Purpose 360 with Carol Cone

Baltimore faces a set of deeply interconnected challenges: aging and unsafe housing, high energy costs for families with limited means, and a generation of underemployed youth struggling to access meaningful work. These overlapping issues reveal a systemic gap highlighting an opportunity to rethink how housing, workforce development, clean energy, and economic mobility can be addressed together.We invited Brendan McCluskey, President at Trident Builders, to share how his team is tackling these challenges through a bold and collaborative model. Brendan explains how Trident Builders is transforming vacant homes into energy-efficient housing using modular construction and solar technology while creating training and job pathways for underemployed youth. He also shares how partnerships across business, nonprofits, and community leaders are helping scale solutions.This discussion offers a compelling look at how one company is rethinking the role of business in solving complex social problems and how leaders across sectors can identify opportunities within their own work to build solutions that strengthen communities.Listen for insights on:Supporting small, community-based developers to keep wealth localCollaborating across sectors in addressing systemic community challengesConnecting environmental sustainability with economic mobility Watch this conversation on YouTube!Resources + Links:Brendan McCluskey’s LinkedInTrident BuildersThe Bmore Co-Op (00:00) - Welcome to Purpose 360 (00:13) - Meet Brendan McCluskey, Trident Builders (02:45) - About Brendan (04:52) - Lessons from Parents (06:15) - Baltimore (07:21) - Revenue vs. Sustainable Systems (09:47) - 10,000 Small Businesses (11:33) - BMore Co-op (15:56) - Parts and Problems (18:26) - Equity (20:29) - Helping the Youth (22:31) - Modular Manufacturer (23:34) - Selecting the Right Partners (24:58) - Using Solar (27:50) - Example Project (29:47) - Advice for Young People (30:30) - Integrating AI (31:11) - Quick Takes (33:06) - Last Word (33:35) - Wrap Up

Playspaces are often dismissed as “nice-to-haves” with their colorful swings, slides, and monkey bars, but KABOOM! was founded on the urgent belief that they are an essential community infrastructure. The organization’s origin traces back to a tragic moment when two children lost their lives playing in an abandoned car because there was nowhere safe to play in their neighborhood. That devastating inequity sparked a movement to ensure that where a child lives does not determine whether they have access to safe, joyful play. Today, as KABOOM! celebrates 30 years, the organization has evolved from building individual playgrounds to advancing a data-driven, systems-level strategy to end playspace inequity for good.We invited Lysa Ratliff, CEO of KABOOM!, to talk about why play is a critical investment in children’s futures and how meaningful, lasting impact happens when communities shape the solutions themselves. In this episode, Lysa shares how KABOOM!’s co-creation model ensures that playgrounds are designed with kids and neighbors, not simply delivered to them, leading to deeper stewardship and significantly higher usage. She also explores how collective action by residents, municipal leaders, and corporate partners helps scale long-term transformation. And importantly, she highlights the environmental and public health dimensions embedded in today’s playground design. At its core, this work makes clear that designing for children is one of the most powerful strategies for shaping stronger communities and a more equitable future.Listen for insights on:Co-creating with residents for lasting neighborhood ownershipBuilding cross-sector partnerships that endureEmbedding climate resilience into community infrastructure Watch this episode on YouTube!Resources + Links:Lysa Ratliff’s LinkedInWhat Is Playspace InequityThe City of Uvalde and KABOOM! (00:00) - Welcome to Purpose 360 (00:13) - Meet Lysa Ratliff from KABOOM! (02:43) - Lysa’s Background (04:42) - Parental Influence (06:22) - KABOOM!’s Origin Story (08:38) - Why Access Matters (11:28) - Pivot Points (15:59) - The Co-Creation Process (18:56) - Build Day (20:56) - Uvalde Story (24:19) - Creating an Ecosystem (27:37) - Long-Term Partners (30:45) - Environmental Action (37:41) - Integrating AI (38:50) - Rapid Fire Questions (40:03) - Last Word (41:36) - Wrap Up

