Good things. That’s a broad category, and that’s on purpose. The founders featured here are building companies and organizations that make the world a little better. Social enterprises. Mission-driven brands. Companies that prove you don’t have to choose between doing well and doing good.
These interviews cover a wide range of impact-focused work. Sustainability. Community development. Social justice. Environmental innovation. Ethical business practices. The kind of work that doesn’t always make headlines but always makes a difference.
What connects these founders is intention. They started companies not just to make money, but to solve a problem they cared about. That doesn’t mean they ignore the business side. The best ones are ruthlessly practical about sustainability. Financial sustainability, that is. Because a mission-driven company that runs out of money helps nobody.
You’ll find conversations about balancing profit and purpose, measuring social impact, building brands that stand for something, and the challenge of staying true to a mission as a company grows. These are founders who believe business can be a force for good. And they’re backing that belief with action.
[quote style=”boxed”]My workspace is an open room. My team members are together, actively communicating out loud. Brainstorming and open conversations are encouraged. In my opinion, this approach fosters the most…
[quote style=”boxed”]I never make lists. I never use lists. Everything is in my head. I know many people use lists but I have never used a list to start my…
[quote style=”boxed”]Execute! If you have an idea, write it down. Even if it seems crazy and/or hard, break it down into small steps that are manageable and research on how…
[quote style=”boxed”]Be passionate about the idea then surround yourself with people that have the same passion for the idea.[/quote] Eddie is the CEO and co founder of Shiftgig. Prior to…
[quote style=”boxed”]Rapid prototyping. We test very early on and iterate. It’s a grueling process, but is worth it in the end.[/quote] Anupam Pathak is an inventor and entrepreneur at heart….
[quote style=”boxed”]Work out hard every day. There are no drugs in the world like your own adrenaline or endorphins. Sweating makes you happier, healthier, and more energetic. You can’t find…
[quote style=”boxed”]The reason for this is that any mistake or hardship this startup has faced has been a growing experience and brought us to a new place each time, often…
[quote style=”boxed”]Live in California sooner. The entrepreneurial spirit is contagious, particularly in and around San Francisco.[/quote] Bridgett Luther comes to the Institute with a long history of involvement in environmental…
Meet Bridgett Luther – President of Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute
[quote style=”boxed”]People ask me all the time if I would change anything, and you know, I really would not. The opportunities that I now have to make a difference to…
[quote style=”boxed”]Keep an organizer and organize your day. I like to plan my day and time allocation – it helps me stay on track. You get into this behavioral pattern…
[quote style=”boxed”]Persistence. What we are trying to do has its own unique set of challenges, so it’s all about not letting up until we make progress. I’ve always been passionate…
[quote style=”boxed”]Never give up and never stick to one solution. Think of every single way you can tackle a problem and then choose your path. There is always more than…