Purpose 360 with Carol Cone

TruStory FM
  • 4.7 (21)
  • BUSINESS
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Business is an unlikely hero: a force for good working to solve society's most pressing challenges, while boosting bottom line. This is social purpose at work. And it's a dynamic journey. Purpose 360 is a masterclass in unlocking the power of social purpose to ignite business and social impact. Host Carol Cone brings decades of social impact expertise and a 360-degree view of integrating social purpose into an organization into unfiltered conversations that illuminate today's big challenges and bigger ideas.

  1. What CEOs Are Thinking Today with Alan Murray

    7H AGO

    What CEOs Are Thinking Today with Alan Murray

    In a moment defined by disruption and accelerating change, Carol Cone sits down with one of the world’s most seasoned CEO observers to decode what’s really keeping leaders up at night. Alan Murray, journalist, former CEO of Fortune, and now Founding President of the WSJ Leadership Institute, has spent decades in candid conversation with the heads of the world’s largest organizations. What emerges from this exchange is a rare, behind-the-scenes look at how today’s CEOs are navigating geopolitical instability, AI transformation, cultural division, and fragile trust. Drawing on insights from hundreds of top executives, Murray makes a compelling case: the greatest challenges facing CEOs are no longer purely strategic or technological but are profoundly human. At the heart of the discussion is a powerful tension shaping the C-suite: while AI dominates boardroom agendas, the real work lies in culture, trust, and human alignment. Murray also shares why empathy has emerged as a defining leadership competency, how purpose and moral clarity are becoming competitive differentiators, and why organizations that successfully engage and inspire their people will outpace those that rely solely on technological advantage. This is a deeply strategic dialogue about leading through volatility, humanizing organizations in an AI-driven era, and building cultures resilient enough to thrive amid constant change. Listen for insights on: Turning AI ambition into measurable valueDifferentiating through talent and not just techReframing empathy as strategic leadershipPreparing young leaders for human-centered workResources + Links: Watch the full conversation on YouTubeAlan Murray’s LinkedInThe WSJ Leadership InstitutePodcast: WSJ Leadership Institute Presents: Leaders (00:00) - Welcome to Purpose 360 (01:06) - Alan Murray (03:03) - Alan’s CEO Leadership Title (05:19) - Leadership Institute Backstory (06:07) - Shape of the Institute (08:55) - Conversation with CEOs Today (10:30) - The AI Revolution (12:16) - Balancing This New World (15:22) - Empathy (18:40) - Balancing Humanity with Technology (19:50) - Moral Leadership (21:39) - Becoming More Human and Humanized (22:48) - Reinforcing the People Part (24:38) - Evolving the Culture (25:20) - Most Presing Social Issues (27:27) - Advice for Young People (29:28) - Last Word (30:15) - Wrap Up

    32 min
  2. Just Ice Tea is Brewing with Seth Goldman

    FEB 10

    Just Ice Tea is Brewing with Seth Goldman

    JUST Ice Tea was born from a refusal to let a company’s purpose and impact disappear. JUST Ice Tea’s roots trace back to Honest Tea, a pioneering brand built on the idea that beverages could be better for people and the planet. But when Honest Tea was ultimately discontinued after being sold, something incredible happened. The founders and long-standing partners across the supply chain came together with a shared resolve that fair trade and environmentally responsible tea would not end with Honest Tea. In just 90 days, their commitment brought the newly created JUST Ice Tea to consumers. And only two years later, JUST Ice Tea has surpassed the revenues of Honest Tea. We invited Seth Goldman, Co-Founder and CEO of JUST Ice Tea—as well as Board Member for Beyond Meat and PLNT Burger—to share the lessons, setbacks, and mindset that shaped his journey. Seth reflects on resilience in the face of loss, the power of long-term relationships, and why impact must be built directly into the product, supply chain, and culture of a company. He offers insights on stakeholder capitalism, the responsibility of boards and investors, and the importance of finding hope where it isn’t obvious. His story is an invitation to believe that business can scale purpose, deliver justice, and create profit—one bottle at a time. Listen for insights on: Outperforming traditional growth strategies through resilience and valuesEmbedding impact directly into products, not just marketingThe power of stakeholder relationships in moments of change Resources + Links: Seth Goldman’s LinkedInJUST Ice TeaMission in a BottlePurpose Pledge (00:00) - Welcome to Purpose 360 (01:07) - Seth Goldman, Just Ice Tea (02:28) - Seth’s Backgrouna dn Commitment to Socially Responsible Business (05:36) - What’s Changed About the Movement (07:51) - Frustrations (08:39) - Framework for Embedding Purpose (11:11) - No Downside (11:38) - Learning from Honest Tea (17:57) - Impact to Stakeholders (20:06) - Mission in a Bottle (22:53) - Recommendations for Boards (24:09) - Creating Alignment (24:40) - Purpose Pledge (26:10) - Rapid Fire Questions (27:46) - Last Words (28:24) - Wrap Up

