Talking Purpose: The Purpose and Profit Business Podcast

Katie Boothby-Kung
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Jun 12, 2024 • 37min

From Politics to Promoting Sustainability with Montana Brisbin from Veritree

Welcome back to another insightful episode of *Talking Purpose*, where we delve into the stories of change-makers and the innovative ideas shaping our future.Montana now leads marketing and communications for Veritree, an environmental company based in British Columbia. Tune in as she shares her transition from working with legacy brands and political campaigns to navigating the dynamic world of a startup focused on integrating sustainability into business operations. We’ll explore the challenges of real-time decision-making and the rewarding impact of tree-planting projects across the globe, from post-wildfire restorations to mangrove forests in Kenya.Join us as we uncover how Veritree is creating transparency and confidence for investors in nature, driving community engagement, and ensuring the long-term survival of our ecosystems. Discover how businesses can play a crucial role in combating climate change, the innovative technologies Veritree employs, and the inspiring success stories of their partnerships. Whether you’re a business owner, an environmental enthusiast, or simply curious about sustainable practices, this episode is packed with valuable insights and actionable ideas.Learn more about starting and scaling a for-purpose business at www.talkingpurpose.ca Start your business today on the best e-commerce platform in the world on Shopify
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May 28, 2024 • 49min

Investing in Impact: Hilary Kilgour's Entrepreneurial Journey and the Rise of Audaxa Ventures

Welcome back to "Talking Purpose"! In today's episode, we are thrilled to bring you a powerful conversation with Hilary Kilgour, the visionary Managing Director of Audaxa. Audaxa is an investment fund dedicated to supporting women and non-binary founders in the climate and health sectors through equitable distribution of capital. Hilary shares her decade-long journey in the investor space, highlighting the significant shifts we've seen in money management, including the growing presence of women and younger generations as investors. She walks us through essential steps for businesses to become investment-ready, emphasizing the importance of assessing materials, building a strategic data room, and understanding the investor landscape. Hilary shares invaluable tactics for founders on how to engage investors effectively and  actionable insights on how to stand out in an increasingly competitive market. We'll also explore the importance of relational investing, the critical role of diverse teams, and the misconceptions surrounding ESG and impact investing.Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, an established founder, or an investor, this episode is packed with wisdom and practical strategies that you won't want to miss. Tune in for an inspiring journey into the world of purposeful investing!Learn more about Hilary and Audaxa Ventures at https://audaxaventures.com/ Learn more about starting and scaling a for-purpose business at www.talkingpurpose.ca Start your business today on the best e-commerce platform in the world on Shopify
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May 8, 2024 • 33min

How Printful is Changing Print-on-Demand for Good

Today's episode is coming to you from the beautiful city of Riga, Latvia. Joining me is Alise Zindiga, the CSR Project Manager at Printful, who will share her journey into the realm of sustainability and her experience working with a forward-thinking company like Printful.In this episode, we will explore how Printful's on-demand printing and drop shipping model not only caters to global online store owners but also emphasizes ecological responsibility by minimizing overproduction and resource waste. Alise will walk us through Printful's sustainable practices, from their eco-friendly product line featuring organic materials to their innovative packaging solutions.Whether you're an entrepreneur curious about ethical business practices or someone passionate about sustainability, this discussion will shed light on how companies like Printful are paving the way for a greener future. So stay tuned as we unlock the complexities of sustainability in the fast-paced world of e-commerce with Alise Zindiga.Learn more about starting and scaling a for-purpose business at www.talkingpurpose.ca Start your business today on the best e-commerce platform in the world on Shopify
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Apr 23, 2024 • 46min

Storytelling, Grant Writing and Measuring Impact with Christal Earle from BraveSoles

