How to Build a Strong Company Culture in Coffee | EQUATOR COFFEES!

About this episode

Ben Bicknell interviews Helen Russell about building a strong company culture at Equator Coffees, focusing on values and inclusivity.

Equator Coffees has done something quite remarkable in the coffee space. 32 years in, and they remain steadfast in their values: Female-owned, B corp certified and LGBTQ+ focused. Ben sat down with Co-Founder Helen Russell to discuss the practicalities of creating and maintaining a value-led business… including non-negotiable staff benefits, transparency with customers, and Helen’s personal advice, ‘hire for kindness, teach coffee later!’. Helen also addresses the underrepresentation of women in leadership roles and the importance of supporting women-owned cooperatives. 00:00 Welcome & Introducing Helen Russell 01:23 The Story of Equator Coffees03:01 Building a Values-Led Coffee Business 08:59 Why Transparency Matters 15:36 Creating a Strong Company Culture 19:31 Balancing Values & Profitability 23:10 Turning Values Into Action 28:41 COVID, Grocery & Adapting the Business 35:14 Hospitality & Making Customers Feel Cared For 40:43 Women in Coffee Leadership 47:13 Creating an Equitable Workplace 51:03 Advice for Purpose-Driven Businesses 54:14 Hot Take: Coffee Should Cost More 55:23 Final Thoughts & Shout Outs Equator Coffees: https://www.instagram.com/equatorcoffees/ Helen Russell…

People in this episode

Hosts: Ben Bicknell, Rohan Cooke

Guest: Helen Russell

Topics covered

• company culture
• coffee industry
• female leadership
• values-led business
• transparency
• staff benefits

Keywords

• company culture
• Equator Coffees
• female-owned
• B Corp
• LGBTQ+
• leadership
• transparency
• staff benefits

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Equator Coffees, B Corp, LGBTQ+

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