134 episodes

Mission Forward: An award-winning podcast for communicators on a mission.

Hosted by social impact expert and B Corp leader Carrie Fox, each episode of Mission Forward explores the power of communications. With just the right mix of practical and thought-provoking content, we take on the issues that matter to you, and that support your work as a communicator for change.

Together, we talk through topics that you’re likely experiencing right now: from how to tackle tough conversations; to how to best challenge stereotypes; to how we can build bridges across the issues that divide us. If you’re working to become a more inclusive and thoughtful communicator, there’s nothing holding you back—except you.

About Season 9

Communication is essential to moving missions forward. Whether you’re trying to advance a strategic goal, drive change in an organization or raise funds to increase your impact, how you communicate matters. And with the noise of today’s world, it matters even more that your message be delivered, heard, remembered, AND acted upon. Getting there requires more than words.

We’ve entered a consequential year. Every decision will matter. Care, courage, and civility will matter too.

On season 9 of the Mission Forward podcast, host and social impact communications expert Carrie Fox will be with you through it all. With episodes dropping every Thursday, this season will feature a host of thought leaders who will share their take on this critical year and how they navigate the issues ahead. We’ll dig into key issues you’re facing, we’ll inspire you with fresh ideas and practical insights, and we’ll show you how to apply the key practices of courageous leadership to your work. Come along as we practice a more-than-words approach to communications and leadership.

* About the Host (https://www.missionforward.us/about-carrie)
* Listen to Past Episodes (https://www.missionforward.us/episodes)

Mission Forward with Carrie Fox TruStory FM

    • Society & Culture
    • 5.0 • 21 Ratings

Mission Forward: An award-winning podcast for communicators on a mission.

Hosted by social impact expert and B Corp leader Carrie Fox, each episode of Mission Forward explores the power of communications. With just the right mix of practical and thought-provoking content, we take on the issues that matter to you, and that support your work as a communicator for change.

Together, we talk through topics that you’re likely experiencing right now: from how to tackle tough conversations; to how to best challenge stereotypes; to how we can build bridges across the issues that divide us. If you’re working to become a more inclusive and thoughtful communicator, there’s nothing holding you back—except you.

About Season 9

Communication is essential to moving missions forward. Whether you’re trying to advance a strategic goal, drive change in an organization or raise funds to increase your impact, how you communicate matters. And with the noise of today’s world, it matters even more that your message be delivered, heard, remembered, AND acted upon. Getting there requires more than words.

We’ve entered a consequential year. Every decision will matter. Care, courage, and civility will matter too.

On season 9 of the Mission Forward podcast, host and social impact communications expert Carrie Fox will be with you through it all. With episodes dropping every Thursday, this season will feature a host of thought leaders who will share their take on this critical year and how they navigate the issues ahead. We’ll dig into key issues you’re facing, we’ll inspire you with fresh ideas and practical insights, and we’ll show you how to apply the key practices of courageous leadership to your work. Come along as we practice a more-than-words approach to communications and leadership.

* About the Host (https://www.missionforward.us/about-carrie)
* Listen to Past Episodes (https://www.missionforward.us/episodes)

    Regenerative Agriculture and the Future of Business as a Force for Good with Ryan Pintado-Vertner

    Regenerative Agriculture and the Future of Business as a Force for Good with Ryan Pintado-Vertner

