A Little Bit Radical: Business | People | Planet Standing on Giants

In this episode, we are joined by Daniele Fiandaca, founder of Token Man, an initiative aimed at creating more inclusive workplaces by engaging men in the conversation. Daniele shares insights from his own life experiences that shaped his approach to work and diversity, including his educational background and early family influences.


Daniele opens up about the formative experiences of his childhood and education, discussing how these shaped his perspectives on work and personal drive. He reflects on the impact of his parents, particularly his father's immigrant background and his mother's artistic influence, which blended a unique mix of creativity and fiscal pragmatism in his approach to life and business.

Throughout the episode, Daniele discusses the importance of redefining workplace norms and inclusivity. He shares the challenges and triumphs of launching Utopia, a culture change business, and how the shift to virtual engagements during the lockdown spurred innovative ways to maintain connection and effectiveness. Daniele also touches on his earlier work with Token Man and the personal and professional shifts required to foster true inclusivity in work environments.

Key highlights include:


Daniele's journey from accounting to award-winning creativity in advertising.
The role of mentorship and leadership in fostering inclusive environments.
Practical insights on how businesses can effectively engage men in diversity and inclusion efforts.


Understanding the importance of inclusion in the workplace and the critical role men play in diversity efforts.
The power of vulnerability and personal stories in leadership.
Innovative approaches to maintaining engagement and effectiveness in virtual settings.
The need for systemic change in corporate cultures to embrace true diversity.

Fiona Ras-Jones, founder of Mission Works, supports businesses with a purpose and those who want one to deliver impact through profitably solving a social or environmental challenge. In this conversation, Fiona shares her journey from being awakened to social and environmental challenges in her early life, to taking action through exploring different paths. She discusses the challenges of scaling social enterprises and the need for support and infrastructure. Fiona also highlights the importance of purpose-driven businesses and the birth of Mission Works.



In this conversation, Fiona Ras-Jones discusses the B Corp movement and the importance of going beyond B Corp certification. She explains that B Corp is more than just a box-ticking exercise and highlights its comprehensive approach to social and environmental impact. Fiona also introduces Mission Works and the concept of mission-led businesses, which aim to profitably solve social or environmental challenges. She emphasises the need to define and measure the problem a business is trying to solve and offers advice on getting started with a radical idea.



Key Takeaways


Mission Works supports businesses with a purpose to deliver impact through profitably solving a social or environmental challenge.
There is a need for support and infrastructure to help social enterprises scale.
Purpose-driven businesses have the potential to make a significant impact.
Fiona's journey highlights the importance of being awakened to social and environmental challenges and taking action to create positive change.
B Corp is a comprehensive certification that goes beyond social and environmental impact and includes governance, worker treatment, community engagement, and customer relations.
B Corp should be seen as a starting point for businesses, not the end goal. There is much more beyond B Corp in terms of deep impact and continuous improvement.
Mission-led businesses have a clearly defined and measurable problem they aim to solve, and they align their business model and strategy to achieve impact and profitability.
When exploring a problem to solve, businesses should consider their unique abilities, industry expertise, customer needs, and social and environmental challenges within their industry.
Mission-led businesses can achieve both purpose and profit, and there is an imperative to grow in order to create a larger positive impact.
It is important to focus on product-market fit and start with a minimum viable product that solves a problem, and then iterate and add more ethical, social, and environmental benefits over time.

Fiona on linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fiona-ras-jones/

Rob on linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-warren/

Want to appear? podcast@standingongiants.com

In this conversation, Jo Haywood, founder of Skylark Media, discusses her journey as a former BBC producer and her mission to use video as a force for good. She shares her early inspiration from her biologist mother and her desire to make a positive impact on the environment. Jo reflects on her work producing groundbreaking films on climate change in the early 90s and the challenges of raising awareness at a time when few people cared about the issue. She then explains how she founded Skylark with the goal of changing the purpose of business to prioritise people and the planet. Jo highlights some of Skylark's impactful campaigns and videos, including their work with Buglife and their films on hydrogen power.



