

Disruptors for GOOD | Social Entrepreneurs and Social Enterprises
Causeartist
Disruptors for GOOD is a podcast that showcases global social entrepreneurship and social enterprises committed to ethical fashion, impact investing, climate mitigation, sustainable travel, and businesses generating positive global impact. Through in-depth interviews, Grant Trahant, the founder of Causeartist, engages with innovative and impactful startups and brands worldwide.
Episodes
Mentioned books

May 1, 2023 • 46min
Regenerative Farming, Ethical Supply Chains, and Future of Plastic Bottles - Ben Mand, CEO of Harmless Harvest
---------------------------------------- Disruptors for GOOD is powered by PIF Advisory — a global services firm empowering startups and enterprises with expert guidance, tailored solutions, and measurable results. Whether you’re launching your first venture or scaling globally, PIF Advisory delivers full-cycle support across every core function of your business:Financial Management: Full-cycle bookkeeping, accounting, and tax compliance.Growth & Marketing: Data-driven strategies to maximize your reach and revenue.Investor Readiness: Preparing you for capital raises with pitch decks, financial models, and due diligence support.HR & Administration: Streamlined hiring, payroll, and benefits management.Technology & Security: Expert IT support, platform integration, and cybersecurity.As a sister company to PIF Capital Management, they also offer clients direct insights into venture capital and access to a global investor network—ranging from individuals to sovereign wealth funds.👉 Learn more or schedule a discovery call at pifadvisory.comIn episode 181 of the Disruptors for GOOD podcast, we speak with Ben Mand, CEO of Harmless Harvest, on regenerative farming, ethical supply chains, and the future of plastic bottles.Ben Mand is an accomplished executive with extensive domestic and international experience in strategic planning, P&L oversight, global supply chain and operations, multichannel product delivery, new business creation, and marketing communications, particularly in start-up and growth organizations. He is known for being a results-oriented and decisive leader with a track record of superior topline results while driving margin and profit. Mand has demonstrated his ability to excel in dynamic, demanding ecosystems while remaining focused and pragmatic.Mand is currently the CEO of Harmless Harvest, a leader in refrigerated premium coconut water and plant-based dairy, and the only Fair For Life Certified Organic Producer. As CEO, he provides executive leadership of a plant-based food and beverage company with over $100 million in revenue, with full responsibility for global sales and operations and over 700 employees.Prior to his role at Harmless Harvest, Mand was responsible for the business P&L, Strat Plan, marketing communications, innovation, mission, and creative at Plum Organics. During his time there, he was instrumental in strengthening Plum's core mission, developing an award-winning brand campaign and activation, and launching more than 50 new products, which helped accelerate the brand from the #3 to the #1 organic baby food company.Before joining Plum, Mand held various brand marketing and innovation roles at leading companies, including General Mills, Johnson & Johnson, and Interbrand. He made an impact as a change agent, driving improvements in health, sustainability, and social impact while delivering consistent sales and profit growth for well-known brands such as Progresso, Pillsbury, Yoplait, Topamax, LexisNexis, Canal+, and Symantec.About Harmless HarvestHarmless Harvest is a company that is on a mission to provide the best-tasting and most nutritious coconut water in the most ethical way possible. Their commitment to ethical and sustainable practices is evident in everything they do, from the way they source their coconuts to the way they treat their employees.
