"If a check would fix the problem, I would've written that check already," said Sam Johnson, founder of Johnson Outdoors. These words embody the company's ethos founded with a reverence for nature and a commitment to its preservation. Since its inception, Johnson Outdoors has steadfastly safeguarded the outdoors while nurturing consumers’ passion for outdoor adventure and enjoyment. At the heart of Johnson Outdoors' success lies an unwavering commitment to its founding principles. As a family...

At the heart of Eli Lilly's purpose lies a deep understanding: their insulin is more than just a product—it’s essential for peoples’ health and survival. This purpose, to unite caring with discovery to create medicines that make life better for people around the world, is embedded deeply within the organization. The company focuses on ensuring their medicines are inclusive to all patients by investing in clinical testing diversity and removing obstacles that might prevent patients from...

Caryl Stern's remarkable journey spans more than 30 countries and several high-impact roles, including former CEO of UNICEF USA, former Executive Director of the Walton Family Foundation, and present Chief Impact Officer at LionTree, an independent investment and merchant bank for creativity, community, and capital. From her inspirational upbringing (shaped by her mother who survived the Holocaust) to her innovative work at UNICEF, Caryl offers invaluable insights for navigating the...

As technology continues to redefine industries and jobs, IBM is a beacon of progress, driven by a purpose to be a catalyst that makes the world work better. Through flagship initiatives like the SkillsBuild program, IBM is arming both internal and external workers with the tools and knowledge necessary to thrive in today's economy. By fostering opportunities for upskilling and reskilling, IBM not only bolsters individual employability but also empowers individuals to pursue career paths...

How do we identify the companies that are truly "good?” We might look through their sustainability reports or tally up the awards they've received, but finding an answer is rarely simple—and it can depend on a range of factors, from how companies treat their employees to whether they practice sound governance. JUST Capital is at the forefront of this work. A non-profit organization dedicated to aligning corporate behavior with the values of the American public, JUST Capital releases its...

Having a diverse and inclusive workplace makes good business sense, but the truth is that we're stuck at an impasse. Companies are so focused on how many people from different backgrounds they employ that they’re missing the point. It’s not about the numbers. It's about ensuring that every individual is equitably woven into the fabric of the organization and has opportunities to advance and thrive. We invited Margaret Spence, an advocate for transformative change in the DEI landscape, to...

The fashion industry is continuing to undergo crucial transformations. With the environmental toll of fast fashion evident, consumers are demanding more from the brands they love: top-notch quality, enduring designs, and an unwavering commitment to sustainability. Rothy’s, a direct-to-consumer shoes and accessories brand, is leader in this shift. At the heart of Rothy's success is a revolutionary approach to sustainability that combines innovative materials, a zero-waste factory, and no-waste...

COP is a pivotal moment for United Nations members, politicians, and business leaders to gauge progress in tackling climate change and chart a course for action. At COP 28 this past December, a new group came to the forefront. Youth from around the world finally secured a seat at the decision-making table and were embraced more prominently than ever before. This generation sets itself apart through a commitment to causes that matter, as well as its emergence as leaders that look beyond the...

COP is a pivotal moment for United Nations members, politicians, and business leaders to gauge progress in tackling climate change and chart a course for action. At COP 28 this past December, a new group came to the forefront. Youth from around the world finally secured a seat at the decision-making table and were embraced more prominently than ever before. This generation sets itself apart through a commitment to causes that matter, as well as its emergence as leaders that look beyond the...

In the ever-evolving business landscape, the state of purpose has faced significant challenges over the past year, many that have led to troubling ramifications. The politicization of the term “ESG” has caused companies to scale back their sustainability investments; an increasing number of DEI commitments and positions have also been reduced; and tensions between countries and political groups around the world continue to grow. And yet, the desperate needs of our planet and society are only...

WSP, a leading engineering advisory and consulting firm, is paving the way to a sustainable and resilient future with its cutting-edge global innovation program, Future Ready. The program analyzes future trends through four lenses—Climate, Society, Technology, and Resources—to shape WSP’s approach to projects. From reviewing the evolving social and cultural norms influencing city design to rethinking resource utilization for a more efficient and sustainable economy, WSP is shaping a world...

As we revel in the joy of the holiday season, it's important to remember that 2.3 billion of the world’s children are ensnared in the harsh realities of conflict, both in distant regions and right within our own communities. Save the Children stands as a beacon of hope for children worldwide, working to alleviate suffering and build brighter futures for vulnerable young lives. The organization’s work extends across a spectrum of services ranging from healthcare and education to protection,...

