The Social Impact Show

In today's episode, you'll learn about investing in ESG, both companies and funds. We chat with Ben Vivari and Kyleland Purcell from Till Media and explore how to distinguish truly committed ESG companies and practical tips on finding funds that resonate with your values. We also discuss the pervasive issue of greenwashing and you'll gain insights into measuring a company's genuine ESG intentions, We also review strategies for corporations to harmonize CSR with ESG investing practices.

Timestamp of our discussion:

1:15 - Comparing the concepts of CSR and ESG Investing: What’s the similarities and differences?

3:45 - Is there a standardized ESG scorecard and checklist across industries?

6:22 - What makes a company a “good” ESG company?

8:55 - How can I find a fund that meets my values?

12:13 - How to know if companies are truly working towards the goal of ESG

16:10 - How big of a concern is greenwashing?

18:20 - Is investment or activity over time a good measure of a company’s ESG intentions?

19:12 - If ESG and CSR are closely aligned, how can a corporation interested in CSR encourage ESG investing?

22:35 - About Till Investors 

Learn more about the Till Media: Tillinvestors.com 

Check out the book: https://www.amazon.com/Sustainable-Investing-Starter-Everyday-Investors-ebook/dp/B0CBD6918Q

Music by https://youtube.com/ikson

@iksonmusic

In today's episode, you'll learn about the critical aspects of managing and scaling Employee Resource Group (ERG) programs. We chat with Maceo Owens, ERG Homegirl, CEO and founder of ERG Movement, and discuss the most common challenges encountered in ERG programs. Then, we dive into the pitfalls ERG program leaders often fall into. Finally discover that one game-changing tip for setting up your ERG programs effectively.

 Timestamp of our discussion:

1:00 - Most common challenges across ERG programs

4:23 - Pitfalls ERG program leaders fall into

5:41 - How to structure successful ERG programs

9:21 - The ERG Movement

10:48 - One thing ERG programs leaders could do when setting up their programs 

Learn more about the ERG Movement: 
theergmovement.com 

Connect with Maceo Owens:

 https://www.linkedin.com/in/maceoowens/

Music by https://youtube.com/ikson

@iksonmusic

In today’s episode, you’ll learn how to to become an Employee Resource Group Leader. We chat with Maceo Owens, ERG Homegirl, CEO and founder of ERG Movement, and discuss how she became an ERG Leader and tips for those looking to make a similar leap. We also explore how ERG leaders can get executive sponsorship for their programs and how to navigate hybrid work.

Timestamp of our discussion: 

1:07 - Professional skills gained from ERG participation 

3:01 - Would you have gained these skills without an ERG?

4:21 - Advice for those looking to become ERG leaders

5:50 - How to get executive sponsorship for an ERG Program

7:43 - How ERG shaped my career

11:15 - How ERG program leaders can navigate hybrid workplaces 

14:54 - One piece of advice for all the ERG leaders

15:40 - What inspired you to get involved in your first ERG?

Music by https://youtube.com/ikson

@iksonmusic

In today’s episode, you’ll learn how to build a multi-ERG program that keeps employees thriving. We chat with Lauren Kimball from Capgemini, and discuss how to measure success and where ERG’s are poised to grow in the next 3 to 5 years. 

Timestamp of our discussion:
1:28 - Capgemini’s ERGs in the Americas: Goals and the 4C-Model

5:22 - Capgemini’s annual calendar: How the year is mapped?

8:29 - Member recruitment and employee communications 

11:37 - Who’s responsible to keep ERG members engaged? 

13:33 - How do you measure ERG success? What does success look like? 

19:42 - Major areas ERGs poised to grow in the next 3-5 years?

24:49- Most meaningful impact for the Capgemini team to make this year 

27:26 - Most important tip when starting an ERG program

Learn more about Capgemini: CapGemini.com

Connect with Lauren Kimball https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurensanne/

Music by https://youtube.com/ikson @iksonmusic

In today’s episode, we explore the current state of corporate citizenship and why just employee engagement may not be the best way businesses should be supporting non-profits and communities. We discuss the ROI of non-profits in a corporate partnership and non-financial resources companies can use to help their non-profit and cause partners.

Timestamp of our discussion:

0:54 - The State of Corporate Citizenship
6:06 - How companies can engage non-profits in more authentic ways
10:44 - Focusing on outputs vs. outcomes
12:39 - Other ways companies can support their community and/or causes
15:42 - Gaps in companies relationships with non-profits
17:11 - What is the ROI for a non-profit in a corporate partnership
18:55 - Most impactful way a company can help a nonprofit
21:00 - ROI is for nonprofits engaged in corporate partnerships 25:28 - Non-financial resources companies can use to help nonprofits?

Music by
https://youtube.com/ikson 
@iksonmusic

In todays episode, you’ll learn the key trends in corporate purpose from the latest state of corporate purpose report. We explore the state of corporate purpose, and key findings from top businesses involved with corporate purpose. 

Timestamp of our conversation

1:07 - How has Corporate Purpose evolved over the past 3-5 years?

4:07 - Was the momentum behind social impact initiatives (i.e. ESG, DEI) too hot to maintain?

5:50 - The State of Corporate Purpose Report 2023

7:00 - Top 5 trends in Corporate Purpose

13:49 - Do companies stand behind their principles in the face of backlash?

15:59 - Strategies CSR leaders use to connect corporate purpose and DEI

18:37 - What is Benevity Impact Labs?

20:00 - What impact did the Benevity client community achieve in 2022?

21:45 - One takeaway from the State of Corporate Purpose Report

23:25 - One stat from the report CSR leaders should remember

25:11 - Where should CSR leaders invest their time and budget this year?


Music by https://youtube.com/ikson
@iksonmusic

In today’s episode, you’ll learn how a new Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) report can improve your DEI and social impact programs in the workplace. We chat with Sona Khosla, Chief Impact Officer with Benevity and Tiffany, an ERG leader, and explore the state of DEI in the workplace today and how it has changed since the pandemic. We also discuss challenges with DEI in workplace and key findings from the report. Finally, we look at key takeaways from the report to apply to your DEI programs. 