Sustainability is at a pivotal moment. Amid political backlash, greenhushing, and growing scrutiny of ESG and DEI, many have questioned whether the movement has lost momentum. We invited Andrew Winston, globally respected sustainability advisor, bestselling author, and recently named #1 management thinker in the world with Paul Polman by Thinkers50, to share his perspective on where sustainability truly stands. Drawing on his recent Fortune article, “2025: The Year Sustainability Didn’t Die,” Andrew explains why critics have misread the signals. While companies may be quieter publicly, the underlying drivers of climate impacts, demographic shifts, market forces, and technological innovation continue to accelerate action across sectors and geographies.This conversation explores where meaningful progress is unfolding, from China’s rapid expansion in clean energy and electric vehicles to investments in decarbonization and electrification. Andrew examines why sustainability is often held to a higher ROI standard than other business investments, how leaders can better articulate long-term value creation, and what courage looks like in today’s climate of uncertainty. This conversation ultimately centers on a deeper question facing every executive: Is the world better off because your business is in it?Listen for insights on:Why sustainability continues despite political backlashMaking a stronger ROI case for sustainabilityBalancing AI innovation with decarbonization goals Resources + Links:Watch this conversation on YouTubeAndrew Winston’s WebsiteFortune: 2025: the year sustainability didn’t dieNet PositiveAndrew Winston's Books (00:00) - Welcome to Purpose 360 (00:13) - Meet Andrew Winston, Winston Eco-Strategies (04:14) - Andrew’s Background (06:12) - Evolution of Sustainability (08:23) - Purpose and Sustainability (09:25) - Fortune Article (11:09) - CEO Characteristics (13:40) - Flourishing (14:27) - AI and Energy Demand (18:17) - ROI Metrics (20:38) - Courage Is Critical (23:09) - Health and Sustainability (24:07) - Deciding Where to Invest (25:23) - Truly at Risk (27:52) - One Non-Negotiable (28:49) - Last Word (29:55) - Wrap Up

In a moment defined by disruption and accelerating change, Carol Cone sits down with one of the world’s most seasoned CEO observers to decode what’s really keeping leaders up at night. Alan Murray, journalist, former CEO of Fortune, and now Founding President of the WSJ Leadership Institute, has spent decades in candid conversation with the heads of the world’s largest organizations. What emerges from this exchange is a rare, behind-the-scenes look at how today’s CEOs are navigating geopolitical instability, AI transformation, cultural division, and fragile trust. Drawing on insights from hundreds of top executives, Murray makes a compelling case: the greatest challenges facing CEOs are no longer purely strategic or technological but are profoundly human.At the heart of the discussion is a powerful tension shaping the C-suite: while AI dominates boardroom agendas, the real work lies in culture, trust, and human alignment. Murray also shares why empathy has emerged as a defining leadership competency, how purpose and moral clarity are becoming competitive differentiators, and why organizations that successfully engage and inspire their people will outpace those that rely solely on technological advantage. This is a deeply strategic dialogue about leading through volatility, humanizing organizations in an AI-driven era, and building cultures resilient enough to thrive amid constant change.Listen for insights on:Turning AI ambition into measurable valueDifferentiating through talent and not just techReframing empathy as strategic leadershipPreparing young leaders for human-centered workResources + Links:Watch the full conversation on YouTubeAlan Murray’s LinkedInThe WSJ Leadership InstitutePodcast: WSJ Leadership Institute Presents: Leaders (00:00) - Welcome to Purpose 360 (00:13) - Alan Murray (02:10) - Alan’s CEO Leadership Title (04:26) - Leadership Institute Backstory (05:14) - Shape of the Institute (08:02) - Conversation with CEOs Today (09:37) - The AI Revolution (11:23) - Balancing This New World (14:29) - Empathy (17:47) - Balancing Humanity with Technology (18:57) - Moral Leadership (20:46) - Becoming More Human and Humanized (21:55) - Reinforcing the People Part (23:45) - Evolving the Culture (24:27) - Most Presing Social Issues (26:34) - Advice for Young People (28:34) - Last Word (29:22) - Wrap Up

