IBM is Making the World Work Better

"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 company, its leadership understands and protects the company’s values and purpose. As an employer, the company hires individuals who share this deep-rooted respect for nature, helping foster a culture united in environmental stewardship and a love for spending time outdoors.We invited Connor Leipold, Johnson Outdoors Spokesman and SCUBAPRO Brand Manager, to share his insights. This initiative continues to inspire and empower outdoor enthusiasts worldwide, demonstrating our collective commitment to preserving the natural wonders that serve as our playground.Listen for insights on:How tapping into employee passions can inspire innovationSurpassing goals in the consumer and employee-driven Clean Earth ChallengeIdentifying like-minded partnerships and creating innovative preservation solutionsResources + Links:Connor Leipold’s LinkedInJohnson Outdoors’ 54-year historyClean Earth ChallengeCoral Reef Restoration with Mote (00:00) - Welcome to Purpose 360 (00:13) - Johnson Outdoors • Connor Leipold (02:43) - Meet Connor (04:24) - Brands and Divisions (05:43) - Innovation in Products and Programs (07:39) - Their Purpose (09:19) - Legacy and Environment (11:34) - Superior Design, Low Environmental Impact (13:05) - Clean Earth Challenge (16:40) - Success Stories (19:17) - Partnerships (21:33) - Lessons Learned (24:59) - Sustainability Pillars (26:29) - Relationship with Mote (29:40) - Advice for Listeners (31:09) - Last Word (32:46) - Wrap Up

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 accessing their medicine—both at and beyond the pharmacy counter. And, to ensure patients have reliable access to life-saving medications for years to come, Eli Lilly has invested $100 million towards achieving climate goals by 2030. Through this commitment, Eli Lilly is not only safeguarding the planet but reaffirming the company’s dedication to the well-being of every individual who relies on their medicines.We invited Jim Greffet, Head of ESG Strategy at Eli Lilly, to explain how the company’s environmental and social commitments are grounded in purpose strategy, as well as how the company helps its employees lead purposeful careers.Listen for insights on:Purpose’s role in long-term strategyImproving health outcomes through philanthropic investmentsUnderstanding equity and inclusion at your company through the “employee journey”Inspiring employees to identify environmental solutions and investing in themResources + Links:Jim Greffet’s LinkedInESG at Eli LillyLilly 30x30 (00:00) - Welcome to Purpose 360 (00:13) - Eli Lilly (02:06) - Meet Jim Greffet (04:00) - A Day in the Life (06:53) - Purpose Statement (08:20) - Diabetes (09:04) - Living the Value of Accessibility (13:35) - Measuring and Scaling (14:22) - Local Investment (15:43) - DEI (17:31) - Level Up (20:34) - Societal Changes to DEI (21:58) - DEI and Supply Chain (23:00) - Environment (26:39) - Lightning Questions (28:46) - Last Words (29:55) - Wrap Up

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 complexity of a changing world. She shares poignant stories about the importance of urgency in helping children globally and how storytelling can mobilize support for essential causes.Caryl also discusses her work at LionTree to drive social impact through innovative, for-profit solutions. Caryl’s journey illustrates how a sense of responsibility to create a better world can accelerate impact.Listen for insights on:Mobilizing support and awareness for critical causesTransitioning to new opportunities and career pathsEvolving as a leader to meet the needs of your organization Resources + Links:Caryl Stern’s LinkedInLionTreeCaryl Stern’s PodcastCarol Cone on Listen on Purpose (00:00) - Welcome to Purpose 360 (00:13) - Lion Tree • Caryl Stern (02:27) - Caryl’s Background (06:52) - Leadership (10:02) - Listening and Learning (11:54) - UNICEF (18:55) - Balancing Heritage with New Ideas (21:56) - Walton Family Foundation (24:44) - LionTree (27:07) - Advice (28:59) - Wrap Up

