The Social Impact Show

In today's episode, you'll learn about impact investing and how it aligns a company's financial activities with their social mission. We explore real-world examples of how corporations are using things like pension funds, cash reserves, and more to drive meaningful change through their investments. Annie Seelaus, CEO of Seelaus, shares innovative ways businesses are putting impact investing on their radar, including money market funds that donate revenue to nonprofits and short-duration portfolios funding analyst training programs. Timestamp of our discussion: 0:44 - What is impact investing? Philosophy at Seelaus 2:27 - What are the different types of impact investing 4:38 - Is there any fallout from the polarization of ESG or DEI on impact investing? 8:06 - How would you know impact investing is actually working? 13:47 - How can a CSR team member promote impact investing and engage other departments in its exploration? 16:28 - How CSR teams can get buy-in for impact investing 18:45 - Where do you start if you want to learn more about Impact Investing? Learn more about Seelaus Investing: https://www.rseelaus.com/investment-services/ Connect with Annie Seelaus: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annie-seelaus-bb042717/ Music by https://youtube.com/ikson @iksonmusic

In today's episode, you'll learn about the current state of social impact measurement and how to connect your social impact goals with company goals. We chat with Carole Cone, who is the Founder of EpiQ and a pioneer in the social impact industry for 40 years. We explore what are employee expectation of purpose and how purpose should be measured by its impact on employees. Timestamp of our conversation: 0:48 - Current State of Social Impact Measurement  4:21 - How do you connect social impact goals to business goals? 11:36 - The evolution of social impact measurement  14:11 - Set measurement at the beginning of the work  17:47 - Reality vs expectation: Employee expectation on purpose 24:26 - How should purpose be measured as it impact employees 25:30 - EPIQ: Employee Purpose IQ  29:08 - The Power of "And" 31:35 - EPIQ: Employee Purpose IQ Connect with Carole Cone and learn more about EpiQ carol@caroleconeonpurpose.com carolconeonpurpose.com/podcast Music by https://youtube.com/ikson @iksonmusic

In today's episode, you'll learn how to create social impact outside of the conventional means through corporate gifting. We chat with Peter Dietz, Co-founder of Unwrap It and a B Corp entrepreneur, who shares his guiding principle for creating social impact and how it can be applied in various business decisions. Peter also discusses how Unwrap It helps companies identify hidden opportunities for creating social impact and how it aids in reducing carbon emissions. Timestamp of our discussion: 0:59 - Guiding principle that inspires social impact creation 2:27 - Bringing social impact goals and business goals together 3:20 - About Peter Dietz 4:26 - Examples of companies making decisions that are the right answer to multiple questions 6:35 - Identifying hidden opportunities for creating social impact 7:59 - About Unwrapit 11:33 - How Unwrapit helps companies expand their social impact programs outside conventional means 14:22 - Shift towards digital gifting by the current upcoming workforce 16:33 - Does Unwrapit circle back to clients to share the outcomes of digital gifts? 20:25 - Going beyond corporate giving Connect with Peter Dietz: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterdeitz/ Peter@unwrapit.com Music by https://youtube.com/ikson @iksonmusic

In today's episode, you'll learn how video storytelling can amplify your Corporate Social Responsibility and social impact programs. We chat with Tamika Bickham, CEO and Creative Director of TB Media Group, to discuss the power of authentic storytelling and how it can foster emotional connections with your audience. We explore the types of stories that resonate most, the role of authenticity, and how to leverage video content across various platforms. We also review valuable tips on involving employees in your storytelling efforts and how to adapt your content for different audiences.   Timestamp of our discussion: 1:14 - What are the stories CSR leaders can tell to build more support for their social impact programs? 6:06 - How do you involve employees in your CSR storytelling? 9:07 - How can video help build support for your mission or organization? 11:20 - Hallmarks and traits of a video that produces inspired feeling in your audiences 14:57 - Vertical and user generative content style videos 17:41 - Authenticity in your CSR communications and marketing 21:45 - Trends over the next 12-18 months in video-based social impact storytelling that professionals listening to / watching this podcast should monitor closely? 26:43 - When and how can CSR leaders use video storytelling in their campaigns and communications?   Connect with Tamika: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tamikabickham/ TBMediagroup.com Music by https://youtube.com/ikson @iksonmusic