JUST Ice Tea was born from a refusal to let a company’s purpose and impact disappear. JUST Ice Tea’s roots trace back to Honest Tea, a pioneering brand built on the idea that beverages could be better for people and the planet. But when Honest Tea was ultimately discontinued after being sold, something incredible happened. The founders and long-standing partners across the supply chain came together with a shared resolve that fair trade and environmentally responsible tea would not end with Honest Tea. In just 90 days, their commitment brought the newly created JUST Ice Tea to consumers. And only two years later, JUST Ice Tea has surpassed the revenues of Honest Tea.We invited Seth Goldman, Co-Founder and CEO of JUST Ice Tea—as well as Board Member for Beyond Meat and PLNT Burger—to share the lessons, setbacks, and mindset that shaped his journey. Seth reflects on resilience in the face of loss, the power of long-term relationships, and why impact must be built directly into the product, supply chain, and culture of a company. He offers insights on stakeholder capitalism, the responsibility of boards and investors, and the importance of finding hope where it isn’t obvious. His story is an invitation to believe that business can scale purpose, deliver justice, and create profit—one bottle at a time.Listen for insights on:Outperforming traditional growth strategies through resilience and valuesEmbedding impact directly into products, not just marketingThe power of stakeholder relationships in moments of change Resources + Links:Seth Goldman’s LinkedInJUST Ice TeaMission in a BottlePurpose Pledge (00:00) - Welcome to Purpose 360 (00:13) - Seth Goldman, Just Ice Tea (01:35) - Seth’s Backgrouna dn Commitment to Socially Responsible Business (04:43) - What’s Changed About the Movement (06:58) - Frustrations (07:46) - Framework for Embedding Purpose (10:18) - No Downside (10:45) - Learning from Honest Tea (17:04) - Impact to Stakeholders (19:13) - Mission in a Bottle (22:00) - Recommendations for Boards (23:16) - Creating Alignment (23:46) - Purpose Pledge (25:17) - Rapid Fire Questions (26:53) - Last Words (27:31) - Wrap Up

Patagonia has long stood as the north star for companies striving to create meaningful impact and proving that business can thrive with purpose. Today, Patagonia stands alone in its ownership model: it has one shareholder—the planet. Instead of “going public,” Patagonia famously “went purpose,” restructuring in 2022 so that 100% of its voting stock flows into the Patagonia Purpose Trust to guard its values, and 100% of its non-voting stock now supports the Holdfast Collective, a nonprofit fighting the environmental crisis. Each year, every dollar not needed to run the business moves directly to protecting nature. It’s a business that invites people into the beauty of the outdoors while safeguarding the planet that makes those adventures possible.We invited Vincent Stanley, Director of Philosophy at Patagonia—and one of its very first employees—to reflect on the decades of learning, experimentation, humility, and courage that shaped Patagonia’s journey. Vincent explores topics from the company’s early fiber-to-farm revelations and culture-defining philosophy classes, to its iconic “Don’t Buy This Jacket” campaign, industry-shaping activism, and bold ownership redesign. For any leader or organization seeking to deepen its impact, Vincent offers rare insights into what it truly takes to build a business where profit becomes a byproduct of purpose.Listen for insights on:Transforming harm discovery into long-term environmental innovationChallenging consumerism through bold, values-led storytellingBuilding company culture through shared responsibility and lived valuesCollaborating across industries to advance standards and certificationsResources + Links:Watch this episode on YouTubeVincent StanleyPatagonia’s OwnershipThe Responsible CompanyPatagonia Action Works (00:00) - Welcome to Purpose 360 (00:13) - Meet Vincent Stanley, Patagonia (03:33) - Vincent’s Background (07:02) - Director of Philosophy (09:43) - Company Ethos (11:04) - If Nature Could Talk (12:22) - Pivot Points (15:05) - Seeing the Fields (16:39) - Role as Storyteller (20:16) - Black Friday (23:57) - Quality Is an Environmental Issue (26:10) - Fair Trade and Culture (30:19) - Showing Authenticity (31:51) - Patagonia Action Works (32:49) - Change in Ownership (35:39) - Feelings at the Time (36:28) - Message to Future Leaders (38:47) - Last Words (40:13) - Wrap Up

