Talking Purpose: The Purpose and Profit Business Podcast

Katie Boothby-Kung
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Updated Biweekly

Welcome to Talking Purpose, the podcast. I'm your host, Katie Boothby-Kung, a sustainability expert who has worked with thousands of brands to help them find sustainable and profitable solutions for their company. Talking Purpose is a podcast for small and medium sized businesses looking to build sustainable brands that make an impact. But branding isn't just about some key messages and a flashy logo. Brand runs deep and if you are creating a sustainable business, these values should be ingrained in every part of your company. From operations, culture and hiring through to how you communicate and tell your story. In some of the teasers, you heard from from experts who join me to share their tips, tricks and hot takes on sustainable brand building so you can create a business that’s good for people, the planet and your profits too! Check it out!

  1. 2d ago

    She Grew Up on a Coffee Farm in Kenya — Now She's Changing How North America Buys Coffee

    What if the most powerful marketing tool available to you as a founder is just being yourself? In this episode, I sit down with Caroline Ndiangui — founder of ITSO Coffee and 2024 North American RT Foundation Award winner — to unpack how she built a specialty coffee brand rooted in ethical sourcing, women's empowerment, and radical transparency. Born and raised on a coffee farm in Kenya, Caroline launched ITSO Coffee to bridge the gap between Kenyan women farmers and North American consumers — with no middlemen, no shortcuts, and no paid ads. What we cover: ✅ Growing up harvesting coffee in Kenya — and how that shaped the ITSO Coffee mission ✅ Sourcing directly from the Kipkelion Women in Coffee Cooperative and what fair trade looks like on the ground ✅ Micro-loans, health insurance, and youth empowerment programs embedded in the cooperative model ✅ QR code traceability that connects customers to the exact farmer who grew their beans ✅ Pivoting from imported roasted beans to local green bean roasting in Burlington, Ontario ✅ How organic social and in-person events built a loyal customer base with zero ad spend ✅ Why showing up authentically — unscripted, unpolished, and real — is the most powerful brand strategy a small business founder can use ✅ The Rootree Foundation Award win and what third-party recognition does for brand credibility Connect with Caroline & ITSO Coffee: 🌐 itsocoffee.com 📸 Instagram: @itso_coffee 📘 Facebook: Itso Coffee 📧 info@itsocoffee.com Talking Purpose is hosted by me, Katie Boothby-Kung. New episodes every week at talkingpurpose.ca Learn more about starting and scaling a for-purpose business at www.talkingpurpose.ca Start your business today on the best e-commerce platform in the world on Shopify

    39 min

  2. May 21

    Patagonia's VP of Digital Reveals What Most Brands Get Completely Wrong

    What if everything you know about e-commerce marketing is the opposite of what actually works? In this episode, I sit down with Angela D. Clark — former VP of Digital at Patagonia and founder of Eclipse Advisory Group — to unpack the marketing philosophy behind one of the most purpose-driven brands on the planet. No paid Instagram ads. No discount codes. No chasing trends. Just a deeply intentional approach to brand building that puts environmental mission first and lets the retail engine follow. What we cover: ✅ Why Patagonia's leadership starts with environmental impact — and retail comes second ✅ How earned media replaces paid advertising and frees up budget for higher-impact channels ✅ Why Angela chose Pinterest over Meta — and what product brands are missing on that platform ✅ The no-discount policy and how Patagonia converts abandoned carts without promo codes ✅ Building customer lifetime value through repair, resale, and brand storytelling ✅ The balance between retention and acquisition — and why retention was Angela's biggest opportunity ✅ A candid take on Zara's upmarket repositioning and what it means for sustainable retail Connect with Angela: 💼 linkedin.com/in/angclrk/🌐 Patagonia: linkedin.com/company/patagonia_2/Talking Purpose is hosted by me, Katie Boothby-Kung. New episodes every week at talkingpurpose.ca Learn more about starting and scaling a for-purpose business at www.talkingpurpose.ca Start your business today on the best e-commerce platform in the world on Shopify

    54 min

  3. May 14

    She Turned Fashion's Biggest Problem Into a Thriving Business

    What do you do when an entire industry is drowning in waste — and nobody's talking about it? In this episode, I sit down with Irina McKenzie, founder of FABCYCLE and Sewjo, to unpack how she built a purpose-driven business around one of fashion's most ignored problems: textile waste. From community repair events to a thriving fabric rescue shop, to building two tech products from scratch — Irina's story is one of the most compelling entrepreneurship journeys I've had on the show. What we cover: ✅ How a pop-up shop with people lining up outside validated the FABCYCLE concept before launch ✅ Building Sewjo — a free sewing app that helps makers use what they already have instead of buying more ✅ Why community events became FABCYCLE's most powerful growth and retention tool ✅ The real challenges of building a tech product as a non-tech creative founder ✅ How FABCYCLE manages 50–300 new product listings per week with constantly changing stock ✅ What circular fashion actually means for small brands and independent makers ✅ Why exploring your values first is the real foundation of building a business that lasts Connect with Irina & FABCYCLE: 🌐 fabcycle.shop📸 Instagram: @fabcyclevan🎵 TikTok: @fabcyclevanDownload Sewjo for free: 🤖 Android: play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.sewjoappmobile🍎 iOS: apps.apple.com/ca/app/sewjo/id6737978613🌐 sewjo.appLearn more about starting and scaling a for-purpose business at www.talkingpurpose.ca Start your business today on the best e-commerce platform in the world on Shopify

