The Conscious Capitalists

Conscious Capitalism

Conscious Capitalism: contradiction in terms, or way of the future? Timothy Henry and Raj Sisodia, co-founders of the Conscious Capitalism movement and co-authors of ‘Conscious Capitalism - The Field Guide' get together and discuss current topics from the perspective of enlightened, conscious entrepreneurs and businesses.

  1. 2D AGO

    How PacSun CEO Brieane Olson Turned a Bankrupt Retail Brand Into a $1 Billion Gen Z Powerhouse

    How do you reinvent a legacy retail brand for an entirely new generation without losing its identity in the process? In this episode of The Conscious Capitalists, hosts Timothy Henry and Raj Sisodia sit down with Brieane Olson, CEO of PacSun, to explore one of retail’s most compelling transformation stories. Under Brianna’s leadership, PacSun evolved from a struggling mall retailer into a digital first, purpose driven brand approaching $1 billion in revenue by embracing a bold philosophy: co-creation. Drawing from her new book, Co-Created, and a recently released Harvard Business School case study, Brieane shares how PacSun built deep cultural relevance with Gen Z and Gen Alpha by inviting young consumers directly into the brand building process. From the company’s Youth Advisory Council to viral TikTok moments that moved hundreds of thousands of products organically, this conversation unpacks how listening became PacSun’s greatest competitive advantage. But this episode goes beyond marketing strategy. Brieane opens up about her personal leadership evolution, the role of purpose in navigating uncertainty, and why conscious leadership requires both humility and courage. Together, Timothy, Raj, and Brieane explore the tension between brand control and customer participation, the challenges of sustainability in youth retail, and how AI is reshaping the future of commerce. Listeners will gain insights into: How PacSun transformed from a legacy retailer into a culturally relevant Gen Z brandWhy co-creation is a business strategy, not just a marketing tacticThe role of PacSun’s Youth Advisory Council in shaping products, campaigns, and company directionHow a single organic TikTok moment helped sell more than 200,000 pairs of jeansWhy purpose and co-creation must work together to create authentic brand trustHow PacSun is approaching AI adoption across the organization while remaining intentionally human centeredThe operational challenges of moving at the speed of culture in modern retailWhether you’re leading a consumer brand, navigating organizational transformation, or exploring what conscious leadership looks like in practice, this episode offers a powerful case study in how companies can grow by listening more deeply to the communities they serve. If you enjoy this podcast, would you consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts/iTunes? It takes only a few seconds and greatly helps us get our podcast out to a wider audience. Please subscribe on Apple Podcasts / Spotify / Stitcher, or wherever you get your podcasts. For transcripts and show notes, please go to: The Conscious Capitalists This show is presented by Conscious Capitalism, Inc. and is produced by Rainbow Creative with Matthew “MoJo” Jones as Executive Producer, and Nathan Wheatley as Editor. CHAPTERS 00:00 – Welcome & Introduction01:45 – Meet Brianna Olson & the PacSun Transformation05:35 – What Is Co-Creation? The Strategy Explained10:50 – The Youth Advisory Council & Gen Z Leadership18:30 – Purpose, Conscious Capitalism & Finding Her True North22:40 – The Viral TikTok Moment That Sold 200,000 Pairs of Jeans36:20 – Purpose as a Framework for Co-Creation40:00 – Building Community & Real-Time Customer Feedback50:50 – From $785M to Nearly $1 Billion in Revenue55:00 – How PacSun Is Using (and Not Using) AI01:05:00 – Sustainability, Suppliers & Affordability01:21:00 – Closing Thoughts & Final Takeaways Thank you for your support! Timothy & Raj

    1h 2m

  2. MAY 4

    Why Traditional Companies Are Failing, And How the “Octopus Organization” Wins in the AI Era

