Doing Good While Earning A Living

Lois and Richard Nicotra, the philanthropists I proudly represent, donated $1.6 Million to open their COMMONS café, a quick service eatery where they give 100% of their profits away to our Staten Island community. They’ve gifted $800,000 so far – and they are just getting started. The Nicotras are opening a second social enterprise eatery … Continue reading Doing Good While Earning A Living

Episode 44: Kristine Garlisi & COMMONS café

That’s what life’s about: feeding people, making them feel good and making them proud of their community. The COMMONS café is a quick service social enterprise eatery located in Staten Island, New York, whose motto is: “Eat Good. Do Good.” Established by the Nicotra family, the restaurant is fulfilling that motto through its local dishes … Continue reading Episode 44: Kristine Garlisi & COMMONS café

Episode 32: Kent Kramer of Goodwill

Goodwill works to remove barriers to healthcare, education and employment that many people face around the country.  Most people know Goodwill as a retail store but they do so much more than that. With over 20 years of experience with the company, Kent Kramer has witnessed first hand the benefits and opportunities that Goodwill provides … Continue reading Episode 32: Kent Kramer of Goodwill

Episode 31: Deb Leary of Forensic Pathways

  Deb Leary, CEO and founder of Forensic Pathways, believes in the power of social good. Through her involvement with The United Nations Global Compact, she helps small businesses realize their global impact. Deb Leary is the CEO and founder of Forensic Pathways, an international consultancy and forensic technology design company that develops innovative technologies … Continue reading Episode 31: Deb Leary of Forensic Pathways

What the World Needs Now: More “Conscious” Companies

The Financial Times defines Corporate Social Responsibility as “a business approach that contributes to sustainable development by delivering economic, environmental and social benefits for all stakeholders.” Yes, CSR ought to be a critical component to an organization's operating ethos, its values, and its purpose. Every organization should be 'doing' CSR. Many are doing it exquisitely well. But … Continue reading What the World Needs Now: More “Conscious” Companies

Communicating Your CSR Program: The Role of Marketing and PR

Once seen as a peripheral to a company’s main business strategy, corporate social responsibility is now becoming standard practice. But, unless CSR intentions and outcomes are communicated wisely, a company risks being accused of “spinning” or appearing to be self-promotional. There are many ways for a company to integrate a social impact program into their … Continue reading Communicating Your CSR Program: The Role of Marketing and PR

Corporate Social Responsibility: Expectations vs. Reality:

Like any other business endeavor, companies that set out to either establish or expand their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program have a number of common expectations. Having interviewed dozens of companies, though, it seems that the reality is often drastically different than these expectations. Here are some common misconceptions that we have learned from past … Continue reading Corporate Social Responsibility: Expectations vs. Reality:

Just Pop In

Episode 17: Mandy Selke and Carly Swift of Just Pop In!

Mandy Selke & Carly Swift of Just Pop In! exude joy in all of their interactions. The sisters are passionate about their growing product line, one-of-a-kind packaging, and over-the-top customer service. However, their biggest passion is by far the happiness and compassion of people.

Jeff Brown of Newmans Own Foundation

Episode 15: Jeff Brown of Newman’s Own Foundation

Newman’s Own Foundation is a qualified 501(c)3 charitable organization founded by Paul Newman in 2005 to assure the continuation of his commitment to use 100% of the net profits and royalties from the sale of Newman’s Own food and beverage products for charitable purposes.

Ellie Symes The Bee Corp

Episode 14: Ellie Symes and Wes Hadley of The Bee Corp

Listen in as Ellie and Wes discuss the company that is creating quite a bit of “buzz”! Ellie was recently nominated as a 2018 Rising Star for the 19th Annual Mira Awards and The Bee Corp received a $225,000 grant from the National Science Foundation. 

Kyle DeFur of trueU

Episode 11: Kyle DeFur of trueU

As president of trueU, an Indianapolis-based nonprofit organization, Kyle DeFur leads a movement of like-minded businesses that believe the talent war is real and the best way to thrive in this environment is to grow their greatest asset – their people.