    30 min
  3. The Company That Chose the Planet with Vincent Stanley

    JAN 27

    The Company That Chose the Planet with Vincent Stanley

    Patagonia has long stood as the north star for companies striving to create meaningful impact and proving that business can thrive with purpose. Today, Patagonia stands alone in its ownership model: it has one shareholder—the planet. Instead of “going public,” Patagonia famously “went purpose,” restructuring in 2022 so that 100% of its voting stock flows into the Patagonia Purpose Trust to guard its values, and 100% of its non-voting stock now supports the Holdfast Collective, a nonprofit fighting the environmental crisis. Each year, every dollar not needed to run the business moves directly to protecting nature. It’s a business that invites people into the beauty of the outdoors while safeguarding the planet that makes those adventures possible. We invited Vincent Stanley, Director of Philosophy at Patagonia—and one of its very first employees—to reflect on the decades of learning, experimentation, humility, and courage that shaped Patagonia’s journey. Vincent explores topics from the company’s early fiber-to-farm revelations and culture-defining philosophy classes, to its iconic “Don’t Buy This Jacket” campaign, industry-shaping activism, and bold ownership redesign. For any leader or organization seeking to deepen its impact, Vincent offers rare insights into what it truly takes to build a business where profit becomes a byproduct of purpose. Listen for insights on: Transforming harm discovery into long-term environmental innovationChallenging consumerism through bold, values-led storytellingBuilding company culture through shared responsibility and lived valuesCollaborating across industries to advance standards and certificationsResources + Links: Watch this episode on YouTubeVincent StanleyPatagonia’s OwnershipThe Responsible CompanyPatagonia Action Works (00:00) - Welcome to Purpose 360 (01:07) - Meet Vincent Stanley, Patagonia (04:26) - Vincent’s Background (07:55) - Director of Philosophy (10:37) - Company Ethos (11:57) - If Nature Could Talk (13:15) - Pivot Points (15:58) - Seeing the Fields (17:32) - Role as Storyteller (21:10) - Black Friday (24:50) - Quality Is an Environmental Issue (27:03) - Fair Trade and Culture (31:12) - Showing Authenticity (32:45) - Patagonia Action Works (33:42) - Change in Ownership (36:32) - Feelings at the Time (37:22) - Message to Future Leaders (39:40) - Last Words (41:07) - Wrap Up

    42 min
  4. 2026 Purpose Predictions

    JAN 13

    2026 Purpose Predictions

    Purpose 360 convenes leading voices in social impact, business, and philanthropy at the start of every year and asks them to share their predictions for what lies ahead. As we enter 2026, purpose leaders are navigating rapid advances in AI, growing pressure on social sector funding, shifting workforce expectations, and a renewed focus on culture, leadership, and human connection. Together, these experts offer perspectives on how purpose-driven work is evolving and what it will require next. This year, we invited Artis Stevens, President and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America; Kevin Martinez, Vice President of Corporate Citizenship at ESPN; Alexandra Amouyel, President and CEO of Newman’s Own Foundation; and Alan Murray, Founding President of the Wall Street Journal Leadership Institute and former CEO of Fortune Media, to share their predictions for 2026. Drawing on backgrounds that span nonprofits, philanthropy, corporate leadership, and media, they explore both the opportunities and tensions shaping the future of purpose. Listen for insights on: AI as a powerful opportunity and a critical responsibilityWhy human connection, leadership, and values matter more than everThe growing need for focus, clarity, and authentic activation of purpose inside organizationsPractical advice for early- and mid-career professionalsResources + Links: Artis Stevens’ LinkedInArtis Stevens’ Purpose 360 EpisodeKevin Martinez’s LinkedInKevin Martinez’s Purpose 360 EpisodeAlexandra Amouyel’s LinkedInAlexandra Amouyel’s Purpose 360 EpisodeAlan Murray’s LinkedInAlan Murray’s Purpose 360 Episode (Part 1)Alan Murray’s Purpose 360 Episode (Part 2) (00:00) - Welcome to Purpose 360 (03:29) - Artis Stevens from Big Brothers Big Sisters (04:23) - BBBS’s Purpose (05:16) - 2026 Predictions re: Function and Activations of Purpose (06:59) - Opportunities (08:19) - Advice for Young People (09:56) - The Future of Purpose 2026 (11:06) - Kevin Martinez from ESPN (11:19) - ESPN’s Purpose (11:38) - Take Back Sports Initiative (12:25) - Purpose in 2026 (14:43) - Barriers and Challenges (15:39) - Discuss, Debate, Decide, Align (16:27) - Advice for Young People (18:04) - Mental Health (20:26) - Alex Amouyel from Newman's Own (20:50) - Newman’s Own Purpose (22:01) - Purpose in 2026 (25:17) - Advice for Young People (27:46) - Hit the Ground Running (28:50) - Alan Murray from The Wall Street Journal Leadership Institute (29:19) - Alan’s Title (30:23) - What CEOs Are Saying (32:15) - Humanizing Factors (33:17) - Purpose’s Evolution (34:47) - Opportunities (35:22) - Challenges (36:26) - Advice for Young People (38:09) - Exciting Time (38:50) - Wrap Up

