“Reoassunto provides dedicated support for reintegration,” Proietti Pantosti said. “Our goal is to significantly reduce the rate of reoffending among first-time convicts.” As processes for reintegration are complex and time consuming, he had the idea to set up an offline, server-based AI tool to help inmates with job applications as well as an AI agent to automate the complex tax paperwork for companies that offer jobs for inmates. But he and his organization didn’t have the skills or funds to create an AI prototype to realize his concept.

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A community of changemakers

This is when came in, a global support community for young social entrepreneurs and a long-standing partner of �鶹ԭ��. In 2025, this organization established a for social entrepreneurs and NGOs to experiment with AI capabilities and implement AI tools and features to fix one challenge common to all social enterprises: a lack of helping hands in combination with a large volume of small, sometimes repetitive tasks.

According to Matthias Scheffelmeier, co-founder of ChangemakerXchange, young changemakers are tackling the most pressing issues of our time but are often stretched and under-resourced. “We believe helping them mindfully and ethically adopt AI tools allows them to focus on their key expertise and therefore scale their impact in the world,” he said. “To address this, the ChangemakerXchange AI program provides customized support, in-person gatherings, and a public toolkit to help young entrepreneurs navigate AI.”

As the longest-standing corporate partner, �鶹ԭ�� has supported social enterprise ChangemakerXchange for more than eight years. Beyond just financial support from the company, �鶹ԭ�� employees joined local cohorts of social enterprises, shared knowledge on AI, and brainstormed how individual ideas could be brought to life.

ChangemakerXchange initiated the Possibilists, a global alliance for youth innovation. on the needs and challenges young change makers face with AI. The study showed that while 65% use AI almost daily, 70% lack knowledge on how to navigate AI tools proactively for their purpose.

From environment to politics

Entrepreneurs in the European cohort of the ChangemakerXchange AI program cover environmental, social, and political projects.

One of them, Romania-based social enterprise Station Europe, aims to make democracy accessible, especially for young people from rural areas. “We empower young people to engage in participatory democracy, embrace creative activism, identify and address disinformation campaigns, and design policy recommendations that reflect their communities’ needs,” said Alin Gramescu, president & co-founder of Station Europe. To support these goals, the organization launched a collaborative platform in 2024 called that allows young people to explore new formats of political participation, taking them right into the heart of the policymaking process. Participants in hands-on workshops learn how to start from an actual issue or need and create a policy recommendation—with AI clustering and processing workshop findings. This results in recommendations for government authorities based on the input of thousands of young people.

“AI will help connect policymakers and young people. Within one year, we condensed more than 1,400 papers from over 80 workshops,” Gramescu said. “Opening the platform to additional countries will exponentially increase the volume of data we will be dealing with.” When asked for the value ChangemakerXchange added for his organization, he said “I knew what I wanted to build to manage this content, but I needed the step-by-step technical guidance to make it happen.”

Education as foundation for progress

Education is often described as the cornerstone of progress, and for Alexia von Salomon, concept & learning designer at Education Innovation Lab, this belief is her daily motivation.

“For me, education is the foundation for social innovation,” von Salomon said. As a leader in educational transformation, she sees a lack of relevant future skills conveyed at schools in Germany and aims as high as transforming Germany’s education system.

Besides conducting workshops at schools, she creates learning experiences for teachers and pupils, like the learning platform “digital sparks for the future.” To scale reach, Education Innovation Lab focuses on self-guided learning platforms and train-the-trainer sessions for school teachers.

von Salomon uses AI to co-create and validate new concepts. “This helped me to be more creative and think outside the box,” she said. “Using AI for early testing how minors would interact with learning content and tools reduces the iterations we need before actually conducting tests in schools.”

She said that being part of the ChangemakerXchange program not only gave her the opportunity to get to know the right people in the tech industry, but to shift her perspective on AI and increase her use of AI tools. Her personal goal is to shape a future where learning is not just about knowledge, but about empowerment and transformation. “From my perspective, key skills for minors in a future influenced by AI will be creativity and critical thinking—to use the opportunity AI offers without suffering from the potential negative impacts,” she said.

Serving business and society

More than 1,500 social entrepreneurs in over 130 countries are part of ChangemakerXchange’s global community. “True innovation happens when changemakers challenge the status quo and create solutions that serve both business and society,” Scheffelmeier emphasized. For him, social enterprises are not just businesses, but catalysts for inclusive growth and sustainable impact. “By combining technology with the vision of social innovators, we can scale solutions that address global challenges and build a future where profit and purpose go hand in hand,” he said.

