retailOvercoming perceived risks in social activismLong-term systemic change versus short-term campaigns takeawaysEmployee activism is a powerful asset for brands when leveraged correctly.Consistent messaging and deep partnerships are key to successful campaigns.Addressing systemic issues requires ongoing effort, not one-off actions.Building community and networks enhances resilience in impact work.Authenticity and deep engagement are crucial for campaign success. guest nameSeth Laxman key frameworksSystemic Change ModelLong-term Impact StrategyTitlesFrom Greenpeace to Lush: A Journey of Advocacy and ImpactHow Lush Uses Employee Activism to Drive Social Change sound bites"You win more people over by standing strong.""Business can be a core blocker for climate action.""Customer engagement is a different value exchange."Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background00:00 Activism and Advocacy at Lush01:34 The Importance of Employee Activism04:08 Challenges in Corporate Activism06:42 Personal Journey into Advocacy09:45 Transitioning from Nonprofit to Private Sector12:24 Guiding Principles and North Star14:50 Lessons Learned in Advocacy17:25 Advice for Aspiring Activists19:56 Upcoming Campaigns and Future Directions resourcesGreenpeace - https://www.greenpeace.orgLush Cosmetics - https://www.lush.comGrist 50 - https://grist.orgBen & Jerry's - https://www.benjerry.com guest linksLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sethlaxmanTwitter - https://twitter.com/sethlaxman

KeywordsNatalie Moore, Kareem Mostafa, Apps for Good, London 2012, education, leadership, nonprofit, collaboration, impact, technologySummaryIn this engaging conversation, Natalie Moore, CEO of Apps for Good, shares her inspiring journey from a shy student to a leader in the education and tech sectors. She discusses her pivotal role in the London 2012 Olympics, her transition to leadership, and the lessons learned along the way. Natalie emphasizes the importance of collaboration, community, and putting beneficiaries first in the nonprofit sector. She also offers valuable advice for future leaders in education and tech, highlighting the need for innovation and a focus on real impact.TakeawaysNatalie started her career at the London 2012 Olympics.She believes in equal access to opportunities for young people.Leadership requires a shift from doing to enabling.Scaling in nonprofits should focus on depth, not just reach.Collaboration is key in the nonprofit sector.Young people can solve real problems with technology.Don't reinvent the wheel; learn from others.It's important to listen to beneficiaries' needs.Trust in your team and their expertise.Stay true to your mission and theory of change.TitlesFrom Shy Student to CEO: Natalie's JourneyEmpowering Young People Through TechSound bites"It's about depth and relevance.""Trust in your team.""Don't reinvent the wheel."Chapters00:00 Introduction and Setting the Stage00:00 Natalie's Journey to the London 2012 Olympics00:58 Transitioning from Olympics to Education07:58 Myths in the Education Sector09:59 Hard-Won Lessons in Leadership12:55 Staying True to the Mission14:46 From Shy Teenager to Successful CEO15:24 The Importance of Mentorship17:28 Realizing the Impact of Technology20:49 Advice for Entering Education and Impact Tech22:43 Collaboration and Community Engagement24:13 The Power of Sharing Knowledge

Keywordscorporate philanthropy, Time to Give Network, executive time donation, charity, social impact, entrepreneurship, CSR, ESG, leadership, nonprofitSummaryIn this conversation, Andrew Kaufman discusses his journey as the founder of Time to Give Network, a platform that transforms executive time into charitable donations. He shares insights on the challenges of being a first-time CEO, the importance of conviction in entrepreneurship, and the future aspirations for his organization, including global expansion and corporate partnerships.TakeawaysAndrew's journey began with a desire to leave a legacy beyond financial success.The Time to Give Network connects executives with charities through time donations.Conviction is crucial for entrepreneurs facing challenges and setbacks.Andrew emphasizes the importance of community support in his venture.The platform aims to simplify corporate philanthropy for businesses.Andrew's experience in financial services shaped his understanding of access and networking.He believes in the potential for significant social impact through his model.The journey of a first-time CEO involves continuous learning and adaptation.Andrew's vision includes expanding the platform to the US market.Feedback from the community has been invaluable in refining the platform.TitlesTransforming Time into Charity: Andrew Kaufman's JourneyThe Power of Executive Time DonationsSound bites"I wanted to leave a legacy.""Conviction is everything in business.""It takes a village to make this work."Chapters00:00 Introduction to Time to Give Network07:02 The Journey of a First-Time CEO11:50 Navigating Challenges and Breakthroughs21:07 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs24:01 Future Aspirations and Global Expansion