The Caring Economy with Toby Usnik

Toby Usnik
  • 5.0 (10)
  • BUSINESS
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY
The Caring Economy with Toby Usnik

Looking for purpose-driven career or business advice? Want to match your personal brand with a values-aligned organization? The Caring Economy is your destination. Join us weekly for insightful discussions with influential leaders sharing how they balance purpose, profit, and legacy in today's challenging business landscape. Topics range from corporate social responsibility to brand stewardship and beyond. Discover how to transform your career or business through caring principles. Engage with us on LinkedIn (Toby Usnik) and Twitter (@Tusnik) using #TheCaringEconomy.

  1. AmeriCorps & The Future of Work: Conversation with Michael Smith

    5D AGO

    AmeriCorps & The Future of Work: Conversation with Michael Smith

    In this episode of The Caring Economy, we sit down with Michael D. Smith, CEO of AmeriCorps, to explore how national service is shaping the future of leadership, social impact, and civic engagement. With over 200,000 AmeriCorps members serving across 40,000+ communities, the organization is tackling some of the nation’s biggest challenges—from education and disaster relief to public health and climate action. Michael shares his personal journey from growing up in a working-class Massachusetts town to leading one of the most influential service organizations in the U.S. We discuss the business case for volunteerism, how service can be a powerful career accelerator, and why corporate leaders should embrace community engagement as a strategic advantage. As we move into 2025, where purpose-driven work is becoming the norm, this conversation challenges us to think about the role of service in leadership, workforce development, and social cohesion. 🎧 Tune in now for a thought-provoking discussion on the power of giving back.

    30 min
  2. Power Plays: How Renee Wittemyer is Flipping the Script on Gender Equity

    FEB 28

    Power Plays: How Renee Wittemyer is Flipping the Script on Gender Equity

    The data is clear: when women thrive, economies flourish. But are we really putting our money where our values are? In this powerful episode of The Caring Economy, we sit down with Renee Wittemyer, VP of Program & Strategy at Pivotal Ventures, the Melinda French Gates-backed organization reshaping how we fund gender equity and economic opportunity. Renee shares eye-opening insights into how strategic investments in women’s leadership, innovation, and workforce inclusion are driving real, measurable change—and why traditional philanthropy isn’t enough. We discuss: ✔️ The ROI of Gender Equity – Why funding women isn’t charity, it’s smart economics ✔️ Breaking Systemic Barriers – The biggest challenges preventing women from accessing capital, leadership roles, and opportunity ✔️ Pivotal Ventures' Bold Approach – How innovative funding models are accelerating change across industries ✔️ What’s Next? – The shifts we need to see in corporate and VC spaces to build a truly inclusive economy If you're serious about rethinking corporate social responsibility, gender equity, and how capital can drive systemic change, this is an episode you can’t afford to miss.

    32 min
  3. Brewing a Better Future—Bob Stiller on Purpose-Driven Business

    FEB 12

    Brewing a Better Future—Bob Stiller on Purpose-Driven Business

    What if corporate success wasn’t just about profit but about creating a positive impact on the world? Bob Stiller,founder of Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, built a billion-dollar brand while pioneeringcorporate social responsibility (CSR). In this episode ofThe Caring Economy, Bob shares how he turned a small Vermont coffee company into a leader insustainability, ethical sourcing, and employee empowerment. Frominvesting in fair-trade coffee farmers to fostering apeople-first company culture, Bob’s leadership proves thatbusiness can be a force for good. Whether you're an entrepreneur, business leader, or passionate aboutsocial impact, this episode is packed withinsights on building a mission-driven company that thrives. Key takeaways from this episode:✔️ WhyCSR is a competitive advantage, not a cost✔️ Howlong-term thinking builds stronger businesses✔️ The role ofemployee engagement in driving innovation✔️ Whysustainability and business success go hand in hand 💡 Don’t miss this inspiring conversation with atrue pioneer in purpose-driven business

    29 min
  4. The New ROI: Visa Foundation & Graham McMillan on Impact Investing

    JAN 31

    The New ROI: Visa Foundation & Graham McMillan on Impact Investing

    How do we redefine ROI in today’s world? In this episode of The Caring Economy, we sit down with Graham McMillan, President of the Visa Foundation, to explore how corporate philanthropy and sustainable investments are reshaping the business landscape. Visa Foundation is at the forefront of financial inclusion, economic empowerment, and social impact, ensuring that capital works for underserved communities worldwide. Graham shares his expertise on blending purpose with profit, the power of partnerships, and how corporations can drive real social change. If you're interested in corporate social responsibility (CSR), ESG initiatives, and how financial institutions are stepping up to address global challenges, this episode is a must-listen.