    40 min
  5. Why Great Leaders Need Coaches with Scott Osman

    12/16/2025

    Why Great Leaders Need Coaches with Scott Osman

    Leadership coaching has the power to unlock profound personal and organizational transformation. That belief lies at the heart of 100 Coaches. Founded by executive coach Marshall Goldsmith, 100 Coaches began with a bold experiment: Marshall offered to teach 15 people everything he knew for free, in gratitude for the teachers and leaders who helped shape him. As those first 15 committed to “pay it forward,” the idea resonated deeply. More than 16,000 applicants were interested, and so the initiative grew into a community of more than 100 coaches from top leadership, academia, non-profits, healthcare, and beyond. We invited Scott Osman, CEO of 100 Coaches, to reflect on how that founding vision has flourished. Scott shares how 100 Coaches functions as a curated network that matches each leader with the right coach at the right moment, grounded in deep expertise across organizational psychology, leadership development, and human behavior. He underscores how coaching can shift organizational trajectories: when leaders evolve, their teams, culture, and long-term outcomes evolve with them. For those wondering if coaching is a luxury or necessity, this conversation makes a compelling case for the power of investing in people. Listen for insights on: What leadership coaching looks like from the startWhat leaders today struggle with the mostTop leadership myths we need to move away from Resources + Links: Watch this full conversation on YouTubeScott Osman’s LinkedIn100 CoachesBecoming Coachable (00:00) - Welcome to Purpose 360 (01:07) - Meet Scott Osman, 100 Coaches (02:52) - Early Influencers (03:59) - Leadership Coaching (05:16) - Services (06:38) - Match Craft (09:19) - What He’s Learned From Both Sides of the Equation (11:01) - Generosity (12:13) - Defining Leadership (13:07) - Flavors of Success (15:37) - Role of Humility (17:46) - Role of Corporate Purpose Today (18:56) - Creating the Richest Cultures (20:03) - Leadership Myth (21:22) - Next Frontier for Leadership Growth (22:57) - The Last Word (23:31) - Wrap Up

    25 min
  6. Nike Is Coaching the Dream with Vanessa Garcia-Brito

    12/02/2025

    Nike Is Coaching the Dream with Vanessa Garcia-Brito

    Sport has always been central to Nike’s identity, not just as a business, but as a force for human potential. This commitment extends to the social issues at the heart of youth athletics today, particularly surrounding keeping youth in sports and connected to physical activity and elevating the role of caring, well-equipped coaches. With young people today navigating unprecedented levels of stress and lack of physical activity, coaches play an invaluable role in providing community, restorative power, and safe spaces. Nike has been at the center of this work for decades, stemming from its belief that if you have a body, you’re an athlete—and that every athlete deserves access and the opportunity to thrive. We invited Vanessa Garcia-Brito, Vice President and Chief Impact Officer at Nike, to share how Nike is reimagining the landscape of youth athletics and building purpose-driven programs. Vanessa unpacked the insights behind Nike’s “Coach the Dream” initiative, the importance of caring and culturally aware coaches, and why investing in girls’ coaching is non-negotiable for long-term impact. She also emphasized the role of partnerships, with organizations like Dove and Spotify, and in meeting girls where they are to dismantle barriers to participation. This episode offers a powerful blueprint for how a long-established, trusted brand has integrated purpose, community relevance, and business value to drive meaningful change. Listen for insights on: Building impact programs around what your company uniquely does bestDesigning scalable tools for global activationEstablishing clear long-term goals with flexibility for real-time adaptationAdvice for young professionals looking to work in social impact Resources + Links: Vanessa Garcia-Brito’s LinkedInCoach the DreamIf You Let Me Play (00:00) - Welcome to Purpose 360 (01:07) - Vanessa Garcia-Brito, Nike (03:47) - About Vanessa (04:51) - Early Influences (07:02) - Chief Impact Officer (07:53) - Superpower (09:10) - Nike’s Purpose (11:02) - Key Campaigns (13:16) - If You Can See It, She Can Be It (17:26) - Partnerships (19:01) - Coaches (19:53) - Coaching Girls Guide (23:02) - Inspirational Story (25:22) - Measurements (27:53) - Advice for Colleagues (29:27) - Advice for Young People (31:10) - Last Word (32:12) - Wrap Up