Purpose 360 convenes leading voices in social impact, business, and philanthropy at the start of every year and asks them to share their predictions for what lies ahead. As we enter 2026, purpose leaders are navigating rapid advances in AI, growing pressure on social sector funding, shifting workforce expectations, and a renewed focus on culture, leadership, and human connection. Together, these experts offer perspectives on how purpose-driven work is evolving and what it will require next.This year, we invited Artis Stevens, President and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America; Kevin Martinez, Vice President of Corporate Citizenship at ESPN; Alexandra Amouyel, President and CEO of Newman’s Own Foundation; and Alan Murray, Founding President of the Wall Street Journal Leadership Institute and former CEO of Fortune Media, to share their predictions for 2026. Drawing on backgrounds that span nonprofits, philanthropy, corporate leadership, and media, they explore both the opportunities and tensions shaping the future of purpose.Listen for insights on:AI as a powerful opportunity and a critical responsibilityWhy human connection, leadership, and values matter more than everThe growing need for focus, clarity, and authentic activation of purpose inside organizationsPractical advice for early- and mid-career professionalsResources + Links:Artis Stevens’ LinkedInArtis Stevens’ Purpose 360 EpisodeKevin Martinez’s LinkedInKevin Martinez’s Purpose 360 EpisodeAlexandra Amouyel’s LinkedInAlexandra Amouyel’s Purpose 360 EpisodeAlan Murray’s LinkedInAlan Murray’s Purpose 360 Episode (Part 1)Alan Murray’s Purpose 360 Episode (Part 2) (00:00) - Welcome to Purpose 360 (02:35) - Artis Stevens from Big Brothers Big Sisters (03:29) - BBBS’s Purpose (04:22) - 2026 Predictions re: Function and Activations of Purpose (06:05) - Opportunities (07:25) - Advice for Young People (09:03) - The Future of Purpose 2026 (10:12) - Kevin Martinez from ESPN (10:26) - ESPN’s Purpose (10:44) - Take Back Sports Initiative (11:32) - Purpose in 2026 (13:49) - Barriers and Challenges (14:45) - Discuss, Debate, Decide, Align (15:33) - Advice for Young People (17:10) - Mental Health (19:32) - Alex Amouyel from Newman's Own (19:56) - Newman’s Own Purpose (21:07) - Purpose in 2026 (24:23) - Advice for Young People (26:52) - Hit the Ground Running (27:56) - Alan Murray from The Wall Street Journal Leadership Institute (28:25) - Alan’s Title (29:29) - What CEOs Are Saying (31:22) - Humanizing Factors (32:23) - Purpose’s Evolution (33:54) - Opportunities (34:29) - Challenges (35:33) - Advice for Young People (37:15) - Exciting Time (37:56) - Wrap Up

Leadership coaching has the power to unlock profound personal and organizational transformation. That belief lies at the heart of 100 Coaches. Founded by executive coach Marshall Goldsmith, 100 Coaches began with a bold experiment: Marshall offered to teach 15 people everything he knew for free, in gratitude for the teachers and leaders who helped shape him. As those first 15 committed to “pay it forward,” the idea resonated deeply. More than 16,000 applicants were interested, and so the initiative grew into a community of more than 100 coaches from top leadership, academia, non-profits, healthcare, and beyond.We invited Scott Osman, CEO of 100 Coaches, to reflect on how that founding vision has flourished. Scott shares how 100 Coaches functions as a curated network that matches each leader with the right coach at the right moment, grounded in deep expertise across organizational psychology, leadership development, and human behavior. He underscores how coaching can shift organizational trajectories: when leaders evolve, their teams, culture, and long-term outcomes evolve with them. For those wondering if coaching is a luxury or necessity, this conversation makes a compelling case for the power of investing in people.Listen for insights on:What leadership coaching looks like from the startWhat leaders today struggle with the mostTop leadership myths we need to move away from Resources + Links:Watch this full conversation on YouTubeScott Osman’s LinkedIn100 CoachesBecoming Coachable (00:00) - Welcome to Purpose 360 (00:13) - Meet Scott Osman, 100 Coaches (01:59) - Early Influencers (03:06) - Leadership Coaching (04:23) - Services (05:45) - Match Craft (08:26) - What He’s Learned From Both Sides of the Equation (10:08) - Generosity (11:20) - Defining Leadership (12:14) - Flavors of Success (14:44) - Role of Humility (16:53) - Role of Corporate Purpose Today (18:03) - Creating the Richest Cultures (19:10) - Leadership Myth (20:29) - Next Frontier for Leadership Growth (22:04) - The Last Word (22:38) - Wrap Up

