Talking Purpose: The Purpose and Profit Business Podcast

Katie Boothby-Kung
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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!

  1. 6D AGO

    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

  2. APR 2

    The 4 Quadrants of Brand Experience That Drive Conversions (And Where You're Probably Leaking Customers)

    Welcome back to Talking Purpose! Here's a truth bomb: your brand experience IS your sales funnel. They're the same thing. Every interaction someone has with your brand—whether it's scrolling your Instagram, reading your About page, unboxing your product, or attending your pop-up—is a step in the journey from curiosity to conversion. And if those experiences aren't strategically aligned? You've got a leaky funnel. In this solo episode, I'm pulling back the curtain on the four quadrants every e-commerce founder needs to audit: the Founder Experience, the Product Experience, the Online Experience, and the IRL (In Real Life) Experience. Each one plays a critical role in building trust, connection, and ultimately, sales. Too often, for-purpose businesses treat customer experience as disconnected marketing tactics instead of a cohesive journey. Your branding might be heartfelt, but if your product page leaves questions unanswered, people bounce. Your social posts might inspire, but if you're nowhere to be seen as a founder, they can't connect. This misalignment is what's costing you impact AND revenue. What We Cover: Why brand experience and sales funnel are one and the sameThe 4 essential quadrants to audit (and how they work together)The "likability factor" and why customers want to like YOU, not just your productHow to showcase your product in a way that bridges uncertainty to trustWhat makes customers actually look forward to your emails (and how to do it)Why in-person events are having a massive post-COVID revivalThe simple framework to audit your brand experience and find the leaksKey Quote: "Your brand experience has to fit who you are as a business AND who your customers are and what they desire. The more seamless this fit, the more naturally people will move through your funnel." Resources: Learn more about for-purpose business strategy at www.talkingpurpose.caStart your e-commerce business on ShopifyEpisode Bio: Katie Boothby-Kung is the host of Talking Purpose and a brand strategist passionate about helping for-purpose e-commerce founders build profitable, impactful businesses. In this solo episode, she shares the exact framework she uses to audit brand experiences and identify where businesses are losing customers. Subscribe to Talking Purpose for more conversations and strategies that help mission-driven founders grow with intention. 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

    23 min

  3. APR 2

    Building Community Abundance: Monica Grunick on Creating a Million-Dollar Retail Business

    Welcome back to Talking Purpose!  What does it take to build a business that creates abundance for everyone—not just the founder? In this episode, I sit down with Monica Grunick, co-founder of love, Pittsburgh, a gift shop that supports over 100 Pittsburgh-based artists and makers across three brick-and-mortar locations. Monica and her business partner Kelly started with a simple wish in 2016: a place where you knew you were shopping local. Eight years later, they've just hit their first million-dollar year while staying true to that original mission. Recently named one of Pittsburgh Magazine's 2025 Women in Business, Monica shares the unglamorous truth about retail, how they survived COVID, and why sticking with something is the most underrated business strategy. What We Cover: The real story behind choosing brick-and-mortar over e-commerceHow they hit $1M in sales after 8 years (and why it took that long)Surviving COVID as a physical retailerWhy community abundance creates business abundanceMonica's advice for anyone dreaming of opening a shopBuilding her second brand, love,, with lessons learned"I think the longer you can stick with something, the better the chance of your success. Just give it a try. Ask for help. People will help you. Don't be afraid." - Monica Grunick Resources: love, Pittsburgh: lovepittsburghshop.com | @lovepittsburghshoplove,: lovestores.co | @lovestorescoGuest Bio: Monica Grunick is co-founder of love, Pittsburgh and founder of love,. Named one of Pittsburgh Magazine's 2025 Women in Business, Monica is a visionary entrepreneur who has designed a life overflowing with purpose and joy. She believes that living with integrity unlocks a universe of abundance. Subscribe to Talking Purpose for more conversations with purpose-driven entrepreneurs who are building businesses that matter. 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

    39 min

  4. APR 2

    Why Mission-Driven Entrepreneurs Keep Under-Pricing (And How to Stop)

    Welcome back to Talking Purpose! Think building a profitable, purpose-driven business means working yourself to the bone? Brian Thompson, tax attorney and financial advisor to LGBTQ+ mission-driven entrepreneurs, is here to call BS on that idea—and every other myth holding values-aligned founders back. After a decade defending people against the IRS, Brian pivoted to helping entrepreneurs be proactive instead of reactive with their finances. Now he's on a mission to prove that you CAN have impact, profit, AND the life you actually want—without the hustle culture burnout. In this episode, we dive into: Why profit and purpose have been falsely separated (and how the nonprofit industry is partly to blame).The 6-account cash flow system that makes managing money simple—even if you hate spreadsheets.Why EVERY entrepreneur under-prices and how to break the cycle of undervaluing yourself.How to use your identity as a business asset, especially in uncertain times.The "thrive number" exercise that lets you price backwards from the life you want.Why getting in your own way is the #1 business blocker—and how to get out of it.The five types of wealth every entrepreneur should be building (hint: it's not just money).My biggest takeaway? You can create whatever you want. No, seriously—Brian repeats this mantra throughout, and it's the mindset shift every founder needs to hear. Stop sacrificing yourself for your mission. Start designing a business that supports your life, your values, AND your bank account. 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. 09/18/2025