Jo discusses her award-winning collaborations, the importance of building a different type of media business, and the value of B Corp certification. She shares insights on overcoming established thinking, empowering employees, and the need for radical innovative thinking. Jo also emphasizes the importance of finding happiness without consuming power and the need to educate women for a more sustainable society. Her advice for someone with a radical idea is to be ready, shoot, and aim, and to not get caught up in overthinking and delaying action.

Key takeaways from this conversation:


Video can be a powerful tool for storytelling and raising awareness about important issues.
The mission and values of a business should come before the work. It's important to have a clear story and purpose behind your work.
The environmental movement has gained traction over the years, and businesses are now recognising the value of incorporating sustainability into their messaging.
Videos have the potential to make a significant impact, whether it's securing funding for a cause or influencing government decisions. Collaborations and awards can bring recognition and success in the media industry.
Building a different type of media business requires a systemised approach and a focus on customer service.
B Corp certification can lead to positive changes in working practices and a more sustainable business.
Overcoming established thinking and giving everyone a voice can foster innovative thinking and drive positive change.
Finding happiness without consuming power and educating women are important for a more sustainable society.

Jo on linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johaywood/

Visit: https://www.skylarkmedia.co.uk/

Rob on linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-warren/

David Schluter, founder of Fluid IT, shares his journey from his early life influences to founding his company and the challenges he faced along the way. He discusses the importance of mental health and his experience with burnout, as well as the impact of hiring people from challenging backgrounds. He also highlights the role of Lord Evans, former head of MI5, on his advisory board. In this conversation, David shares his experiences of running a business as a vehicle for change. He discusses the journey of one of his employees, Gary, who overcame significant challenges to become an exceptional manager. David emphasizes the importance of taking a chance on people and how they can pay you back in unexpected ways. He also highlights the joy and freedom of doing business differently, focusing on kindness and cultural development. David believes that business should bring life and positive impact throughout the entire journey, not just at the end. He advocates for treating people generously and embracing slow business as the way forward.



Key Takeaways


Reflecting on your journey and finding your reason for continuing is important in business.
Creating a supportive work environment where people can bring their authentic selves is powerful.
Hiring people from challenging backgrounds can provide opportunities for growth and transformation.
Having an advisory board with diverse perspectives can provide valuable insights and accountability.



David on linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dschluter/

Visit: https://www.fluid-it.com/

Rob on linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-warren/



Host: Rob Fawkes

Producer: Lukas Blasberg

Richard Dickson, co-founder of Play It Green, discusses the importance of questioning the status quo. He shares his experience with neurodiversity and how it has shaped his perspective. Richard also talks about becoming more radical and overcoming challenges in his personal and professional life, including stepping into the MMA ring in his 40s. He introduces Play It Green and its mission to help businesses reduce their environmental footprint, repair the planet through tree planting, and re-gift funds to good causes.



Chapters

(00:01) Sustainable Business and Neurodiversity Journey

(13:10) Creating a Climate Positive Workforce

(21:19) Promoting Sustainability in Business Communities

(28:37) Systemic Change for a Sustainable Future



Richard on linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richardiandickson/



Visit playitgreen.com



Rob on linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-warren/



Want to appear? podcast@standingongiants.com

Join us for this inspiring episode as we dive into the fascinating world of Emma Locke, Change and Communications Lead at Perfetti Van Melle. Emma shares her unique insights on driving diversity, equity, and inclusion in a global company, her passions outside of work, and how these experiences shape her approach to leadership.

We discuss:


(00:01) Introduction to Emma Locke and Her Commitment to Diversity
(01:07) Emma's Early Life Experiences Shaping Her Strong Character
(03:14) The 'People First' Mentality in Business
(04:18) Emma’s Passion for Cars and Motorbikes
(10:03) Leading a Business: Similarities to Motorbike Riding
(20:49) Initiating Diversity and Inclusion Programmes
(30:37) Addressing Menopause in the Workplace
(35:58) The Importance of Kindness and Compassion in Leadership
(40:22) Wrapping Up: Reflections on Leadership and Change

Connect with Emma:


Emma Locke on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmallocke/

Learn more about Perfetti Van Melle:


Visit: https://www.perfettivanmelle.com/

Connect with Host Rob:


Rob on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-warren/

Interested in joining the conversation?


Reach out at: podcast@standingongiants.com