Brand on Purpose
141 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 1 year ago - ★★★★★ - 35 ratingsBrand on Purpose is an engaging new podcast focused on uncovering the untold stories of entrepreneurs and senior leaders who have discovered how to serve a greater good while building or transforming major brands. Join host Aaron Kwittken as he speaks to innovative leaders who make it their brand’s mission to do well by doing good.
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Episodes
International Women's Day Special: A Conversation with FINCA Impact Finance, CARE USA and the National Democratic Institute (S3E10)
March 10, 2020 09:30 - 27 minutesIn celebration of International Women's Day on March 8, Aaron is joined from Washington, DC by FINCA Impact Finance VP & Regional Director for the Middle East & South Asia, Zar Wardak, CARE USA Director of Gender Advocacy, Gayatri Patel, and National Democratic Institute Senior Advisor for Gender, Women and Democracy, Caroline Hubbard. Aaron, Zar, Gayatri and Caroline discuss the ways access to finance empowers women around the world, how financial inclusion leads to women's political partici...
How to B a Force for Good: A Conversation with B Lab CMO Anthea Kelsick (S3E9)
March 03, 2020 10:30 - 32 minutesB Lab CMO Anthea Kelsick joins Aaron in studio to talk about the nonprofit organization behind the B Corporation Certification. Aaron and Anthea demystify the certification by discussing just how businesses become a B Corp and how B Lab acts as an advocate for actionable change in the marketplace. The two discuss how industry stories are helping to shape our global culture and how B Lab ensures its certified companies are doing real, authentic good in an age of “purpose-washing.” Tune in to t...
Like Father Like Son and The Power of “Tikun Olam:” A Conversation with Percent Pledge Founder and CEO Joel Pollick and The Giving Back Fund President and CEO Marc Pollick (S3E8)
February 25, 2020 10:30 - 52 minutesFather and son duo Marc and Joel Pollick join Aaron in studio to discuss their shared passion for social good. Driven by the work of Jewish author and Nobel laureate Elie Wiesel, Marc has been a leader in purpose for decades, now leading national non-profit The Giving Back Fund, which encourages and facilitates charitable giving by successful public figures. Inspired by his father, Joel founded Percent Pledge, a nonprofit organization management company dedicated to making workplace giving an...
Change You Can Count On: A Conversation with Coin Up Co-Founder Leena Patidar (S3E7)
February 18, 2020 10:30 - 31 minutesCoin Up Co-Founder and CEO Leena Patidar joins Aaron to discuss how she brought Coin Up – the charity app that makes it easy to support a cause you love through every day purchases – to life in just under a year. Aaron and Leena talk about the modernization of spare change campaigns, the relationship between social media and nonprofit visibility, and what the inner workings of developing a successful and thriving app are. Listen in to hear how Leena and her team overcame an initial rejection ...
Change You Can Count On: A Conversation with Coin Up Founder Leena Patidar (S3E7)
February 18, 2020 10:30 - 31 minutesCoin Up Founder and CEO Leena Patidar joins Aaron to discuss how she brought Coin Up – the charity app that makes it easy to support a cause you love through every day purchases – to life in just under a year. Aaron and Leena talk about the modernization of spare change campaigns, the relationship between social media and nonprofit visibility, and what the inner workings of developing a successful and thriving app are. Listen in to hear how Leena and her team overcame an initial rejection fro...
A Hundred Years Old and Just Getting Started: A Conversation with American Red Cross CMO Neal Litvack (S3E6)
February 11, 2020 10:30 - 34 minutesAmerican Red Cross CMO Neal Litvack joins Aaron to talk about one of the most historically-renowned and globally-recognized non-profits. Aaron and Neal discuss the Red Cross mission to help those in need through providing international humanitarian aid and teaching skills that save lives, as well as the Red Cross' new Give Blood to Give Time Campaign—a partnership with the American Cancer Society launched this week to boost blood donations and awareness. Tune in to this info-packed episode to...