    We are what we eat. It's an axiom. We take it as a great truth that the better the food we take on to fuel our human engines, the better those engines shall hum. Our guest this week asks us to both embrace that truth and expand it one further: we are what our food eats.
    This is just one of the core principles of regenerative agriculture, a practice celebrated by our guest today. Ryan Pintado-Vertner is an activist and a strategic marketing impact expert who helps purpose-driven founders, CEOs, and their teams stay true to their mission through thoughtful marketing and business growth strategies. Ryan has also spent a good part of his career working in natural foods and consumer packaged goods and works at the intersection of what we consume and how that consumption affects our planet and our bodies.
    Ryan is also a noted enthusiast for the transformative potential of regenerative agriculture. Far from a niche concept, regenerative practices offer a powerful trifecta of benefits: sequestering carbon to combat climate change, producing more nutritious food, and fostering healthier ecosystems.
    As Ryan explains, the health of the soil is the cornerstone that enables plants to convey the best nutrient benefits to both humans and animals. He illuminates how regenerative agriculture's focus on building healthy soil can allow agriculture to become a net negative contributor to atmospheric carbon. While still in the early stages, hundreds of organizations worldwide are pioneering regenerative practices at various scales.
    However, regenerative agriculture is about more than just farming techniques. Ryan emphasizes how it represents a broader approach to life and relationships, one that honors the sacredness of every part of the ecosystem. Embracing regenerative principles means adding value rather than extracting it and recognizing that diversity is inherently essential for any system to thrive.
    As awareness of regenerative agriculture grows, it has the potential to not only heal our planet and nourish our bodies, but to profoundly reshape how we relate to one another and the natural world we inhabit. This week's show invites each of us to plant the seeds of a regenerative future, one nutrient-rich carrot at a time. Our great thanks to Ryan for joining us this week on Mission Forward.
    Links & Notes
    Kiss the Ground - NetflixKiss the Ground ResourcesWhat Your Food Ate: How to Heal Our Land and Reclaim Our Health by David R. Montgomery and Anne BikléSmoketownConnect with Ryan on LInkedInBig Fight on Substack
    (00:00) - Welcome to Mission Forward
    (01:46) - Introducing Ryan Pintado-Vertner
    (05:18) - Regenerative Agriculture
    (13:13) - The current landscape... of the landscape
    (17:04) - The Challenge of Defining Terms
    (23:48) - How can we help the journey

    • 28 min
    Character Building • Finding The Words

    Character Building • Finding The Words

    Character building may not help you in the moment of crisis. But, what could it could do for you if you started investing back into your own character-building today? Because character-building may be the very best way to maintain your reputation for the long term.
    This week’s episode comes from the Finding The Words column, a series published every Wednesday that delivers a dose of communication insights directly to your inbox. If you like what you read, we hope you’ll subscribe to ensure you receive this each week.

    • 6 min
    The Purpose Economy with Laurence Evans

    The Purpose Economy with Laurence Evans

    Laurence Evans is the CEO of Reputation Leaders and a global thought leader in building trust and reputation. This week on the show, he joins Carrie for a conversation that challenges long-settled leadership assumptions.
    Laurence's journey into purpose-driven work began early, inspired by his father's example as a mayor who made a significant difference in their community. His experiences at Edelman, working on groundbreaking projects like the Dove Report on Real Beauty Self-Esteem and the "Dirt is Good" campaign, solidified his belief that companies can pursue a purpose while also benefiting their brand. This realization led him to establish Reputation Leaders, with the aim of helping companies build positive reputations that create a virtuous circle.
    Carrie and Laurence delve into the challenges CEOs face in speaking out on important issues without alienating key audiences. Laurence shares fascinating research revealing that while conversations around diversity, equity, and inclusion have increased since George Floyd's death, many CEOs lack a plan for addressing these topics. He emphasizes the importance of listening to employees, board members, and customers, as well as setting clear values and commitments to sustainability and DEI.
    "Diversity is good for business," he says. "Why do I believe that?"
    First, embracing diversity opens up new, underserved markets. Second, bringing together people from diverse backgrounds leads to different perspectives and better decision-making.
    "We rush into the emotional side of it, and we don't actually say, 'You know what? There's a very good reason why we're doing this. It's just good for business.'" The lesson, then, is that by framing DEI as a strategic business imperative rather than a moral obligation, we can more effectively communicate the value and necessity of our DEI initiatives to a broader set of stakeholders.
    For Laurence, leadership lessons boil down to the wisdom of everyday Americans, who increasingly believe CEOs should speak to environmental issues, refrain from taking sides on geopolitical issues, and address social issues that relate to their company's values. Put simply: "When we asked people back in November, 'What do you want companies to do most in 2024?' The answer was integrity. We just want them to do what they say."
    This week's show brings invaluable guidance for purpose-driven CEOs navigating a polarized world. The issues we face are many and they are significant. But if we learn anything from Laurence's experience, sometimes simple statements of authenticity—repeated clearly—are the most valuable in building trust that lasts. Our great thanks to Laurence and Reputation Leaders for making this conversation possible.

    (00:00) - Welcome to Mission Forward
    (01:06) - Introducing Laurence Evans
    (09:00) - The Duality of Character and Charisma
    (10:50) - The Data Supporting Corporate Good
    (23:54) - Who's doing it well?

    • 29 min
    What If? • Finding The Words

    What If? • Finding The Words

    Have you ever questioned the impact you can make as one person? What If you have a far greater influence and impact than you realize? And what if your micro-level decisions can result in powerful and positive macro-level changes?

