Let's Get Changed

E29 – Orchestrating a mindfulness revolution through music, movement, and storytelling

LOACOM — Wed, 24 Apr 2024 13:00:00 +0000

Today we speak with Kira Willey, the Founder and CEO of Kira Willey Productions, about her approach to building mindfulness in kids and adults through key strategies of movement, music, and other unique ways of storytelling. Kira walks us through her evolution as a musician and yoga teacher, the inspiration for her work and music, and how she engages kids, teachers, and schools nationwide and beyond in creating environments of mindfulness. Kira also talks about how this work can be especially important for adults in business and workplace settings where building a sense of community and teamwork is critical to organizational success. Throughout today’s episode, you’ll hear a few of Kira’s songs to set the tone and give you a little taste of her diverse and powerful repertoire. With a voice and message that everyone can love, we are thrilled to host Kira on the podcast. Enjoy the episode — and the sweet tunes!

E28 – Cracking the Code: Power-building through education, civic engagement, and advocacy

LOACOM — Mon, 01 Apr 2024 18:48:15 +0000

Today we check in with Rachel Martinez, the President of the Hispanic Organization for Progress and Education in Wyoming focused on educational resources for the Hispanic community. Ms. Martinez also happens to be the Executive Director of the Wyoming Civic Engagement Network, a nonprofit dedicated to increasing civic participation in marginalized and under-resourced communities while building the voting power necessary to win on issues of diversity, equity, inclusion and justice.

The importance of voting in a state dominated by the Code of the West, base-building and the importance of trust-based coalition work, the role of funders, and Latino leadership development — we cover a lot of ground today, so we hope you stick with us and like what you hear!

E27 – Mission-driven farming for health, wellness, and planetary responsibiliTEA

LOACOM — Wed, 21 Feb 2024 15:55:20 +0000

Today we speak with Ms. Clarenda Stanley, the CEO, President, and Farmpreneur behind Green Heffa Farms near Liberty, North Carolina. Farmer Cee owns and operates one of the very few black, women-owned farming operations in the country, and holds the distinction of being the first — and currently only — black-owned farm that is also a certified B Corp. Over the course of the next hour, we chat with Farmer Cee about her history and upbringing that led her to create the Green Heffa Brand, her medicinal teas/herbs and service offerings, and her business leadership mantra that shuns spiritual raggedness, resource hoarding, and harm to the planet in favor of ‘growing right.’ For those interested in agriculture as a force for good, this episode’s for you.

E26 – Grazing on a legacy: A rancher’s journey from ranch to table

LOACOM — Fri, 26 Jan 2024 07:53:35 +0000

We kick off our 2024 series with a long time friend, colleague, entrepreneur and rising reality-television superstar, Elizabeth Poett from the esteemed Rancho San Julian on the southern end of California’s central coast. Her 14,000 acre, seven-generation cattle ranch has seen a lot over its nearly 200 year family history, and recently, you too may have seen a lot of Rancho San Julian on Magnolia Network’s new series, Ranch to Table. In today’s episode, we chat with Elizabeth’s about her latest pursuits including the series itself, her new cookbook, and most importantly, how her lifelong investments in food, ranching, and farming are key strategies to bringing community together, building relationships, and supporting local economies. Listen in as we catch up, talk shop (ranch), and share some good laughs.

E25 – Embracing change: A season 2 finale special

LOACOM — Thu, 14 Dec 2023 17:49:35 +0000

In our wrap-up of season 2, LGC team members Elizabeth and Shanna join Eric in reflecting on 2023, including the challenges and triumphs of the year amidst ongoing transition.

Join us as we celebrate championing inclusivity with 25 diverse guests across all industries, highlighting voices often unheard and underrepresented. We spotlight standout moments with exceptional professionals like Diandra Esparza, Sam Dennigan, Shaady Salehi, and others, sharing their insights and better-world tips.

The LGC team also delves into some exciting changes coming to the podcast while making a friendly pitch for guest ideas, show sponsors and your help in amplifying our show. Tune in!

E24 – Planet-first beauty: Cosmetics with a conscience

LOACOM — Thu, 16 Nov 2023 05:08:06 +0000

Today, we sit down with Ericka Rodriguez, founder and CEO of Axiology, a plastic-free, vegan beauty company based in Bend, OR. Ericka speaks with us about her journey into cosmetics rooted in her personal lifestyle choices of being a lifelong vegan, valuing the outdoors and nature, but not being able to find products that mirrored her values. She touches on the challenges inherent in being an ethical beauty company including packaging challenges and sourcing raw ingredients that often include the ubiquitous, rainforest-destroying palm oil. She also chats with us about the role that social media has played in the evolution of the Axiology brand, what consumers can do to support waste-free businesses, and how she and her small team keep things fun, lively, and impact-driven as they churn out the latest and greatest in Planet First Beauty products.

