A Moment of Strategic Hibernation with Chris Marquis

Many companies today are choosing silence over visibility when it comes to their social and environmental commitments. What might appear as retreat or inconsistency is, in fact, something more deliberate. Christopher Marquis describes this phenomenon as “strategic hibernation,” or a calculated pause in external communication driven by political tension, stakeholder scrutiny, and shifting expectations. Rather than abandoning purpose, companies are pulling back publicly while continuing the work internally, protecting their capabilities, talent, and long-term investments. But this creates a critical tension: how to navigate risk without eroding trust or losing momentum on the very issues that define a company’s impact and identity.We invited Christopher Marquis, Author and Sinyi Professor of Chinese Management at the University of Cambridge, to unpack this moment and what it means for purpose-driven leaders. Christopher explores why strategic hibernation is not the same as “green hushing,” and outlines how organizations can remain disciplined in communications while actively maintaining their core assets and preparing for when conditions shift. He shares insights on how companies can continue investing in sustainability and social impact behind the scenes, why internal alignment and values-based leadership matter more than ever, and how leaders can thoughtfully assess political risk without compromising their long-term mission.Listen for insights on:Maintaining employee trust during uncertaintyProtecting culture as a strategic assetWhen to re-engage publicly on issuesGlobal perspectives on corporate silenceResources + Links:Christopher Marquis’ LinkedInHarvard Business Review: Is This a Moment for Strategic Hibernation?Christopher Marquis’ Website (00:00) - Welcome to Purpose 360 (00:13) - Meet Chris Marquis (01:59) - Chris’ Background (02:52) - Why This Work (04:46) - Strategic Hibernation (09:14) - Three Ways (11:43) - Regional Differences? (13:23) - Advice to CEOs and Boards (14:44) - Internal Comms (16:53) - AI’s Role (18:36) - Being Socially Responsible (19:40) - Speed Round (21:05) - Last Word (21:53) - Wrap Up

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