It’s easy to pour funds into the next big idea, but without a robust ecosystem to support these innovations even the most groundbreaking social enterprises struggle to scale their impact. That’s why at �鶹ԭ�� we’re putting our money where others won’t – into unrestricted funding for organizations such as the Global Alliance for Social Entrepreneurship, Catalyst2030, or the Social Enterprise World Forum (SEWF). These organizations are the backbone of social innovation yet often operate on shoestring budgets and tight resources. It’s high time we all recognize that building ecosystems isn’t an overhead, but essential infrastructure.

Ecosystem development isn’t just another way of funding organizations. Think of it as creating interconnected pathways that enable social enterprises to thrive. Over the years, we’ve discovered three critical areas where focused efforts can make a transformative difference: integrating social enterprises into supply chains, fostering radical collaboration, and empowering social entrepreneurs worldwide, especially the next generation.

Integration into Supply Chains: A Game Changer and the Biggest Lever

Integrating social enterprises into mainstream supply chains is our biggest lever. Through �鶹ԭ�� Business Network, �鶹ԭ�� runs the world’s largest B2B marketplace, where more than US$5.3 trillion in annual commerce is transacted across 190 countries. If �鶹ԭ�� can help its customers shift a small percentage of that spending to impact business suppliers, we can create a significant financial investment in sustainable development.

As of November 2023, �鶹ԭ�� Business Network recognizes verified social enterprises, and in less than a year the number of verified social enterprises on �鶹ԭ�� Business Network has surged from 1,200 to over 4,400. Beyond the numbers, this growth is about creating real opportunities for businesses that prioritize social and environmental impact. By enabling these enterprises to identify themselves as potential sellers, we provide them with access to B2B opportunities, allowing them to scale their operations and increase their influence on global supply chains. In addition, we support a unified standard for social enterprises called the “People and Planet First Verification” in partnership with the Social Enterprise World Forum, which reaches social enterprise suppliers in more than 120 countries.

Frankly, this is not an altruistic move, but fulfills the cliché of a win-win situation. We’ve learned that by opening doors for impact-driven businesses to compete on a level playing field, we’re enriching the entire supply chain with innovation, sustainability, and social value. To help prepare markets for these kinds of trading relationships, we are hosting social procurement roundtables in multi-stakeholder settings and are also integrating social procurement into more customer-facing events and campaigns, helping to ensure our customers have the tools and resources to prioritize sustainability in their purchasing decisions.

Ultimately, when social enterprises succeed, we all win. Integrating them into supply chains transforms their businesses and ours, fundamentally changing the procurement system.

The Urgent Need for Radical Collaboration

Integrating social enterprises into supply chains is just one piece of the puzzle. Today, offerings to social enterprises are too fragmented. Non-profits, private sector initiatives, and governmental programs often operate in silos, duplicating efforts and diluting impact. Radical collaboration is something that’s needed on all ends.

That’s why, for example, we collaborate with Unilever, EY, and MovingWorlds to run the TRANSFORM Support Hub – an on-demand acceleration platform that provides personalized guidance, access to consultants, mentors, and coaches, and introductions to sales and partnership opportunities. We’re collecting and summarizing the offerings, breaking down barriers, and creating a location for unified support.

Just last year, 120 �鶹ԭ�� employees completed 51 projects via the TRANSFORM Support Hub, providing pro-bono consulting to social enterprises and generating an in-kind contribution of $458,835. One of these employees was David Elliott, a senior user assistance developer who collaborated with Faces Up Uganda, a youth development NGO that uses arts and crafts education to help young people overcome psychosocial challenges and develop essential personal and professional skills. He leveraged his expertise to review the organization’s website and strategic plan, enhancing the communication of its vision, mission, and values, and wrote grant applications to help secure funding.

But collaboration must go beyond platforms. It requires a collective shift in mindset. It’s time we stop asking, “What new thing can I create?” and start asking “What can we achieve together?” and “What is already out there?”

To sum it up with a fact: 70.6% of young social entrepreneurs believe access to relevant global connections is critical to their work while 94.1% believe increasing collaboration with other organizations is important. So, corporations should start to open their networks and resources to connect industry experts with social entrepreneurs to foster the entire social innovation ecosystem.