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 previously out of reach.Justina Nixon-Saintil is one example of the transformative power of continuous learning. Initially an engineer and then an educator, Justina today serves as IBM's Vice President and Chief Impact Officer — so she knows a thing or two about reskilling and adaptation. We invited Justina to share how IBM is setting a standard for corporate responsibility through employee volunteering, skills development, and the Sustainability Accelerator, which has been heralded as a blueprint for corporate responsibility.Listen for insights on:Activating employee volunteers through their skills and passionsAdvancing in or getting started with your sustainability careerCreating an infrastructure that evaluates the internal and external ethical use of AIResources + Links:Justina Nixon-Saintil’s LinkedInIBM is skilling 30 million people globally by 2030IBM SkillsBuildIBM Sustainability Accelerator (00:00) - Welcome to Purpose 360 (00:13) - IBM's Justina Nixon-Saintil (02:23) - Justina’s Background (05:37) - Engineer to CIO (08:25) - Insights with Gap Time (10:36) - IBM’s Purpose Statement (11:46) - Volunteerism (13:57) - SkillsBuild (18:11) - IBM Sustainability Accelerator (26:12) - Impact Measurement (27:25) - Future of AI for Social Impact (31:03) - Suggestions for Careers in Social Impact (33:21) - Recommendations (34:41) - Last Word (36:04) - Wrap Up

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 highly anticipated "100 Most JUST Companies" list each year to spotlight the businesses that prioritize their workers, communities, customers, the environment, and shareholders and governance over profit alone.Martin Whittaker, CEO of JUST Capital, returns to Purpose 360 to explore the recently released 2024 rankings, shedding light on what matters most to Americans today and what distinguishes the most “just” companies from all the rest.Listen for insights on:The American public’s three most important issuesWhy “just” companies lead in financial performanceThe methodology behind the JUST 100Resources + Links:Martin Whittaker’s LinkedInThe 2024 JUST 100Contact JUST CapitalThe Case for Purpose (00:00) - Welcome to Purpose 360 (00:13) - Just Capital • Martin Whittaker (01:50) - Martin’s Background (03:28) - The JUST 100 (07:31) - Query Numbers (08:49) - Core Issues (11:10) - Governance (12:07) - HPE (14:06) - CEO Leadership (15:22) - Hard Results (17:16) - Surprises (17:53) - Other Stories (18:53) - Best Practices (20:38) - Responsible Business (22:07) - 5 Years (25:11) - Last Words (26:25) - Wrap Up

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 elaborate on where companies currently stand with DEI and what needs to change. With a commitment to challenging the status quo, questioning barriers, and leading inclusively, Margaret offers a compelling vision. Her expertise extends beyond rhetoric, by proving that DEI is not just a checkbox but an ongoing commitment.Listen for insights on:Recommended data points for tracking DEI success and impactHow being entrenched in the status quo can obstruct inclusionNavigating bias and inclusion challenges as a person of colorResources + Links:Margaret Spence’s LinkedInAbout Margaret SpenceEmployee to CEO Action ProjectThe Inclusion Learning LabInclusion Unscripted Podcast (00:00) - Welcome to Purpose 360 (00:13) - Margaret Spence (02:47) - Margaret’s Background (06:28) - Personal Purpose (08:30) - Inclusion Lab (11:30) - DEI (16:42) - Examples Doing DEI Well (18:07) - Growth and Barriers (24:15) - Employee to CEO Project (25:58) - Inclusion Lab (28:14) - Cohorts (29:01) - Measurement (31:07) - Recommendations (33:51) - Looking to the Future of DEI (37:36) - Last Thoughts