Timestamp of our discussion:

1:34 - State of DEI in the workplace today? Evolution since the pandemic?

7:41 - Change in public perception of DEI? Why has this happened?

12:05 - Has DEI in your workplace changed?

12:22 - Challenges of advancing DEI in the workplace

17:09 - How are ERG and DEI tied together?

18:25 - Where do you think DEI can progress in the next 3-5 years?

23:56 - One top take away from the State of DEI in the Workplace report

24:51 - If starting a DEI workplace program today, what’s one thing to look at above anything else?


Music by https://youtube.com/ikson
@iksonmusic

In today’s episode, you’ll learn about the pitch phase of building your social impact strategy. We explore how to develop your presentation to leadership or executives. How to frame your presentation, when to pitch and then what to do after.

Timestamp of our conversation:
0:34 - Building a Social Impact Strategy Part 5: The Pitch
1:45 - Who is “The Pitch” for?
4:43 - Format or template for your presentation
11:20 - When’s the best time to make your pitch?
13:09 - What happens after The Pitch?

Music by https://youtube.com/ikson
@iksonmusic

In today’s episode, you’ll learn about the advocacy phase of building your social impact strategy. We explore how to find your employee and executive champions and how to keep them engaged. We also discuss where to find the unlikely advocates and how to line them up before making your strategy pitch.

Timestamp of our discussion: 
0:51 - How to build a social impact strategy: Part 4 - Advocacy

2:13 - Has advocacy become harder with hybrid and remote work?

7:40 - Best practices to get leadership and executive champions

10:36 - Where to find unlikely advocates 

12:25 - Starting point to finding your advocates

Music by https://youtube.com/ikson
@iksonmusic

In this episode, you’ll learn the articulate or problem solving phase when building a social impact strategy. This means the steps to take so you have a clear understanding of the problems or problems your program will look to solve. And how to align that with your company’s business goals

This is part 2 of our 5 part series on building a social impact and corporate social responsibility strategy. 

Timestamp of our Discussion

0:37 - How to build a social impact strategy: Part 2

1:05 - Articulate Phase: What problem are you solving for?

3:55 - What types of problems to solve

5:39 - ESG and DEI impact 

8:00 - First steps in the Articulate Phase

Connect with Nicole: [email protected]

Learn more about Darwin Pivot: darwinpivot.com

Music by https://youtube.com/ikson

@iksonmusic

In today’s episode, you’ll learn about the benchmarking or back it up phase when building a social impact strategy. We discuss how to set the right measurement goals for your program and the impact of an opportunist or risk-adverse leader.

Timestamp of our conversation

0:46 - How to build a social impact strategy: Part 3 - Back it up 2:20 - Understand what your decision makers care about

3:45 - How to put your presentation together

6:17 - Organization size impacts your social impact strategy

7:19 - How long is the “Backing It Up” phase?

8:18 - Best practices to “Backing It Up”

Music by https://youtube.com/ikson

@iksonmusic

In this episode, you'll learn how to conduct research when building your social impact and corporate social responsibility strategy. We chat with Nicole McPhail, Co-founder and Managing Partner with Darwin Pivot, and explore connecting your strategy with business priorities, getting employees feedback, and how to differentiate between outcomes and outputs. Finally, we give you the first steps to do internal and external research. 

This is part 1 of our 5 part series on building a social impact and corporate social responsibility strategy

Timestamp of our discussion

0:55 - Research Phase

1:04 - Why build a social impact strategy

3:20 - Top down vs. bottom up social impact pressure

5:39 - Connect social impact strategy to business priorities and objectives

7:53 - How to build your strategy with employees

13:50 - Internal and External research

Connect with Nicole: [email protected]

Learn more about Darwin Pivot: darwinpivot.com

Music by https://youtube.com/ikson

@iksonmusic

In this episode, you'll learn about the challenges in social impact data collection . We explore how UCLA's Center for Impact is tackling the problem with their Open for Good Platform. We also discuss what are the key areas to focus on when measuring impact. 

Timestamp of our conversation:

1:17 - Kelly Clark's Career Journey

2:56 - Center for Impact at UCLA

7:27 - What are the challenges of data collection in social impact? Why is it important?

10:01 - What is the Open For Good Platform? What are the benefits?

14:37 - Key areas on education and measurement for companies challenged with measuring impact

16:41 - What areas to pay attention to relating to social impact measurement?

19:17 - The State of Sustainability Disclosure

UCLA Centre for Impact:

https://uclaanderson.campusgroups.com/impact/home/

State of Sustainability Disclosure Report

https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=4194032

Music by:

https://youtube.com/ikson

@iksonmusic

In this video, we discuss the state of corporate volunteering and how it’s changed the past two years. We chat with Jerome Tennille from the Uplift Agency and explore the new forms of volunteering since the pandemic. We talk about the difference between outcomes and outputs in corporate volunteering and employee engagement programs.

Timestamp of our conversation:

0:59 - State of Corporate Volunteering today
2:54 - What’s the split today between virtual and in-person volunteering?
4:48 - Is volunteering the primary method of doing good today? 5:10 - Different ways to volunteer today
7:15 - Employee Engagement: Outcomes vs. Outputs
9:20 - Why outcomes are harder to track
13:45 - Difficulty in tracking employee volunteering
18:02 - Reporting on outcomes and outputs
21:18 - Peer to Peer Volunteering
23:46 - Skills-based volunteering

In this episode, you’ll learn about the current state of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the workplace and explore what’s changed since the beginning of the pandemic. We chat with Jerome Tennille with the Uplift Agency, discuss the impacts of layoffs and current economic conditions. Finally, we look at what the future looks like for DEI. 