Welcome to another episode of Talking Purpose! In today's episode, we are thrilled to have Christal Earle, the founder of BraveSoles, joining us. Christal's journey began with a realization about the environmental impact of tires in landfills and the mosquito-borne illnesses caused by standing water in tires. Fueled by this awareness, she embarked on a mission to find a solution, ultimately leading her to venture into the world of shoe manufacturing. With just $250 and an unwavering determination, Christal launched BraveSoles, selling 39 pairs of shoes on the very first day. As the company grew, she encountered logistical challenges, but with resilience and perseverance, they overcame these obstacles. Christal's focus on equitable relationships with her suppliers and her dedication to building something together, rather than imposing her own agenda, has not only shaped her business but also her worldview. Throughout this episode, we'll delve into the power of storytelling in business, navigating grant applications, and the measurable impact of BraveSoles' social and economic initiatives. So, get ready to be inspired by Christal Earle's incredible journey and her commitment to making a positive difference in the world. Let's dive in!Learn more about starting and scaling a for-purpose business at www.talkingpurpose.ca Start your business today on the best e-commerce platform in the world on Shopify
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Apr 3, 2024 • 51min

The Blueprint of a Powerful Brand: Kristen Vanderhoek's Approach to Branding

In this thought-provoking session, we're joined by the remarkable Kristen Vanderhoek, founder of Cursor and Ink, a branding and strategy consultancy. With 15 years of experience under her belt, Kristen brings us an enlightening comparison between brand building and constructing a house, where the allure isn't simply in the façade, but in the warm, inviting spaces created for customers to cherish.In our chat, Kristen lays out the foundational pillars of successful branding — vision, mission, values, orientation, messaging, and, of course, those eye-catching emblems like logos and colors. As we unpack these elements, we'll discover why it's crucial not to skew our focus solely onto the visual appeal but to give a balanced effort across all pillars, ensuring your brands stand strong.We'll also explore the journey of a business from the ground up, highlighting the significance of knowing who you are, who you're not, and why diving deep into your values is a step you cannot afford to skip. Kristen and I share the conviction that building a brand with purpose isn't just about what it looks like on the outside, but also about the honest, value-driven core that resonates with your audience and sustains your mission.So, if you've been pondering how to ensure your brand's vision, mission, and values are not just words on a page but a lived experience that threads through your products, offerings, and culture, this episode is tailored for you. Learn more about starting and scaling a for-purpose business at www.talkingpurpose.ca Start your business today on the best e-commerce platform in the world on Shopify
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Mar 14, 2024 • 39min

The Resurgence of Resale: How Recurate is Revolutionizing the Circular Economy

In today's episode, we're diving headfirst into the world of sustainability and the booming resale market.We'll start by examining the incredible growth in the resale market and how it offers both affordability and sustainability. From Poshmark to StockX, we'll explore how these platforms have transformed the way we buy and sell pre-loved items. And speaking of innovation, we'll introduce you to Recurate, a groundbreaking platform that integrates with e-commerce sites to bring the resale experience directly to the brands' websites.Authenticity and trust are crucial when it comes to the resale market, and we'll reveal the fascinating methods Recurate uses to ensure quality and maintain the brand's aesthetic. From remote authentication to physical authentication for luxury brands, we'll dive into the strategies employed to build trust and provide an elevated shopping experience.So, whether you're curious about the resale industry's environmental impact, or simply excited about the innovation happening in the world of e-commerce, this episode is for you. Join us for a thought-provoking conversation on redefining the shopping experience, reducing friction, and the incredible opportunities ahead. Let's dive into the world of recuration, sustainability, and the future of retail together!Learn more about starting and scaling a for-purpose business at www.talkingpurpose.ca Start your business today on the best e-commerce platform in the world on Shopify
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Feb 20, 2024 • 37min

Supporting Indigenous Voices: Authentic Engagement and Partnerships with Indigenous Communities

It was such a pleasure to interview Nadia George. You may recognize the name as she’s an Indigenous actress, advocate and public speaker. And I don’t know how she does it, my goodness, this woman is super woman! When she’s not acting, she’s providing mental health support on set since before her time in the spotlight, she worked in social services for over a decade. And if that’s not enough, she uses her platform for good, being an activist and influencer supporting not for profits like Water First. In this episode, we cover A LOT of ground. We discussed how she started, working with under represented influencers and how diverse influencers can work with brands and stay true to themselves, and we touch on mental health for influencers and entrepreneurs. If you're a business looking to approach influencers or an influencer looking to kickoff your own business, this is the episode for you! I hope you enjoy!Learn more about starting and scaling a for-purpose business at www.talkingpurpose.ca Start your business today on the best e-commerce platform in the world on Shopify
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Feb 20, 2024 • 52min