Spotlighting impact startups, brands, and founders.We feature social impact startups, conscious brands, and visionary founders shaping the future of business. Join thousands—subscribe to our weekly newsletter for exclusive interviews, the latest funding rounds, digital tool reviews, and curated products fueling the impact economy.To learn more, please visit causeartist.com

Apr 27, 2023 • 53min
Forging the Next Generation of Sustainable Manufacturing and Regenerative Practices - Zane Adams, Co-founder of FedUp Foods
---------------------------------------- Disruptors for GOOD is powered by PIF Advisory — a global services firm empowering startups and enterprises with expert guidance, tailored solutions, and measurable results. Whether you’re launching your first venture or scaling globally, PIF Advisory delivers full-cycle support across every core function of your business:Financial Management: Full-cycle bookkeeping, accounting, and tax compliance.Growth & Marketing: Data-driven strategies to maximize your reach and revenue.Investor Readiness: Preparing you for capital raises with pitch decks, financial models, and due diligence support.HR & Administration: Streamlined hiring, payroll, and benefits management.Technology & Security: Expert IT support, platform integration, and cybersecurity.As a sister company to PIF Capital Management, they also offer clients direct insights into venture capital and access to a global investor network—ranging from individuals to sovereign wealth funds.👉 Learn more or schedule a discovery call at pifadvisory.comIn episode 180 of the Disruptors for GOOD podcast, we speak with Zane Adams, Co-founder of FedUp Foods, on forging the next generation of sustainable manufacturing and regenerative practices to change our food ecosystem for the better. Zane Adams is part of the leadership team at FedUp Foods PBC, the holding company of Buchi, a brand pioneering positive social and sustainable change in the beverage industry.Joining the team just nine months after Jeannine and Sarah started in 2009, Zane is regarded as the “father” of the Buchi brand and its impact platform. Here Zane combines a passion for people and the planet with his deep marketing expertise and business background that developed the Buchi brand and subsequently launched FedUp Foods PBC in 2020, fostering enterprise partnerships from suppliers to community collaborators.A leader in the space, Zane believes the expansion of regenerative supply chains drive longer, more sustainable revenue for scaling business and family farms. Zane is a sought-after speaker and media commentator and has been featured in numerous podcasts like Winning at Work, Washington Post, New York Times, Real Leaders Magazine and recently ranked alongside Jeannine Buscher, Co-CEO as #30 on the MO 100 Top Impact CEO’s in the United States.Zane is a founding member, and currently serves as Chairman of the Board for Kombucha Brewers International, the global trade association for the kombucha industry. About FedUp FoodsFedUp Foods is forging the next generation of functional beverages using sustainable manufacturing and regenerative ingredients as a vehicle to change our food ecosystem for the better. Community-centered and values driven, the team at FedUp Foods is united in purpose to craft delicious, high-quality, nutrient-dense fermented products; invest in the regeneration of the planet, and use business as a conduit for positive social impact.
Spotlighting impact startups, brands, and founders.We feature social impact startups, conscious brands, and visionary founders shaping the future of business. Join thousands—subscribe to our weekly newsletter for exclusive interviews, the latest funding rounds, digital tool reviews, and curated products fueling the impact economy.To learn more, please visit causeartist.com

Apr 23, 2023 • 19min
Incentivizing Social Climate Action Using On-Chain Environmental Assets - Kieran White, Co-Founder & CEO at Return
---------------------------------------- Disruptors for GOOD is powered by PIF Advisory — a global services firm empowering startups and enterprises with expert guidance, tailored solutions, and measurable results. Whether you’re launching your first venture or scaling globally, PIF Advisory delivers full-cycle support across every core function of your business:Financial Management: Full-cycle bookkeeping, accounting, and tax compliance.Growth & Marketing: Data-driven strategies to maximize your reach and revenue.Investor Readiness: Preparing you for capital raises with pitch decks, financial models, and due diligence support.HR & Administration: Streamlined hiring, payroll, and benefits management.Technology & Security: Expert IT support, platform integration, and cybersecurity.As a sister company to PIF Capital Management, they also offer clients direct insights into venture capital and access to a global investor network—ranging from individuals to sovereign wealth funds.👉 Learn more or schedule a discovery call at pifadvisory.comIn episode 179 of the Disruptors for GOOD podcast, I speak with Kieran White, Co-Founder & CEO at Return, on incentivizing social climate action using on-chain environmental assets.Return is a climate technology startup that offers verified and incentivized social climate action to individuals, corporations, and communities. It uses blockchain technology to create a protocol that directs funding towards present or future climate projects using on-chain environmental assets, which help fight climate change.Why does Return exist?Despite the estimated 30-fold growth of the Voluntary Carbon Market by 2030, this will only satisfy 2% of the overall demand required to combat the climate crisis, according to scientific estimations. Voluntary carbon offsetting, both for individuals and corporations, has not achieved the level of adoption required. Although recent developments, such as corporate Net-Zero commitments, have aided in this area, there is still much ground to cover.After conducting extensive research, Return discovered that the reason for this lack of adoption was the absence of incentive alignment among the three key stakeholders: consumers, businesses, and climate projects themselves. By leveraging some of the innovative tools provided by blockchain, we can finally achieve this necessary incentive alignment.How it works:Select a climate track that suits you best, either through an upfront payment or a deposit that generates continuous contributions. Establish your impact identity by personalizing and displaying all your actions, which will reflect your values. Increase your community by inviting friends to join your climate guild and connecting with like-minded individuals who share a similar digital identity. Enjoy exclusive rewards through Return's ecosystem partners that will help boost your impact identity.Your Impact IdentityAn impact identity is a unique digital NFT that is not tradeable and serves to showcase your dedication to the environment following your actions on the Return platform. At Return, we believe that everyone should receive recognition for contributing to the planet, and this is one of the ways we provide that acknowledgement through social proof. By displaying your impact identity to friends and striving to attain different levels of impact, you can visually transform it over time as you compete with others in the community to be the first to reach the top tier!What can you support? Verified Climate ProjectsRimba Raya Biodiversity Project - Preserving the forests of Indonesia in the Tanjung Puting National ParkCordillera Azul National Park REDD Project - Avoiding deforestation in the lowlands and montane forests of PeruJiangxi Province Le'an County Forest Farm Carbon Sink Project - Improving the management of protected forestry in ChinaHow is individual carbon footprint calculated?Their internally-developed emissions calculation methodology allows Return to determine your blockchain-linked carbon footprint. To assess your overall carbon footprint, they utilize averages determined by the Nature Conservancy, which approximate the average American individual's carbon footprint to be around 16 tonnes.