    What if your company could think and move like an octopus, with intelligence distributed across the entire organization instead of concentrated at the top? In this episode of The Conscious Capitalists, hosts Timothy Henry and Raj Sisodia sit down with Jana Werner (AWS Enterprise Strategist and expert in Uncertainty Dynamics) and Phil Le-Brun (AWS Enterprise Strategist and former International CIO at McDonald's) to explore their groundbreaking new framework: The Octopus Organization. Together, they unpack what it takes to build adaptive, resilient businesses in a world defined by AI acceleration, geopolitical instability, and constant disruption. Drawing from deep experience across global enterprises and cutting edge research, Jana and Phil challenge the outdated "Tin Man" model of rigid, top down organizations. Instead, they introduce a living, breathing alternative built on distributed intelligence, empowered decision making, and the ability to continuously evolve from within. At the heart of this conversation is a powerful truth: organizations that thrive in uncertainty aren't just more efficient. They are more human. This episode goes beyond theory, offering a practical and actionable playbook for leaders ready to rethink how their organizations operate, adapt, and grow in an unpredictable world. Listeners will gain insights into: Why traditional organizational structures are breaking under the pressure of AI and global volatilityThe "Octopus Organization" model and how distributed intelligence unlocks adaptabilityThe three defining traits of high functioning organizations: Clarity, Ownership, and CuriosityWhy "empowerment" often masks control and what true ownership really looks likeReal world examples from companies like McDonald's, AstraZeneca, Ferrari, Amazon, and NetflixThe hidden anti patterns that quietly undermine culture, trust, and performanceWhy psychological safety must be built locally, not declared globallyHow to approach AI adoption through a human centered organizational lensPractical first steps for CEOs and leaders looking to evolve their companies in the next 12 to 24 monthsWhether you're leading a global enterprise, scaling a startup, or navigating transformation within your team, this episode offers a bold new lens on leadership. One that replaces control with clarity, hierarchy with intelligence, and rigidity with resilience. If you enjoy this podcast, would you consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts/iTunes? It takes only a few seconds and greatly helps us get our podcast out to a wider audience. Please subscribe on Apple Podcasts / Spotify / Stitcher, or wherever you get your podcasts. For transcripts and show notes, please go to: https://www.theconsciouscapitalists.com This show is presented by Conscious Capitalism, Inc. (https://www.consciouscapitalism.org/) and is produced by Rainbow Creative (https://www.rainbowcreative.co/) with Matthew Jones as Executive Producer, Rithu Jagannath as Lead Producer, and Nathan Wheatley as Editor. Thank you for your support! -Timothy & Raj

    1h 1m
  3. Replay! How Xapa's Christine Heckart Builds Trust and Psychological Safety in the Age of AI

    APR 21

    Replay! How Xapa's Christine Heckart Builds Trust and Psychological Safety in the Age of AI

    What happens when AI disruption collides with the urgent need for human-centered leadership? In this episode of The Conscious Capitalists’ Future-Focused Summer Series, hosts Timothy Henry and Dr. Neha Sangwan are joined by Christine Heckart - tech industry veteran, former CEO of Scalyr, senior executive at Microsoft and Cisco, and now founder of Xapa, an AI-powered leadership development platform. Together, they dive into how leaders can guide their organizations through radical uncertainty, exponential change, and the AI revolution without leaving their people behind. Christine pulls from 30 years in Silicon Valley to reveal why 90% of AI transformation projects are failing - not because of technology, but because of people. She explains how leaders must anchor teams in trust, purpose, and psychological safety, while scaling leadership development across every level of the organization. The conversation highlights why human connection, empathy, and conscious capitalism are the real differentiators in an AI-driven world. This is more than a discussion on technology - it’s a playbook for leading with both innovation and heart in a time when businesses face unprecedented change. Listeners will gain insights into: Why most AI transformation projects fail - and how to avoid the trapThe difference between trust and psychological safety (and why both matter)Practical ways to stabilize teams during radical disruptionHow to scale leadership development across every level of the companyWhy empathy and conscious capitalism are now business-critical skillsHow CEOs can balance AI-powered innovation with human judgmentWhy people-first leadership is the key to unlocking AI’s potentialWhether you’re a CEO wrestling with AI disruption, a leader striving to build resilient teams, or a founder seeking to combine innovation with purpose, this episode offers a powerful guide to leading with clarity, courage, and humanity in a time of radical change. ** If you enjoy this podcast, would you consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts/iTunes? It takes only a few seconds and greatly helps us get our podcast out to a wider audience. Please subscribe on Apple Podcasts / Spotify / Stitcher, or wherever you get your podcasts. For transcripts and show notes, please go to: https://www.theconsciouscapitalists.com This show is presented by Conscious Capitalism, Inc. (https://www.consciouscapitalism.org/) and is produced by Rainbow Creative (https://www.rainbowcreative.co/) with Matthew Jones as Executive Producer, Rithu Jagannath as Lead Producer, and Nathan Wheatley as Editor. Thank you for your support! - Timothy & Neha

    39 min

  4. APR 7

    Free Markets vs. Stakeholder Capitalism? Mary K. Bush Explains What Drives Growth