    34 min
  7. The Evolution of Goodvertising with Thomas Kolster

    11/18/2025

    The Evolution of Goodvertising with Thomas Kolster

    Only a handful of companies were bold enough to connect their business to a deeper societal or environmental issue in the early days of purpose branding. These companies stood out precisely because they believed that brands could and should stand for more than profit. But the tide has shifted over the past two decades. Purpose became not just acceptable but expected, and suddenly everyone has a stance on the climate and community. But as this movement accelerated, so did its risks. In recent years, increasingly more prominent companies have taken a step back from their purpose commitments, leading consumers to wonder how purposeful they were to begin with. How can we know who to trust? We invited Thomas Kolster, founder of Goodvertising and author of Goodvertising and The Hero Trap, to speak about how brands can navigate this increasingly complex landscape. He explores how purpose has evolved from a differentiator to a crowded and sometimes performative space. Thomas also shares personal reflections on authenticity, the dangers of purpose-washing, the pressure on legacy brands, and the growing backlash against woke messaging. This conversation is a provocative, clarifying conversation for leaders seeking to build and communicate their company’s purpose and impact efforts. Listen for insights on: Why bravery, and not perfection, is the most important brand trait todayWhy companies should not position themselves as heroesBuilding trust by enabling people to become better versions of themselves Resources + Links: Watch This Episode on YouTube!Thomas Kolster’s LinkedInThomas Kolster’s WebsiteGoodvertisingThe Hero TrapThe Drum: ​If Ben and Jerry’s goes vanilla, Unilever will eat its just desserts (00:00) - Welcome to Purpose 360 (01:07) - Thomas Kolster, Goodvertising (04:17) - Early Influences (06:52) - Epiphany (09:23) - Which Came First? (09:33) - His First Book (13:16) - Act Responsible (15:42) - State of Purpose Today (18:41) - Consistency (21:44) - Going Back to What Makes a Brand Loved (23:58) - Ben & Jerry’s (26:43) - Today’s Political Climate (31:40) - Bravery (34:36) - What’s Next? (35:19) - AI in Purpose (36:37) - Last Word (37:26) - Wrap Up

    39 min
  8. The ROI of Purpose with Steve Rochlin

    11/04/2025

    The ROI of Purpose with Steve Rochlin

    The most prominent argument against purpose is that doing good doesn’t actually pay off at the bottom line. For decades, and throughout Carol Cone’s career, skeptics have dismissed purpose as a “soft” strategy that is good for reputation but not for financial returns. That misconception is what Impact ROI set out to challenge. Impact ROI’s Project ROI reports have published research that links purpose to profit. And with the release of the newest edition, there is now fresh data connecting purpose to financial value. We invited Steve Rochlin, CEO of Impact ROI, to walk us through this new research and how it can be used to make the case to leaders focused on financial returns. From revealing how sustainability leaders can see up to a 36% boost in market value and a 57% reduction in employee turnover, to outlining the “Fit, Commit, Manage, and Connect” framework that defines high-performing purpose strategies, Rochlin offers a key strategies for organizations looking to align impact with performance. Listen for insights on: How to convince your CFO to champion purposeHow purpose-driven firms outperform peers in profitability and growthWhy doing good is the smartest growth strategy today Resources + Links: Steve Rochlin’s LinkedInImpact ROIProject ROI Report (free) (00:00) - Welcome to Purpose 360 (01:07) - Meet Steve Rochlin, Impact ROI (03:23) - Steve’s Background (05:33) - Project ROI 2015 (07:03) - Project ROI 2025 (09:52) - Key Findings and Data Points (15:44) - Two to Three Key Points (17:19) - Changing Minds (19:17) - Fit, Commit, Manage, and Connect: Fit (20:08) - Fit, Commit, Manage, and Connect: Commit (21:42) - Fit, Commit, Manage, and Connect: Manage (22:38) - Fit, Commit, Manage, and Connect: Connect (24:25) - What to Do Next (27:02) - Last Words (29:14) - Wrap Up

    31 min
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4.7
out of 5
21 Ratings

About

Business is an unlikely hero: a force for good working to solve society's most pressing challenges, while boosting bottom line. This is social purpose at work. And it's a dynamic journey. Purpose 360 is a masterclass in unlocking the power of social purpose to ignite business and social impact. Host Carol Cone brings decades of social impact expertise and a 360-degree view of integrating social purpose into an organization into unfiltered conversations that illuminate today's big challenges and bigger ideas.

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