A Hundred Years Old and Just Getting Started: A Conversation with American Red Cross CMO Neal Litvack (S2E21)
February 11, 2020 10:30 - 34 minutesAmerican Red Cross CMO Neal Litvack joins Aaron to talk about one of the most historically-renowned and globally-recognized non-profits. Aaron and Neal discuss the Red Cross mission to help those in need through providing international humanitarian aid and teaching skills that save lives, as well as the Red Cross' new Give Blood to Give Time Campaign—a partnership with the American Cancer Society launched this week to boost blood donations and awareness. Tune in to this info-packed episode to...
Making Sustainability Fruitful: A Conversation with OddBox Co-Founders Deepak Ravindran and Emilie Vanpoperinghe (S3E5)
February 04, 2020 10:30 - 32 minutesOddBox co-founders Deepak Ravindran and Emilie Vanpoperinghe join Aaron to talk about their subscription box service providing 'wonky' fruits and vegetables in the UK, aimed at reducing the global food waste problem. Deepak, Emilie and Aaron discuss the current state of food over-production, the benefits of buying in-season fruits and veg and how when it comes to produce, it really is what's on the inside that counts. Tune in to hear what inspired their quest to rescue weirdly shaped produce ...
Making Sustainability Fruitful: A Conversation with OddBox Co-Founders Deepak Ravindran and Emilie Vanpoperinghe (S2E20)
February 04, 2020 10:30 - 32 minutesOddBox co-founders Deepak Ravindran and Emilie Vanpoperinghe join Aaron to talk about their subscription box service providing 'wonky' fruits and vegetables in the UK, aimed at reducing the global food waste problem. Deepak, Emilie and Aaron discuss the current state of food over-production, the benefits of buying in-season fruits and veg and how when it comes to produce, it really is what's on the inside that counts. Tune in to hear what inspired their quest to rescue weirdly shaped produce ...
You’ll Go Nuts Over This Episode: A Conversation with Pip and Nut Founder Pippa Murray (S3E4)
January 28, 2020 05:00 - 31 minutesPip and Nut Founder Pippa Murray joins Aaron to talk about how she went from selling nut butter at a street market to becoming a nationwide store-brand in the UK in just five years. Aaron and Pippa discuss the beautiful and harsh realities of starting your own business, the pros of becoming a B Corp sooner rather than later, and what being a crowd-funded business actually means. Tune in to this nutty episode and learn more at pipandnut.com. Production Credits: Aaron Kwittken, Jeff Maldonado,...
Getting Veg-ucated: A Conversation with Mark Cuddigan, CEO of Ella's Kitchen and Head of Sustainability for Hain Celestial (S3E3)
January 21, 2020 10:30 - 54 minutesElla's Kitchen CEO and Head of Sustainability for Hain Celestial Mark Cuddigan joins Aaron to talk about how his company has made feeding your kids fruits and vegetables easier by providing organic food in sustainable packaging to families. Mark and Aaron discuss the benefits of becoming a B Corp, the difference between empty promises and actionable change, the ethical responsibility companies and consumers have to live sustainably, and why few companies are doing good even though doing good ...
A Novel Way to Serve Healthcare to Underserved Kids: A Conversation with Hazel Health Founder and CEO Josh Golomb (S3E2)
January 14, 2020 10:30 - 31 minutesHazel Health's founder and CEO Josh Golomb joins Aaron to discuss his company's approach to providing free, accessible healthcare to students. Founded in Silicon Valley, this telehealth company requires no appointments, insurance, or immigration checks to bridge the gap between health and access. Inspired by his work in AmeriCorps and his grandparents' own immigration journey, Josh shines a light on the complexities of our nation's healthcare system while providing insights as to how his comp...
A Novel Way to Serve Healthcare to Underserved Kids: A Conversation with Hazel Health Founder and CEO Josh Golomb (S2E17)
January 14, 2020 10:30 - 31 minutesHazel Health's founder and CEO Josh Golomb joins Aaron to discuss his company's approach to providing free, accessible healthcare to students. Founded in Silicon Valley, this telehealth company requires no appointments, insurance, or immigration checks to bridge the gap between health and access. Inspired by his work in AmeriCorps and his grandparents' own immigration journey, Josh shines a light on the complexities of our nation's healthcare system while providing insights as to how his comp...
