189. Business for Good with Adrian Gershom

Used to hearing all businesses are evil and just focus on profit, at the expense of people and the earth? Let me shed some light on a small but growing movement that is changing that reality, allowing businesses to be a force for good. In this episode, learn about the B Corp movement with guest Adrian Gershom and how to leverage business to create a better world. With the "B" in B Corps standing for "Benefit for all," Certified B Corporations (or B Corps) are businesses that have been certified by B Lab to benefit all stakeholders and lead a global movement for an inclusive, equitable, and regenerative economy. We discuss the role of sustainability and social justice in building a better future and various tools business leaders can use to contribute to a better world, including: The B Impact Assessment Working with B Corp clinics at universities Connecting to your "why" for example wanting a better world for your children Communicating how social justice impacts supply chains effectively, such as explaining companies' increased pricing to support living wages for workers Business leaders educating themselves on racial justice Adrian is a marketing and sustainability consultant, adjunct professor within Northwestern's Master of Science in Energy and Sustainability (MSES) Program, and Executive Chair of B Local Illinois. As an expert in sustainable branding and marketing solutions, Adrian works with clients ranging from startups to Fortune 500 companies. A particular area of focus for Adrian in this role is the use of healthy culture, corporate values, and commitment to purpose in order to position people and brands for long term success. Adrian graduated summa cum laude from the University of Wisconsin at Green Bay and has completed the Next Economy MBA program from Lift Economy. Connect with Adrian on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adriangershom Resources mentioned in this episode: Illinois B Corps: illinoisbcorps.org Global B Corps: bcorporation.net  White Men for Racial Justice: https://www.wmrj.org Finance Business & Purpose Episode 169 Racial Justice in Real Estate Wealth Building with Sara Alvarado - Sara's racial justice resources: https://saraalvarado.com/free-resources/ Next Steps *Inspired to start a business yourself but not sure where to start? Learn more about my How to Figure Out What to Start Your Business On Masterclass here. *Message me on Linkedin or instagram @adinaappelbaum to chat about ways to expand your business impact