Empowering the Next Generation of Social Entrepreneurs

While we are already talking about young social entrepreneurs, let’s not overlook them, as they are the future of this movement. They face unique barriers – limited access to funding, mentorship, and networks – that can stifle their potential before it even takes root.

We’re investing in programs that provide tailored support to young innovators. Through mentorship opportunities, capacity-building workshops, and access to our global networks, we’re leveling the playing field. Collaborations with organizations like Social Impact Award, We Are Family Foundation, and initiatives like Africa Forward can ensure that the next generation doesn’t just have a seat at the table, but is helping to set the agenda.

Let’s talk about Africa Forward, a critical step in our strategy to empower the next generation of African social entrepreneurs. Co-created by African members of Catalyst2030, this initiative is designed to advance progress on the UN Sustainable Development Goals and address the continent’s most pressing challenges through a partnership-driven approach.

This is about investing in long-term solutions by building a Pan-African data platform, promoting policy reform, and facilitating leadership training. Africa Forward is helping to create an ecosystem where social businesses can thrive. The goal is to enable a new wave of innovators, giving them the tools and opportunities they need to scale their impact. By focusing on capacity-building, youth training, and financial development, we’re laying a foundation for lasting change in Sub-Saharan Africa.

A Call to Action

So, after 14 years, what’s our biggest takeaway? Real change doesn’t happen in isolation. It happens when we invest in the connective tissue – the ecosystems – that empower social enterprises to scale and succeed. I’m challenging corporations, investors, and policymakers to rethink their approach. Don’t just fund the next shiny project; invest in the infrastructure that supports them all.

Why are so few willing to invest in ecosystem development? Perhaps it’s not as immediately gratifying as funding a new app or launching a big campaign to reach a big number of people. But if we truly want to tackle systemic issues – poverty, inequality, climate change – we need to dig deeper. We need to build the foundations that allow solutions to grow sustainably.

We’d like to invite you to join us. Let’s pool our resources, break down the silos, and build an ecosystem that accelerates social impact on a global scale. Together, we can transform not just businesses but entire industries.

So, here’s the question: Are you ready to invest where it counts? Are you ready to invest in social entrepreneurship ecosystems?

It makes me proud to think about the 676 �鶹ԭ�� colleagues who, in 2023, participated in our pro bono consulting programs, offering their expertise to these visionary social entrepreneurs. As in previous years, this collaboration has proven mutually beneficial, with 74% of our employees reporting a positive, lasting impact on their careers. Furthermore, 96% of the supported organizations and 77% of their beneficiaries have seen significant improvements. These numbers speak volumes about the shared value of our engagement.

But the 2023 SEWF wasn’t just a personal highlight; it marked the beginning of another significant milestone. We announced our investment in the Social Enterprise People and Planet First Verification with Good Market and SEWF. This initiative aims to set a global standard for recognizing organizations prioritizing social and environmental impacts. Social enterprises can now also identify themselves on �鶹ԭ�� Business Network, the world’s largest B2B commerce platform. This breakthrough can make it easier for these businesses to explore new business-to-business opportunities while also helping �鶹ԭ�� customers achieve their goals of being more environmentally and socially responsible. Saying it’s a win-win situation is a bit cliché, but in this case it’s actually true.

Working with SEWF shows how much we believe in working together and driving towards collective impact. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: we can’t do this by ourselves. Working with others is the key to driving the kind of systemic change our world needs. This idea is a big part of what we stand for at �鶹ԭ��, and is at the heart of our corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategy.

This idea of working together really comes to life in our collaboration with UNICEF and Generation Unlimited. In 2023 – the fourth year of our partnership – we set out to make a real difference by not just developing the skills of young people but also finding jobs in the �鶹ԭ�� ecosystem. Launching the �鶹ԭ�� Educate to Employ program is a big step in that direction. Helping 25 young people get jobs with �鶹ԭ�� in each of our pilot countries – Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, and the Philippines – might not sound like a lot, but it’s a huge deal for each of those young people. For them, it’s a gateway to a sustainable livelihood, offering them not just gainful employment but a chance to build a career, achieve financial stability, and make meaningful contributions to their communities and the broader world. It’s about unlocking their potential and enabling them to participate in the digital and green economy. By the end of the year, we saw amazing results. While more than 2,500 had already passed the aptitude test, over 1,000 young people in Africa finished our “Boost Your Career with �鶹ԭ�� Skills” course and more than 500 got through the first big part of their training.