Adventure Travel in a Sustainable Style: A Conversation with Intrepid Group's CCO Leigh Barnes (S2E16)
January 07, 2020 10:30 - 38 minutesIntrepid Group's Chief Customer Officer Leigh Barnes joins Aaron to talk about the purpose behind the world's largest adventure travel company. Leigh and Aaron leave no stone unturned as they discuss the corporate realities of being carbon positive in the travel industry, the importance of the B Corp certification, and the responsibility that travel companies have to do good for the people and places they do business in. Covering topics from modern slavery to the unethical practices of elepha...
Adventure Travel in a Sustainable Style: A Conversation with Intrepid Group's CCO Leigh Barnes (S3E1)
January 07, 2020 10:30 - 38 minutesIntrepid Group's Chief Customer Officer Leigh Barnes joins Aaron to talk about the purpose behind the world's largest adventure travel company. Leigh and Aaron leave no stone unturned as they discuss the corporate realities of being carbon positive in the travel industry, the importance of the B Corp certification, and the responsibility that travel companies have to do good for the people and places they do business in. Covering topics from modern slavery to the unethical practices of elepha...
Let's Taco 'bout Youth Education: A Conversation with Taco Bell Foundation Executive Director Tina Nguyen (S2E15)
December 31, 2019 10:30 - 20 minutesTaco Bell Foundation Executive Director Tina Nguyen joins Aaron to spill the beans about the youth-oriented organization established in 1992. Aaron and Tina discuss the intention behind the Taco Bell Foundation's Live Más Scholarship, the role of brand authenticity in successful purpose-driven initiatives, and how passionate young people deserve the chance (and the resources) to change the world. Tune in to hear how your favorite fast food joint, from executives to restaurant staff, lives up ...
A Corporate Centenarian’s Quest To Be Carbon Positive: A lively conversation with Stanley Black & Decker’s VP of CSR, Deb Geyer and CCO, Shannon Lapierre (S2E14)
December 17, 2019 10:30 - 32 minutesStanley Black & Decker’s Deb Geyer, VP of Corporate Social Responsibility, and Shannon Lapierre, Chief Communications Officer, join Aaron at the 2019 PRWeek PR Decoded conference in Chicago to talk about the 100-year-old Fortune 500 manufacturer’s recent shift to purpose. Aaron, Deb and Shannon discuss the reason behind the company’s purpose-driven transformation, how their roles complement one another when it comes to purpose initiatives, and the importance of being transparent about sustain...
Putting People First, Again. A conversation with Clinton Foundation CMO Craig Minassian (S2E13)
December 10, 2019 10:30 - 46 minutesCraig Minassian, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer at the Clinton Foundation, joins Aaron in-studio to discuss the mission and work of the Clinton Foundation and Craig’s longstanding relationship with the Clintons from his time as assistant press secretary in the Clinton White House and with the 2008 presidential campaign. Craig and Aaron explore how Craig helped the Foundation navigate unprecedented false attacks during the 2016 election and perfected storytelling in a thunderstorm,...
Sweet Justice. A conversation with Ben & Jerry’s Social Mission Special Projects Director Rob Michalak (S2E12)
December 03, 2019 10:30 - 41 minutesI scream, you scream we all scream for a more just world. Rob Michalak, Social Mission Special Projects Director and self-proclaimed “Village Elder” at Ben & Jerry’s, joins Aaron to explore the concept of linked prosperity and how business can create justice in the world. Rob and Aaron discuss how Ben & Jerry’s became the pioneer in putting purpose alongside product and mission and how the company’s 1997 progressive values statement about advancing new models of economic justice is more true ...
How Sprint is closing the homework gap by bridging the broadband divide. A conversation with Sprint 1Million Project President Doug Michelman (S2E11)
November 26, 2019 10:30 - 21 minutesDoug Michelman, president of the 1Million Project Foundation and chairman of the Sprint Foundation, joins Aaron to discuss the tech company’s mission to help one million high school students who lack unreliable internet access reach their full potential by providing free devices and wifi. Aaron and Doug talk about what Doug learned working with values-led Levi Strauss early in his career, his experience spearheading Visa’s CSR initiative right before the company’s 2008 IPO, and launching the ...