Spotlighting impact startups, brands, and founders.We feature social impact startups, conscious brands, and visionary founders shaping the future of business. Join thousands—subscribe to our weekly newsletter for exclusive interviews, the latest funding rounds, digital tool reviews, and curated products fueling the impact economy.To learn more, please visit causeartist.com

Apr 17, 2023 • 40min
Bringing Millions of People Around the World Access to Eyecare - Dr. Jordan Kassalow // Founder of Vision Spring
---------------------------------------- Disruptors for GOOD is powered by PIF Advisory — a global services firm empowering startups and enterprises with expert guidance, tailored solutions, and measurable results. Whether you’re launching your first venture or scaling globally, PIF Advisory delivers full-cycle support across every core function of your business:Financial Management: Full-cycle bookkeeping, accounting, and tax compliance.Growth & Marketing: Data-driven strategies to maximize your reach and revenue.Investor Readiness: Preparing you for capital raises with pitch decks, financial models, and due diligence support.HR & Administration: Streamlined hiring, payroll, and benefits management.Technology & Security: Expert IT support, platform integration, and cybersecurity.As a sister company to PIF Capital Management, they also offer clients direct insights into venture capital and access to a global investor network—ranging from individuals to sovereign wealth funds.👉 Learn more or schedule a discovery call at pifadvisory.comIn episode 178 of the Disruptors for GOOD podcast, I speak with Dr. Jordan Kassalow, founder of Vision Spring, on his journey to bring millions of people around the world access to eyecare.About Dr. Jordan KassalowDr. Jordan Kassalow has an amazing career in social entrepreneurship and eye care advocacy. He co-founded EYElliance, a coalition working towards improving access to eyeglasses globally, and launched the Global Health Policy Program at the Council on Foreign Relations. Prior to this, he served as director of the River Blindness Division at Helen Keller International.Jordan is a fellow of Draper Richards Kaplan, Skoll, Ashoka, and the Aspen Institute. He has received numerous awards for his contributions to social entrepreneurship, including being named to Forbes’ Impact 30 list, winning the inaugural John P. McNulty Prize, and receiving the Schwab Foundation Social Entrepreneurship award.In addition to his social entrepreneurship work, Jordan is a partner at Drs. Farkas, Kassalow, Resnick & Associates, an ophthalmology practice located in New York City.Jordan holds a Doctor of Optometry degree from the New England College of Optometry and a Master of Public Health degree and fellowship in preventive ophthalmology from Johns Hopkins University.