But, what’s a year recap without some high-level numbers? Let’s dive into some impressive numbers from 2023. More than 20,000 of our �鶹ԭ�� colleagues volunteered over 140,000 hours. Our initiatives reached over 2.8 million young people – almost half girls – and supported over 41,000 teachers. Our partner network reached 1 billion people in over 140 countries. These stats are just the tip of the iceberg, showing our big reach and impact together with our partners.

Building on this, our signature partnerships with Africa Code Week, Meet and Code, and Latin Code Week have always been at the heart of our achievements. As we handed over these initiatives in 2023, we took a moment to reflect and evaluate Africa Code Week and Latin Code Week outcomes more deeply. For instance, by empowering 14.6 million participants with the education, knowledge, and ICT skills needed to participate in the digital future, Africa Code Week has increased the likelihood that beneficiaries will realize higher earnings during their working lives. Common Good Marketplace estimates that Africa Code Week catalyzed up to US$1 billion in social value for program participants between 2015 and 2022 based on future increased income.

As we close the chapter on 2023 and look ahead, the journey we’ve embarked upon at �鶹ԭ�� CSR is a testament to the power of collective action and shared vision. The stories, numbers, and outcomes shared in our eBook reflect our commitment to making a meaningful difference.

Thank you to everyone who has been a part of this journey. Your passion, dedication, and commitment are what drive us forward.

Alexandra van der Ploeg is global head of Corporate Social Responsibility at �鶹ԭ��.

To underscore the vital role of partnerships in creating a global environment where refugees are fully integrated and valued members of society, we hosted a webinar, “Hope, Inclusion, Action: Building Opportunity for Refugees.” (.) Joining me were two remarkable social entrepreneurs, Innocent Tshilombo, co-founder of , and Mozamel Aman, co-founder and CEO of and founder of .

In 2022, the number of forcibly displaced people for the first time exceeded due to war, violence, and persecution. Unfortunately, this number is expected to rise even further given the current global challenges, such as conflicts, political tensions, and climate change.

These social entrepreneurs are among many who are playing a role in supporting refugees to integrate into their new environment by finding meaningful work and education opportunities. After an hour with Tshilombo and Aman, I felt privileged to hear their personal narratives and gain valuable insights into navigating challenges with authenticity and vulnerability.

To provide some context: Tshilombo, an entrepreneur and humanitarian professional, has spearheaded educational, business, and humanitarian initiatives in the Kakuma refugee camp in Kenya. As the co-founder of Kakuma Ventures, a renowned social enterprise, Tshilombo aims to enhance the well-being of refugees and host communities by leveraging digital services and opportunities through energy and internet access for education, trades, and employment. Meanwhile, Aman is deeply passionate about the intersection of technology, entrepreneurship, and social impact. Through his involvement in various startup organizations, Aman has developed a unique perspective on problem-solving. He firmly believes that privilege comes with great responsibility, forming the foundation of sustainable social ventures.

The Transformative Power of Social Entrepreneurship

Despite operating in challenging environments with limited resources, these founders did not seek traditional employment for stability and security. Instead, they cultivated their own skills and forged ahead, building their social businesses in the face of adversity while remaining driven.

The Kakuma Camp hosts approximately 200,000 refugees, and Germany, where Aman operates, is home to around . One might assume that scaling their ventures should be a top priority from the get-go. However, both entrepreneurs emphasized the significance of starting small and witnessing the impact created. By demonstrating success, they gradually gained access to additional resources, facilitating further growth.

This reminded me of a powerful notion: systemic change doesn’t necessarily require focusing on the big picture; it can begin by positively impacting one individual at a time. Through this approach, social enterprises have the opportunity to learn, adapt, and secure the resources needed to expand their efforts over time.

Partnerships Are Crucial to Overcoming Challenges

Many corporations have strict criteria and predefined standards that often hinder the inclusion of individuals from diverse backgrounds. However, more companies have started to recognize the potential in these individuals and consider them as potential employees. This realization has led to the development of tailored programs in collaboration with companies. However, there is a challenge in Germany, for example, where many open positions exist. Still, the skills companies require are often too specific or need to be adequately addressed in generic training programs. It is, therefore, essential to work with employers and partners to design and develop programs that meet their specific needs.

These entrepreneurs have managed to navigate this barrier by forging strategic alliances and fostering a mindset shift among potential hiring partners. By showcasing the skills and potential of their participants, they have successfully broken down these barriers and opened doors to new opportunities.