    Timothy Henry and Raj Sisodia interview the Honorable Mary K. Bush, President of Bush International and a veteran executive, corporate director, and government official who served three U.S. presidents, including as the U.S. representative on the International Monetary Fund Board during the 1980s debt crisis. Known as “Ms. Free Market,” Bush explains her advocacy for reduced regulation, pro-growth tax systems, and policies designed to retain and attract capital, as well as her role in helping create the IMF’s Structural Adjustment Facility to address deeper barriers to entrepreneurship beyond fiscal and monetary policy. To see the full video podcast, check out the Conscious Capitalists YouTube channel here. Bush explores real-world examples, including lessons from Ghana, the shareholder-versus-stakeholder debate, and how boards can drive long-term value by investing in customers, employees, and talent development, pointing to Marriott’s culture as a case in point. She connects social responsibility to individual freedom, discusses the link between diversity and performance through stronger risk identification and decision-making, and addresses the current backlash surrounding DEI. She also shares the mission behind Spark the Journey, her mentoring initiative supporting low-income youth, and reflects on growing up under Jim Crow in Birmingham. Throughout the conversation, Bush underscores the importance of candid workplace dialogue, principled leadership, and the courage to build institutions that expand both economic opportunity and human dignity. If you enjoy this podcast, would you consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts? It takes only a few seconds and greatly helps us reach a wider audience. This show is presented by Conscious Capitalism, Inc. (https://www.consciouscapitalism.org/) and is produced by Rainbow Creative (https://www.rainbowcreative.co/) with Matthew “MoJo” Jones as Executive Producer, and Nathan Wheatley as Associate Producer & Editor. 00:00 Meet Mary K Bush 01:28 Why Ms Free Market 02:02 IMF Debt Crisis Lessons 05:09 Ghana and Price Signals 07:03 India’s Reform Story 09:18 Friedman vs Stakeholders 13:19 Stakeholders in Boardrooms 16:36 Short Term vs Long Term 22:46 Strategy Meets Stakeholders 25:11 Freedom and Responsibility 25:51 Pollution and Talent Access 28:05 Pricing Externalities 29:45 Diversity Drives Performance 32:22 Meritocracy Versus DEI 34:58 Freedom To Access 37:00 Spark The Journey Model 40:11 Birmingham Origin Story 44:07 Hard Conversations At Work 48:52 Stories Of Good Capitalism 53:32 Rapid Fire Wrap Up 54:36 Final Thanks And Sign Off

    56 min
  5. REPLAY | Google’s Gopi Kallayil on Business Strategy in the AI Era

    MAR 23

    REPLAY | Google’s Gopi Kallayil on Business Strategy in the AI Era

    What happens when one of Google’s top AI strategists also happens to be a yogi, author, and self-described “Happy Human”? In this episode of The Conscious Capitalists’ Summer Series, hosts Timothy Henry and Dev Patnaik speak with Gopi Kallayil, Chief Business Strategist for AI at Google. Together, they explore how businesses can navigate radical uncertainty in an age of exponential technological disruption and why AI should be seen as a tool for human advancement rather than a threat. From Google’s pivots (“search-first” to “mobile-first” to “AI-first”) to lessons on experimentation, failure, and 10x thinking, Gopi pulls back the curtain on how the tech giant adapts in the face of constant change. He also offers a deeply human perspective: blending insights from his books The Happy Human and The Internet to the Inner-Net, his yoga practice, and his spiritual explorations of what he calls AI, NI (natural intelligence), and DI (divine intelligence). This conversation isn’t just about artificial intelligence - it’s about what it means to stay human, conscious, and purpose-driven while riding the waves of disruption. Listeners will gain insights into: Why moments of disruption are opportunities for nonlinear breakthroughsHow Google cultivates a culture of experimentation, iteration, and failing wellThe importance of 10x thinking over incremental improvementsWhy companies should start with business strategy - not an “AI strategy”How AI is already transforming industries like healthcare, retail, and entertainmentWhat AI, natural intelligence, and divine intelligence can teach us about consciousnessPractical steps leaders can take to embrace uncertainty and future-proof their organizationsWhether you’re a CEO, entrepreneur, or simply curious about the intersection of AI and consciousness, this episode offers both strategic guidance and soulful wisdom. ** If you enjoy this podcast, would you consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. It takes only a few seconds and greatly helps us get our podcast out to a wider audience. Please subscribe on Apple Podcasts / Spotify / Stitcher, or wherever you get your podcasts. For transcripts and show notes, please go to: https://www.theconsciouscapitalists.com This show is presented by Conscious Capitalism, Inc. (https://www.consciouscapitalism.org/) and is produced by Rainbow Creative (https://www.rainbowcreative.co/) with Matthew "MoJo" Jones as Executive Producer, Rithu Jagannath as Lead Producer, and Nathan Wheatley as Editor. Thank you for your support! - Timothy & Dev