In today's episode, you'll learn about the power and potential of ERG (Employee Resource Groups) discussion groups. We chat with Tiffany Huard, a leader in the ERG discussion group space, to delve into the benefits, challenges, and solutions associated with these groups. We explore how to drive engagement, prevent burnout, and create a successful ERG program. Timestamp of our discussion: 1:28 - Who participates in these discussion groups? 1:58 - How do you get members?  3:14 - What takes place in an ERG Discussion Group? 4:48 - What are the outcomes of discussion group? How do members use this information?  5:56 - Most common challenges that ERG practitioners face?  11:26 - Solutions for ERG Leaders 14:58 - How to get involved with ERG discussion groups 15:55 - ERG discussion groups in the future Sign up for ERG Discussion Groups: https://benevity.com/erg-discussions Connect with Tiffany Huard: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiffany-h-66124943/ Music by https://youtube.com/ikson @iksonmusic

In today's video, you'll learn about the evolution and future of corporate volunteering. We chat with with Sona Khosla, Chief Impact Officer at Benevity, to discuss how the definition of volunteering has changed, especially in the wake of the pandemic. We explore how companies can leverage these changes to create more inclusive and impactful programs. We look at insights from Benevity's research on the state of corporate volunteering, revealing surprising statistics and trends that can help social impact professionals enhance their CSR strategies. Timestamp of our conversation: 0:56 - State of corporate volunteering today and changes the last few years 5:21 - How has the definition of volunteering changed since the pandemic? 8:49 - What makes a corporate volunteering program successful? 6:11 - What features do the best volunteering programs use? 21:07 Why should companies invest in volunteering programs 25:29 - Where’s corporate volunteering headed in the next 2-5 years? 31:59 - about Benevity Impact Labs? Read the State of Corporate Volunteering https://benevity.com/state-of-volunteering-2024 Learn more about Benevity Impact Labs: Benevity.com/impactlabs Connect with Sona Khosla https://www.linkedin.com/in/sonakhosla/ Music by https://youtube.com/ikson @iksonmusic

In today’s episode, you’ll learn about the incredible work and impact of the Z Zurich Foundation. We sit down with Emelie Jutblad, the Head of Finance, Impact and Operations, and Dirk Gawronska, Digital Transformation Lead at Z Zurich Foundation. They share their journey from a local charity to a globally recognised organisation, transforming the lives of nearly 11 million people. They delve into their key focus areas - adapting to climate change, improving mental well-being, enabling social equity, and responding to crisis. They also share inspiring stories of employees making a difference and offer valuable insights into their grant-making process and the importance of measuring impact. Timestamp of our discussions: 00:55 - From local charity to global organization 02:04 - Partnerships for impact 04:44 - Leveraging expertise and volunteerism 06:58 - Empowering community changemakers 08:53 - Collaborative partnerships to drive grantmaking decisions 11:25 - Leveraging technology for equiteable and effective grantmaking 13:27 - Measuring impact 18:22 - Key expectations for CSR and sustainability 24:27 - Scaling community impact through collaboration 28:24 - The future of philanthropyConnect with Emelie Jutblad: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emeliejutblad/ Connect with Dirk Gawronska: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dirk-gawronska/ Music by /ikson @iksonmusic

In today's episode, you'll learn about the pivotal role of the private sector in global disaster response and the importance of public-private collaboration. We explore how corporations provide immediate relief aid while also focusing on pre-disaster preparedness and long-term reconstruction.  Andrew Jones, a Senior Researcher at The Conference Board, highlights that the number of natural disasters is rising globally. As climate change intensifies, over 90% of major firms expect disasters to become more frequent and extreme in the coming years. Corporations now supply around 40% of philanthropic funding for disaster response due to their financial resources and global footprint. Looking ahead, the greatest opportunity for progress lies in closer public-private collaboration. While most companies partner with NGOs, working strategically with government across all phases of disaster management is crucial yet uncommon currently.  Timestamp of our discussions: 1:28 - Role of the private sector and corporate philanthropy in global disaster response  3:08 - What determines whether a company's social impact program respond to disasters or not?  5:39 - Preparing responses and activities for year-round disasters 7:03 - What about preparedness or reconstruction as disaster responses  9:08 - Greatest opportunities for innovation in corporate disaster philanthropy 10:56 - Opportunities are there for public-private sector collaboration?  12:52 - Improving CSR strategic planning and decision making for natural disasters  14:36 - How important are employees in corporate disaster response efforts?  17:14 - What about man-made disasters, such as armed conflict and war? Connect with Andrew Jones: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewjjones1985/ Learn more about The Conference Board:  Conference-board.org  Music by https://youtube.com/ikson @iksonmusic

