The Caring Economy with Toby Usnik Toby Usnik

Join us in this inspiring episode of The Caring Economy podcast as we sit down with Darren Walker, President of the Ford Foundation. Darren's journey from being part of the first class of Head Start in 1965 to leading one of the world's largest philanthropic organizations is nothing short of remarkable.

In our conversation, Darren shares his insights into philanthropy's evolving landscape, the dynamics shaping social justice movements, and the transformative role of technology in creating a brighter future.

Whether you're a college student exploring paths in social impact or someone passionate about making a positive change in the world, this episode offers valuable wisdom. Darren provides guidance for aspiring changemakers and emphasizes the significance of purpose-driven careers.

Discover why Darren Walker has been recognized globally, from TIME's 100 Most Influential People to Wall Street Journal's 2020 Philanthropy Innovator.

Tune in and get inspired to champion equity and drive positive change in today's complex world.

In this must-listen episode of the Caring Economy Podcast, we are honored to have media icon and philanthropist Gerry Laybourne. With a storied career that ranges from leading Nickelodeon to founding Oxygen Media, Gerry Laybourne broke barriers as one of the first women to helm a cable television network. Today, she's channeling her entrepreneurial spirit into social impact through her DAY ONE Early Learning Community initiative.

Key Takeaways:


The Rise of Nickelodeon: How Gerry Laybourne revolutionized children's television and built a globally recognized brand.
Oxygen Media: The inception, growth, and influence of a TV network aimed at younger women.
The Caring Economy: Understanding Gerry Laybourne's vision for transforming early childhood education and why it's a critical issue today.
Female Leadership: Insights into Gerry's philanthropic work that empowers women and girls across various sectors.

Season 12 of The Caring Economy Podcast is officially here! Join me as we dive into inspiring conversations with thought leaders who are shaping a more caring and sustainable world.

In this season's first episode, we have the privilege of talking with the remarkable Brandee McHale, Head of Community Investing and Development at Citi, and President of the Citi Foundation. Brandee's decades of experience in financial services and philanthropy have paved the way for innovative initiatives that bridge communities, drive inclusivity, and empower individuals for a brighter future. Tune in to learn about the unique approach of the Citi Foundation, the Citi Impact Fund, and how financial inclusion is being transformed through initiatives like Citi Start Saving and the ATM Community Network.

Join us as we uncover insights into responsible corporate practices, closing racial wealth gaps, and creating equitable growth. 🌱



Don't forget to check out my book that inspired this podcast series, The Caring Economy: How to Win With Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

Want to listen to more? Find it all on TikTok and YouTube.

🌟 Prepare to be Inspired! Join us on this episode of The Caring Economy as we dive into the transformative journey of Ramita Anand, a visionary educator and founder of ElevateRA. 🌸✨

Ramita, a trained teacher with a specialization in Science and Special Educational Needs, is on a mission to equip pre-adolescents with essential life skills through her ElevateRA mentoring services. In today's rapidly evolving world, young people face challenges that impact their self-worth, academic progress, and social development. Ramita's ElevateRA takes a proactive approach to education, nurturing skills like confidence, empathy, resilience, emotional intelligence, and kindness that will guide them throughout their lives.

With 15 years of international teaching experience, Ramita's expertise shines as she has been the Department Head of Learning Support and Enrichment at leading academic schools in the UK. Her unique blend of educational insights and parenting wisdom has led to the creation of mentoring services for young girls, providing them with a solid foundation for success.

🎙️ In this enlightening episode, we uncover Ramita's personal journey, the profound impact of Elevate's mentorship programs, and her visionary approach to nurturing the next generation of female leaders.

🌐 Don't miss this chance to gain valuable insights into how ElevateRA is shaping a brighter future for young minds! Tune in to The Caring Economy podcast and be part of the movement to uplift the voices of those dedicated to positive change.

Join us in celebrating the dedication of individuals like Ramita Anand who are nurturing young minds for a brighter tomorrow! 💫✨

#ElevateRA #EducationForChange #PositiveImpact #PodcastInterview #YoungMinds #BrightFuture #InspirationForAll #CaringEconomy #NextGenerationLeadership #PersonalGrowth #EducationalInsights #TransformativeJourney

In the next episode of "The Caring Economy" podcast, we're thrilled to welcome Rodolfo Spielmann, the President and CEO of NatureSweet, a greenhouse-grown produce company that's not only known for its delicious snacking tomatoes but also for its incredible dedication to corporate social responsibility.

Headquartered in Texas, NatureSweet is transforming the lives of agricultural workers in North America with a bigger purpose in mind than just growing fruits and veggies. With more than 6,000 employees across five facilities in Mexico and one in Willcox, AZ, the company is committed to making a positive impact on the communities it serves.

NatureSweet goes above and beyond to treat its workers right, with initiatives that set a powerful example of corporate social responsibility. They pay their workers more than double the minimum wage in Mexico, providing them with opportunities to earn up to 300% in bonus compensation. The company also prioritizes education, reducing illiteracy rates by offering educational programming for workers to earn elementary, middle, and high school diplomas. To further support their workforce, NatureSweet provides access to mental health services and offers self-improvement programs ranging from human development to parenting and problem-solving.

During the episode, we'll hear from Rodolfo Spielmann himself, who will share the story of NatureSweet's success in social responsibility and how these initiatives have positively impacted the company and its employees. The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) recognized NatureSweet's commitment by featuring the company in a Sustainability Case Study.

NatureSweet has earned a trifecta of certifications, proving their commitment to doing the right thing. The company is Fair Trade Certified, Equitable Food Initiative (EFI) Certified, and recently earned B Corp Certification, making it the world's largest controlled environment agriculture (CEA) company to achieve such recognition.

Join us for an enlightening conversation with Rodolfo Spielmann as we discuss the incredible strides NatureSweet is making in the sustainable food movement and its vision for the future.

🎧 Listen to the Podcast Episode: [Insert link to the podcast episode]

As advocates of corporate social responsibility, let's come together to learn from NatureSweet's inspiring journey and explore how businesses can thrive while making a positive impact on society. We encourage you to share this episode with your network and colleagues, so we can spread the message of a caring, sustainable economy.

#TheCaringEconomy #Podcast #SocialResponsibility #SustainableFood #CorporateImpact #FairTrade #Bcorp #ESG #PositiveImpact #Leadership #Inspiration

Join us on "The Caring Economy" as we welcome Josh Knauer, a serial tech entrepreneur, ESG impact expert, and former Obama administration advisor. Known for his relentless curiosity in emerging tech and data, Josh is committed to shaping a better future. His experiences range from African Savannas to Fortune 100 boardrooms, contributing to open data and corporate climate disclosure initiatives. Co-founder of ReSeed and General Partner at JumpScale, Josh also imparts knowledge as an Adjunct Professor at Carnegie Mellon University. Listen as we explore ESG impacts, tech trends, and leveraging data for good. A must-listen for those invested in creating a caring, sustainable economy.