Latest news with #businessforgood
Fast Company
17-06-2025
- Business
- Fast Company
Rose Marcario is doubling down on her values
As the CEO of Patagonia, Rose Marcario stood out as one of the most outspoken voices in business against President Donald Trump during his first term. Under her leadership, Patagonia even sued the Trump administration after he issued a proclamation to shrink public land in two national monuments in Utah. Now, in the midst of Trump's second term, Marcario is no longer at the helm of the progressive outdoor apparel company, but she's still taking a stand. As companies pull back on DEI initiatives, backtrack on climate commitments, and generally take a quieter approach to politics, Marcario is doubling down on her belief that businesses can—and must—be 'the greatest force for good,' as she says. 'It's only a failure of imagination that makes us think any differently.' This isn't a new fight for Marcario. As the CEO of Patagonia, she expanded the outdoor apparel brand's environmental commitments, oversaw its foray into sustainable food through Patagonia Provisions, and embarked on ambitious political activism, including Patagonia's fight to preserve public land. And she did all that while turning Patagonia from a $100 million company to a $1.5 billion company over the course of her 12-year tenure. Marcario left Patagonia in 2020. The following year, she became a partner at ReGen Ventures, a climate-focused venture fund investing in early-stage founders who are building regenerative technologies, such as making food from CO2 or cleaning up wastewater while also sequestering carbon emissions. She's also now the chair of EV company Rivian 's nonprofit, Rivian Foundation, and founding board member of SPUN, the Society for the Protection of Underground Networks, a scientific initiative to map and protect the planet's trillions of miles of underground fungi. (Marcario was also previously on the board of plant-based meat brand Meati, but left that role about a year ago; Meati is still part of ReGen's portfolio.) It's these wide-ranging roles that allow her to double down on her vision. Being at ReGen gives her a 'breadth' that she didn't have as a CEO, she says. Instead of just steering one company, she's supporting a swath of purpose-driven businesses, investing in solutions across agriculture, sustainable materials (like leather made from food waste), and more. That includes BurnBot, a startup that is mitigating wildfire risk with automated machines to carry out prescribed burns, for which ReGen led the $20 million Series A funding round in April 2024. Or Aigen, a fleet of solar-powered weeding robots that eliminates the need for harmful herbicides. ReGen led its $12 million Series A in 2023. 'Rose has delivered economic outcomes as good as anyone—billions in sales, exponential growth, category-leading profitability . . . and built generational brands that stand for things that everyone else shies away from,' says Dan Fitzgerald, managing partner and founder of ReGen. Even at Patagonia, though, Marcario was thinking beyond apparel. She cofounded the Regenerative Organic Alliance, a program to certify growers on the most climate-friendly agricultural practices, and spearheaded the formation of Patagonia Provisions, the clothing company's sustainable food arm. Those efforts speak to Marcario's ability to be on the forefront of innovation, says Robyn O'Brien, a food and climate expert who consulted with Marcario when she was first conceptualizing Patagonia Provisions. 'In any industry, there's always the tip of the sphere, the early adopters, the early whistleblowers. And she's just consistently been that,' says O'Brien. Supporting an array of purpose-driven entrepreneurs plays to Marcario's strengths. 'She possesses the rare ability to see—really see —and empower individuals,' says Birgit Cameron, cofounder and former head of Patagonia Provisions. By working outside of Patagonia, Marcario can take her bold way of thinking and 'ripple it out' to other companies and industries, Cameron adds. That was Marcario's goal. 'I left Patagonia primarily because I felt like I had more to offer the world,' she says. 'Selling outdoor clothing at a time when our planetary crisis is so dire did not feel like the best utilization of my time and my skills. Focusing on entrepreneurship that is based on regenerating the planet, and creating a regenerative future, to me felt like a much more positive and impactful way to spend this next season of my career.' A regenerative future means building an economy based on businesses and technologies that restore ecosystems and planetary resources, rather than just depleting them. 'We have to base our economic activity in the coming decades not on doing less damage, but on an economy that actively heals,' she says. At the beginning of 2025, Marcario penned an op-ed in Time about the importance of this way of doing business. Our current destructive economic model is 'running out of runway,' she wrote. That sounds alarming, and it is: The world is warming at record levels, and as the planet heats up, economic performance goes down. Every 1 degree Celsius that the Earth's temperature increases can be linked to a 12% drop in global GDP. The Trump administration is exacerbating this crisis. The president has once again pulled the U.S. out of the Paris climate agreement, decimated millions in climate research, weakened environmental protections, and has given industrial companies free rein to pollute. He's also launched attacks against DEI programs, causing some companies to back away from their commitments to inclusion and diversity, including their support for LGBTQ+ rights. Marcario isn't shrinking in the face of those challenges. 