Sustainability and Scalability Make the World Run Better

Both Tshilombo and Aman’s experiences highlight the importance of sustainability and scalability in social enterprises. While charitable and nonprofit organizations undoubtedly play a crucial role, integrating a business model offers long-term viability. Social enterprises create a continuous cycle of positive impact by generating profits and reinvesting them into sustainable projects. This approach supports self-sufficiency and allows for scalability, replication, and the ability to address specific community needs effectively.

At �鶹ԭ��, we are dedicated to accelerating social enterprises and take great pride in providing continuous pro bono consulting support to organizations like these. The recent discussion held in commemoration of World Refugee Day and SME Day underscores a powerful message: when we work together, we have the ability to create a transformative ecosystem that empowers purpose-driven enterprises and positively impacts the lives of individuals in need.

Recognizing the importance of creating economic opportunities and education for refugees and migrants, �鶹ԭ�� has established robust partnerships that began several years ago. One notable program is in the Middle East, which aims to equip young refugees with the necessary skills to pursue employment opportunities in the IT sector. Additionally, �鶹ԭ�� collaborates with the , offering free scholarships to refugees seeking bachelor’s and master’s degrees. The nonprofit tuition-free American accredited online university has an impressive enrollment of more than 120,000 students from 200 countries, including 16,500 refugees.

If you are a social enterprise in need of our support or an experienced professional who can offer skilled expertise, join us on the .

Together, we can create change and be changed.

Alexandra van der Ploeg is head of Corporate Social Responsibility at �鶹ԭ��.

While some of us were working on our sourdough starter, it seems that others were digging in on their big idea.

One such entrepreneur is Anastasia Kiku, COO and co-founder of , a packaging-as-a-service company launched in 2020. Looking around and seeing a city that had become desensitized to its single-use plastic addiction, Kiku and her business partner set out to flip the script on single-use plastic.

But where does one start?

This is the question facing many innovators when they are ready to take the leap on their business idea. For Kiku, the answer came knocking through , a long-time partner of �鶹ԭ�� and leading social entrepreneurship accelerator program focused on providing game-changing resources and experiences for young people, ultimately helping to amplify their impact on their entrepreneurship journeys.

“What no one tells you is that, first, it can be really lonely. And second, it will be hard to show up each day and keep going,” says Kiku.

This is where the network of support and mentorship became invaluable to fuel momentum and get their idea off the ground, as the experienced professionals participating in the program “know that the road to entrepreneurship is not perfect, so even though they are advisors, mentees can be candid and feel that their mentors have their best interests in mind.”

At �鶹ԭ��, employees invest their time in mentoring early ventures like to help scale their businesses. Externally, this investment also takes place through partnerships with organizations such as , & , and .

We sat down with Kiku to learn more about her League of Innovators mentorship experience. Hear from Kiku in this interview for a deep-dive on what it takes to get your idea off the ground and what no one tells you about launching your startup.

Thinking outside the box often means thinking differently from within your organization.

�鶹ԭ�� has its very own startup accelerator program, , which has helped over 450 external startups and internal ventures accelerate their growth while enabling thousands of �鶹ԭ�� customers to access innovation. As part of this program, �鶹ԭ�� Labs Canada recently launched True North Ventures Startup School, which leads employees through the basics of entrepreneurship from pitch to product.

Whether you are launching your startup solo or leveraging entrepreneurial support internally, �鶹ԭ�� knows when we help cultivate fresh ideas, innovators are empowered to take the leap.

Cindy Fagen is managing director of �鶹ԭ�� Labs Canada.

To the doers, the dreamers, and those like and who are , we honor you. To all The Possibilists who dare businesses to do things differently, we hear you. We see you. You are not just the future of business; you are shaping the business of future!

For every Greta, Malala, or Simone making global headlines, there are thousands of young changemakers like you, Avina, Ryan, and Anina, who are making a world of difference in communities and countries alike. The successes and struggles documented in , a recent report by an alliance of 16 of the world’s leading youth social innovation networks, is a reminder to all of us that you can’t be stopped. And if we can unite business, government, and the social sector around your work, we will succeed in accelerating (your) solutions to the world’s most challenging problems.

While traditional business has much to learn from social innovators, we also have a lot to offer you.