    35 min
  5. Bridging the Divide in 2025—A Conversation with Paul Solman

    JAN 23

    Bridging the Divide in 2025—A Conversation with Paul Solman

    Join us on the latest episode of The Caring Economy as we sit down with Paul Solman, the celebrated PBS NewsHour correspondent and co-founder of the American Exchange Project. With a career spanning five decades, Paul has been a beacon of curiosity, understanding, and storytelling. In this episode, Paul shares: His unique journey from art history major to Emmy-winning journalist. The transformative mission of the American Exchange Project, connecting high school seniors across the U.S. to foster empathy and bridge divides. Timeless advice on finding purpose, embracing curiosity, and the power of everyday moments. As we step into 2025 and launch Season 15, this conversation is a powerful reminder of the impact we can all have by building bridges and creating connections. 🎙️ Tune in now to start the year inspired! #PaulSolman #TheCaringEconomy #AmericanExchangeProject #Connection #Empathy

    27 min
  6. Gymnastics, Grit, and Giving Back: Wendy Hilliard’s Inspiring Journey

    JAN 17

    Gymnastics, Grit, and Giving Back: Wendy Hilliard’s Inspiring Journey

    Step into the inspiring world of Wendy Hilliard, a trailblazing gymnast and the first Black rhythmic gymnast to represent the U.S. on the global stage. Wendy’s story is one of resilience, determination, and a profound commitment to making gymnastics—and opportunity—accessible to all. In this episode, Wendy shares her journey from Detroit to the international spotlight, her experiences overcoming systemic barriers, and the mission behind the Wendy Hilliard Gymnastics Foundation. With over 25,000 children served in urban communities like Harlem and Detroit, Wendy’s foundation is empowering the next generation through the transformative power of sports. 💡 What You'll Hear: Wendy’s groundbreaking achievements in rhythmic gymnastics. The challenges she faced as a Black athlete in a predominantly white sport. How her foundation is creating access and equity in gymnastics for underserved communities. The life skills gymnastics instills—discipline, leadership, and confidence—and why they matter beyond the sport. As we step into 2025, Wendy’s story inspires us to embrace resilience, foster opportunity, and create meaningful change in our communities. 🎧 Tune in now and learn how Wendy Hilliard is turning dreams into reality, one gymnast at a time. #TheCaringEconomy #WendyHilliard #Gymnastics #SportsForGood #Resilience #EmpoweringYouth #Podcast

    33 min
  7. The Ripple Effect of Care: Scott Jackson’s Vision for Impact

    JAN 3

    The Ripple Effect of Care: Scott Jackson’s Vision for Impact

    In this episode of The Caring Economy, host Toby Usnik sits down with Scott Jackson, a visionary leader in global development and the President and CEO of Global Impact. With decades of experience addressing some of the world’s most pressing humanitarian challenges, Scott shares insights into the power of collective action, the importance of sustainable partnerships, and the personal moments that shaped his journey. From his early days as an advocate for social change to his current work mobilizing resources for communities in need, Scott’s story is a testament to the transformative potential of leadership rooted in empathy and purpose. Discover how Scott and his team are redefining philanthropy by turning hope into measurable outcomes and why the work of global impact organizations is more critical than ever. Whether you're looking to be inspired or gain practical insights into making a difference, this conversation will leave you with a renewed sense of possibility and commitment to creating positive change. Don't miss this episode of The Caring Economy!

    30 min
  8. Granting Change: Sam Caplan on Tech, AI, and Empowering Nonprofits

    12/17/2024

    Granting Change: Sam Caplan on Tech, AI, and Empowering Nonprofits

    In this episode of The Caring Economy, host Toby Usnik sits down with Sam Caplan, a visionary leader at the intersection of technology and social impact. Sam shares his inspiring journey—from his unexpected beginnings as a poet to his influential work driving innovation in the nonprofit sector. As a champion for leveraging technology and AI to empower organizations and scale social good, Sam dives deep into how digital tools are transforming philanthropy, data transparency, and collaboration across sectors. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone passionate about using tech for good, scaling impact, and redefining the way nonprofits create change. Tune in for insights on leadership, innovation, and the human side of driving progress in a tech-driven world. 🎧 Listen now to learn how technology is making a difference for nonprofits and the communities they serve.

    32 min
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About

Looking for purpose-driven career or business advice? Want to match your personal brand with a values-aligned organization? The Caring Economy is your destination. Join us weekly for insightful discussions with influential leaders sharing how they balance purpose, profit, and legacy in today's challenging business landscape. Topics range from corporate social responsibility to brand stewardship and beyond. Discover how to transform your career or business through caring principles. Engage with us on LinkedIn (Toby Usnik) and Twitter (@Tusnik) using #TheCaringEconomy.

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