'It's so important, as an LGBTQ person, to be out, to be visible, to support especially our trans community that is being used as a political tool right now in such a negative way,' she says. 'It becomes even more necessary to double down and to show courage and leadership.' Despite these challenges, she says she's still hopeful about the future, especially when she looks at ReGen's portfolio. Along with BurnBot and Aigen, ReGen has invested in Arkeon, which turns CO2 into proteins; Banyu Carbon, which sequesters carbon dioxide from seawater; and Ulysses, which uses robots to restore seagrass; among other companies. These are all solutions 'that are about making the world better and more livable for everybody,' Marcario says. '[These companies are] not spending time debating whether inclusivity and diversity is a good thing. They know it, and they're moving forward.' She's also excited to be working with chef Dan Barber who started Row 7 Seed Company, which has recently been rolling out its new non-GMO breeds of produce at Whole Foods, and she's looking forward to the debut of Rivian's R2 electric truck, set to begin production in the first half of 2026. Marcario is supporting all these innovations because she doesn't change her values based on how the political winds are blowing. She advises other business leaders who want to have a long-lasting impact to do the same. 'Cultivate your courage, don't obey in advance, trust that customers will vote with their dollars and reward your commitments to your long-term values,' she says. 'The brands of long-term views, strong identities and followership, they don't equivocate.'
Forbes
02-06-2025
- Business
- Forbes
How Greater Purpose Is Giving Canadian Businesses A New Way To Lead With Impact
Shaping the next generation of business Today marks the official launch of Greater Purpose, a Canadian platform built to bring together businesses that want to integrate purpose into the very core of how they operate. For Brad Offman, founder of Greater Purpose, this is the culmination of years spent listening, learning, and bringing together leaders ready to stand up for what matters most. 'We've actually been building this community for several years, starting with the launch of The Partnership Conference in 2019,' Brad says. 'But as much as I love our Conference and our other Regional Events, there are some real limitations. Events are ephemeral and short-lived. While they might be foundational to creating a movement, they aren't enough. We needed to fill the space that exists between events and in our view, that could only be done by creating a community that would drive our objectives on an ongoing basis.' Greater Purpose is that space: a membership community where businesses can share insights, connect with peers, and amplify their commitment to social purpose. From exclusive events and a trusted purpose mark to brand visibility and a private online community, it offers a home for changemakers who believe in using business as a force for good. Brad Offman, Founder and Chief Executive Officer A New Definition of Success For Brad, this work is deeply personal. Having spent most of his career in the corporate world—including time as a senior executive at a large financial institution—he understands that profitability and purpose aren't in conflict, they're intertwined. 'Greater Purpose defines success by commitment to social purpose. Wherever a business is on the path to purpose, there's a place for it in Greater Purpose,' he says. 'I've spent most of my career in the corporate sector, most recently as a senior executive at a large financial institution. I recognized early on that a company could change the world by leveraging its assets in the name of social good, and that didn't have to come at the expense of profitability or shareholder value. That was a profound moment for me.' The Power of Community Brad is clear that community is not just a feature—it's at the heart of everything. 'Community is such a critical part of the purpose journey,' he says. 'Change becomes easier when everyone gets on board. Changemakers are often outliers, especially in large companies. We provide a community to let these changemakers understand that they are not alone.' It's about connection and collaboration, but also about belonging. 'Community is the foundation for collaboration, trust, and a profound sense of belonging. It is a critical element for driving the change we are driving to achieve.' Purpose in Practice From startups to established corporations, Greater Purpose's members come from all corners of the economy. But what unites them isn't a single set of metrics—it's a shared commitment to finding and living their reason for being. 