    36 min

  6. MAR 9

    Reimagining Capitalism: Harvard’s Rebecca Henderson on Climate, Inequality & Purpose-Driven Business

    Timothy Henry and Raj Sisodia interview Harvard professor and author Rebecca Henderson about her book Reimagining Capitalism in a World on Fire and why purpose-driven, multi-stakeholder firms can outperform yet remain hard to implement because they require deep investments in strategy, structure, and human systems.  To see the full video podcast, check out the Conscious Capitalists YouTube channel here Henderson connects climate change, inequality, and democratic erosion to shareholder primacy, arguing for stronger democratic institutions, reducing money in politics, and grassroots rebuilding of trust. She emphasizes leaders’ inner work, “kindness and math,” and the ability to disagree respectfully as foundations for high-trust, innovative organizations—especially important in an AI era. Henderson recounts her shift from engineering to organizational change and climate work, lessons from board service, and her teaching evolution from “Reimagining Capitalism” to “Reweaving Ourselves,” including the role of retreats in sustaining courageous leadership. If you enjoy this podcast, would you consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts. It takes only a few seconds and greatly helps us get our podcast out to a wider audience. Please subscribe on Apple Podcasts / Spotify / Stitcher, or wherever you get your podcasts. For transcripts and show notes, please go to: https://www.theconsciouscapitalists.com This show is presented by Conscious Capitalism, Inc. (https://www.consciouscapitalism.org/) and is produced by Rainbow Creative (https://www.rainbowcreative.co/) with Matthew “MoJo” Jones as Executive Producer, and Nathan Wheatley as Associate Producer & Editor. Thank you for your support! - Timothy & Raj 00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro01:25 Why Purpose Is Hard06:06 Democracy and Money11:57 Imagining a Better Future16:18 Kindness and Math20:49 Rebecca Academic Journey24:10 Reforming Capitalism Rules29:54 Boardroom Lessons35:26 Win Win Mindset36:22 Inner Work for Leaders38:26 Trust as AI Advantage40:43 Teaching Hope and Urgency44:22 Silent Retreats and Renewal48:46 Reweaving Ourselves Course50:42 Changing the System from Within55:50 Next Breakthrough for Conscious Capitalism59:14 Rapid Fire Personal Questions01:04:28 Closing Reflections and Farewell

    1h 6m
  7. Replay | Rethinking Strategy in Radical Uncertainty: Lessons from Patagonia

    FEB 24

    Replay | Rethinking Strategy in Radical Uncertainty: Lessons from Patagonia

    What happens when a global brand famous for saving the planet from itself decides to challenge the very DNA of corporate leadership? In this first episode of The Conscious Capitalists’ Summer Series, hosts Timothy Henry and Kate Adams speak with Charles Conn, Chair of Patagonia, co-founder of Monograph, and former senior partner at McKinsey. Together, they explore how conscious enterprises can thrive in a world of radical uncertainty — from geopolitical shocks to disruptive technologies — by rethinking the way leadership works. Charles takes us inside Patagonia’s approach to leading with purpose, agility, and trust, showing why the old top-down, control-heavy playbook is no longer fit for a future that demands resilience, innovation, and courage. From breaking hierarchies to empowering frontline teams, he reveals how to build organizations that adapt fast and stay true to their values. This is more than a conversation about business — it’s a blueprint for a new era of leadership. Charles shares stories and strategies from the boardroom to the trailhead, illustrating how authenticity, curiosity, and conscious capitalism can create lasting impact in both business and society. Listeners will gain insights into: Why traditional leadership models are collapsing — and what’s replacing themPatagonia’s trust-first culture and how it fuels innovationHow conscious capitalism drives agility in uncertain marketsThe role of curiosity in making better decisionsPractical ways to shift from hierarchical control to empowered teamsBalancing purpose with performance without losing momentumHow leaders can thrive — not just survive — in disruptive timesWhether you’re a CEO looking to future-proof your organization, a startup founder hungry for agile growth, or a leader seeking to balance profit with purpose, this episode offers a rare inside look at what it takes to lead consciously in the face of unprecedented change. ** If you enjoy this podcast, would you consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts/iTunes? It takes only a few seconds and greatly helps us get our podcast out to a wider audience. Please subscribe on Apple Podcasts / Spotify / Stitcher, or wherever you get your podcasts. For transcripts and show notes, please go to: https://www.theconsciouscapitalists.com This show is presented by Conscious Capitalism, Inc. (https://www.consciouscapitalism.org/) and is produced by Rainbow Creative (https://www.rainbowcreative.co/) with Matthew Jones as Executive Producer, Rithu Jagannath as Lead Producer, and Nathan Wheatley as Editor. Thank you for your support! - Timothy & Kate Time Stamps 02:02 Introduction to Summer Series00:45 Understanding Radical Uncertainty01:40 Introduction of Kate Adams02:34 The Future of Conscious Enterprise03:57 Introduction of Charles Conn06:17 Rethinking Business Strategy09:17 Organizational and Leadership Changes13:19 Patagonia's Approach to Purpose and Strategy21:08 Leading Through Disruption27:57 Decision Making and Purpose34:48 Leadership for the Future