    Crowdsourcing Creativity: AI-Powered Design and the Future of Sustainable Fashion

    On today’s episode of Talking Purpose, I sit down with Sajna Massey, the remarkable founder and CEO of Couth Studios—a trailblazing brand that’s redefining the intersection of technology, sustainability, and fashion. Sajna shares the inspiring story behind her journey from electrical engineering and tech to launching her own data-driven fashion house, motivated by a desire to cut down on overproduction and bring customers into the creative process. We get an inside look at how Couth Studios blends artificial intelligence and crowdsourced feedback to create intentional, community-approved designs, as well as Sajna’s vision for the future of sustainable, collaborative fashion. And more interesting to hear is Sajna is doing this all while working 9-5. It was inspiring to hear how she balances work and side hustle and how you can too! From the challenges of made-to-order production to the excitement of textile innovation (hello, pineapple leather!), this episode is packed with practical advice and fresh perspectives for anyone interested in purposeful entrepreneurship and conscious consumerism. Tune in for a candid conversation about turning passion into action, embracing the founder hustle, and building a more meaningful wardrobe—together. 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

  6. 09/11/2025

    The 5 P's of Product Experience: Why They Matter for Mission-Led Businesses

    In today’s very special solo episode, I’m tackling a topic that’s often overlooked but absolutely vital for mission-led and sustainable e-commerce businesses: the product experience. Have you ever poured your heart into crafting a brand with a powerful mission, only to wonder why your product isn’t flying off the shelves? It might be because you’re missing the mark when it comes to delivering a memorable and meaningful product experience. That’s why I’m introducing you to what I call the Five P’s of Product Experience—your proposition, purpose, pricing, packaging, and post-purchase journey. In this episode, I’ll break down each of these pillars, sharing personal stories and practical tips to help you ensure that your product not only aligns with your brand’s mission, but also delights your customers at every step. Whether you’re fine-tuning your packaging, rethinking your pricing strategy, or looking for ways to deepen customer loyalty, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help your purpose-driven business thrive. Tune in and discover how mastering the product experience is the key to building real loyalty, making a greater impact, and standing out in today’s crowded market. 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

    19 min

  7. 08/21/2025

    Redefining Success: Entrepreneurial Freedom, Impact, and Mindset with Cahill Camden

    Welcome back! Today I sit down with Cahill Camden, CEO and founder of NovaCast AI, an innovative platform helping podcasters and entrepreneurs connect and amplify their voices. Cahill joins us from Vancouver, sharing stories from his global digital nomad lifestyle and offering inspiration for those dreaming of location-independent work. Together, we have a chance to dive into brand building in 2025 and the unique power podcasting holds in a world flooded with AI-generated content. We discuss actionable strategies for making authentic connections through podcasting, common mistakes founders make when pitching themselves, and how NovaCast AI is streamlining the guest-host matchmaking process. Yet, in my opinion, the real juicy parts are at the end when Cahill opens up about his experience leading companies through multi-million-dollar exits and shares thoughtful advice for entrepreneurs—especially those building with purpose—on defining success and designing a life and business that align with their true goals. Whether you’re looking to grow your personal brand, master earned media, or simply craft a career that supports your ideal lifestyle, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration you won’t want to miss! 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

    49 min

  8. 08/14/2025

    Sustainability in Travel: How Sororal Empowers Women Through Purpose-Driven Adventures

    Welcome back to Talking Purpose! In today’s episode, I sit down with her longtime friend, Megan Ryder Burbidge, the inspiring CEO and founder of Sororal—a sustainable travel company dedicated to empowering women around the world. Together, we dive into Megan’s journey from growing up as a kid who traveled the world with her parents' work, to building a business that pairs intentional, luxury travel with community, purpose, and deep social impact. You’ll hear how Sororal crafts transformative trips that foster real sisterhood, connect women across borders, and uplift women-led businesses. Megan pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to create authentic, safe, and meaningful travel experiences—and how Sororal’s unique approach to advocacy and partnership is making a difference far beyond a typical vacation. Megan shares how she is relentless about Sororal's why and how all of her decisions fall back to their reason for existing and supporting women in communities where they travel. As we all build businesses with a bigger purpose, it can become overwhelming and sometimes we find ourselves compromising on our core impact. Let Megan be a reminder that building something that makes lasting changes requires boundaries. Whether you’re dreaming of launching your own purpose-driven project, passionate about ethical travel, or just curious about how business can become a true force for good, this conversation is packed with candid insights, hard-earned lessons, and tangible inspiration. So grab your favorite coffee or tea, and join us as we explore how Sororal is redefining what it means to travel with heart and purpose. 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
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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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