Reclaiming Business as a Force for Flourishing through Conscious Capitalism: A New Path to Purpose, Wellbeing, and Performance with Thomas Eckschmidt

Most businesses start with a bold “why,” but along the way, profits take over, and purpose fades into just another corporate slogan. Now, with ESG and purpose-driven business facing backlash, companies are backing away, fearing controversy and short-term losses. But the truth is that leaders who abandon purpose risk more than just bad PR; they lose trust, culture, and long-term success.

In this episode of The Happiness Squad Podcast, Ashish Kothari sits down with Thomas Eckschmidt to explore how organizations can evolve beyond profits, embrace conscious leadership, and create a culture of trust and impact—without sacrificing success. 

Thomas Eckschmidt is the co-founder of the Conscious Capitalism movement in Brazil and CEO of CBJ Conscious Business Journey, a global network driving conscious business transformation. A seasoned entrepreneur and advocate for Conscious Capitalism, he has launched multiple ventures, won 12 business awards, authored 11 books, and filed four patents. He also serves on corporate boards, helping organizations integrate conscious business practices.

Things you will learn in this episode:

• Understanding the Four Tenets of Conscious Capitalism

• The Danger of Losing Your "Why" in Business

• Ego vs. Ecosystem Leadership

• The Power of Stakeholder Orientation

• Reframing Business Success Beyond Just Profit

• The Rise and Challenge of Conscious Capitalism

• The Leadership Reset—Why This Matters NOW

Resources:✅

• Thomas Eckschmidt’s website: http://www.cbjourney.com/ 

• Creating Better Businesses for a Better World | Thomas Eckschmidt | TEDx: https://youtu.be/9Oqy8zywipU?si=GOnG6TCj7HFcBdeC 

• Harvard Global Leadership Development Study 2023: https://www.harvardbusiness.org/leadership-learning-insights/global-leadership-development-study/

• The Conscious Business Activator: https://www.cbactivator.cc/ 

Books:✅

• “Purpose Canvas for Business: Making it clear why we are in business” by Thomas Eckschmidt: https://a.co/d/gRYSAfy 

• Conscious Capitalism Field Guide (Harvard) co-authored by Thomas Eckschmidt: https://a.co/d/gRYSAfy 

• Shakti Leadership by Nilima Bhat and Rajendra Sisodia: https://a.co/d/3Vao9Ra 

• The Hidden Life of Trees by Peter Wohlleben: https://a.co/d/bSSr9nE

• I Contain Multitudes by Ed Yong: https://a.co/d/hIFnx7K 

• Man’s Search for Meaning by Victor Frankl: https://a.co/d/jiIH4Gk