'What unites our members is a commitment to finding and understanding their very reason for existing,' Brad says. 'Purpose isn't about impact, employee engagement, inclusion, sustainable procurement and good governance—but at the same time, it's about all of those things. Once a business, or an individual, defines its purpose, it becomes easier to answer existential questions about its strategy and its direction.' What's most inspiring to Brad is seeing how purpose becomes a strategic North Star. 'What is unexpected is how many companies are thinking about purpose as a core strategic driver,' he says. 'It makes everything easier because it defines as a company what you will do, and just as importantly, what you will not do. Companies all have unique assets, and watching them deploy these assets in the name of their purpose is truly a fascinating sight to behold.' Mission of Greater Purpose: To build the most dynamic business community for social purpose ... More professionals A Defining Moment for Canada As the world faces profound shifts, Brad sees a rare opportunity for Canadian companies to lead. 'We're living in very, very interesting times,' he says. 'The current geopolitical environment is forcing many companies to rethink their place in the world, and what's most interesting is that parts of the shift have happened virtually overnight.' Even though Greater Purpose wasn't created in direct response to these turbulent times, Brad believes it's exactly what's needed right now. 'While we didn't create Greater Purpose in the context of the current geopolitical situation, I think having the haven of a purpose-driven community will provide an outlet for companies that are truly committed to this work,' he says. And in those conversations with leaders across Canada, Brad hears something powerful: 'Canada is rethinking its purpose, and there is a powerful sense that Canadian companies can be global leaders when it comes to purpose. This isn't anecdotal. I'm talking to business leaders everyday and there's a sense that this is Canada's time to shine.' Yet he's quick to emphasize that defining purpose is only the beginning. 'Paul Klein, another Forbes contributor, reminded me recently that having a strong purpose is merely the first step,' he notes. 'That purpose needs to be activated, and it needs to be activated quickly and immediately. Otherwise, we will miss this golden opportunity to take the lead on this issue, and demonstrate that companies truly have the power to change the world through a well-defined and thoughtfully activated purpose. The time is NOW.' For Brad Offman and the growing community at Greater Purpose, today's launch is about more than a new platform. It's an invitation—to rethink what it means to do business in Canada, to lead with integrity, and to prove that the future isn't just about what you sell—it's about what you stand for.
CNA
29-05-2025
- Business
- CNA
Cartier Impact Awards 2025: These remarkable women are using business to drive social change
'With great power there must also come great responsibility" – this line from a Spider-Man comic has become a defining pop culture moment, symbolising the moral obligation that comes with influence. Reflecting on today's interconnected world, the quote rings especially true – businesses wield huge influence, not just over economies, but over societies and the environment. This principle forms the foundation of the Cartier Women's Initiative (CWI), which was incepted in 2006 to recognise and support women entrepreneurs who are using the power of business to become 'forces for good', driving meaningful change and creating impact in their communities. According to Cartier, the programme has supported 330 awardees (known as 'fellows') from 66 countries, providing over US$12 million (S$15.5 million) in funding and nurturing a growing community of more than 500 changemakers. In 2025, the CWI marked another milestone by holding its second-ever Impact Awards, celebrating nine former fellows of the programme whose ventures have significantly scaled their missions over time. The 2025 Impact Awards Ceremony took place on May 22 at the Sakai Performing Arts Centre in Osaka, Japan, coinciding with the official opening week of Cartier's Women's Pavilion at Expo 2025. The first edition of the Impact Awards was held in 2022 at the Dubai Expo 2020. The Impact Awardees are selected across three categories – Preserving the Planet, Improving Lives, and Creating Opportunities, aligning with the UN's Sustainable Development Goals. Fellows from previous editions of the CWI apply for the awards and undergo a rigorous selection process. 