The Me to We Framework for Purpose-Driven Leaders to Scale Impact and Trust with Anne Bahr Thompson

In this episode of The Purpose Profit Shift, host Rachel E. Bernier-Green speaks with Anne Bahr Thompson, a leading CSR thought leader, author, and the creator of the Me-to-We Continuum. Anne has worked with some of the world’s largest brands, helping them move beyond superficial CSR efforts and align their business strategies with meaningful social impact. Join us as we discuss how businesses can harmonise purpose and profit, how leadership plays a crucial role, and why the future of business must be relational rather than transactional.Anne Bahr Thompson is a seasoned CSR thought leader and the author of Do Good: Embracing Brand Citizenship to Fuel Both Purpose and Profit. With extensive experience advising top global brands, Anne developed the Me-to-We Continuum, a framework that helps companies transition from self-interest to stakeholder citizenship. Her work challenges businesses to rethink the traditional balance between purpose and profit, helping them build sustainable, impactful strategies that serve a broad range of stakeholders.Expect to Learn:The Me-to-We Continuum: Anne's groundbreaking framework that helps businesses move from self-focused strategies to a holistic, stakeholder-centric approach.Why purpose and profit do not have to be at odds, and how companies can create a virtuous cycle of growth by benefiting everyone in their ecosystem.What stakeholder citizenship means, and how businesses can embrace a more integrated approach to corporate responsibility.The importance of leadership alignment: How getting clear on personal and organisational values is key to creating a brand that genuinely serves its purpose.How businesses can build trust, responsibility, community, and contribution through authentic, purpose-driven actions. Episode Breakdown with Timestamps:[00:00:00] – Teaser[00:01:11] – Welcome & Introduction to The Purpose Profit Shift[00:03:04] – The Pull from Corporate Branding to Deeper Purpose[00:05:56] – The Personal Reasons for Leaving Corporate Life[00:09:31] – A Childhood Letter to P&G: Early Brand Alignment Instincts[00:13:04] – Defining Stakeholder Citizenship vs. Shareholder Capitalism[00:16:57] – Breaking Down the "Me to We" Continuum Framework[00:22:04] – Contemplating a Book 2.0 and New Ideas on Coherence[00:26:50] – Data and Evidence: How Purpose Drives Profit and Growth[00:31:53] – Case Study: Nespresso's Sustainable Brand Strategy[00:40:00] – Advice for Navigating the Current Backlash Against Purpose[00:52:05] – How Personal Purpose Unfolds Over a Lifetime[00:56:01] – Creating Brave Spaces for Growth, Not Just Safe Spaces[00:59:00] – A Practical Framework for Uncovering Your Purpose[01:10:39] – A Pivotal Career Lesson on Relationships in Business[01:16:21] – Call to Action and Final TakeawaysFollow the guest, Anne BahrLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anne-bahr-thompson-626116/ Website: https://annebahrthompson.com/anne-bahr-thompson/ X: https://x.com/annebt?lang=en Follow the Host, Rachel Bernier-Green:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelberniergreen/Website: www.instagram.com/jointhryvo/Instagram: www.instagram.com/jointhryvo/LinkedIn (Company): www.linkedin.com/company/jointhryvo/Twitter/X: x.com/jointhryvoFacebook: www.facebook.com/jointhryvoTiktok: www.tiktok.com/@jointhryvoListening Links:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0kmrlBqo4QHftlfmqo2Q32Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-purpose-profit-shift/id1829627732Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@PurposeProfitShift