Being Thrifty Was Always Nifty For OG Thrift Shop Savers. A Conversation With Savers VP of Recycling & Reuse Tony Shumpert (S2E10)
November 19, 2019 10:30 - 34 minutesTony Shumpert, vice president of recycling & reuse at Savers, joins Aaron in the studio to discuss the thrift chain’s over 60-year dedication to sustainable retail – before it was mainstream. Tony and Aaron talk about how Savers keeps the average cost of an item at $4, the importance of stakeholder collaboration to tackle big issues, both of their feelings about “green-washing” and the rise of the conscious consumer, and where all the unsold clothing goes (spoiler alert: not in a landfill). L...
Learn About Smoothie King’s One-Question Filter-Test. A conversation with Smoothie King CEO Wan Kim (S2E9)
November 12, 2019 10:30 - 28 minutesWan Kim, Global CEO of Smoothie King, joins Aaron to discuss how the international smoothie chain works to inspire others to #RuleTheDay by living a healthy and active lifestyle. Wan talks about how the company has grown since he purchased it from the founders in 2012, the importance of the One-Question Filter-Test initiative, why aligning everything with the company mission is imperative for success, and how Smoothie King’s authenticity separates itself in the industry. Listen in to hear how...
Can an industrial company actually be good for the world? A conversation with Orbia CEO Daniel Martinez-Valle (S2E8)
November 05, 2019 10:30 - 26 minutesDaniel Martinez-Valle, CEO of Orbia (formerly Mexichem), joins Aaron to discuss the company’s recent transformation and commitment to a purpose of advancing life around the world. Daniel and Aaron dive into Daniel’s economic background and experience during the 1994 Mexico tequila crisis, the importance of “nested purpose,” and why the transformation included a new living logo (ImpactMark) that changes as the company evolves. Listen closely to learn about how Daniel and his team came up with ...
Sleep like three US Presidents and also help change lives. A conversation with Boll & Branch CEO and founder Scott Tannen (S2E7)
October 29, 2019 09:30 - 34 minutesScott Tannen, CEO and founder of Boll & Branch, joins Aaron to talk about the world’s first Fair Trade-certified luxury bedding company. Aaron and Scott discuss the “ah-ha” moment that led to the creation of the company, how Boll & Branch enhances the lives of cotton farmers in India, and the ways the company stays relevant and authentic in a crowded market. Listen in to hear how the name “Boll & Branch” came to be – and how to build a brand that even presidents love. Learn more about Boll & ...
How Putting Puppies in Prison Saves Lives. A Conversation with Puppies Behind Bars President Gloria Gilbert Stoga (S2E6)
October 22, 2019 09:30 - 28 minutesGloria Gilbert Stoga, president of Puppies Behind Bars, joins Aaron to talk about the nonprofit that trains prison inmates to raise service dogs for wounded veterans and first responders. Aaron and Gloria discuss the People Magazine article that inspired Gloria to quit her job and start a nonprofit, the challenges of working with prisons and raising over 1,200 dogs, and how dogs can bring people from such different backgrounds and life experiences together. Listen in to hear about how Gloria’...
How an interaction with a gorilla led to gift baskets for babies and givebacks to the environment. A Conversation With Our Green House Founders Pam and Mike Davis (S2E5)
October 15, 2019 09:30 - 27 minutesPam and Mike Davis, founders of Our Green House, join Aaron to talk about how the eco-friendly baby basket company works to both provide a gift for new parents and save the environment, elephants, gorillas and turtles all at the same time. Pam and Mike discuss the parenting fears that led to the creation of the company when their kids were young, how they prioritize being a family-first brand, and how the rising popularity of sustainability and environmentally-friendly products impacted the c...
It’s More Than Just Shoes. A Conversation with Deckers Brands’ Dave Powers (S2E4)
October 08, 2019 09:30 - 37 minutesDave Powers, President & CEO of Deckers Brands, joins Aaron to talk about how the multi-billion-dollar global footwear and lifestyle company comprised of UGG, Koolaburra by UGG, HOKA ONE ONE, Teva and Sanuk, gives back to the community, the environment and its employees. From his prior experiences at Timberland and Converse, Dave learned the importance of creating an emotional connection through storytelling and how prioritizing the consumer and environment during all decision making creates ...