Timestamp of our conversation:

0:44 - Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the Workplace

1:03 - State of DE&I in the workplace today

2:41 - What’s causing the change or turmoil today?

4:32 - Impact of Return to Work: Hybrid, Remote, Full Return

6:08 - Is DEI still a business priority?

9:23 - Is there a backlash to DEI?

12:26 - Was there a lack of education on DEI? Misconceptions? 15:22 - What did companies miss to sustain DEI?

16:39 - Where is DEI headed?

In this episode, you'll learn all about Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) from what they are, history and evolution, as well as why they are beneficial. We also discuss, how to start one, how to encourage people to join and how to keep engagement. Finally we explore if all businesses actually need an ERG.

Timestamp of our conversation:

0:58 - What is an employee resource groups?

2:02 - What are the benefits of ERG’s for both employers and employees

4:32 - Evolution of the Employee Resource Groups

6:18 - Starting an ERG at your company? 

8:15 - ERG Alignment to the Business

11:35 - Could ERG’s be conflict with one another?

15:47 - How do you encourage people to join your ERG?

18:07 - How to keep your ERG members engaged?

21:50 - Does every company need ERG's?

In today's episode, you'll learn how standardized reporting will revolutionize social impact and philanthropy, both for funders and the non-profits. We chat with Heather King, Vice President of Evidence and Implementation, Chief Ontologist, Impact Genome and explore the challenges of current social impact measurement and how Impact Genome is looking to solve this. We also discuss Impact Sciences, what is it and how it helps decision making and strategy planning for funders and non-profits. 

Timestamp of the conversation 

0:00 - Introduction

1:14 - How does the "Promise of Impact Science" relate to social impact measurement?

3:38 - How does Impact Genome look to solve this?

5:28 - Challenges to standardized reporting and measurement?

 6:42 - What are the Impact Sciences?

11:37 - Moving toward standardized reporting

19:05 - Benefits to new non-profits

In this episode, you'll learn how Web3 is creating new opportunities in social impact. We explore how the Black Women Network has leveraged Web3 to help black women entrepreneurs scale and grow their businesses. We also discuss how social impact pros can bring Web3 in to their programs and what the potential benefits are. 

Timestamp of our discussion:

1:01 - Intro into Web3

2:04 - How is Web3 and social impact connected?

3:41 - What are the undervalued impacts of Web3?

9:05 - What are the opportunities in web3 and social impact in the future?

10:42 - How did Web3 helped you to create social impact? 13:37 - What is the Black Women Network?

18:52 - Has the negative press around Web3 been distraction to your organization's local goals?

20:43 - Biggest benefit of bringing Web3 into your social impact strategy?

24:46 - One simple step social impact pros can do to bring Web3 into their program

In this episode, you'll learn how to assess and buy corporate social responsibility software. We explore what questions to ask about product development and the health and longevity of the company. We dive into the pitfalls of customization and why a fully customizable solution isn't necessarily the best way forward. Finally, we discuss how to connect a software's capability with the maturity of your business.

Timestamp of our discussion:

1:24 - Difference between how CSR products are develop and other B2B SaaS products

3:36 - How about small or medium sized businesses exploring CSR software?

8:07 - When to add features when buying software

12:07 - When selecting a CSR vendor, what questions should be asked about product development?

21:50 - Attributes of a trustworthy B2B Company: Predictability, Scalability, Stability

29:56 - Benefits or drawbacks of software customization

39:53 - Avoiding the pitfalls of customization 

43:01 - What to consider when looking at health and longevity of a potential CSR software provider

In today's episode, you'll learn where the corporate social responsibility industry is headed. We explore how world events shape CSR and social impact as well as trends on how businesses will integrate CSR into the future.

This is part 2 of our series on the Future of CSR. Listen to Part 1 in the previous episode

Timestamp of our discussion:

1:07 - Where is social impact headed?

4:38 - Social Impact Role: More strategic than ever before

6:27 - Social impact professionals come from a diverse background

9:58 - Where is business adoption of social impact headed? Especially with small to medium-sized businesses?

In today's episode, you'll learn how corporate social responsibility profession has changed and what's shaping its future. We discuss its history, what the profession looks like today and how the role will continue to evolve in the the future.

Timestamp of our discussion:
0:52 - History of the corporate social responsibility professional 3:56 - When did CSR become a profession
5:36 - What does the profession look like today?
8:37 - How is the role being categorized and defined today?
11:38 - When will social impact professionals be represented in the C-Suite?
14:04 - Perils of CSR reporting to a CEO
15:28 - How to get started or become a CSR professional today? 18:48 - Where will CSR be headed towards in the next 5-10 years?

In this episode, you'll learn about the "S" in ESG and why it needs clear reporting standards to measure its impact in a business. We explore the importance of social impact data, discuss the Impact Genome Registry and what benefits it provides to companies and social impact professionals.

1:04 - "Centre for Impact Sciences and Impact Genome Project" 6:25 - "What does the "S" in ESG really mean?"

10:11 - Is the current reporting standard for the "S" in ESG too basic?

11:55 - What is social impact data and why is it important?

15:10 - "Benefits of the Impact Genome Registry"

20:20 - How does the Registry work?

21:30 - How can this registry help social impact pros build their programs?

22:59 - Is the goal of the Impact Genome Registry to be the standard reporting tool for the "S" in ESG?

In this episode, you'll learn how to start and get buy-in for your employee resource group in the workplace. We chat with business resource group (BRG) leaders from Thermo Fisher and explore how their BRG's operate, attract new members, maintain engagement and what skills they gained from being a part of and managing their respective BRGs. We also discuss how to grow a community and examples of allyship with other groups in the workplace.

What we discussed:

0:00 - Introduction

1:23 - Areas of focus for your Business Resource Group 

6:01 - Getting buy-in, approval and support for BRG activities

8:20 - Is proving ROI a factor in maintaining buy-in?