Sport has always been central to Nike’s identity, not just as a business, but as a force for human potential. This commitment extends to the social issues at the heart of youth athletics today, particularly surrounding keeping youth in sports and connected to physical activity and elevating the role of caring, well-equipped coaches. With young people today navigating unprecedented levels of stress and lack of physical activity, coaches play an invaluable role in providing community, restorative power, and safe spaces. Nike has been at the center of this work for decades, stemming from its belief that if you have a body, you’re an athlete—and that every athlete deserves access and the opportunity to thrive.We invited Vanessa Garcia-Brito, Vice President and Chief Impact Officer at Nike, to share how Nike is reimagining the landscape of youth athletics and building purpose-driven programs. Vanessa unpacked the insights behind Nike’s “Coach the Dream” initiative, the importance of caring and culturally aware coaches, and why investing in girls’ coaching is non-negotiable for long-term impact. She also emphasized the role of partnerships, with organizations like Dove and Spotify, and in meeting girls where they are to dismantle barriers to participation. This episode offers a powerful blueprint for how a long-established, trusted brand has integrated purpose, community relevance, and business value to drive meaningful change.Listen for insights on:Building impact programs around what your company uniquely does bestDesigning scalable tools for global activationEstablishing clear long-term goals with flexibility for real-time adaptationAdvice for young professionals looking to work in social impact Resources + Links:Vanessa Garcia-Brito’s LinkedInCoach the DreamIf You Let Me Play (00:00) - Welcome to Purpose 360 (00:13) - Vanessa Garcia-Brito, Nike (02:54) - About Vanessa (03:58) - Early Influences (06:09) - Chief Impact Officer (06:59) - Superpower (08:17) - Nike’s Purpose (10:09) - Key Campaigns (12:23) - If You Can See It, She Can Be It (16:33) - Partnerships (18:08) - Coaches (19:00) - Coaching Girls Guide (22:09) - Inspirational Story (24:29) - Measurements (27:00) - Advice for Colleagues (28:34) - Advice for Young People (30:17) - Last Word (31:19) - Wrap Up

Only a handful of companies were bold enough to connect their business to a deeper societal or environmental issue in the early days of purpose branding. These companies stood out precisely because they believed that brands could and should stand for more than profit. But the tide has shifted over the past two decades. Purpose became not just acceptable but expected, and suddenly everyone has a stance on the climate and community. But as this movement accelerated, so did its risks. In recent years, increasingly more prominent companies have taken a step back from their purpose commitments, leading consumers to wonder how purposeful they were to begin with. How can we know who to trust?We invited Thomas Kolster, founder of Goodvertising and author of Goodvertising and The Hero Trap, to speak about how brands can navigate this increasingly complex landscape. He explores how purpose has evolved from a differentiator to a crowded and sometimes performative space. Thomas also shares personal reflections on authenticity, the dangers of purpose-washing, the pressure on legacy brands, and the growing backlash against woke messaging. This conversation is a provocative, clarifying conversation for leaders seeking to build and communicate their company’s purpose and impact efforts.Listen for insights on:Why bravery, and not perfection, is the most important brand trait todayWhy companies should not position themselves as heroesBuilding trust by enabling people to become better versions of themselves Resources + Links:Watch This Episode on YouTube!Thomas Kolster’s LinkedInThomas Kolster’s WebsiteGoodvertisingThe Hero TrapThe Drum: ​If Ben and Jerry’s goes vanilla, Unilever will eat its just desserts (00:00) - Welcome to Purpose 360 (00:13) - Thomas Kolster, Goodvertising (03:24) - Early Influences (05:59) - Epiphany (08:30) - Which Came First? (08:39) - His First Book (12:23) - Act Responsible (14:49) - State of Purpose Today (17:48) - Consistency (20:51) - Going Back to What Makes a Brand Loved (23:04) - Ben & Jerry’s (25:50) - Today’s Political Climate (30:47) - Bravery (33:43) - What’s Next? (34:26) - AI in Purpose (35:43) - Last Word (36:33) - Wrap Up

The most prominent argument against purpose is that doing good doesn’t actually pay off at the bottom line. For decades, and throughout Carol Cone’s career, skeptics have dismissed purpose as a “soft” strategy that is good for reputation but not for financial returns. That misconception is what Impact ROI set out to challenge. Impact ROI’s Project ROI reports have published research that links purpose to profit. And with the release of the newest edition, there is now fresh data connecting purpose to financial value.We invited Steve Rochlin, CEO of Impact ROI, to walk us through this new research and how it can be used to make the case to leaders focused on financial returns. From revealing how sustainability leaders can see up to a 36% boost in market value and a 57% reduction in employee turnover, to outlining the “Fit, Commit, Manage, and Connect” framework that defines high-performing purpose strategies, Rochlin offers a key strategies for organizations looking to align impact with performance.Listen for insights on:How to convince your CFO to champion purposeHow purpose-driven firms outperform peers in profitability and growthWhy doing good is the smartest growth strategy today Resources + Links:Steve Rochlin’s LinkedInImpact ROIProject ROI Report (free) (00:00) - Welcome to Purpose 360 (00:13) - Meet Steve Rochlin, Impact ROI (02:30) - Steve’s Background (04:40) - Project ROI 2015 (06:10) - Project ROI 2025 (08:59) - Key Findings and Data Points (14:51) - Two to Three Key Points (16:26) - Changing Minds (18:24) - Fit, Commit, Manage, and Connect: Fit (19:15) - Fit, Commit, Manage, and Connect: Commit (20:49) - Fit, Commit, Manage, and Connect: Manage (21:45) - Fit, Commit, Manage, and Connect: Connect (23:32) - What to Do Next (26:09) - Last Words (28:21) - Wrap Up