Spotlighting impact startups, brands, and founders.We feature social impact startups, conscious brands, and visionary founders shaping the future of business. Join thousands—subscribe to our weekly newsletter for exclusive interviews, the latest funding rounds, digital tool reviews, and curated products fueling the impact economy.To learn more, please visit causeartist.com

Apr 13, 2023 • 28min
The Chris Long Foundation's Waterboys Initiative and Well Aware Unite to Expand Access to Clean Water in East Africa - Chris Long and Sarah Evans
---------------------------------------- Disruptors for GOOD is powered by PIF Advisory — a global services firm empowering startups and enterprises with expert guidance, tailored solutions, and measurable results. Whether you’re launching your first venture or scaling globally, PIF Advisory delivers full-cycle support across every core function of your business:Financial Management: Full-cycle bookkeeping, accounting, and tax compliance.Growth & Marketing: Data-driven strategies to maximize your reach and revenue.Investor Readiness: Preparing you for capital raises with pitch decks, financial models, and due diligence support.HR & Administration: Streamlined hiring, payroll, and benefits management.Technology & Security: Expert IT support, platform integration, and cybersecurity.As a sister company to PIF Capital Management, they also offer clients direct insights into venture capital and access to a global investor network—ranging from individuals to sovereign wealth funds.👉 Learn more or schedule a discovery call at pifadvisory.comIn episode 177 of the Disruptors for GOOD podcast, I speak with Chris Long and Sarah Evans, on their new partnership to provide more sustainable clean water sources to communities in East Africa.The global water crisis is one of the most pressing issues facing our world today. Over 800 million people lack access to clean water, and the consequences of this are dire.Without clean water, communities cannot thrive or grow, and the health of individuals is put at risk. To address this issue, the Chris Long Foundation and Well Aware have partnered to provide sustainable clean water sources to communities in Kenya.Chris Long, a two-time Super Bowl champion and philanthropist, founded Waterboys in 2015 to address the global water crisis. The organization has been successful in providing aid to over 500,000 people in need. The partnership between the Chris Long Foundation and Well Aware will expand the reach of Waterboys' initiatives and resources to achieve maximum impact.Well Aware is a women-led international non-profit organization known for its success and innovation in East Africa's water sector.The organization has maintained a 100% success rate across all its water projects to date and is setting an exceptional standard for efficiency and sustainability in water aid.Additionally, Well Aware's Well Beyond App empowers local leaders with ongoing project maintenance to ensure lasting water systems.The partnership aims to improve rural water supply in Kenya and empower thousands with the clean water sources needed to survive and thrive. The two organizations have set a goal to significantly increase access to sustainable clean water for communities in Kenya.The partnership will accelerate the impact of the Waterboys initiative as they play their part in helping to end the global water crisis.In 2023, the Chris Long Foundation will join Well Aware in the field to visit completed projects and make plans to bring lasting clean water solutions to local communities.The partnership between the Chris Long Foundation and Well Aware is committed to long-term solutions addressing water scarcity and innovation in the sector.
Spotlighting impact startups, brands, and founders.We feature social impact startups, conscious brands, and visionary founders shaping the future of business. Join thousands—subscribe to our weekly newsletter for exclusive interviews, the latest funding rounds, digital tool reviews, and curated products fueling the impact economy.To learn more, please visit causeartist.com

Apr 10, 2023 • 29min
Empowering Conscious Citizens to Impact the World Through Digital Media - Sam Sutaria // CEO at WaterBear
---------------------------------------- Disruptors for GOOD is powered by PIF Advisory — a global services firm empowering startups and enterprises with expert guidance, tailored solutions, and measurable results. Whether you’re launching your first venture or scaling globally, PIF Advisory delivers full-cycle support across every core function of your business:Financial Management: Full-cycle bookkeeping, accounting, and tax compliance.Growth & Marketing: Data-driven strategies to maximize your reach and revenue.Investor Readiness: Preparing you for capital raises with pitch decks, financial models, and due diligence support.HR & Administration: Streamlined hiring, payroll, and benefits management.Technology & Security: Expert IT support, platform integration, and cybersecurity.As a sister company to PIF Capital Management, they also offer clients direct insights into venture capital and access to a global investor network—ranging from individuals to sovereign wealth funds.👉 Learn more or schedule a discovery call at pifadvisory.comIn episode 176 of the Disruptors for GOOD podcast, I speak with Sam Sutaria, CEO at WaterBear, on launching WaterBear 2.0 and empowering conscious citizens to impact the world through digital media.About SamSam Sutaria is a visionary leader in the media and entertainment industry, driving growth and innovation in the sector. He is now the CEO of Waterbear, a purpose-driven streaming platform that uses storytelling to drive global impact.Prior to joining Waterbear, Sam held various leadership positions at The European Nature Trust, Barnes Film Festival, and the Resilient Foundation. Throughout his career, he has been instrumental in launching and scaling successful businesses, developing and executing strategic plans, and building high-performing teams.Sam's passion for using media to drive social and environmental change is evident in his leadership of Waterbear. Under his direction, the platform has become a leading voice in the environmental and humanitarian space, partnering with over 100 global NGO organizations to raise awareness and inspire action on critical issues.Sam holds a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree in Biology from the University of Bristol and a Master's degree in Filmaking from the University of the West of England. He is a dynamic and forward-thinking leader, committed to leveraging the power of media to create a better world for all.About WaterbearWaterBear is an innovative streaming platform