E23 – Served hot: Brewing up conversations on race and diversity

LOACOM — Thu, 26 Oct 2023 00:49:36 +0000

Today we visit with James Joyce III, founder and Chief Visionary Officer for Coffee with a Black Guy. James is a proven analytical thinker, speaker and writer who addresses potentially tense situations head-on, with an emphasis on issues of race and diversity. We speak with James about the founding of Coffee with a Black Guy in 2016 and the importance of bridging the gap, holding space, and dialoguing around race-based topics. With racial injustice issues continuously at the forefront of our daily lives, this episode is as timely as ever and one you don’t want to miss. We cover a lot of ground — from how Covid-19 and George Floyd’s murder in 2020 impacted Coffee with a Black Guy’s programming, to the ongoing trauma faced by Black Americans, to the first steps companies should take when wanting to address issues of diversity and race internally. We hope listeners will find some inspiration here as you continue (or begin) your own anti-racist journeys.

E22 – Trust Based Philanthropy: Centering equity, humility, and transparency in grantmaking

LOACOM — Thu, 05 Oct 2023 07:01:00 +0000

In today’s episode, we speak with Shaady Salehi, Executive Director of the Trust Based Philanthropy Project and Roxana Shirkhoda, former head of social impact at Zoom. We’ll discuss the core tenets of Trust Based Philanthropy while delving into why traditional models of philanthropy are rooted in a historical context of exploitation and business-centered logic that doesn’t often serve the community organizations doing the work. They’ll talk about the importance of multi-year unrestricted funding, the importance of having corporate and tech partners taking up the Trust Based Philanthropy mantle, and share about how they’re working to influence the entire sector towards an equitable, anti-racist, and restorative approach to giving. Also, a bit about breath, stretching and yoga — but definitely not the dying of hair! Enjoy.

E21 – Sole-search: From flip-flop blowout to eco-friendly footwear

LOACOM — Thu, 14 Sep 2023 14:38:30 +0000

In today’s episode, we’re joined by Indosole’s CEO and founder Kyle Parsons. We talk about how a flip flop blow out in Seminyak led to the creation of this Bali-based footwear brand that uses recycled, or upcycled, tires as the main ingredient. Through their manufacturing process, Indosole has helped eliminate thousands of tires from ending up in landfills while employing local artisans and promoting conscious consumerism. I first met Kyle at Santa Barbara’s Earth Day festival 10-12 years ago, and it was great to reconnect on this episode to catch up. Slippers with soul… enjoy this chat with fellow B Corp and 1% for the Planet member, Indosole.

E20 – From the heart: Centering relationships, self-care, and community in pursuit of climate justice

LOACOM — Thu, 24 Aug 2023 03:41:52 +0000

In today’s episode of Let’s Get Changed, we speak with Dr. Flávia Neves Maia, co-founder and Executive Director of Filha Do Sol, a Brazil-based nonprofit organization working with women at the frontlines of the climate crisis. We speak about the very real impacts of the climate crisis as Dr. Maia recalls how her own ancestors lived and died amidst great droughts in the Brazilian Northeast and themselves experienced climate-driven migration. We talk about a core feminist values set that helps guide the work of Filha Do Sol, the importance of relationship building and healing as critical in addressing climate issues, and the emerging Women’s Climate School now taking shape under Filha do Sol’s leadership to help provide green jobs, economic independence and much more to women in the tropics. Lot’s of good stuff to unpack here — tune in!

E19 – Planting seeds: A frozen food company takes root and joins the fight against hunger

LOACOM — Thu, 27 Jul 2023 17:52:08 +0000

Today we speak with the CEO and Founder of Strong Roots, Sam Dennigan, about his Ireland-based frozen food company that focuses solely on the production and sale of plant-based products. Sam chats about his upbringing in and around agriculture which ultimately led him to start Strong Roots, and why consumer demand led him to plant-based products. As with many of our guests, however, Sam also dives into how his progressive corporate values led him to design a company focused on sustainability and corporate responsibility, including their almost singular focus on addressing food insecurity in the communities they serve. Things are moving quickly for this growing company. We hope you enjoy the episode.

