Why Local Businesses Might Just Save The Planet | Judy Wicks | Entrepreneur & Activist

Judy Wicks didn’t just open a restaurant. She created a hub for community, activism, and sustainable business. As the founder of the White Dog Café and the Sustainable Business Network, she’s spent decades proving that profit and purpose can thrive together. Judy’s story is about more than food; it’s about building local economies, empowering entrepreneurs, and using business as a force for good. We talk about the movement she helped spark, the lessons she’s learned about values-based leadership, and why local, community-driven solutions are essential for a more equitable future. She shares stories from her early days as a business owner, the turning points that shaped her mission, and how she continues to inspire change-makers, activists, and business leaders around the world. Chapters: 00:00 Work, family, and values 01:00 Introducing Judy Wicks and her accomplishments 03:00 Life after restaurants: new nonprofits and missions 04:30 Profit with purpose: doing good and making money 06:00 Building community through business 08:00 Living above the shop and localism 10:00 The Free People and Urban Outfitters origin story 13:00 Making business accessible: new, vintage, and free products 15:00 Localism vs. globalization and resilient economies 23:00 Walkable communities and human connection 26:00 Shifting from individualism to community 29:00 Feminine energy, balance, and saving the planet 33:00 Heroes and inspirations: Gandhi, MLK, Jane Jacobs 35:00 What’s next: nonprofits and local supply chains 38:00 Realigning life and business with values 43:00 Powerful Ladies, power, and stepping into it 47:00 Lifelong growth and the importance of self-care 49:00 Leading with heart and generosity 50:00 Where to find Judy and her organizations 51:00 Closing reflections and gratitude The Powerful Ladies podcast, hosted by business coach and strategist Kara Duffy features candid conversations with entrepreneurs, creatives, athletes, chefs, writers, scientists, and more. Every Wednesday, new episodes explore what it means to lead with purpose, create with intention, and define success on your own terms. Whether you're growing a business, changing careers, or asking bigger questions, these stories remind you: you're not alone, and you're more powerful than you think. Explore more at thepowerfulladies.com and karaduffy.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices