3 leaders' journeys to building mission-driven businesses

What is a “conscious company”? While there’s no single answer that fits for-profit businesses across all sectors, we’ve settled on some overarching guidelines: a conscious company takes all stakeholders into account in its operations, decisions and strategies and has a higher purpose beyond profit. These mission- and purpose-driven companies consider, measure and value the people, communities and environment that their operations impact. And their goals go beyond “doing less bad,” such as reducing pollution or energy use—though of course that’s important. These companies seek to actively create a positive impact on the world around them in as many ways as possible.

Linked below are three interviews with CEOs of well-known natural product companies who have found their footing in the “conscious business” sector, and whose lessons can apply to all types of companies and industries.

Meet The Reluctant CEO at the Helm of a Billion-Dollar Co-op

George Siemens had until recently been CEO of Organic Valley, the US's largest organic-only food company, since 1988. The key to his success? The rest of his co-operative.

Interview: Adam Lowry of Method and Ripple Foods on Being Bold in Business

In an exclusive in-depth interview, this successful social entrepreneur reveals key lessons on how business can lead the way to a better world.

Interview: Whole Foods CEO John Mackey on How He Built a Sustainable Food Empire

Love him or hate him, the most high-profile man in organic and sustainable food taught Wall Street an important lesson: It's possible for a Fortune 500 company to thrive by making sustainability a core value.

Interested in learning more about using business as a force for good? Check out the Conscious Company Leaders Forum, April 10-12, 2019, and use Promo Code: NewHope_15 for a 15 percent discount after applying here.