Learn how Fracture is literally re-framing sustainability through art. A conversation with Fracture’s Abhi Lokesh (S2E3)
October 01, 2019 09:30 - 30 minutesAbhi Lokesh, co-founder and CEO of Fracture, joins Aaron to discuss how the photo-printing service is revolutionizing photo framing and motivating people to take their iPhone masterpieces to the wall. Abhi talks about how a trip to Swaziland inspired the creation of Fracture, why sustainability remains centerfold in Fracture’s business strategy, and the importance of being vulnerable and transparent with employees. Tune in to hear about the outcome of Abhi’s very first investor pitch – to his...
How sandwiches support first responders. A conversation with Firehouse Subs’ Don Fox (S2E2)
September 24, 2019 09:30 - 35 minutesDon Fox, CEO of Firehouse Subs, joins Aaron to talk about how the sandwich restaurant gives back to first responders. Aaron and Don discuss how Don’s firing from Burger King was the best thing that could have happened to him, how franchisees perform better with increased focus on philanthropic pursuits, and the importance of making an authentic connection with charity, including which companies do it well (and which don’t). Stay tuned to find out which sub is Don’s favorite. Learn more about ...
Can dogs be vegan? A conversation with Wild Earth’s Ryan Bethencourt (S2E1)
September 17, 2019 09:30 - 34 minutesTo kick off Season 2, Wild Earth CEO and Founder Ryan Bethencourt joins Aaron to talk about the plant-based pet food taking the industry by storm. Aaron and Ryan talk about what it was like to pitch on Shark Tank with no sales (and secure Mark Cuban’s investment), Ryan’s quest to make the world a better and more sustainable place for both people and animals, and whether or not pet food can be Kosher. Listen closely to find out what Ryan thinks about “judgey” vegans and his go-to Chipotle orde...
How one couple’s apparel is cleaning the oceans, treating arthritis, helping veterans, and curing cancer. A conversation with Gells’ Richard Perkin (EP.11)
August 28, 2019 09:30 - 29 minutesRichard Perkin, Co-Founder of apparel company Gells, sits down with Aaron to discuss starting a business with his spouse, learning on the fly and their first “Oh s***” moments as entrepreneurs. Richard also shares key advice from his experiences developing authentic relationships with Gells’ partner charities. Listen closely to learn Richard’s secret to maintaining a healthy balance between Gells, family life, and a full-time job. Read more about Gells and their partner charities at https://g...
People first, creativity second, technology third. A conversation with WeTransfer’s Damian Bradfield (EP.10)
August 21, 2019 09:30 - 34 minutesDamian Bradfield, President and Chief Marketing Officer of WeTransfer, joins Aaron to talk about WeTransfer’s growth from a file transfer service into a purpose-driven digital media company. Aaron and Damian discuss the social causes that WeTransfer promotes, cultural differences between the Netherlands and the U.S., and Damian’s advice for aspiring entrepreneurs. Listen in to hear why Damian wants WeTransfer’s users to take a break from the internet – including WeTransfer. Follow Damian on T...
Learn how to swim to save a life. This charity raised nearly $100 million to directly fund therapies to defeat cancer. A conversation with Swim Across America’s Rob Butcher and Pam Ryan from Goldman Sachs (EP.09)
August 14, 2019 09:30 - 40 minutesRob Butcher, Swim Across America CEO, and Pam Ryan, Swim Across America board chair and Goldman Sachs managing director, join Aaron to talk about how the organization wants to change the vernacular from “you have cancer” to “there is hope." They share stories about the organization’s very first swim and their most memorable event experiences, including Aaron’s impressive 10K swim this July across the Long Island Sound, and why corporate donations are worth more than just money. Find out how y...
What do Tesla, Lululemon, and waste management have in common? A conversation with Swell Investing’s Teresa Orsolini (EP.08)
August 07, 2019 09:30 - 29 minutesTeresa Orsolini, Chief Marketing Officer of Swell Investing, joins Aaron to talk about the journey to build Swell Investing to be part of the growing $30 trillion impact investing industry…shortly before the company announced it would be ceasing operations on August 31, 2019. Aaron and Teresa discuss why she pivoted from a successful marketing career, how companies got included in (and booted from) Swell’s portfolios, and how she worked to bridge the gap between consumers and their investment...