E18 – The birthing of a movement: All-inclusive and people-powered

LOACOM — Mon, 10 Jul 2023 21:18:05 +0000

As we kick off Season 2 of Let’s Get Changed, we start off by introducing Diandra Marizet Esparza, the Executive Director of Intersectional Environmentalist, a nonprofit organization leading the movement to create an inclusive approach to environmentalism that advocates for the protection of both people and the planet. Diandra talks to us about the original uses of the term intersectionalism as well as the rise of intersectional environmentalism on the heels of the 2020 murder of George Floyd. We talk about the difference between traditional philanthropy as juxtaposed to ‘mutual aid,’ and the impact business can have when offering support. And we chat about their ‘Earth Sessions,’ book giveaways, and other great tactics being used to build relationships and community among their growing networks as they tackle some of the biggest issues of our time.

We hope you enjoy!

E17 – Season 1 wrap-up: A look back, a look ahead

LOACOM — Thu, 15 Jun 2023 16:45:30 +0000

In our final episode of season 1, we recap the who, how, and what of Let’s Get Changed for our friends and fans. Here, we reiterate the intention of this podcast to highlight the movers and shakers from the progressive business community, but more importantly, also provide a stage for women and BIPOC business leaders to showcase their work. We recap some of LGC’s season 1 guests, share some demographic stats, and queue up for season 2 — offering a quick glimpse of what lays in store for the latter half of 2023. Finally, we open up season 2 advertising and sponsorship space, asking for listener support to help sustain and grow the LGC ecosystem and footprint. You with us? We hope you’ll take a final dip into season 1 as we close out a successful first run. Enjoy!

E16 – From seashells to spices to dollar-driven currency: How web3 technology is giving rise to a new economy

LOACOM — Thu, 01 Jun 2023 16:59:50 +0000

How would you build a new economy that prioritizes your progressive values and the things you hold most dear? Today we chat with Eric’s long time business partner and best friend, David Fortson, CEO of LOA Labs, as we attempt to demystify and define Web3 and its relationship to blockchain technology and crypto currency in pursuit of building a better world. Dave helps us out with some fundamental definitions and then gives some examples of Web3 technology at work, including as a tool to help encourage, monitor, verify, and reward land-based stewardship practices via our friends over at the Regen Network. Consider this a Let’s Get Changed initial dive into this powerful new resource emerging before our eyes. Enjoy the episode!

E15 – Making waves: How one company built a movement to save coral reefs from chemical sunscreens

LOACOM — Thu, 18 May 2023 07:19:40 +0000

In this episode of Let’s Get Changed, we have the pleasure of speaking with Caroline Duell, CEO and founder of All Good, a skincare company based in Morro Bay, California. We speak with Caroline about the history of the company, her resistance to starting a business in the first place, views on the B Corp and 1% for the Planet movements, and even a light touch on regenerative business design. Importantly, though, we chat with Caroline about All Good’s successful 2018 Reef Friendly campaign, when the company put itself at the forefront of a global movement to protect coral reefs from the disastrous effects of chemical sunscreens. We discuss the motivations and inspirations behind the campaign as well as the strategies used to execute it. From partnerships to policy to pledge drives, we hope you walk away with some ideas about how you too might structure your own values-aligned, movement-driven campaign. Got reef? Let’s dive in.

E14 – On the beat: Values-based marketing strategies with a side of jazz

LOACOM — Thu, 27 Apr 2023 16:07:21 +0000

In this episode of Let’s Get Changed, we speak with Rai-mon Nemar Barnes, the Founder and CEO of Consciously, a conscious marketing company that deploys holistic marketing strategies with their partners and clients, particularly other conscious companies including B Corps, nonprofits, and startups led by women and BIPOC communities. We dive deep into corporate values to help shape internal company culture as well as influence external success. We also look at ecosystems as a fundamental influence when considering marketing strategies — alongside the role that stakeholders play in shaping your narrative. All this, plus the importance of jazz and sushi to keep the vibe nice.

E13 – SHE means business: Leading the charge for gender equality in the workplace

LOACOM — Wed, 19 Apr 2023 15:30:12 +0000

LOACOM E13 – SHE means business: Leading the charge for gender equality in the workplace

In this episode of Let’s Get Changed, we’re excited to chat with Ilana Broad and Sterling Champion, founders of The SHE Mark, a certification for businesses that put women first – from ownership to leadership and beyond. The SHE Mark is committed to creating a future where gender equality in business is common practice, and where businesses themselves can feature their SHE certifications with the world in order to share their commitments to gender equality in the workplace. We touch on how Sterling and Ilana created this concept on the heels of the Me Too movement, the addition of a new, fourth The SHE Mark related to corporate governance, and how you and your company can apply to get your own SHE certification.