11:40 - How do you promote your BRG and attract new members?

13:46 - Community Building

17:42 - How do you keep your members engaged?

26:07 - Successful examples of allyship with your BRG?

In this episode, you'll learn about employee resource groups (ERG) and an in-depth look at how they operate in a major business, Thermo Fisher.

We chat with the leads of Thermo Fisher's Business Resource Groups (BRG) and explore the how to start an ERG, growing memberships, benefits of joining and why these groups are important to increasing employee engagement and fostering community within a business.

Timestamp of our discussion:

5:44 - What is an ERG?

13:27 - How to start a BRG at Thermofisher?

14:55 - Getting involved in the BRG and what reason for joining?

22:27 - Benefits being a part of an employee resource group

27:15 - What relationships have you gained?

31:42 - What are some successes or activities resonating with members?

38:18 - Current BRG initiatives at Thermo Fisher

42:25 - How to prioritize BRG initiatives

47:06 - How BRG's align with Thermo Fisher's DE&I efforts?

In this episode, you'll learn how to build a social impact measurement framework and different ways to measure social impact. We chat with Nicole McPhail and Emily Hazell from Darwin Pivot, and explore social impact indicators and how to use data to assess your social impact programs.

Timestamp of our discussion:

0:47 - How to build a social impact measurement framework?

5:36 - What are social impact indicators?

8:36 - What are different ways to measure social impact?

11:34 - How do you know if your program is succeeding?

In this episode, you'll learn how to measure social impact including developing a measurement strategy, how to collect data, and measurement tools to consider.

We chat with Nicole McPhail and Emily Hazell from Darwin Pivot and explore how to analyze and use social impact data, what metrics to consider and how to make program decisions from the data. 

Timestamp of our discussion:

1:00 - How do we collect social impact data?

3:24 - What is qualitative and quantitative social impact data?

5:25 - How would you calculate the impact of social impact?

7:18 - Now I have my data...what do I do with it?

12:55 - What measurement tools to consider

18:06 - What if you don't have any qualitative data? Can you use anecedotal feedback?

In this episode, you'll learn about social impact measurement, why it's important and how to get started with your CSR programs. We chat with Nicole McPhail and Emily Hazell from Darwin Pivot, and explore what is a social impact measurement framework, how to collect data and what are social impact indicators. We also discuss where ESG fits and the difference between measuring impact and measuring your program.

Timestamp of our discussion:

1:07 - What is social impact measurement? Why is it important?

3:45 - What is a social impact measurement framework?

5:47 - Where do I start when measuring my social impact programs?

10:37 - How do I get social impact data? What are social impact indicators?

14:43 - Whats the difference between impact and program health metrics?

16:50 - Where does ESG fit into social impact measurement?

21:15 - Darwin Pivot helping social impact professionals

In this episode, part 2 of our discussion on ERG software, you'll learn where to begin when implementing Employee Resource Group (ERG) Software for the workplace including how to get company buy-in integrating with CSR software. We chat with Stephanie Moe, Social Impact Lead with AAA, and explore how to get company buy-in, implementation challenges and advice on getting started with ERGs.

Timestamp of our discussion:

0:44 - Where to begin when implementing ERG software?

2:21 - How would you get company buy-in for ERG software?

3:25 - Greatest challenges to overcome during the implementation process

4:12- Advice on getting started with ERG Software

5:04 - Importance of ERG and CSR platform integration

6:17 - Most positive impact since implementing ERG software

In this episode, you'll learn what is employee resource group (ERG) software, why it can improve employee engagement, and when  it's time to invest. We chat with Stephanie Moe, Social Impact Lead with AAA (Northern California Nevada Utah), and discuss the benefits of ERG software, resource implications and advice on getting started.

Timestamp of our discussion:
0:54 - What is ERG software and how it solves employee engagement challenges?
2:48 - What are advantages or benefits of ERG software
5:10 - How do you know it’s time to invest?
6:12 - How many people are needed to manage?
6:51 - How did you get involved in Employee Resource Groups? 8:17 - Prior to adopting ERG software, how was ERGs managed? 9:27 - Advice when getting started with ERG software

In today's episode, we discuss how to implement grants management software for your business and challenges you'll face. We chat with Clare Brewka, Global Community Manager with MiTek, and explore how her company successfully implemented as well as tips for getting started.

Timestamp of our discussion:

1:04 - Where to begin with grants management software implementation

4:11 - Significant challenges for a successful implementation

9:23 - How Mitek implements grants management software

12:13 - Most significant and positive impact since implementation

14:05 - Additional tips to getting start with grants management

In this episode, you'll learn about grants management software, what it is and how it can help your social impact programs. We chat with Clare Brewka, Manager of Global Community Engagement with Mitek, and explore when it's time to invest, how to get buy-in and what to look for when researching the software right for you.

Timestamp of our discussion:

0:50 - What is grants management software?

2:49 - Who is required to implement grants management software?

3:35 - When it's time to invest in grants management software?

7:17 - How to get buy-in to invest?

10:48 - How to show business ROI from grants management software?

12:22 - What to look for when researching ?

20:51 - Clare’s journey through corporate granting

In this episode, we discuss the role of social and cultural responsiveness in social impact.

We chat with Dr. Omolara Uwemedimo and explore how to ensure our social impact programs are actually addressing the needs of the community they serve and how to continually receive their feedback. We look at connecting an individual's work to responsiveness and the role of employee resource groups.

Finally, we talk about Dr. Uwemedimo's social impact journey and her work on Strong Children Wellness and Melanin and Medicine.

Timestamp of our discussion:

1:00 - The meaning of responsiveness in social impact

4:00 - How do we continuously get feedback?

6:10 - How to connect individual work to responsiveness

11:32 - Keeping focus on your programs while adapting to change 

13:43 - What is cultural and social responsiveness?

17:22 - The role of employee resource groups in responsiveness

18:55 - Finding people that reflects the community they serve

21:10 - Dr. Uwemedimo's journey through social impact and purpose-led entrepreneurship

28:13 - About Melanin and Medicine

In this episode, you'll learn how to build a modern ESG reporting framework. We chat with Stewart Rassier and Janna Irons from thinkParallax, and explore what are the ESG reporting standards, how to tailor your report for different audiences, and how to improve your ESG reporting. We also discuss how to improve data collection and analysis and going beyond reporting to stakeholder engagement.

This is part 3 of our 3-part series on ESG. Listen to part 1 and 2 in the previous episodes.

Timestamp of our discussion:

0:58 - What is ESG Reporting

1:56 - Who is the report for?

4:51 - What are the ESG reporting standards?

7:55 - How is ESG related to the Sustainable Development Goals?

9:57 - How to improve your ESG reporting

14:11 - Going beyond ESG reporting to engaging your stakeholders

16:45 - Tips to improve reporting

In this episode, you'll learn how to develop an ESG strategy including how to get buy-in, aligning goals and reporting. We chat with Janna Irons and Stewart Rassier from thinkParallax and explore getting employees involved with your ESG program and examples of successful ESG plans.

This is part 2 of our 3-part series on ESG. Listen to part 1 and 3 in the previous and next episodes.

Timestamp of our discussion:
0:57 - How to develop an ESG strategy?
3:35 - How to develop company ESG goals
7:30 - Where does getting leadership buy-in fit?
10:54 - How to get employees involved in your ESG strategy? 15:05 - How often would you report on your ESG program progress?
18:05 - Examples of successful ESG plans

In this episode, you'll learn what is ESG, why it's important for business and how it differs from CSR. We chat with Stewart Rassier and Janna Irons from thinkParallax, and explore how ESG impacts what investors are looking for, how to improve your ESG performance and aligning your business to your ESG goals.

This is part 1 of our 3-part series on ESG. Listen to part 2 and 3 in the next episodes.

Timestamp of our discussion:

0:55 - What is ESG and why is it important for businesses today?

2:47 - What is ESG investing? What are investors looking for?

5:27 - Difference between ESG and CSR

9:01 - Will there be an amalgamation of social impact roles?

11:00 - How to improve ESG performance?

15:40 - How to align the business on your ESG goals

20:29 - Importance of leadership involvement and buy-in for your ESG programs

In today's episode, we discuss the evolution of the social impact professional and corporate social responsibility including the impact of resources, the role and language throughout the decades. We chat with Nancy Murphy, Founder and CEO of CSR Communications and explore current gaps, opportunities and challenges of the profession, how to gain skills and education and where social impact is headed in the next several years.

Timestamp of our discussion:

0:59 - Evolution of CSR and the Social Impact Professional

1:29 - How has the role evolved over the past several years?

5:02 - How the resources provided for social impact has changed

12:14 - What are the current gaps, opportunities and challenges for social impact pros?

15:32 - Where to gain social impact skills and education

20:01 - How will social impact roles grow in the next couple of years?

23:51 - How can leadership help support the social impact role?

25:52 - What are “artifacts” and how do they relate to the social impact role?

Watch the episode: https://youtu.be/xKPJ5q2Z4YI

In today's episode, we discuss global activism, what it looks like today, and how your business could start. We chat with Jo Jeffreys, Principle Social Value Consultant with Jacobs, and explore how to scale your global activism efforts, showing the ROI of programs and what is the greatest challenge in the space today.

Timestamp of our discussion:

0:54 - Defining Global Activism

2:20 - How to focus on global and local activism at the same time?

3:13 - What does modern global activism look like? Examples?

6:15 - What challenges were you solving for at Jacobs?

9:19 - How did you get buy-in for social impact programs at Jacobs?

12:12 - How should companies get started in global activism?

15:00 - How to scale your companies global activism efforts?

16:40 - How to show the ROI of social impact programs

18:45 - Greatest challenge in global activism, and how to overcome it?

21:25 - What are you most looking forward to at Goodness Matters 2022?

Watch the episode: https://youtu.be/MOTjeyStAwY

In today's episode, we discuss the importance of community investment for your business, why it's important and how to get started. We chat with Leeatt Rothschild, Founder and CEO of Packed with Purpose on how to choose which communities to investment, how to shift priorities and measuring success.

Timestamp of our discussion:

00:50 - Getting started with purpose

3:08 - Why is community investment important?

4:22 - Changes and trends in community investment the past decade

8:57 - Advice for businesses starting their community investment journey

10:26 - How to choose which communities to invest in

12:35 - How to shift community investment priorities

14:43 - How to measure community investment success

17:54 - What is Packed with Purpose?

Watch the episode: https://youtu.be/6LoXNidJokU

In this episode, we talk with Janelle St. Omer, Regional Vice-President with Benevity, and discuss best practices for workplace giving campaigns and how to increase participation and employee engagement. We explore how to find your work place giving champions, asking for budget, and how to measure your programs. We review advanced tips for seasoned CSR professionals, how to adapt to employee turnover and how to get your leadership team to continuously participate. Finally, we talk about the integration of corporate purpose into businesses today.

Watch the episode:
https://youtu.be/L39G5e-ZXw0

In today's episode, you'll learn eight strategies to improve your employee engagement for 2022 and beyond. We discuss how to make programs more personal and how to make it easy. We also explore how matching programs and incentives play a significant role. Finally we chat employee resource groups and building strong ambassador networks.

Timestamp of our discussion: 

1:35 - Strategy #1: Make programs personal

2:21 - Strategy #2: Make it easy

4:27 - What are the new volunteering opportunities arising from remote work?

6:37 - Strategy #3: Matching

8:32 - Strategy #4: Incentives

11:29 - Strategy #5: United giving and volunteering

12:20 - Strategy #6: Internationalizing your program

15:06 - Strategy #7: Employee Resource Groups

16:18 - Strategy #8: Building strong ambassador networks

Watch the episode: https://youtu.be/0F8nNDwsuz4

In today's video, you'll learn about the impact of the great resignation on corporate social responsibility programs. We explore how businesses have or haven't adapted and strategies to update your CSR programs. We also discuss how employees should have even more say in driving your social impact programs.