In today's video, you'll learn about the importance and intricacies of measuring and reporting corporate citizenship. We chat with Andrew Jones, a senior researcher at the Conference Board, to discuss the challenges of quantifying philanthropic efforts, the art of societal outcome measurement, and the power of storytelling in conveying your company's social impact. We delve into the current state of corporate reporting on philanthropy and CSR, and offer practical advice on how to effectively measure outcomes and enhance your storytelling. Timestamp of our discussion: 1:03 - What does “measuring” or “reporting on” corporate citizenship mean? 7:44 - How does corporate citizenship reporting compare with other corporate reports such as financial or ESG? 9:45 - If there are no obligations to measure or report on their corporate citizenship investments, why do it at all? 11:08 - Main challenges in measuring and quantifying philanthropic efforts? 13:17 - How can companies measure societal outcomes of their programs efficiently and effectively? 17:11 - How could you measure effectiveness if there are no measurement standards? 18:23 - What’s included when companies report on their corporate citizenship efforts?  20:43 - How do companies improve their storytelling and what do they need to consider? 25:31 - Future trends and opportunities in corporate citizenship measurement and reporting? Connect with Andrew Jones: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewjjones1985/ Learn more about The Conference Board: Conference-board.org Music by https://youtube.com/ikson  @iksonmusic

In today’s episode, you’ll learn about the compelling role of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in shaping the future of the workplace. We sit down with Catherine Longhi, a renowned DEI consultant, to discuss how companies can create an inclusive work environment and drive social impact. Catherine shares her insights on the importance of Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), the power of DEI in attracting and retaining talent, and how technology can help foster inclusion in a remote work setting. Tune in to discover how you can leverage DEI strategies to make your workplace a better place for everyone.   Timestamp of our discussion: 00:00 - Intro 01:32 - Defining DEI 06:49 - Measuring success in DEI 15:02 - Balancing the inner and outer work around DEI 18:00 - The ERGs as a catalyst of change 19:03 - The benefit of ERGs to leaders 21:48 - ERGs’ success stories 26:15 - Structure your ERGs 33:28 - The role of technology in connecting ERGs 36:55 - Scaling ERGs globally   Connect with Katherine Longhi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katherinelonghi/   Music by  /ikson   @iksonmusic

In today's episode, you'll learn about the unique challenges and opportunities for social impact in Rural America. We chat with Andrew Jones, a senior researcher at the Conference Board, and delve into the state of philanthropy in rural America, explore the socioeconomic issues corporations are addressing, and highlight the key partnerships needed to scale social impact efforts.  Timestamp of our Discussion: 1:12 - Defining the term "Rural America" 3:27 - What are common societal challenges facing rural areas in the US? 5:47 - Migration from rural to urban centers? 7:14 - State of philanthropy and corporate citizenship in Rural America 9:41 - Challenges companies face impacting and scaling their corporate citizenship efforts in rural areas? 12:34- What are the key social, economic, socioeconomic issues companies are addressing in their rural corporate citizenship efforts? 15:51 - Impact of remote work on social impact efforts in Rural America?  17:26 - What are the key partnerships that companies need to drive and scale social impact in rural America–including the public sector? Connect with Andrew Jones: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewjjones1985/ Music by https://youtube.com/ikson @iksonmusic