The post E13 – SHE means business: Leading the charge for gender equality in the workplace appeared first on LOACOM.

E12 – Out of this world: Setting sights on $1B in corporate philanthropy

LOACOM — Thu, 06 Apr 2023 05:00:18 +0000

In this episode, we speak with Kate Williams, the CEO of 1% for the Planet, a global network of nearly 6,000 businesses committed to giving 1% of annual sales to movement-driven nonprofit organizations around the world. With a vision of reaching $1B in global giving within the next 5 years, we speak with Kate about the 1-year old Planet Impact Fund, the importance of building a supportive team culture to get the work done, and their intentional transition from funding traditional “conservation” nonprofits to those working in the areas of Rights to Nature, Resilient Communities, Conservation and Restoration, and Just Economies. You’ll also appreciate a couple tidbits about April Earth Month activities, this year’s annual Global Summit in New York, and more. Thanks for tuning in.

E11 – Beyond ‘money talks’: Using finance as a catalyst for progressive action

LOACOM — Wed, 22 Mar 2023 15:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Let’s Get Changed, we speak with Maura Keaney, the VP of Strategy and Development for Amalgamated Bank on their 100th birthday! We recorded this episode one week after the Silicon Valley Bank collapse, so we keyed in on how a bank like Amalgamated has positioned itself differently than standard banks by focusing on triple bottom line principles of people, planet, and profit instead of only the latter. We dive into Amalgamated’s Corporate Social Responsibility efforts, the importance of elevating women’s and reproductive rights, the Bank’s role as a connector of like-minded progressive companies, and even something as nuanced as the financial sector’s role in addressing epidemic issues like gun violence. Ready to dive in? There’s a lot in here (even a plug for Ted Lasso). Enjoy.

E10 – Black Girls in Media: From small GroupMe chat to global community

LOACOM — Thu, 16 Mar 2023 04:39:10 +0000

Today we interview Tasha McCaskiel, founder of Black Girls in Media, a networking organization committed to supporting and uplifting minority women in the media industry. We talk about the genesis of the company and Tasha’s experience looking for media-related work, and how BGIM was created to offer resources and connections for people like her interested in entering the communications field. We’ll cover BGIM’s key service offerings, including events, job sourcing/pairing, and their own media efforts including their 80k person social media following as well as the Black Girls in Media Podcast. Beaming in from Los Angeles, we hope you enjoy the episode!

E09 – Lights, camera, activate! Moving audiences from seats to streets

LOACOM — Thu, 09 Mar 2023 18:04:11 +0000

In this episode of Let’s Get Changed, we are privileged to be speaking with Michael Kelly, the Vice President for Social Impact at Participant, a socially conscious production company responsible for groundbreaking films such as An Inconvenient Truth, Food Inc., the Cove, Just Mercy, Roma, and many more — boasting 86 Academy Award nominations and 21 wins. We speak with Michael about Participant’s latest hit film, Descendant, how the company is uniquely positioned to move its viewers from the ‘seats to the streets,’ and storytelling tips and strategies for anyone looking to move the needle on progressive causes using the power of creative communication. PRO TIP: President Barack Obama recently plugged Descendant on his personal Instagram account. It’s that important a flick. Enjoy the episode.

E08 – Dress to impress: The values stitched into your clothes

LOACOM — Thu, 23 Feb 2023 18:40:08 +0000

In this episode of Let’s Get Changed, we speak with Dr. Kimberly McGlonn, the founder and CEO of Grant Blvd whose mission is to construct stylish, sustainably sourced fashion by reducing waste to landfills and by creating living wage jobs for women, particularly those who are formerly incarcerated. We chat about Grant Blvd’s role in helping reimagine the fashion industry, but also her newest endeavor — Black Ivy vintage thrift, inspired by the Black Ivy Fashion Movement. We highlight her nonprofit partnerships focused on juveniles and women who have been in and out of the justice system, the role of music in reflecting the human experience while offering a way to inspire and protect optimism, her podcast ‘School for Disruptors,’ and so much more. This one’s action-packed.

Enjoy.