Timestamp of our discussion:

0:42 - What is the Great Resignation?

1:28 - How have companies adapted to the Great Resignation?

3:17 - How are the Great Resignation and CSR tied together?

10:00 - Are employees more emboldened to drive their CSR program?

Watch the full episode: https://youtu.be/GjsCRwUJxtw

In today's episode, you'll learn all about corporate social responsibility (CSR) software from what it does to how it helps social impact professionals with their employee engagement programs. We explore what features and capabilities to look for when buying and why implementation crucial for success.

Timestamp of our discussion:

0:47 - What is CSR software?

1:20 - How CSR software reduces workload for social impact programs

4:29 - Learning new software vs status quo

7:42 - Features and capabilities to look for when buying CSR software

12:32 - Integration with charities/causes

15:16 - What to look for with CSR software implementation

Watch the episode: https://youtu.be/CKWFmWXQqlc

In today's video, we discuss how to increase employee engagement with your corporate foundation. We explore why volunteering is key and some creative ideas to increase employee participation.

Timestamp of our discussion:

1:02 - How to increase employee engagement with a company's foundation?

2:10 - Why volunteer support from employees is important to corporate foundation grantees?

4:29 - Lessons learned from engaging employees with grantees

11:43 - Creative ideas for employee engagement

In this episode, we talk with Kathryn Pisco, Goodness Catalyst with Benevity, and discuss how to use your corporate giving and employee engagement software to scale your Corporate Social Responsibility programs and increase employee engagement. We discuss how to boost a stalled CSR program, how to work in traditionally non-giving cultures, and how to engage with employees in different locations. 

This is Part 3 of our 3 Part series on everything you need to know about corporate giving and employee engagement software. 

Watch the episode:
https://youtu.be/2rTladZbuPI

Prefer to read:
https://benevity.com/resources/employee-engagement-software-boost-csr-program

In today's episode, we discuss how to measure the effectiveness and outcomes of you community investment grants including what metrics to look for and how to report long term benefits. We also explore tools and techniques and cost and resources.

Watch the episode: https://youtu.be/2dOyVf4JUz8

What we discussed:

0:50 - What are the key granting metrics to look for?

6:12 - Challenges to granting metrics

7:43 - How to measure the success of a grant

9:34 - How to report on long term benefits of grants

13:57 - Tools and techniques to measure grant success

16:21 - Cost and resourcing for grant metric tools

In today's episode, we discuss how to focus your social impact program strategy, identifying key opportunities and how to get internal buy in from employees and leadership.

We also explore when to change priorities and how to communicate that change. Finally, we walkthrough a worksheet on selling your social impact ideas and go through a client study on how this is done.

Watch the episode: PJlOd8Yc_w4

Timestamp of our discussion:

1:16 - How to identify key social impact priorities and opportunities

4:29 - How would you identify and communicate social impact priorities to team members

6:01 - When to change your social impact priorities

12:07 - Walkthrough of "Selling your Social Impact Idea" worksheet

15:05 - Client Case Study

16:50 - Core Granting Elements

In this episode, we talk with Kathryn Pisco, Goodness Catalyst with Benevity, and discuss how to implement your corporate giving and employee engagement software. We explore how many people are required to effectively implement and how to launch. Finally, we talk about leveraging the software to scale and maximize employee participation. 

This is Part 2 of our 3 Part series on everything you need to know about corporate giving and employee engagement software. 

Watch the episode:
https://youtu.be/0dDdOQwKCuo

Prefer to read:
https://benevity.com/resources/implement-corporate-giving-employee-engagement-software

In this episode, we talk with Kathryn Pisco, Goodness Catalyst with Benevity, and discuss employee engagement and corporate giving software. We explore, what it is, how it works, time to implement, who should use it, and knowing when it's time to buy a platform. Finally, we also talk about costs and how to tie to business objectives and how to get internal buy-in. 

This is Part 1 of our 3 Part series on everything you need to know about corporate giving and employee engagement software. 

Watch the episode:
https://youtu.be/lLuE3KSJZMU

Prefer to read:
https://benevity.com/resources/employee-engagement-corporate-giving-software

In today's episode, you'll learn about ESG reporting, metrics and measurement techniques. We chat with ESG expert Dave Stangis and explore how to get started, what are ESG indicators and ratings, as well as how often to review your ESG programs. We also discuss if and why ESG indicators correlate to higher financial returns.

Timestamp of our discussion:

1:13 - How to start tracking, measuring and refining ESG programs?

4:11 - How to measure the "Governance" side of ESG? What about advanced metrics?

7:49 - What are the ESG indicators?

11:08 - How often should you review your ESG indicators? 13:06 - What are the ESG ratings?

16:19 - Where should company's start their ESG journey?

20:04 - Are there certain ESG indicators correlated with higher financial/business returns?

In today's video, you'll learn what is Environmental, Social, Governance (ESG) and why it's important, successful examples, strategies and keys to success. We chat with ESG expert Dave Stangis and explore his career journey, lessons learned from his ESG programs. We also discuss where the focus on ESG this past year and how to leverage your employees in your ESG programs and projects. 

Timestamp of our discussion:

1:44 - Dan Stangis: Career Journey in ESG

7:26 - What is ESG? What are some successful examples?

11:21 - Do you need an internal and external ESG strategy?

13:57 - Where has the focus on ESG been this past year?

17:23 - What are the keys to ESG success?

21:12 - How to leverage employees in your ESG programs and projects

Watch the episode: https://youtu.be/K2ErEvQ_iQg

In today's video, we discuss how to achieve major social impact goals through small actions with Inspire Clean Energy. We chat with Dana Trans, Director of Sustainability and Social Impact with Inspire Clean Energy, and explore how to empower and resource employees to take action, and provide advice for companies looking to becoming a BCorp. Finally, we look at what actions businesses and people should take to fight climate change.

Watch the full episode: https://youtu.be/ARKBK6IcJTE

In today's episode, we discuss why authenticity is key for your social impact and corporate social responsibility programs. We chat with Kerry Lawrence, Community Investment Consultant with Benevity and explore what's driving the desire for authenticity, how to get buy-in from stakeholders to implement and impact on company's legacy.

Timestamp of our discussion:

0:58 - What's driving the desire and shift towards authenticity in social impact?

3:00 - Top priority for social impact programs today

6:33 - How to get buy-in from stakeholders to make this shift towards authenticity?

10:57 - How can authenticity affect a company's legacy with the community and its partners?

Watch the episode: https://youtu.be/oF0qS7N8Bao

In today's episode, you'll learn how to take your corporate social responsibility programs global. We chat with Kerry Lawrence, Community Investment Consultant with Benevity and explore what you need to think about if you want to take your program international including legal, financial and vetting requirements. We also discuss resources required and challenges and how to overcome them.

Watch the episode: https://youtu.be/qaYIESOX30I

In today's video, we discuss developing a successful social impact strategy with LegalZoom. We explore the pandemic's impact on legal services, and how LegalZoom successfully creates social impact from strategy to implementation. We also look at the alignments between an IPO and ESG. Finally, we chat about Catherine Davie's career journey to social impact and the key learnings along the way.

Watch the episode: https://youtu.be/ML4MU3kFEkY

In today's episode, we discuss diversity and inclusion in the workplace with Aaisha Hamid of Alliant Insurance. We explore where DE&I and social impact is headed in the next decade, and advice for someone just starting a program in their company. We look at strategies on working with the C-suite and the impact of the pandemic on ERG's (Employee Resource Groups). Finally we chat about Alliant's social impact strategy and Aaisha's journey in DE&I.

Watch the episode: https://youtu.be/jBw8xI1x7eI

In today's episode, you'll learn how to get started building effective social impact programs for your business.

We chat with Michelle DiSabato, President and CEO of Community Impact Consultants, and explore recent changes in the corporate social responsibility space and how businesses adapted. We also discuss where social impact is headed in the next few years and how companies can prepare.

Watch the episode: https://youtu.be/eA54Fz7Thn8

In today's episode, we discuss measuring social impact, how to do it and how to prove your program's success impacts your company's bottom line. We chat with Michelle DiSabato, President and CEO of Community Impact Consultants, and explore why granting is good for business, how to start measuring social impact programs, proving impact to key business goals and how to advocate for yourself as a corporate funder.

Timestamp of our discussion:

0:00 - Intro
0:54 - Why is granting good for business
3:03 - How to start measuring your social impact programs
8:23 - Proving impact of social impact programs to your business
13:02 - As a corporate funder, how to advocate for yourself in a business

Watch the episode: 
https://youtu.be/kp8MwRUO9hI

In today's video, we discuss how people and business can lead social impact into the future. We chat with best selling author and global keynote speaker Simon Mainwaring about the opportunities for corporate social impact programs. We look at mistakes businesses make with their social impact programs, and how companies can find their unique perspective.

We also explore the evolution of social impact, what LEAD WITH WE stands for in his latest book and how problems solved via social impact are major business opportunities.

Timestamp of our discussion:

1:49 - Trends, outcomes and insights from writing the book
9:19- Biggest opportunities for corporate social impact programs
12:43 - How businesses can find their unique perspective
16:47 - How has social impact evolved?
20:20 - Changes in attitudes or perspectives since writing the book
24:36 - What is the long term vision for social impact?
30:19 - Do you see a backtrack on social impact progress?
36:26 - What is the future of work?

Watch the episode:
https://youtu.be/2vvn91IdD5Y

In today's video, you'll learn what are the goals and targets we can accomplish relating to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for 2030. We discuss where are the opportunities, and how should businesses be integrating elements of the SDGs into their corporate social responsibility programs. We also explore how the SDGs align with ESG and more.

Watch the episode: 
https://youtu.be/aVMDhzBQBHY

In today's episode, we discuss the latest Corporate Social Responsibility Report by the ACCP (Association of Corporate Citizenship Professionals) and Rocket Social Impact on the Impact of Covid 19 and Racial Justice Movement on CSR. We dive into the report's key finding and insights including the impacts of the triple crisis on the CSR Industry, how racial justice and DE&I are driving the most change and what are the business ramifications. We also explore if social impact programs should be integrated and how CSR professionals can leverage the insights of the report in their programs.

Watch the episode: 
https://youtu.be/qXrDfZnANys

Read the ACCP Report: https://accp.org/resources/csr-resources/data-research/the-impact-of-pandemic-racial-justice-movement-on-csr/

In this episode, we talk with Sue Stephenson, Co-Founder of Impact 2030 and discuss why Sustainable Development Goals are important for business and how they can activate and integrate them today. We discuss what are some business challenges adopting SDGs, how the Sustainable Development Goals align with ESG, and examples of businesses successfully implementing SDGs.

Watch the episode:
https://youtu.be/elNTbULwEIQ

In this episode, we talk with Sue Stephenson, Co-Founder of Impact 2030 and discuss the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), what are they and why they matter. We also explore the five P''s of the SDG's, if they're still achievable and challenges to meeting them.

Watch the episode:
https://youtu.be/fi_Sx_Jsb5s

In this episode, we talk with Chris Jarvis, Co-Founder of Impact 2030 and discuss the stages of corporate citizenship, how its evolved over the past year and how practitioners can create more meaningful programs for their companies. We also explore employee expectations from their social impact programs, what makes these program difficult to implement and why social impact practitioners should consider themselves nation builders.