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 manufacturing practices. Each pair of shoes is crafted not only for style and comfort but designed to minimize its ecological footprint. Rothy's takes it a step further by prioritizing longevity, ensuring their products are designed for long-term use. For products that do reach their end-of-life point, Rothy’s encourages a sustainable life cycle through a recycling program, using well-worn shoes to create new products.We invited Dayna Quanbeck, President of Rothy’s—but Chief Operating Officer and Chief Finance Officer at the time of recording—to explain how the company is helping consumers understand the harmony between fashion and environmental responsibility. As we step into a future that demands both, Rothy's will continue the way with style and sustainability.Listen for insights on:Revolutionizing the use of unconventional materials like plastic bottles and algaeChallenging consumer perceptions of eco-friendly materialsMaking consumers your product championsIncorporating advocacy into a company’s impactResources + Links:Dayna Quanbeck’s LinkedInHow Rothy’s Makes Its ShoesHow Rothy’s Calculates Its Sustainability ImpactGive a Dime About PlasticRothy’s Recycling Program (00:00) - Welcome to Purpose 360 (00:13) - Rothy's (01:18) - Dayna’s Backstory (05:45) - Shifting Toward Stylish and Comfortable (07:04) - Three Pillars of Sustainability (11:11) - Production Journey (13:59) - Learning from Feedback (14:54) - Programs (17:24) - Give a Dime About Plastic (19:27) - Plastic Innovation (20:56) - Sustainability Council (21:48) - Future of Circular Fashion (22:58) - Customer Stories (26:08) - Recommendations (27:52) - Wrap Up

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 needs of just their organizations or cause, focusing on impact for the world as a whole.Four remarkable One Young World Ambassadors are part of this transformative group of young leaders. In the second half of this two-part series, host Carol Cone welcomes Kehkashan Basu of Green Hope Foundation and Mavis Durowaa Mainu of OAK Foundation, who both deliver a clear message: that the youth of today are not waiting for change, they are propelling it.Resources + Links:Kehkashan Basu’s LinkedInMavis Durowaa Mainu’s LinkedInGreen Hope FoundationOAK FoundationOne Young World (00:00) - Welcome to Purpose 360 (00:13) - One Young World Ambassadors Part 2 (02:02) - Mavis’s Background (05:30) - Kehkashan’s Background (09:22) - COP 28 (29:07) - Last Thoughts (31:34) - Wrap Up

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 needs of just their organizations or cause, focusing on impact for the world as a whole.Four remarkable One Young World Ambassadors are part of this transformative group of young leaders. In the first half of this two-part series, host Carol Cone welcomes Anna Stanley-Radière of the World Business Council for Sustainable Development and Enkhuun Byambadorj of Breathe Mongolia—Clean Air Coalition, who both deliver a clear message: that the youth of today are not waiting for change, they are propelling it.Resources + Links:Anna Stanley-Radière’s LinkedInEnkhuun Byambadorj’s LinkedInWorld Business Council for Sustainable DevelopmentBreathe Mongolia—Clean Air CoalitionOne Young World (00:00) - Welcome to Purpose 360 (00:13) - COP 28: One Young World Ambassadors (Environment) (02:54) - Backgrounds (06:33) - Initial Spark (08:53) - One Young World (11:44) - Secret Sauce (13:27) - COP 28 (21:06) - Dubai (27:02) - Last Thoughts (32:31) - Wrap Up

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 intensifying and demanding more urgent action. And so, a pressing question arises: How can businesses continue to balance their commitment to purpose?We invited three purpose leaders to shed light on this crucial topic as we enter 2024. David Casey, Chief Inclusion and Social Impact Officer at Tapestry; Caryl Stern, Chief Impact Officer at LionTree and former Executive Director of the Walton Family Foundation and President & CEO of UNICEF USA; and Andy Pharoah, Vice President of Corporate Affairs and Sustainability at Mars, provide key insights into the needs of purpose in 2024 and offer valuable advice on how businesses can continue advancing purposeful impact despite barriers on the horizon.Resources + Links:David Casey’s LinkedInCaryl Stern’s LinkedInAndy Pharoah’s LinkedInPrevious Episodes:Episode 67: Building a Better Tomorrow with Mars Inc. (Andy Pharoah)Episode 149: Stretching What’s Possible with Tapestry (David Casey) (00:00) - Welcome to Purpose 360 (00:14) - Purpose Predictions 2024 (03:05) - David Casey (09:58) - Caryl Stern (17:27) - Andy Pharaoh (26:19) - Wrap Up