In this episode of the Social Impact Show, we explore the transformative power of skills-based volunteering (SBV) with Clément Douault, Associate Director of People Giving & Volunteering at Novartis. We delve into how Novartis has integrated SBV into its social impact program, discussing strategies for aligning employee skills with nonprofit needs and the significant role of SBV in employee development and business growth. We'll discuss how they encourage employee participation in SBV and the impact on talent recruitment and retention. Clément will share Novartis' approach to measuring the impact of SBV on both nonprofit partners and the company itself, providing valuable insights for businesses looking to leverage their workforce for social good.   Timestamp of our discussion: 00:00 - Intro 04:33 - Meet employees where they are 07:43 - Build a needs-based relationship with nonprofit partners 09:50 - Shifting from volunteering program’s needs to a community-driven approach 11:43 - Specific example: what can skills-based volunteering look like 15:05 - What ‘social impact’ means and how to measure it? 20:43 - How can skills-based volunteering meet HR challenges? 23:12 - Tips for companies and nonprofits to implement skills-based volunteering   Connect with Clément Douault: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cl%C3%A9ment-douault-89390010/   Music by https://youtube.com/ikson @iksonmusic

In today's video, we rewind to a previous episode on how to build global employee activism programs, the challenges of avoiding volunteer burnout, and strategies to scale impact such as leveraging templates and data. We chat with Jo Jeffreys, Principle Social Value Consultant with Jacobs and explore what global activism looks like today through examples of replicating campaigns across regions, how to gain executive buy-in, and why in-person events are critical for inspiration and motivation. Jo shares advice for getting started like communicating the "why", putting structures in place to support volunteers, and making involvement fun through competitions and rewards.  Timestamp of our discussion:  0:54 - Defining Global Activism 2:20 - How to focus on global and local activism at the same time? 3:13 - What does modern global activism look like? Examples? 6:15 - What challenges were you solving for at Jacobs? 9:19 - How did you get buy-in for social impact programs at Jacobs? 12:12 - How should companies get started in global activism? 15:00 - How to scale your companies global activism efforts? 16:40 - How to show the ROI of social impact programs 18:45 - Greatest challenge in global activism, and how to overcome it?  Connect with Jo Jefferies: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jo-jeffreys-818b7b5b/ Music by https://youtube.com/ikson @iksonmusic

In today's video, we rewind to a previous episode how corporate citizenship has evolved over the past year and how practitioners should adapt their programs going forward. We talk with Chris Jarvis,  discuss how world events have shifted corporate giving to focus more on social justice causes and long-term humanitarian crises. We discuss tangible ways companies can better integrate environmental justice and equity into their corporate citizenship strategies. We also tackle the challenges in implementing these initiatives, like addressing unconscious bias in funding structures. Finally, you'll learn key strategies to create a truly inclusive partner ecosystem and educate employees to become agents of change. Timestamp of our discussion: 0:00 - Intro 1:28 - How has corporate citizenship changed over the past year? 3:46 - Will the changes in the past year remain or revert back? 9:28 - How to create experiences for more impactful engagement 13:41 - What every social impact professional should be thinking right now? 17:53 - What are employees expecting from their social impact programs? 20:30 - Do corporate citizenship practitioners create programs in stages? 23:39 - What makes a modern social impact program difficult to implement? 27:09 - Advice for corporate citizenship practitioners just starting their programs Connect with Chris Jarvis: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisjarviscan/ Music by https://youtube.com/ikson @iksonmusic

In today's video, you'll learn how to build a corporate foundation and scale your social impact initiatives. We chat with Chess Jakobs, the Head of Culture Amp Foundation, to how to engage employees in meaningful ways, and the importance of centring beneficiaries in your mission. Chess also shares insightful lessons from his past experiences and how they've shaped his approach to corporate philanthropy. Timestamp of our discussion:  01:51 - Starting your new role at Culture Amp, what steps did you take to get to know the company, people, programs and nonprofits it supported? 4:33 - How did you integrate your insights and learnings to shaping the vision for Culture Amp's foundation? 7:45 - How has social movements evolved over the years 10:43 - How can businesses partner with non-profits beyond just employee engagement goals  12:47 - How do you create your program pillars for foundation? How do you balance keeping your core business at the forefront while considering location of employees and communities?  17:45 - With the mission of "building a better world of work", How does Culture Amp support social impact initiatives to contribute to this mission? 22:18 - What were some lessons learned from programs or experience that didn’t work? 22:56 - How do you ensure a balanced approach between immediate goals and long-term strategies 27:34 - How to pivot your strategy when major social impact events occur Learn more from other social impact professionals by watching this playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list... Connect with Chess Jakobs: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chessjakobs/ Learn more about the Culture Amp foundation: https://cultureamp.com/foundation Music by https://youtube.com/ikson @iksonmusic