Watch the episode:
https://youtu.be/Wojs3EkzQkw

In this episode, we talk with Chris Jarvis, Co-Founder of Impact 2030 and discuss the difference between corporate citizenship and corporate social responsibility and their trends going into 2022 and beyond. We explore how corporate citizenship has shifted, and the concept of "Agency" as it relates to social impact and creating a sense of belonging in the workplace.

Watch the episode:
https://youtu.be/eFng5YYrEhc

In today's episode, we explore how Blend uses DE&I to create an inclusive consumer ecosystem while building a diverse workforce.

We talk with Ulysses Smith, Head of Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging with Blend, and discuss how their Community Investment and DE&I strategies are tied together and what these programs will look like over the next several years. We also chat about challenges to Blend's DE&I journey and advice for companies just starting theirs.

Watch the episode:
https://youtu.be/ZWLuAxazCIA

In this episode, we talk with Susan Keith Bleekman, Director of Goodness Solutions with Benevity, and discuss how to encourage online volunteering in your organizations. We explore creating virtual volunteering programs, the importance of workplace champions and employee resource groups, and the role of company leader. We also discuss how businesses connect with organizations that need volunteers and recognizing stand-out virtual volunteers.

Watch the episode:
https://youtu.be/8fH-Idj7geo

In this episode, we talk with Susan Keith Bleekman, Director of Goodness Solutions with Benevity, and discuss the opportunities in virtual volunteering for businesses and people today. We explore the growth of virtual volunteering and how it differs from traditional volunteering. We look the importance and benefits of a robust virtual volunteering program and how it's a gateway to increase employee engagement.

Watch the episode:
https://youtu.be/C7pyFbTomgo

In this episode, we talk with Jerome Tennille, Manager Social Impact and Volunteerism with Marriott International, and discuss the state of corporate volunteering today, what's working and what's not. We explore how volunteering is being redefined as well as flaws in corporate volunteering programs and what to improve on. We also look at the major opportunities in corporate volunteering today and how to better enable employees today through volunteering.

Watch the episode:
https://youtu.be/piotrvfnSgc

In today's episode, we explore how GoPro integrates diversity, equity and inclusion throughout their business and makes a social impact. We talk with Anastasia Greenmore, GoPro's Senior Inclusion, Diversity and Cause Business Partner, and discuss GoPro's Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging initiatives including their involvement with the Outdoor CEO Diversity Pledge. We talk through some best first steps to stake when launching DEI&B initiatives, how to include your global team in your efforts and more..

Watch the episode:
https://youtu.be/btYLK8_2GUo

In this episode, we talk with Jerome Tennille, Manager Social Impact and Volunteerism with Marriott International, and discuss the state of community investment and strategic philanthropy; what's working and what can be improved. We explore how companies can go beyond statements and financial contributions to make a social impact. We also review restricted vs unrestricted grant giving and how companies can partner with causes today.

Watch the episode:
https://youtu.be/tEaWPPydG2U

In this episode, we talk with Jerome Tennille, Manager Social Impact and Volunteerism with Marriott International, and discuss the future of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging in the workplace. We explore why there's a major focus on DEI&B today, how to facilitate difficult workplace conversations and best strategies to promote DEI&B throughout your business. We also look at how to keep DEI&B issues a focus for businesses and not just a "flavour of the month."

Watch the episode:
https://youtu.be/gAQDFDau74A

In today's episode, we explore how Arc'teryx's commitment to the environment and sustainability is making a social impact. We talk with Dan Walker, Social Impact Lead with Arc'Teryx, and discuss which ESG pillar they focus on and what are impacts to the business and employees. We look at challenges the team went through and how companies new to ESG can build long-lasting programs, challenges. Finally, we chat about biggest changes in the ESG space and how business commitment to ESG will evolve.

Watch the episode:
https://youtu.be/-vm-lfTbPEs

In this episode, we talk with Jerome Tennille, Manager Social Impact and Volunteerism with Marriott International, and discuss why corporate social responsibility is important in business, how CSR has changed and evolved over the past year and what trends practitioners should be thinking about. We also explore what are the greatest opportunities in the CSR space and why bold companies will we rewarded by employees, customers and the market.

Watch the episode:
https://youtu.be/RTbuwF7JQho

In this episode, we talk with Janelle St. Omer, Regional Vice-President with Benevity, and discuss how corporate social responsibility and diversity can build better workplaces and businesses. We discuss how they compliment each other, starting a DEI program as a CSR pro and what the future holds for each.

Watch the episode:
https://youtu.be/2R4MUYuI5Ug

In this episode, we talk with Janelle St. Omer, Regional Vice-President with Benevity, and discuss strategies to promote and address diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) in the workplace. We explore the benefits of DE&I both for the business and employees and the role of leadership in promoting and addressing DE&I. We also talk about building a DE&I culture in workplaces that may not have that type of culture. Finally we discuss challenges of brining DE&I in the workplace.

Watch the episode:
https://youtu.be/8v5Tg5tfzb0

In this episode, we talk with Janelle St. Omer, Regional Vice-President with Benevity, and discuss what is diversity, equity and inclusion? And how does it impact today's business and workplace. We differentiate between DE&I, explore potential challenges when applying it to the workplace and how your talent acquisition strategy can shape hiring for diversity. Finally look at how DE&I will evolve in the future.

Watch the episode:
https://youtu.be/cm7zv7UyV7U

In this episode, we talk with Sona Khosla, Cheif Impact Officer with Benevity, and discuss why corporate social responsibility matters (CSR) in 2021 and explore the State of Corporate Purpose Report with the top 5 trends in CSR. We dive into why the Report was created, its impact on the CSR Industry and how CSR professionals can use the report to grow and scale their programs. We chat about the higher standards of accountability businesses are being held to today, why democratizing choice of giving is crucial, how grass-roots movements are driving change and more. 

Watch the episode:
https://youtu.be/1qRmkNepmqQ