    40 min

  4. May 7

    She Sells Aprons to Feed Millions — Here's How It Actually Works

    What if your product could feed 100 people every time someone bought it? In this episode, I sit down with Seema Sanghavi, founder of Cooks Who Feed — a Canadian social enterprise that combats hunger and food waste through ethically handmade kitchen textiles. Seema's "1-for-100" model is simple but powerful: every apron sold provides 100 meals to those in need. From a transformative 2016 trip to India, to a successful Kickstarter launch, to opening her own production facility and crossing the 2 million meals donated milestone — this conversation is packed with honest, actionable insights for any founder building a purpose-driven brand. What we cover: ✅ Validating a product idea through crowdfunding before leaving a stable corporate job ✅ Building the "1 apron = 100 meals" giveback model with partners Second Harvest, No Kid Hungry, and Feeding India ✅ Scaling ethical production by opening a dedicated facility in India in 2022 ✅ Partnering with celebrity chefs to grow brand awareness and mission reach ✅ Navigating the tension between retail and B2B in a mission-driven business ✅ Why sustainability in the hospitality industry needs to extend beyond food — into linens ✅ Seema's no-nonsense advice for founders who are waiting for everything to be perfect before they launch Connect with Seema & Cooks Who Feed: 🌐 cookswhofeed.com📸 Instagram: @cookswhofeed📩 info@cookswhofeed.comLove the show? If you enjoyed this conversation, please follow the podcast on your favorite platform and leave us a review! It helps us bring more purpose-driven stories to listeners like you. Learn more about starting and scaling a for-purpose business at www.talkingpurpose.ca Start your business today on the best e-commerce platform in the world on Shopify Learn more about starting and scaling a for-purpose business at www.talkingpurpose.ca Start your business today on the best e-commerce platform in the world on Shopify

    47 min

  5. Apr 30

    Why Your Paid Ads Aren't Working (And the "Secret Sauce" of Community Growth)

    Welcome back to Talking Purpose!  Is your marketing message getting lost in the noise? In this episode, Katie sits down with Drew Green, a performance marketing expert who has led campaigns for Fortune 50 brands. From starting his first business at 16 to scaling the first true pickleball-focused marketing agency, Drew knows what it takes to get noticed. We explore his "secret sauce" for community growth, the importance of testing across multiple channels, and why "brand guidelines" might actually be killing your conversion rates. Tune in to learn how to turn your media strategy into real business outcomes. In this episode, we discuss: The First-Timer Advantage: Why Drew chose Talking Purpose for his podcast debut and his journey from a 16-year-old dropshipper to a high-level agency founder.The "Omnichannel" Necessity: Why sticking to just one platform is the biggest risk for your brand—and how to be "everywhere" without burning out.Ditching the Brand Police: Why overly polished "brand guidelines" might be killing your conversion rates and why organic-feeling content wins every time.The "Yes, And" Approach to Testing: How to adopt an improvisational mindset to find the "secret sauce" in your ad creative.Neurodiversity as a Superpower: How Drew uses his unique perspective to solve complex marketing puzzles that others miss.The Future of Community: Why Drew is betting big on the pickleball world and how niche communities are the new frontier for brands.Where to find Drew: Website: TheDAGAgency.comLove the show? If you enjoyed this conversation, please follow the podcast on your favorite platform and leave us a review! It helps us bring more purpose-driven stories to listeners like you. Learn more about starting and scaling a for-purpose business at www.talkingpurpose.ca Start your business today on the best e-commerce platform in the world on Shopify

    39 min

  6. Apr 23

    5 Ways to Drive Traffic to Your Store Without Spending a Dollar on Ads

    Tired of burning through your ad budget? Here are 5 proven ways to drive traffic to your online store without spending a dollar on ads. In this solo episode, I'm breaking down sustainable, long-term strategies that build community, trust, and a loyal customer base—not just quick wins. What we cover: Pinterest – The untapped search engine for high-intent shoppers (perfect for lifestyle, fashion, beauty, home goods)PR & Guest Spots – Show up to warm audiences on podcasts, blogs, Instagram, TikTokCollaboration – Partner with complementary brands to share audiencesSEO – The foundation for ongoing organic traffic (backlinks, keywords, meta descriptions)Sampling & Gifting – Get your products in influencer hands (plus performance PR explained)Key insight: "If you wanna go fast, go alone. But if you wanna go far, go together. Ads can get you quick wins, but community through organic gets you longevity." These strategies take work and commitment—they're not silver bullets. But the returns in community loyalty and repeat sales are totally worth it. Your homework: Pick ONE strategy and double down this week: Audit your website for SEOCreate your influencer gifting listReach out to a brand partnerSet up Pinterest business accountPitch yourself for a guest spotResources mentioned: Dream Day PR Agency (Performance PR concept) Ready for expert support? Join the Purpose to Profit Membership for actionable templates, SEO guidance, and a purpose-driven community. Learn more: talkingpurpose.ca/membership Learn more about starting and scaling a for-purpose business at www.talkingpurpose.ca Start your business today on the best e-commerce platform in the world on Shopify