In today's episode, you'll learn about the transformative potential of generative AI for nonprofits. We delve into the opportunities and challenges AI presents and discuss why many nonprofits are slow to embrace this technology. We chat with Kyle Behrend, founder of NFPS.AI, about how nonprofits can use AI to enhance their outreach, fundraising, and operations. We also discuss ethical considerations nonprofits must navigate when using AI.  Timestamp of our discussion: 1:10 - How generative AI can play a role in the non-profit sector 6:02 - How AI helps nonprofits enhance outreach and fundraising? 9:31 - How AI can improve non-profit productivity 12:51 - Why are nonprofits slow to adopt AI 17:52 - Widening gap between AI frequent user and infrequent and non-users 22:54 - What are AI ethics and safety issues non-profits should be aware of? 30:20 - Where does human connection fit in? 32:03 - Advice for nonprofits looking to get started with AI?"   Connect with Kyle Behrend: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylebehrend/  https://nfps.ai/   Music by https://youtube.com/ikson @iksonmusic

In today's video, you'll learn about the challenges and progress for DEI in the workplace. We chat with Amena Chaudhry, DEI Strategist, Consultant and Coach to explore how businesses must build leadership capacity and use data strategically to drive systemic equity. We explore why many DEI roles are being eliminated and how leaders can develop the skills needed to understand exclusion and shepherd authentic culture change. Timestamp of our discussion: 1:05 - The State of DEI in the workplace today 3:45 - Was there long term DEI strategies at all? 8:47 - Current challenges for DEI practitioners and programs? 16:48 - What are some ways to overcome these challenges? 24:00 - Positive outcomes that come from DEI work (besides reputation management). 31:04 - How must DEI evolve with both the current business and economic climate? 39:11 - About Zarafa Consulting   Connect with Amena Chaudhry: amena@zarafaconsulting.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/amena-chaudhry/   Music by https://youtube.com/ikson @iksonmusic

In today's episode, you'll learn about the potential impacts of the Supreme Court ruling on affirmative action in higher education admissions. We explore what this means for minority applications and diversity in the workforce. We discuss how this could affect DEI and CSR programs and strategies corporations may take to adjust. Finally, we consider how this highlights the importance of investing in minority-serving institutions. Timestamp of our conversation: 1:31 - U.S. Supreme Court Ruling and impact on minority applications and admissions process 5:31 - Potential reset of higher level education admission process? 8:52 - Role of minority servicing institutions like HBCU’s 11:37 - Impact to diversity hiring and recruitment in the workforce 17:18 - How can social impact programs and professionals prepare for polarized opinions on ESG and DEI?   Connect with Jerome Tennile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jdtennille/ Music by https://youtube.com/ikson @iksonmusic

In today's episode, you'll learn about environmental justice and its significance in our society. We delve into real-world examples of environmental injustice, highlighting the pressing need for awareness and action.We chat with Social Responsibility Manager, MK Racine, and we explore how corporations can integrate environmental justice into their CSR strategies. Finally, we tackle the challenges faced when implementing these initiatives and offer insightful predictions on how environmental justice will shape the future. Timestamp of our conversation: 0:42 - Defining environmental justice and why is it important? 2:39 - Examples of environmental injustice 5:00 - Integrating environmental justice into CSR strategies 6:35 - Challenges to implementing environmental justice initiatives 8:08 - How environmental justice will evolve in the future?   Connect with MK Racine: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mkracine/   Music by https://youtube.com/ikson @iksonmusic

In today’s episode, you’ll learn how to proceed if your social impact strategy is denied by leadership. What are your next steps and why all is not lost. We explore how to avoid this path and how you could still move forward even if your initial strategy is not approved. Timestamp of our discussion 0:41 - How to Build a Social Impact Strategy 2:25 - What are your next steps if your strategy is not approved? 6:33 - How to deal with rejection for a new program and an existing program  10:09 - The unknown variable impacting your pitch Music by https://youtube.com/ikson @iksonmusic