1. Accessing Networks: Build Bridges, Not Silos

Many of the solutions the world needs already exist, but gaining access to the right people and organizations to share those solutions with is not as easy. More than 94% of Possibilists shared that they lack the personal or business access needed to move their organization forward. And yet, combined with financial and mental hardships, they forge on with their work because they are intrinsically motivated to do the right thing for the world. So how can corporations create space for leaders like you to bring game changing ideas to the table? It might be easier than you think.

In 2020, �鶹ԭ�� formally launched “Youth To The Table” in partnership with , giving skilled experts like Riddhima Yadav, a young climate and sustainability finance expert, a seat at c-suite level decision making tables at �鶹ԭ��. Riddhima joined �鶹ԭ��’s External Sustainability Advisory Council this year, joining the ranks of tenured sustainability leaders. Together, the council members provide formal outside-in guidance on �鶹ԭ��’s sustainability journey. Like many of The Possibilists, Riddhima formed her first organization as a teenager. Although still “early” in her career, she is an outstanding representative for both her field of expertise and her generation.

A program like Youth To The Table should not only exist within one company, and perhaps we can help change that. I challenge you to approach the business leaders and companies operating in your field of interest or expertise. Reach out to their sustainability or corporate social responsibility leaders on social media as a place to start. If that doesn’t work, connect with intermediaries like or We Are Family Foundation, which have formal youth-to-corporate programs. This is an opportunity for all of us if we focus more on building bridges, and a little less on our erecting own silos.

2. Accelerating Business: Keep the Promise

Once you know who is (or could be) in your extended network, be sure you know how you can partner with them. During the , we heard innovators request support like, “We need help. We’re looking for an expert who can help us do the work.” Rest assured, there is help out there.

Helping businesses run better is what we do, but �鶹ԭ�� is not alone in that work when it comes to supporting the work of social entrepreneurs. Unilever, EY, and Ikea are a few awesome corporations that come to mind. We all have programs that will provide you with skilled business experts or financial support, usually in partnership with social sector organizations like , , , and . We are constantly innovating together through initiatives like the to help improve the way we connect you with valuable resources.

So you’re probably asking yourself, “Why would companies share their resources with you?” It’s a win-win for us, too. As employees connect with topics that matter to them, they also flex their leadership skills, build empathy and cross-cultural understanding, and gain exposure to ‘what’s next’ from leaders like you.

If you are looking for skilled support, know that you don’t have to go it alone. �鶹ԭ�� and MovingWorlds are inviting social innovators ages 18 to 30 to , a new pro bono consulting experience launching in September. Beyond pro bono consulting, the Acceleration Collective includes access to certified business coaching, and bridges access to other �鶹ԭ�� partners’ service offerings like . Unilever and EY, with the support of the COVID Response Alliance, are also offering resources through their market-leading program .

Keeping the promise to organizations of all kinds is just another day at the office for many of us. Do your research to see who is willing to help. (Hint: we are!) If you are not sure where to begin, join Social Shifters and �鶹ԭ�� at .

3. Recognizing Your Value: Tell It Like It is

It is true that with age comes wisdom, but age is not synonymous with the value you bring forward as a leader. Innovation starts with all of us! Last year, I was working on a speaker series, and I approached a young social entrepreneur to speak at the event on �鶹ԭ��’s behalf. Her response was one you should take note of. “I’d gladly speak to your audience, but preparing and speaking for you comes at an opportunity cost for my organization. Will you compensate me for my time?” I was momentarily speechless. She further explained to me, “The moderator is likely getting paid, along with the caterer and the venue. They are all providing a service to you, and so am I.” This young person was respectfully challenging my originally unpaid request. She was right to do so — and you are too!

My ask was not one of ill intention, rather ignorance, though it’s still no excuse. Throughout a decade working in marketing for �鶹ԭ��, I often asked business leaders to speak on our company’s behalf. The difference? They were all being paid by their organization for their time. Young innovators can be exploited and showcased on both virtual and physical stages globally, but you can change that.

If you are being asked for something, know your worth and how to leverage it. Be bold and ask for the support you need in return. It may not always be financial compensation, rather it might be access to people or networks or could also include personal skill-building or revenue generation opportunities for your organization.

Lastly, I want to revisit a topic I touched on briefly above. The Possibilists shared that many of you sacrifice your mental and financial well-being in the pursuit of a better world. While I’m grateful for your efforts, I’m also here to remind you that you will never be able to successfully deliver on your goals if you don’t also prioritize your own well-being. Breathe, find a coach, join a peer support group, pay yourself: whatever it is, invest in your own well-being. You are worth it!