Keeping arts programs alive with used instruments. A conversation with Reverb’s David Kalt (EP.07)
July 31, 2019 09:30 - 33 minutesDavid Kalt, CEO and founder of online instrument and music gear marketplace Reverb, joins Aaron to discuss the philanthropic venture Reverb Gives, separating the music from an artist when scandal hits, and turning a passion for music into a successful, profitable company that was recently acquired by Etsy for $275 million. Tune in to find out both David’s and Aaron’s walk-on songs and what artist David draws inspiration from daily. Check out the marketplace at reverb.com and in the Reverb app...
Why eBay is enabling $1 billion in donations by 2020 w/ eBay’s Steve Wymer (EP.06)
July 24, 2019 09:30 - 30 minutesSteve Wymer, Senior VP and Chief Communications Officer of eBay and chairman of the eBay Foundation, joins Aaron to discuss eBay’s worldwide impact. From empowering local business owners on a global scale to giving sellers the option to donate a portion of their profits, Steve explains how eBay is setting an example that all brands can follow. Tune in to hear how Steve feels about eBay garnering less public attention (and criticism) than some other big tech companies. Follow Steve on Twitter ...
The Bank that Cares About Its Customers w/ Aspiration’s Andrei Cherny (EP.05)
July 17, 2019 09:30 - 32 minutesAndrei Cherny, Co-Founder and CEO of Aspiration, joins Aaron to discuss the socially responsible banking company that constantly has people asking, “What’s the catch?” (Spoiler: there isn’t one.) Aaron and Andrei talk about everything from entrepreneurship and the 2016 election to Andrei’s favorite breakfast and Aspiration’s customer-friendly programs, including the “Pay What Is Fair” program. Listen in to find out why a majority of Aspiration customers pay for these services, despite no requ...
How Care/of Makes Taking Your Vitamins Good For You and Our World w/ Care/of’s Co-Founder and CEO, Craig Elbert (EP.04)
July 10, 2019 09:30 - 36 minutesCraig Elbert, Co-Founder and CEO of direct-to-consumer company Care/of, joins Aaron to discuss the personalized vitamin subscription service. Aaron and Craig talk about the best and worst parts of entrepreneurship, the improbable journey of making compostable packaging, and having a kid and starting a company at the same time. Hear what Craig has to say about the future of vitamins and why CBD vitamins are more likely to hit the market before a catch-all super-pill. Sign up for Care/of at ...
Coastal Co - From Surfer to Subscription Boxes w/ Coastal Co.’s Kevin Tighe (EP.03)
July 03, 2019 09:30 - 27 minutesKevin Tighe, Co-Founder and CEO of beach and surf apparel subscription box service Coastal Co., joins Aaron to discuss his life-changing trip to Hawaii, Coastal Co.’s partnership with Heal the Bay, and a mutual understanding of the dangers of sharks. Don’t miss Aaron’s marketing advice for how you can reuse the Coastal Co. boxes! Follow Coastal Co. on Instagram @coastalcobox and read more about Heal the Bay at https://www.healthebay.org/ Production Credits: Aaron Kwittken, Jeff Maldon...
IRONMAN – Racing to Help w/ IRONMAN’s Sarah Hartmann (EP.02)
June 26, 2019 09:30 - 34 minutesSarah Hartmann, Executive Director of the IRONMAN Foundation, joins Aaron to talk about the IRONMAN community’s responsiveness to emergencies and how her theater background helps her to thrive under pressure. Tune in to learn how new homes for hurricane victims can be built in just four days through the organization’s incredible programs. Learn more about the IRONMAN Foundation at https://ironmanfoundation.org. Production Credits: Aaron Kwittken, Jeff Maldonado, Andrew Kameka, Lind...
Lyft – Ride Sharing for a Reason w/ Lyft’s Mike Masserman (EP.01)
June 19, 2019 14:37 - 27 minutesMike Masserman, the head of global policy and first-ever head of social impact at Lyft, joins Aaron to discuss his experience in the Obama Administration, the impacts of their immigrant backgrounds, and the remarkable work Lyft is doing using transportation to make a meaningful impact in communities across the country. Listen in to find out how an autonomous electric car army is just one part of Lyft’s fight against climate change. Follow @mikemasserman on Instagram and @Lyft on Instagram, ...