with a purpose-driven mission to promote awareness and action towards protecting our planet. The platform offers a diverse range of award-winning documentaries, impactful series, and enlightening short films that inspire people to engage with environmental and humanitarian causes.At WaterBear, they are proud to partner with over 100 global NGO organizations that are working tirelessly to address critical environmental and humanitarian issues. Through the platform, you can access inspiring films that highlight the important work of these organizations, and even join their communities directly through the platform to take action on the causes that matter most to you.The company believes that inspiration and education should be accessible to all, which is why they offer all films for free without any hidden fees or subscriptions. The platform is always looking for new content suggestions from our community, so feel free to contact them at content@waterbear.com with any recommendations.As a purpose-driven streaming platform, they prioritize sustainability in everything they do. Waterbear works closely with planet partners, brands, and NGOs to produce original content that entertains and inspires people into action. They also strive to keep our environmental impact to a minimum by ensuring that all productions are Albert Certified and implementing internal sustainability policies on travel, energy usage, and waste minimization.In 2022, Waterbear became a certified B Corp, demonstrating commitment to verified social and environmental performance, public transparency, and legal accountability. The company believes that we all have a role to play in protecting our planet, and by joining our community, you can be a part of the change you wish to see in the world.
Spotlighting impact startups, brands, and founders.We feature social impact startups, conscious brands, and visionary founders shaping the future of business. Join thousands—subscribe to our weekly newsletter for exclusive interviews, the latest funding rounds, digital tool reviews, and curated products fueling the impact economy.To learn more, please visit causeartist.com

Apr 6, 2023 • 50min
Funding and Scaling Proven Sustainable Solutions to Accelerate Positive Impact in the Fashion Industry - Lewis Perkins // Apparel Impact Institute
---------------------------------------- Disruptors for GOOD is powered by PIF Advisory — a global services firm empowering startups and enterprises with expert guidance, tailored solutions, and measurable results. Whether you’re launching your first venture or scaling globally, PIF Advisory delivers full-cycle support across every core function of your business:Financial Management: Full-cycle bookkeeping, accounting, and tax compliance.Growth & Marketing: Data-driven strategies to maximize your reach and revenue.Investor Readiness: Preparing you for capital raises with pitch decks, financial models, and due diligence support.HR & Administration: Streamlined hiring, payroll, and benefits management.Technology & Security: Expert IT support, platform integration, and cybersecurity.As a sister company to PIF Capital Management, they also offer clients direct insights into venture capital and access to a global investor network—ranging from individuals to sovereign wealth funds.👉 Learn more or schedule a discovery call at pifadvisory.comIn episode 175 of the Disruptors for GOOD podcast, I speak with Lewis Perkins, President of the Apparel Impact Institute, on raising a $250M Climate Fund and scaling proven systems and ideas to transform the textile industry towards a sustainable future.The Apparel Impact Institute (aii) is a nonprofit organization that is working to address these environmental issues by identifying, funding, scaling, and measuring proven environmental impact solutions in the apparel and footwear industry.About LewisA passionate advocate for “doing the right thing,” Lewis Perkins has recently been appointed President of the Apparel Impact Institute (Aii), an organization launched by leading brands and apparel sector industry associations to select, fund, and scale programs to drive positive impact in the fashion sector.Previous to this Perkins was President of the Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute (C2CPII) where he led the Institute’s Fashion Positive initiative, which engages designers, manufacturers, brands and influencers in creating Cradle to Cradle Certified TM materials and products with the circular economy in mind.Prior to joining the C2CPII, Perkins consulted with corporations and organizations on the social and environmental program development. He also served as Director of Sustainable Strategies for The Mohawk Group, a leading carpet manufacturer and the commercial division of Mohawk Industries.About The Apparel Impact InstituteAii's mission is to create a more sustainable and environmentally friendly apparel and footwear industry by identifying, funding, scaling, and measuring proven environmental impact solutions. Their vision is to transform the fashion industry into a force for good, ensuring that all apparel and footwear are made in a way that is safe for the environment, workers, and communities.Aii focuses on a few key areas: energy, water, and chemistry. These areas are critical for the fashion industry because they have a significant impact on the environment. The organization works with its partner brands, manufacturers, and philanthropic donors to identify and implement solutions that reduce the industry's impact on the environment.Energy: aii is working to reduce the fashion industry's reliance on fossil fuels by identifying and implementing energy-efficient solutions. This includes using renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydro power.Water: The apparel industry is a significant consumer of water, and it is responsible for a significant amount of water pollution. Aii is working to reduce the industry's water consumption and improve the quality of the water it uses.Chemistry: The fashion industry uses a variety of chemicals in the production of apparel and footwear, and many of these chemicals are harmful to the environment and human health. Aii is working to identify safer alternatives and to reduce the use of harmful chemicals in the industry.Aii recently launched a $250 million Climate Fund, which is aimed at supporting the apparel industry's transition to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future. The fund is designed to provide financial support to brands and manufacturers that are committed to reducing their environmental impact. The Climate Fund is also used to support research and development of new sustainable materials and processes.
Spotlighting impact startups, brands, and founders.We feature social impact startups, conscious brands, and visionary founders shaping the future of business. Join thousands—subscribe to our weekly newsletter for exclusive interviews, the latest funding rounds, digital tool reviews, and curated products fueling the impact economy.To learn more, please visit causeartist.com

Apr 3, 2023 • 30min
Creating Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Fabrics for the World to Sleep On - Phoebe Yu and Kat Dey // Cofounders of ettitude
---------------------------------------- Disruptors for GOOD is powered by PIF Advisory — a global services firm empowering startups and enterprises with expert guidance, tailored solutions, and measurable results. Whether you’re launching your first venture or scaling globally, PIF Advisory delivers full-cycle support across every core function of your business:Financial Management: Full-cycle bookkeeping, accounting, and tax compliance.Growth & Marketing: Data-driven strategies to maximize your reach and revenue.Investor Readiness: Preparing you for capital raises with pitch decks, financial models, and due diligence support.HR & Administration: Streamlined hiring, payroll, and benefits management.Technology & Security: Expert IT support, platform integration, and cybersecurity.As a sister company to PIF Capital Management, they also offer clients direct insights into venture capital and access to a global investor network—ranging from individuals to sovereign wealth funds.👉 Learn more or schedule a discovery call at pifadvisory.comIn episode 174 of the Disruptors for GOOD podcast, I speak with Phoebe Yu and Kat Dey, Co-founders of ettitude, on leading the way in creating sustainable and eco-friendly fabrics for the world to sleep on.Ettitude is a sustainable brand that has made a name for itself in the bedding industry by offering high-quality, eco-friendly bedding products that are as comfortable as they are sustainable. Ettitude offers a wide range of bedding products that are made from 100% organic bamboo lyocell, a material that is known for its softness, breathability, and durability.Unlike traditional cotton bedding, which requires a significant amount of water and pesticides to grow, bamboo is a highly sustainable and renewable resource that requires little water and no pesticides. But Ettitude's commitment to sustainability goes beyond just using eco-friendly materials. The company also takes great care in its production processes to minimize waste and reduce its carbon footprint.One of the standout products from Ettitude is their signature Bamboo Lyocell Sheet Set, made from their exclusive, sustainable CleanBamboo™ fabric. These sheets are incredibly soft and silky to the touch, making them the perfect addition to any bedroom. They're also highly breathable and moisture-wicking, which means you'll stay cool and comfortable throughout the night.Ettitude also offers a range of other bedding products, including duvet covers, pillowcases, and blankets, all made from the same high-quality CleanBamboo™ material.