Employee engagement is rapidly becoming one of the most powerful forces shaping corporate philanthropy today. And skilled volunteerism—where employees contribute their professional expertise to nonprofits—can transform both the organizations served and the employees themselves.We invited Lauren Coape-Arnold, Executive Director of the Apollo Opportunity Foundation (AOF) and Global Head of Citizenship at Apollo Global Management, to speak about how AOF built a model that puts employees at the very heart of the company’s philanthropy. It empowers employees to nominate, evaluate, and partner with grantees, ensuring that they are engaged throughout the entire relationship—not just at the funding stage. Through cross-functional “deal teams,” employees apply their analytical, financial, and strategic skills to help nonprofits thrive, all while cultivating collaboration and leadership within Apollo’s culture. By structuring philanthropy around its people, AOF creates a cycle of giving and growth that benefits communities, strengthens performance, and deepens employees’ sense of meaning at work.Listen for insights on:Establishing relationships with grantees that go beyond check-writingBuilding skilled volunteer programs employees actively want to joinCreating successful grant councils that bolster nonprofits and engage employees Resources + Links:Lauren Coape-Arnold’s LinkedInApollo Opportunity Foundation (00:00) - Welcome to Purpose 360 (00:13) - Lauren Coape-Arnold and Apollo Opportunity Foundation (03:02) - Lauren’s Background (05:40) - Apollo (06:29) - Creating the Foundation (08:39) - The Guardrails (10:12) - Picking the Focus (13:24) - Employee Focus (16:11) - How It’s Done (19:10) - Skills-Based (19:53) - Deal Teams (21:28) - Impact (23:03) - Logistics (24:03) - GAIN UK (26:52) - Advice (28:47) - Review Process (29:51) - Integrating AI (31:51) - Last Word (33:00) - Wrap Up

There are only five years until the 2030 deadline for the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, and the urgency for bold action has never been greater. Many companies are struggling to truly address the mounting crises of climate change, biodiversity loss, and social inequity. Now is the time for leaders and organizations to chart a path forward, ensuring their strategies and actions rise to meet the scale of the increasing challenges ahead.In this special episode of Purpose 360, we revisit a powerful 2021 conversation with Paul Polman—former CEO of Unilever, UN SDG Advocate Emeritus, and co-author of the game-changing book, Net Positive. This re-edited version highlights timeless insights from Net Positive, which remains profoundly relevant today. Paul explores the qualities of courageous leaders, the importance of partnerships that drive systemic change, and how purpose-driven companies can outperform competitors while creating a better future for all. Whether you’re a CEO, a sustainability professional, or a changemaker at heart, this episode offers inspiration and practical guidance to help you lead with impact in today’s rapidly evolving world.Listen for insights on:Making the business case for sustainability when the moral argument isn’t enoughEngaging employees, partners, and your value chain in delivering on bold sustainability commitmentsBecoming the courageous, purpose-driven leader needed to build and lead a net positive company Resources + Links:Paul Polman’s LinkedInPaul Polman’s WebsiteNet PositiveThe birth of Unilever’s Sustainable Living Plan (00:00) - Welcome to Purpose 360 (00:13) - Net Positive with Paul Polman (03:03) - Paul’s Purpose (05:09) - Net Positive Company (06:03) - Leadership Traits (07:52) - Starting with Team’s Personal Purpose (09:27) - Partner to Win (11:30) - Measurement (14:19) - Employees (15:42) - Return Equity (17:16) - Embedding and Building Off Purpose (19:47) - Three Important Things (21:26) - Last Thoughts (23:49) - Wrap Up