So What?

Am I asking you to start your own youth movement within the corporate world? No. Am I trying to do that? Perhaps. Do I expect that every organization has the same support structure as �鶹ԭ�� to embrace young leaders like you? Probably not. But I hope I’m giving you the courage to connect, learn, and lead with people and organizations like mine.

• Reach out and connect with those who can help you. I promise there are more of us who want to help!
• Learn from the experts and teach them a few things along the way. We don’t know it all, I assure you.
• Speak up! Keep leading the way doing exactly what you are doing. You are creating the change we all need to see in the world, and I can’t wait to see more of you in board rooms around the world.

Thank you for all that you do to keep moving us forward. We owe you one.

Jennifer Beason is global program director of Social Entrepreneurship for Corporate Social Responsibility at �鶹ԭ��.

Under these grim circumstances, business as usual is still a long way off in most economic sectors. The pandemic has brought into sharp focus the interconnectedness of society, business, and the environment. Just as communities must band together in times of crisis, business leaders must accelerate the shift from shareholder primacy, , to .

Today, while lives are at risk, all stakeholders — customers, partners, employees, and investors — want assurance that the companies they associate with are committed to doing the right thing. They advocate that the extends beyond just achieving shareholder value, and insist that both purpose and profit must co-exist.

Your Stakeholders Are Watching You

In quieter times, companies may have deferred to their marketing departments for headline-generating initiatives around “doing good.”  But then, some companies went off and did something completely different, lacking in social consciousness or environmental awareness.

Recent headlines are loaded with during the coronavirus pandemic — accepting undeserved government subsidies, putting employees at risk in unsafe work environments, hoarding user data for dubious ends, and polluting the environment. The difference now is that stakeholders are in no mood to tolerate the double-speak and bad behavior. These same stakeholders are spending more time at home, interacting on social media platforms, and are spending fewer dollars on indiscriminate frivolities. In the wake of the pandemic and protests, for brands authentically seeking to make a positive impact on people’s lives.

In the published by socially responsible marketing group The Good Must Grow, 76 percent of respondents said that how a brand treated employees, customers, and communities during the pandemic would factor into their decision to support that brand after the pandemic.

According to , 75 percent of consumers have tried a new shopping behavior during the crisis, with 36 percent of those readily switching to a new brand. Leading the way are larger, trusted brands that ensure good availability of essentials. Slipping in the rankings are brands that have treated stakeholders with casual disregard, used “purpose washing” as a fig leaf, and have left people hanging due to broken promises.

Life may be fragile, but trust is even more so.

Leading with Purpose to Integrate Social, Strategic, and Environmental Goals

How do best-run companies integrate purpose into their business objectives with action and accountability? A newly released , based on the responses of 3,000 executives, revealed a connection between holistic management practices, examining how each part of the business can contribute to the overall corporate goals,  and business outcomes.

Purpose-driven companies see the entire web of relationships within and beyond the organizational firewall as a unified entity — a network of sorts — that operates smoothly, dynamically, and as part of a cohesive strategy. Companies that are managed holistically, working with customers and employees to better society, tend to outperform their industry peers in areas such as innovation, employee retention, and profitability growth.

The leaders of these companies, who make up just six percent of the overall respondents, overwhelmingly say they have integrated communication and data-sharing processes across the business, increased transparency into operations, broken down organizational silos, and invested in collaborative technologies. They also report they have created — and taken — meaningful action to enact a clear and consistent purpose-driven message.

�鶹ԭ��’s Commitment to Purpose-Driven Business

For decades, �鶹ԭ�� has been leading with purpose on a quest to help the world run better and improve people’s lives. With a commitment to serve as both an exemplar and enabler of purpose, �鶹ԭ�� is making a meaningful impact in the following areas: circular economy, climate action, skilled and inclusive workforce, equality for all, social and inclusive entrepreneurship, and mental health and well-being.

But no company can do it alone. �鶹ԭ�� is committed to helping every customer become a best-run business, equipped to achieve meaningful business outcomes that combine both profit and purpose. As the and as Germany’s most valuable brand, �鶹ԭ�� is in a strong position to connect people and information around pressing issues that affect all of us, on a global scale.

Learn more about how �鶹ԭ�� is working in collaboration with its entire purpose network of customers, partners, employees, shareholders, thought leaders, academics, non-profits, government agencies, consumers, and influencers to bring about change. Visit