    40 min

  8. FEB 9

    From Pain to Purpose: Healing leadership with Nilima Bhat and Raj Sisodia

    In this deeply reflective conversation, Raj Sisodia and Nilima Bhat explore why even the smartest, most successful leaders can suddenly find themselves stuck, hitting an invisible ceiling that strategy, coaching, or performance optimization alone cannot break. Drawing from their new book, Healing Leaders: A Manual for Life and Leadership Recovery, they make the case that leadership development without inner healing is fundamentally incomplete. To see the full video podcast, check out the Conscious Capitalists YouTube channel here Together, we unpack how unhealed psychological wounds quietly shape decision making, relationships, and organizational culture, often sabotaging leaders at the very height of their success. Raj and Nilima introduce their seven step framework for healing and integration, Know, Love, Be, Choose, Express, Complete, and Heal, guiding leaders on a journey that begins with self awareness and ends with genuine transformation. The conversation moves into the distinction between post traumatic stress and post traumatic growth, and why real growth requires what they describe as going down to the basement of consciousness before rising to the next level of leadership. Nilima shares insights on integrating masculine and feminine energies, elder and child wisdom, and embracing the role of the wise fool of tough love, a leader grounded in both compassion and truth. At its core, this episode challenges the idea that leadership is only about external results. As Raj puts it, you cannot have a healing organization with a leader who is not healed. The more leaders do their own inner work, the more they create cultures that foster trust, psychological safety, and collective flourishing. This is not just a conversation about business or leadership performance. It is about what it truly means to lead in a way that heals organizations, communities, and ultimately the world. About the Guest Nilima Bhat is a visionary speaker, leadership coach, and co author of Shakti Leadership, and a former Distinguished Professor in Gender and Conscious Leadership at Tecnológico de Monterrey. Purchase the book “Healing Leaders: 7 Steps to Recovery of Self” https://a.co/d/02VWA9G2  If you enjoy this podcast, would you consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts. It takes only a few seconds and greatly helps us get our podcast out to a wider audience. Please subscribe on Apple Podcasts / Spotify / Stitcher, or wherever you get your podcasts. For transcripts and show notes, please go to: https://www.theconsciouscapitalists.com This show is presented by Conscious Capitalism, Inc. (https://www.consciouscapitalism.org/) and is produced by Rainbow Creative (https://www.rainbowcreative.co/) with Matthew “MoJo” Jones as Executive Producer, and Nathan Wheatley as Associate Producer & Editor. Thank you for your support! - Timothy & Raj Chapters: 0:00 - Introduction & Welcome1:30 - Why This Book? The Journey to Healing Leaders4:57 - From Shakti Leadership to Therapy for Leaders6:35 - The Seven Steps of Healing Overview10:55 - Coaching vs. Psychological Healing15:55 - When Smart Leaders Get Stuck20:02 - Step 1: Know Yourself - Unpacking Identity24:21 - Step 2: Love Yourself - Breaking Self-Destructive Patterns26:53 - Step 3: Be Yourself - Cultivating Presence29:21 - Step 4: Choose Yourself - From Victim to Hero31:09 - Step 5: Express Yourself - Finding Your Purpose36:47 - Step 6: Complete Yourself - The Wise Fool of Tough Love40:19 - Step 7: Heal Yourself - Addressing Trauma & Wounds47:59 - Healing Leaders Creates Healing Organizations50:05 - Final Reflections & Closing Thoughts

    52 min
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5
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About

Conscious Capitalism: contradiction in terms, or way of the future? Timothy Henry and Raj Sisodia, co-founders of the Conscious Capitalism movement and co-authors of ‘Conscious Capitalism - The Field Guide' get together and discuss current topics from the perspective of enlightened, conscious entrepreneurs and businesses.

Information

  • Creator
    Conscious Capitalism
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    179
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Conscious Capitalism
  • Show Website
    The Conscious Capitalists

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