E07 – Change for the batter: How a bakery is at the center of the Open Hiring Movement

LOACOM — Wed, 15 Feb 2023 19:00:53 +0000

In this episode, we speak with Joseph Kenner, the President and CEO of Greyston, a New York-based bakery that has positioned itself at the forefront of the Open Hiring movement. In our conversation, we talk about Open Hiring and Greyston’s mission to employ 40,000 people through this unique movement that seeks to employ anyone with the will to work. We’ll talk about Greyston’s partnership with the Body Shop and Ikea, the work of the Greyston Foundation and One Greyston, and how six core values are at the center of this impact-driven social enterprise. Enjoy the conversation.

E06 – Sweet spot: Open Chain initiative for progressive social change

LOACOM — Thu, 09 Feb 2023 21:18:00 +0000

In this episode of Let’s Get Changed, we welcome Karin Campbell, Director of Brand Partnerships for the Netherlands-based chocolate company, Tony’s Chocolonely. We talk about Tony’s global efforts to build partnerships that combat child labor in the chocolate industry — including their just-announced partnership with Ben & Jerry’s. Karin gives us insight into Tony’s Open Chain initiative, their ‘5 Sourcing Principles,’ and tells us why chocolate is the perfect vehicle with which to engage customers and the public around progressive social change. Wanna customize a chocolate wrapper for your own campaign? They do that, too.

E05 – Leading with love: Two women spreading the importance DEIJ

LOACOM — Thu, 19 Jan 2023 15:34:00 +0000

In our first episode of the new year, we interview Rebecca Aced-Molina and Sherri Pittman about their important work and leadership on issues of diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice. We talk about the role that corporate leadership plays in helping move DEIJ processes forward, considerations for starting this work no matter the size of your business or organization, community-building across race and class, and the importance of LOVE at the core of the work. All this and more — tune in!

E04 – Let’s Get Changed: The why and how of a changemaker podcast

LOACOM — Wed, 21 Dec 2022 17:41:00 +0000

In our year-end episode, we have a light hearted chat with the Let’s Get Changed production team about the objectives of LGC and Eric’s initial reservations to launching a podcast. We briefly review our first guests, offer an initial glimpse into future ad space opportunities on the show, ask for your help in amplifying LGC on socials, and express our gratitude for Advent cheese calendars to help get us through the holidays.

E03 – Standing ground: Indigenous voices and lands at the forefront of battling the climate crisis

LOACOM — Wed, 14 Dec 2022 16:42:00 +0000

In this episode, we speak with Leila Salazar-López, Executive Director of Amazon Watch. Leila recounts her recent trip to COP27 in Egypt, and discusses Amazon Watch’s responsibility at the Conference to amplify the roles that indigenous people and indigenous lands play in solving the climate crisis. We talk about corporate values that center indigenous voices, women, and the rights of nature as key strategies in climate conversations, and Leila explains further how big banks and corporations have gotten in the way of climate progress — and how these same institutions can be a part of the solution through investment, financing, partnerships, and collaborations.

E02 – Taking root: Growth of the green economy for BIPOC communities

LOACOM — Mon, 05 Dec 2022 19:36:00 +0000

In this episode, we speak with Kristy Drutman - founder of Browngirl Green and co-founder of the Green Jobs Board - about her role as a digital creative and bridging the equity and inclusion gap within the green economy. We talk about making green jobs accessible to historically disenfranchised populations and BIPOC communities, how young people’s views of employers and brand are shifting, her recent trip to the White House, and more.

E01 – Origin story: A company’s journey of raising the bar in social and environmental change

LOACOM — Mon, 21 Nov 2022 16:35:00 +0000

In our kickoff episode of Let’s Get Changed, David Bronner, CEO of Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soaps, sits down with us from his home to talk about the past, present, and future of his family’s business. We talk about the origins of company — envisioned to unite the human race — and how the product itself served as a vehicle to sell the “All One” message. We dive into hemp, and how this crop served as Bronner’s entry point into supporting and embracing sustainable, regenerative agriculture. Finally, we chat about corporate philanthropy, the company’s focus on plastics reduction, their annual impact report, and much more.

Let’s Get Changed – Introduction

LOACOM — Wed, 05 Oct 2022 03:53:18 +0000

Let’s Get Changed elevates the work of business leaders, influencers, and other changemakers at the forefront of corporate responsibility. We interview executives and forward thinking brands as they implement triple bottom line strategies for people, planet, and profit. We speak to nonprofit leaders, community groups, and individuals working at the forefront of intersectional environmentalism, racial justice, health, and more. And on the way, we talk food, music, and the ways our guests build community, run great companies, and keep their inner fires burning. Business as a force for good? It’s a thing. Join us — Let’s Get Changed.