Spotlighting impact startups, brands, and founders.We feature social impact startups, conscious brands, and visionary founders shaping the future of business. Join thousands—subscribe to our weekly newsletter for exclusive interviews, the latest funding rounds, digital tool reviews, and curated products fueling the impact economy.To learn more, please visit causeartist.com

Mar 30, 2023 • 26min
Meet the Zero Waste Circular & Sustainable Sneakers - Mark Vandevelde // Founder of Komrads
---------------------------------------- Disruptors for GOOD is powered by PIF Advisory — a global services firm empowering startups and enterprises with expert guidance, tailored solutions, and measurable results. Whether you’re launching your first venture or scaling globally, PIF Advisory delivers full-cycle support across every core function of your business:Financial Management: Full-cycle bookkeeping, accounting, and tax compliance.Growth & Marketing: Data-driven strategies to maximize your reach and revenue.Investor Readiness: Preparing you for capital raises with pitch decks, financial models, and due diligence support.HR & Administration: Streamlined hiring, payroll, and benefits management.Technology & Security: Expert IT support, platform integration, and cybersecurity.As a sister company to PIF Capital Management, they also offer clients direct insights into venture capital and access to a global investor network—ranging from individuals to sovereign wealth funds.👉 Learn more or schedule a discovery call at pifadvisory.comIn Episode 173 of the Disruptors for Good podcast, I speak with Mark Vandevelde, Founder of Komrads, on creating zero waste circular & sustainable sneakers for the ethical fashion movement.Komrads is a footwear brand that is based in Belgium and has been making sustainable sneakers for nearly five years.The brand was founded by husband and wife team, Mark and Greet Vandevelde, with the goal of creating sneakers that were not only stylish but also environmentally friendly.The shoes are made using raw materials that are recycled, certified, vegan & traceble, and are ethically manufactured in Portugal. Komrads also focuses on reducing waste by creating a closed-loop system where customers can return their old shoes to be recycled into new ones.Of the 24.2 billion pairs of shoes manufactured globally each year, experts say that most of them (97%) end up in a landfill or incinerator, because there are simply too many shoes and not enough recycling solutions.This means only 3% of all sneakers are given a second life.The company collects your old Komrads Sneakers and will upcycle them into raw materials to be used in other products. Overall, Komrads is a brand that is dedicated to creating stylish and sustainable sneakers that have a positive impact on the environment and society.
Spotlighting impact startups, brands, and founders.We feature social impact startups, conscious brands, and visionary founders shaping the future of business. Join thousands—subscribe to our weekly newsletter for exclusive interviews, the latest funding rounds, digital tool reviews, and curated products fueling the impact economy.To learn more, please visit causeartist.com

Mar 27, 2023 • 27min
Building a Unicorn Tech Company and the Importance of a Co-founder - Tanis Jorge // Co-founder of Trulioo and The Cofounder's Hub
---------------------------------------- Disruptors for GOOD is powered by PIF Advisory — a global services firm empowering startups and enterprises with expert guidance, tailored solutions, and measurable results. Whether you’re launching your first venture or scaling globally, PIF Advisory delivers full-cycle support across every core function of your business:Financial Management: Full-cycle bookkeeping, accounting, and tax compliance.Growth & Marketing: Data-driven strategies to maximize your reach and revenue.Investor Readiness: Preparing you for capital raises with pitch decks, financial models, and due diligence support.HR & Administration: Streamlined hiring, payroll, and benefits management.Technology & Security: Expert IT support, platform integration, and cybersecurity.As a sister company to PIF Capital Management, they also offer clients direct insights into venture capital and access to a global investor network—ranging from individuals to sovereign wealth funds.👉 Learn more or schedule a discovery call at pifadvisory.comIn Episode 172 of the Disruptors for Good podcast, I speak with Tanis Jorge, Co-founder of Co-founder of Trulioo and The Cofounder's Hub, on building a unicorn tech company and the importance of a choosing the right cofounder.Tanis is a serial tech entrepreneur and a leading advisor on entrepreneurship and building successful cofounder partnerships.Over the course of her career in startups, spanning the last 20 years, Tanis has cofounded, scaled, and successfully exited multiple, data-driven businesses with the same partner. Her successes culminated with her most recent venture, Trulioo, which she co-founded in 2011. Between 2011 and 2015, Tanis served as Chief Operations Officer of Trulioo, working to lay the groundwork and build the foundation for the trusted, innovative, and disruptive company it has become today. In 2021, Trulioo reached "unicorn" status, solidifying both its place as the world’s leading identity verification company and Jorge’s track record for founding successful businesses.Today, Tanis is one of the go-to voices and experts on the cofounder relationship. Author of The Cofounder's Handbook and Founder of The Cofounder's Hub, her work focuses on how cofounders can function in an open, productive, and symbiotic way to ensure continued and long-term business success.
Spotlighting impact startups, brands, and founders.We feature social impact startups, conscious brands, and visionary founders shaping the future of business. Join thousands—subscribe to our weekly newsletter for exclusive interviews, the latest funding rounds, digital tool reviews, and curated products fueling the impact economy.To learn more, please visit causeartist.com