Every 79 seconds, someone is killed or injured in a drunk or impaired driving crash in the United States. As we near the holiday season, this risk increases to approximately 21 million chances of encountering an accident between November 1 and January 1. Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) is the foremost non-profit leading the fight to prevent the devastating consequences of impaired driving. The organization has played a crucial role since its inception, reducing crashes by 50% through...

Macy's Inc., inclusive of companies Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s and Bluemercury, is setting the stage for a remarkable new era of purpose with their new statement, "Mission Every One." This commitment to creating a brighter, more equitable future set the stage for significant changes across the enterprise, including the revitalization of their annual holiday season campaign. With Mission Every One at its core, Macy's took a critical look at existing programs and partnerships to ensure alignment...

What kind of company would you create if you could start from a blank slate?  Despite being spun off from 130+-year-old Merck, Organon had this unique opportunity. The women’s health, biosimilars, and established medicines company started from the beginning, defining a new mission, establishing a board of directors, and unifying their impact around a commitment to the global health of women and girls. Nearly half of the world’s pregnancies are unintended. Organon is working to change that by...

Operating a successful purpose-led company comes with its share of challenges — even to the companies that excel at it. Driving meaningful impact, investing in a sustainable future, and fostering employee engagement all require strategic decision making and often significant internal transformations. So how are the best companies navigating these challenges? An unwavering commitment and a well-defined strategic approach set purpose-driven champions apart from their peers. At PwC, this is...

Welcome to the forefront of corporate citizenship, where the Civic 50, an initiative by Points of Light, stands as a beacon for businesses. For the past 11 years, Points of Light has recognized the 50 most community-minded companies through a rigorous annual survey. Only a few companies, including Citi and Hasbro, have been honored every year. For honorees, it's not just a badge of recognition but a strategic advantage, offering insights into where they stand relative to competitors and how...

Journalism’s “Golden Age” was very different from the profession today. It’s no longer about getting the big interview or capturing the nation’s attention with a blockbuster story. Now, anyone can simply go online to report their own news. The field is far from dying though. Gen Z’s entrance into the workforce highlights how the generation's values, combined with technological shifts, are shaping a different yet equally impactful era for journalism. We invited Gen Z’er Alexa Mikhail, reporter...

From designer fashion to sports equipment, the resale market is experiencing a renaissance like never before. In fact, the resale market has grown so exponentially that it is projected to reach $77 billion within the next few years. This is a big victory for sustainability, especially given the carbon footprint of the fashion industry. Keeping a t-shirt or pair of shoes in circulation longer is one of the greatest ways to counteract the impacts of fast fashion. With this rise in resale,...

Food security is now a worldwide issue. To keep up with a rising population, the global agriculture sector will need to produce more food by 2050 than was produced in the last 8,000 years combined. Yet, the agricultural sector is confronted with growing challenges, ranging from less arable land and water to a lack of broadband access in rural America, which impedes innovation and growth. Land O’Lakes, one of America’s premier agribusiness and food companies, is a farmer- and retailer-owned...

Mark Clouse entered Campbell Soup Company in 2019 as its 14th CEO in the company’s 153-year history. Recognizing the upheaval that the food industry has been undergoing for the last decade and the need for a fresh strategic direction in a rapidly evolving business landscape, Mark sought to define a new, resonant purpose that would guide the company's decisions and inspire employees, customers, and stakeholders alike. But as a long-lived company, it was vital for the purpose to evoke...

“A tapestry is made of many threads woven into one story. So are we.” Tapestry, the parent company of renowned brands Kate Spade, Coach, and Stuart Weitzman, plays the vital role of seamlessly integrating the distinctive narratives, products, missions, values, and focus areas of each brand into a single tapestry. All three brands are united under Tapestry’s purpose – Stretch What’s Possible – which provides both cohesion and autonomy to each organization. We invited David Casey, Chief...

In a world where connectivity is increasingly essential, the digital divide stands as a formidable obstacle. Millions of Americans are denied opportunities to improve their daily lives, succeed in work and school, and have a fair chance in the global economy, all of which come from broadband and digital connectivity. AT&T is deeply committed to bridging this digital divide. With a comprehensive $2 billion commitment, AT&T aims to bring the life-changing benefits of internet access to...

What is your organization’s employee purpose iQ? Host Carol Cone is joined by Wendy Salomon, Managing Director of Reputation & Corporate Strategy at The Harris Poll, to walk you through this first-of-its-kind tool to measure the success of your organization’s purpose. EPiQ, or Employee Purpose iQ, is an analysis of strengths and opportunities to activate your company's purpose with employees—backed by a custom roadmap to drive growth. Based on a survey of an organization’s employees and...