'In this edition, when selecting fellows for the Impact Awards, we looked for those who have created extraordinary impact through their businesses. That impact can be measured in terms of breadth – reaching a large number of beneficiaries – or depth, such as introducing a truly innovative model that transforms how we think,' said Wingee Sin, global programme director of the CWI. The nine awardees each received a US$100,000 grant to help further their mission. They will also take part in a one-year fellowship programme designed to enhance their capacity for impact measurement, refine leadership skills, and scale their operational reach. PIONEERING SOLUTIONS The awardees hail from across the globe, with three representatives operating social impact businesses in India representing those from the Asian continent. Namita Banka is an awardee from the Improving Lives Category. She is the founder of Banka Bioloo, a company that provides sustainable water and sanitation solutions across India, including biotoilets, biodigesters and sewage treatment plants. The former jewellery designer was selling ink cartridges and green office supplies to Indian Railways when she discovered that one of their biggest problems is sanitation. 'An estimated 100 million households do not have access to toilets and 60 per cent of people are forced to defecate in the open, posing health hazards, environmental concerns and leading to water contamination," said Banka. With an average 18 million people travelling by train every day, Indian Railways is 'our lifeline', but its toilets were 'in a pitiful state'. Since Banka Bioloo's inception in 2012, it has installed 3,000 biotoilets for Indian Railways and supplied 30,000 biotoilets to rural areas, impacting millions of people by providing them with a clean, safe and hygienic environment to take care of their needs. Banka's goal is to 'bring a toilet to every household in India'. Also in India, Kristin Kagetsu, an awardee from the Preserving the Planet category, is the founder of Saathi, which produces and distributes 100 per cent all-natural, biodegradable sanitary pads made of banana fibre. Conventional sanitary pads on the market contain toxic chemical agents, and women in rural parts of India commonly dispose of them by burning them due to a lack of waste facilities. Saathi converts banana fibre, a natural byproduct of banana farming, into a soft absorbent pad via a patented fibre-processing technology. The pads degrade within six months of disposal. The company also provides subsidised pads for non-governmental organisations (NGOs) committed to improving access to sanitary pads and health education for women. In the Creating Opportunities category, American Jackie Stenson is the co-founder of Essmart, a social enterprise that aims to bridge the gap between life-improving technologies and underserved rural communities in southern India. Recognising that many innovative products fail to reach those who need them the most, Essmart curates a catalogue of over 350 cleantech and agricultural tools – such as solar dryers and battery-powered sprayers – and distributes them through a network of more than 5,000 local retailers. ROLE MODELS AS BUSINESSES FOR GOOD Other awardees leading innovative companies include Kresse Wesling from the UK. Wesling is the founder of Elvis & Kresse, a company with a mission to convert waste products into luxury goods. It turns industrial and commercial waste, including fire hoses, coffee sacks and scrap leather into luxury bags and other accessories. Hailing from Armenia, Mariam Torosyan created Safe YOU, a mobile application that provides women suffering gender-based violence with emergency support, access to relevant resources and a safe online community. Yvette Ishimwe from Rwanda is the founder of IRIBA Water Group, which created a smart self-service water ATM that makes purified water available, accessible and affordable for low-income communities across Africa. For many awardees, the true value of the Impact Awards goes beyond visibility and funding. It lies in the recognition and affirmation of their efforts to build businesses that drive positive change, said Sin. 'A big part of the initiative is to drive the idea that business is an important force for good. Not only is it possible, but many people are already doing it. Highlighting these individuals as role models is important to us,' Sin shared. CONTINUING THE MISSION Cartier will hold the 20th edition of the CWI in 2026, which will culminate in a global awards ceremony to be held in Bangkok, Thailand. It will spotlight 30 women impact entrepreneurs, selected as top three candidates across nine Regional Awards alongside the Science & Technology Pioneer Award. Singapore's presence in the CWI is steadily growing. In recent years, two fellows have been inducted into the programme. They include Mint Lim, founder of inclusive learning centre School of Concepts, who was a fellow from the 2023 edition. In the 2024 edition, Singapore surgeon Dr Lynne Lim, founder of medtech start-up NousQ, took home the top prize in the Science & Technology Pioneer category. Cyrille Vigneron, chairman of culture and philanthropy at Cartier, emphasised Singapore's important role in advancing Cartier's philanthropic efforts in the region. 'Singapore's strategic location and global connectivity position it as a key regional hub for collaboration and scaling social impact. By forging partnerships with local and regional institutions, such as social enterprises, cultural foundations, and universities, Cartier can amplify its impact across Asia-Pacific,' Vigneron commented. 'The upcoming 2026 Cartier Women's Initiative in Thailand underscores the region's growing role in fostering social change, with Singapore poised to lead in shaping and advancing these efforts,' he concluded.