    11 min

  7. Apr 16

    Why This Indigenous Founder Left Amazon After 10 Years

    Welcome back to Talking Purpose! What does it take to walk away from Amazon when your business is growing? Vanessa Marshall, founder of Jack59, made that exact decision after 10 years—and she's never looked back. Vanessa built Jack59 from a bad vacation experience with a shampoo bar into an indigenous-owned sustainable haircare brand now in 500+ stores across Canada. Along the way, she's helped eliminate over 1 million plastic bottles from entering the environment. This conversation is about values, innovation, and finding your voice as a founder. What we cover: Zero packaging origins – How Jack59 launched with literally no packaging at all The Amazon exit – Why Vanessa decided to leave Amazon despite the revenue Seven Grandfather teachings – How Anishinaabe values guide business decisions (Honesty, Bravery, Humility, Wisdom, Truth, Respect, Love) Compostable innovation – Engineering fully compostable resin containers from a dream 1 million bottles eliminated – The tangible impact of concentrated haircare products Finding your voice – Why it took 10 years as CEO to fully trust herself Internal culture – Living wages, flexible hours, health benefits for all staff The easy change – Why shampoo bars are the simplest switch for sustainability Collaboration over competition – Sharing warehouse space and resources with other brands Learning from failure – Expensive agency mistakes and what they taught Key takeaway: "If I was just simply chasing the money, we would be a lot bigger and making a lot more money. We're doing fine—we're not suffering. But those values aren't easy to stick to." About Vanessa Marshall: Vanessa is the founder of Jack59, an indigenous-owned sustainable haircare brand based in Edmonton, Alberta. With a chemistry background and deep connection to environmental values, Vanessa created shampoo and conditioner bars that work beautifully while eliminating plastic waste. Jack59 is rooted in the Seven Grandfather teachings and available in 500+ stores across Canada. Seven Grandfather Teachings (Anishinaabe): Honesty, Bravery, Humility, Wisdom, Truth, Respect, Love Connect with Vanessa: Website: jack59.com Instagram: @jack59inc TikTok: @jack59inc Store Locator: jack59.com Ready to build a for-purpose business? Visit www.talkingpurpose.ca for resources and free guides. Learn more about starting and scaling a for-purpose business at www.talkingpurpose.ca Start your business today on the best e-commerce platform in the world on Shopify

    51 min

  8. Apr 9

    The #1 Mistake Small Businesses Make When Pursuing Sustainability

    Welcome back to Talking Purpose! Tired of feeling like operating with integrity is too expensive or complicated? I sat down with Amanda Baker, founder and CEO of Baked Good Impact, to prove that running a business with purpose is the ultimate strategy for financial security, reduced risk, and explosive customer retention. In this episode, Amanda draws on her experience overhauling the supply chain and operations for the multimillion-dollar brand Tease Tea to show you how to embed impact deep into your business DNA, not just your external marketing. We dive into: Why building equitable policies for your team is just as important as planting trees.The three essential handbooks (Team, Management, and Supplier) that every small-to-medium business needs to mitigate risk and run smoothly.Why B Corp is a RETENTION strategy, not an acquisition strategy, and how to make the certification work for you.How to find the right impact pillar for your business—and why your personal passion (like saving panda bears) might need to be a side project.The crucial connection between the high cost of customer acquisition and why values-aligned retention is the future of business.In my opinion, the most valuable lesson here is that building integrity into your systems—even with simple Google Forms—is the best way to future-proof your brand. Stop sacrificing your financial security for your values, and start aligning them for lasting success. Learn more about starting and scaling a for-purpose business at www.talkingpurpose.ca Start your business today on the best e-commerce platform in the world on Shopify

    46 min
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Welcome to Talking Purpose, the podcast. I'm your host, Katie Boothby-Kung, a sustainability expert who has worked with thousands of brands to help them find sustainable and profitable solutions for their company. Talking Purpose is a podcast for small and medium sized businesses looking to build sustainable brands that make an impact. But branding isn't just about some key messages and a flashy logo. Brand runs deep and if you are creating a sustainable business, these values should be ingrained in every part of your company. From operations, culture and hiring through to how you communicate and tell your story. In some of the teasers, you heard from from experts who join me to share their tips, tricks and hot takes on sustainable brand building so you can create a business that’s good for people, the planet and your profits too! Check it out!

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