Artificial intelligence has the power to reshape economies, societies, and our daily lives. But with its rapid rise comes an important question: how can we ensure AI is developed and applied ethically so that it serves humanity instead of harming it? Responsible use requires transparency, accountability, and inclusivity—but defining and implementing these is complex. JUST Capital, a nonprofit dedicated to advancing just business practices, is addressing this challenge by exploring what “just AI” looks like, while also giving both the public and companies a voice in shaping its future.We invited Martin Whittaker, CEO of JUST Capital, to speak about how companies can responsibly navigate the opportunities and risks of AI. He highlighted the importance of aligning AI strategies with company values, building strong governance, and listening to stakeholders to guide ethical decision-making. Martin also shared insights from JUST Capital’s new research, which reveals a gap between companies acknowledging AI and those taking meaningful steps, such as workforce training and transparency. He ultimately challenges business leaders to reflect on what it means to be a truly human company in an AI-driven world while assuming the responsibility that comes with this technology.Listen for insights on:How AI layoffs may require new ethical standards and practicesWhy company culture determines success in AI adoption and useLessons from early leaders like IBM and Boston ScientificThe growing role of investors in shaping AI accountabilityResources + Links:Martin Whittaker’s LinkedInJUST CapitalThe JUST Report: An Early Measure of JUST AI2025 JUST 100 (00:00) - Welcome to Purpose 360 (00:13) - Martin Whittaker, JUST Capital, and AI (02:40) - Who Is JUST Capital? (03:33) - Describing Justness (04:44) - Responsible AI (08:25) - Early Measure of Just AI (11:12) - Martin’s AI Usage (12:49) - AI Use Principles (14:58) - AI Study (17:04) - What Stood Out (21:44) - Adding AI Methodology (24:27) - Advice for Companies Slow to Adopt AI (26:38) - Last Thoughts (28:15) - Can AI Replace Humanity in Business? (29:57) - Wrap Up

Hunger is one of the most pressing challenges of our time—driven not only by a lack of food, but by inequality, conflict, climate change, and health crises. For more than 45 years, Action Against Hunger has been on the frontlines of addressing these interconnected issues. The organization works in nearly 60 countries, reaching over 21 million people annually through lifesaving nutrition programs, sustainable farming solutions, clean water systems, and innovations that help communities withstand future crises. Action Against Hunger is pioneering solutions that save lives today while tackling the root causes of hunger for tomorrow.We invited Eric Bebernitz, Director of External Relations for Action Against Hunger, to elaborate on this critical work. With more than two decades of experience in humanitarian and social justice organizations, Eric brings a powerful perspective on what it takes to fight hunger in the most difficult contexts. Eric is joined by ~9,000 colleagues worldwide—95% of whom are from the countries where they work—ensuring that every effort is grounded in local knowledge and built for long-term resilience. They embody the belief that ending hunger isn’t just possible; it is one of the smartest investments we can make in a better future for all.Listen for insights on:Approaches to sustaining impact amid political and funding shiftsHow to balance emergency aid with long-term changeBuilding trust and resilience in fragile communities through local leadershipResources + Links:Eric Bebernitz’s LinkedInAction Against HungerPlumpy'NutNew York Times: A $45 Treatment Can Save a Starving Child. US Aid Cuts Have Frozen the Supply (00:00) - Welcome to Purpose 360 (00:13) - Action Against Hunger (02:08) - Eric’s Background (05:36) - World’s State of Hunger Today (08:15) - Origin Story (09:44) - Structure (12:19) - Plumpy’Nut (14:17) - Innovations (19:42) - Addressing USAID Cuts (25:06) - Personal Stories (29:16) - Career Path (31:32) - Last Word (33:39) - Wrap Up

In the years following the pandemic, the U.S. saw a historic surge in small business creation—a promising sign of entrepreneurial spirit and economic resilience. Yet, if historical trends continue, nearly half of these new businesses will fail within five years. Small businesses in rural communities face even steeper challenges, from lack of access to capital to limited digital tools and networks. And yet, the promise of small businesses is immense: they are powerful engines for economic mobility, creating pathways for families and individuals to build lasting financial stability and opportunity.We invited Jonathan Fantini-Porter, Senior Vice President for the Americas at the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth, to talk about how the Center is working to change the trajectory for small business owners through Mastercard Strive USA. This bold initiative aims to unlock $50 billion in lending capital, reach five million small businesses, and strengthen ecosystems that enable them to thrive. With more than $46 billion in capital already unlocked and millions of businesses reached, Mastercard Strive USA is proving that when small businesses grow, communities grow with them.Listen for insights on:Designing scalable, systems-level solutions that align with business strategyThe power of data, technology, and AI in advancing inclusive economic developmentAdvice for early-career professionals seeking to grow in social impact and corporate sustainability rolesResources + Links:Jonathan Fantini-Porter’s LinkedInMastercard Center for Inclusive GrowthMastercard Strive USA (00:00) - Welcome to Purpose 360 (00:13) - Mastercard (01:23) - Jonathan’s Background (03:05) - Moving to Mastercard (04:40) - Lessons from Parents (08:05) - Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth (09:54) - Setting the Goal (12:12) - Strive USA (14:52) - Rural America (17:23) - Small Businesses (19:19) - Integrating AI (22:22) - Advice (25:24) - Last Words (29:00) - Wrap Up

