Rewriting the Rules of Industry

In this special episode, founder and ceo Helena Mansell-Stopher is joined by Rick Ridgeway and Jay Gaines. Rick Ridgeway is an outdoor adventurer, writer and advocate for sustainability and conservation initiatives.For 15 years, Rick was the VP of Environmental Affairs and then VP of Public Engagement at Patagonia, Inc. During his tenure he has worked with teams to develop and launch environmental and sustainability initiatives including Freedom to Roam, the Footprint Chronicles, the Responsible Economy Campaign and Worn Wear. He is co-founder of Cascale (formerly the Sustainable Apparel Coalition), today the largest apparel, footwear and home textile trade organization in the world that is also developer of the Higg Index suite of tools for sustainability measurement and management.In addition, Rick is recognized as one of the world’s foremost mountaineers. With three companions, he was the first American to summit K2, and he has done other significant climbs and explorations on all continents. He has written seven books, many magazine stories and produced and directed dozens of television shows. His memoir Life Lived Wild will be released in October 2021. National Geographic honored him with its “Lifetime Achievement in Adventure” award.Rick serves on six boards of conservation organizations, including the Tompkins Conservation, the Turtle Conservancy, One Earth and the Kiewit Family Foundation.Jay Gaines is Chief Marketing Officer at Worldly, a Products of Change partner. In this episode, the conversation delves into the transformation of the brand licensing retail industry towards sustainability, highlighting the importance of purpose, passion, and mentorship in driving this change. It explores the journey of purpose, the role of inspiration and mentorship, the evolution of business and sustainability, and the birth of the Sustainable Apparel Coalition as pivotal themes. The conversation delves into the collaborative efforts and impactful expansion of the Sustainable Apparel Coalition, highlighting the challenges, foundational principles, and the vision for the future. Exploring the journey of building a business case, articulating the connection between business and a healthy planet, and the existential moments faced during the expansion. The focus on impact and adjacency, along with the future vision of standardization, sets the stage for a transformative journey within the industry.TakeawaysSustainability as a Business ImperativePurpose and Passion in Business Collaborative EffortsImpactful ExpansionChapters00:00 The Journey of Purpose11:21 The Evolution of Business and Sustainability35:28 The Birth of Sustainable Apparel Coalition45:41 Expansion into Other Categories01:01:59 Future Vision and Standardization