    This week’s episode comes from the Finding The Words column, a series published every Wednesday that delivers a dose of communication insights directly to your inbox. If you like what you read, we hope you’ll subscribe to ensure you receive this each week.

    (00:00) - Welcome to Mission Forward

    • 5 min
    Navigating the Issues with Carol Cone

    Navigating the Issues with Carol Cone

    In the face of global challenges and societal shifts, Carrie sits down with Carol Cone, a pioneer in social purpose, to explore the critical role of courageous leadership in navigating the complexities in the year ahead.
    The imperative for companies to adopt a holistic approach that integrates business strategy with social impact initiatives is at the forefront. For Cone, that comes in the form of the "power of and" – the ability to simultaneously pursue short-term value while investing in long-term sustainability. It’s an example of cognitive dissonance, sure, but with examples like Eli Lilly's commitment to affordable insulin and Macy's alignment with diverse suppliers, it’s clear: the approach can work.
    Carrie and Carol delve into the rapidly evolving storm of artificial intelligence (AI). While AI holds immense promise for augmenting human capabilities, what should we be concerned with when it comes to the potential for deep fakes and the need for ethical guidelines in this space? What happens when organizations approach the tools with training and understanding rather than fear?
    Climate change remains a pressing issue, and Carol highlights the growing number of companies investing in sustainability. She cites IBM's Sustainability Accelerator as an example of how large organizations are leveraging their resources to support innovative climate solutions. At a smaller scale, she emphasizes the need for collaboration between businesses and non-profits to address supply chain issues and promote social justice.
    As the demand for skilled labor grows, Carol discusses the importance of new skills development. She applauds IBM's commitment to "new collar jobs" and their recognition that college degrees are not the only pathway to successful careers. Organizations like Per Scholas are bridging the gap by providing certification programs and job placement assistance at scale.
    At a time of growing polarization, this week’s conversation is a reminder that complex challenges require nuanced solutions. By spotlighting leaders who hold long and short-term needs in careful balance, Carrie and Carol offer hope in the power of business to drive social progress when rooted in purpose. With care and conviction, they compel us to expand our perspectives, collaborate across sectors, and activate our highest values in service of the greater good. Our great thanks to Carol Cone for joining us this week.
    Links & Notes
    Subscribe to Purpose 360 with Carol Cone
    (00:00) - Welcome to Mission Forward
    (01:36) - Introducing Carol Cone
    (09:53) - A Focus on the Long Game
    (16:11) - AI
    (21:09) - Climate
    (28:48) - The Social Impact Career

    • 36 min
    Where Will This Year Take You? Welcome to Season 9

    Where Will This Year Take You? Welcome to Season 9

    The headlines say it all. We’re living in complicated times.  As threats to our economy, democracy, public health, humanity, and the planet all converge, how in the world are we as leaders meant to navigate through it?
    Will you do right by your public commitments to DEI or walk them back?  Will you lead through your values or your bottom line? Will you stand by while the world changes, or will you be the change?
    Hey, I’m Carrie Fox, host of the Mission Forward podcast and a firm believer in the power of communications as a force for good.
    Whether you’re working to address climate change or public health, DEI, or AI, communications matters. Courage, care, and civility matter, too. How you practice those three C’s will directly affect your future, too.
    On this 9th season of Mission Forward, we’ll introduce you to a host of global thought leaders who will share their take on this consequential year and how they navigate the issues ahead. We hope you’ll come along because there’s too much ahead to navigate alone, particularly as the headlines are breaking all around you.
    We’ll see you on February 29th for our first episode of Season 9.

    (00:00) - Welcome to Mission Forward

    • 2 min

Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5
21 Ratings

21 Ratings

Dee @ Truth in Common ,

key source for social good communicators

As someone who’s worked in social change for over 20 years, I appreciate these conversations so much. The breadth and diversity of voices and experiences make the series not just useful, but inspirational, and I agree — whatever the change you want to see, it’s largely a communications challenge!

El_Scarfo ,

Fresh perspectives on critical topics

Carrie Fox effortlessly holds conversations with thoughtful leaders who offer diverse perspectives on the topics we should be paying attention to today. Can’t wait for the next season!

Sadie432 ,

Fueling my work ❤️

I love and appreciate the thoughtful conversations that fuel our work and support organizations in moving their mission forward. Thank you!

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