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) professionals are facing unprecedented challenges—from the politicization of ESG, to executive orders targeting DE&I, to dramatic shifts in federal funding. The landscape is turbulent, the language is shifting, and the pressure to prove business value has never been higher. Yet, in this moment of uncertainty, many CSR professionals are finding the most value by turning to the CSR community for support and guidance. It’s organizations like the Association of Corporate Citizenship Professionals (ACCP) where CSR professionals are finding a space to connect with peers, share practical tools and data, and stay focused on delivering impact in a rapidly changing environment. We invited Andrea Wood, President and CEO of ACCP, to join Carol Cone for a wide-ranging conversation about the current and future state of CSR. Together, they unpacked key findings from ACCP’s sixth Annual CSR Insights Report, including how companies are reframing their language, refocusing on long-term strategies, and leaning into AI for both productivity and impact measurement. This conversation is a powerful reminder of how CSR leaders can evolve through adversity, and how ACCP is helping them chart the course today.Listen for insights on:Advice for rising and mid-career CSR professionalsReframing strategies and language to align with evolving internal and external expectationsConnecting business priorities to community impact work for long-term success and continued funding Resources + Links:Andrea Wood’s LinkedInACCPAnnual CSR Insights ReportACCP CSR LaunchPadBest Buy Teen Tech Centers (00:00) - Welcome to Purpose 360 (00:13) - Meet Andrea Wood from ACCP (02:54) - Andrea’s Background (05:40) - Working with Hubert Joly (07:54) - Andrea’s Personal Purpose (08:48) - Listening to Members (09:45) - Members’ Concern (13:30) - DEI and ESG (16:35) - Issues Prioritized (17:45) - The Use of AI (19:47) - Best Buy Teen Tech Center (21:37) - Measurement (24:28) - Career Advice (25:33) - Insights for Career Growth (27:12) - Last Words (28:26) - Wrap Up

From the moment Henry Ford put the world on wheels, Ford has stood for not just cars, but mobility. More than just helping people move from one place to another, Ford gives people the opportunity to reach and achieve more. That same ethos drives Ford Philanthropy today. Rebranded from the “Ford Fund” to reflect a deeper, more holistic commitment, Ford Philanthropy is using the company’s global reach and core strength of mobility to help people move forward not just in life—but on the road.We invited Mary Culler, President of Ford Philanthropy, to share how her team is redefining what corporate giving looks like. From co-creating community centers to launching the “Building Together” initiative that connects Ford’s 3,000+ dealers and employee volunteers with national nonprofits, Ford is uniting its assets to deliver impact at scale. Whether through mobile health clinics or restoring Detroit’s historic Michigan Central Station as a beacon of innovation and equity, Ford Philanthropy is tackling one of the greatest barriers to equity: access. For any purpose-driven leader, the message is clear: legacy, when aligned with innovation and humility, can be one of the most powerful tools for change.Listen for insights on:Identifying philanthropic solutions in local communitiesMobilizing corporate assets beyond dollarsEvolve a legacy program into a modern philanthropy platform Resources + Links:Mary Culler’s LinkedInFord PhilanthropyNew York Times: Ford Rescues a Detroit Train Station as It Plots Its Own FutureTennessee Community Center (00:00) - Welcome to Purpose 360 (00:13) - Mary Culler from Ford Philanthropy (02:16) - Mary’s Background (03:46) - Their Focus (05:39) - Rebranding (06:53) - Committed to America ad (08:25) - The Stanton Story (10:25) - Michigan Central Station (12:49) - Building Together Initiative (16:20) - Volunteerism (17:34) - Building Together (18:05) - Transportation Gap (19:47) - Mobile Health (20:21) - Deciding Where the Money Goes (21:01) - Future of Philanthropy (21:48) - Proving You’re Having an Impact (22:54) - The Station (23:36) - Last Word (24:36) - Wrap Up