Unlocking the Potential of Nature-Based Corporate Strategies with Chris Coulter of GlobeScan

Welcome to Talking Purpose, the podcast dedicated to exploring how purpose and sustainability drive our world. I'm your host, Katie Kung, and in today's episode, we're diving deep into the complexities and challenges of global sustainability efforts. With us is Chris Coulter, CEO of GlobeScan, a man with a rich background in international development and environmental issues, and a true thought leader in the realm of corporate sustainability and ethical business practices.In our conversation, we'll explore how sustainability is not just a trend, but an urgent necessity that varies across regions. Chris will shed light on the critical importance of businesses engaging with the different societal contexts they operate within, from addressing climate change to preserving earth's biodiversity. We'll discuss how companies can innovate and transform their business models by integrating ESG compliance with sustainable innovation, without getting trapped by greenwashing concerns.Together, we’ll dissect why despite the growing concern and impact of climate change, consumer adoption of sustainable products remains an area of improvement and how businesses can bridge this gap. We'll examine the role of nature in the sustainability conversation and how companies are now adopting nature-based targets.So, stick around as we navigate through the importance of understanding both the external competition and the internal context of leadership in sustainable practices, and how companies can thrive by balancing compliance and creativity. All of that and more on this episode of Talking Purpose with Chris Coulter. Stay tuned!Learn more about starting and scaling a for-purpose business at www.talkingpurpose.ca Start your business today on the best e-commerce platform in the world on Shopify
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Feb 12, 2024 • 55min

Desiree Shank: Sustainable E-commerce and Building an Authentic Brand

In this episode, we're diving deep into the world of conscious commerce with our special guest, Desiree Shank.Desiree is a force in the e-commerce arena, with a rich background from working with Shopify to advising major brands. She's here to share her journey—from founding a digital agency to launching her eco-conscious hat company, Board Brims Hat Co., alongside her enterprising daughter. Desiree's story is a testament to the power of starting, learning, and growing together as a community.In this episode, we'll explore the innovative strategies she uses to balance profitability with purpose. From utilizing the "planet app" to tackle carbon emissions, to the intricate dance of sustainable local sourcing, Desiree is a master at weaving ethical and sustainable practices into the very fabric of her businesses.Expect to gain some game-changing insights into marketing messaging that resonates through its authenticity, sustainable packaging, give-back apps, and the advantages of small business agility. We'll also touch on the importance of a supportive community and the invaluable resources available through Desiree's Just StartUp network.So, whether you're a startup looking to avoid common pitfalls or an established brand aiming to deepen your social impact, there's wisdom here for everyone. Plus, get ready to unpack the significance of understanding your audience on various platforms, from Facebook and Instagram to YouTube and beyond.Learn more about starting and scaling a for-purpose business at www.talkingpurpose.ca Start your business today on the best e-commerce platform in the world on Shopify
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Feb 8, 2024 • 42min

How the Fur Industry is driving reconciliation and environmental sustainability

Welcome to Talking Purpose, the podcast where we dive deep into conversations about meaningful work and sustainability. In today's episode, we're joined by Doug Chaisson, Executive Director of the Fur Institute of Canada. As a former collaborator with the World Wildlife Fund, Doug brings a fresh perspective to the table, discussing the intersection of wildlife conservation and the fur industry's role in sustainability.Doug sheds light on the traditional, economic, and cultural importance of fur to Indigenous communities and addresses the often-unspoken consequences of anti-fur activism. Throughout the episode, we'll explore the advancements in ethical trapping, the rigorous standards governing Canada’s mink and fox farms, and the global commitment of fashion houses to sustainability through certifications. Doug also highlights the rise of young Indigenous designers infusing new life into the fur industry, respecting their heritage while embracing sustainable fashion.Stay with us as we uncover the multifaceted world of the Canadian fur industry, from its sustainable practices and economic impact to its significance in Indigenous culture and beyond. We're here to challenge perceptions, embrace the complexity of environmental stewardship, and encourage open dialogue. So, let's pull back the curtain on this storied industry and discover what it truly means to wear fur with purpose.Learn more about starting and scaling a for-purpose business at www.talkingpurpose.ca Start your business today on the best e-commerce platform in the world on Shopify

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