The Purpose Pledge: New Visions for “Green” Business
One might think, in this reactionary era in which slews of corporations that formerly claimed to be concerned about climate and equity race to ditch their ESG and DEI departments and flaunt their regression to amoral greed, that the heyday of eco and socially conscious business is long behind us, but that would be far too hasty a conclusion. In fact, there are a few long-standing, exemplary, mission-driven, independent enterprises that have held on to their values and commitments and have, while remaining eminently profitable, kept refining and strengthening their ethical performance over the years, and one of the boldest new models of a path forward in this domain is Dr. Bronner’s Purpose Pledge. In this panel, Les Szabo, Chief Strategy & Impact Officer at Dr. Bronner’s, will host a session with three other groundbreaking business leaders, as they share their philosophies, initiatives and approaches. With: Ben Mand, CEO, Yerba Madre; Lara Dickinson, co-founder/Executive Director of One Step Closer (OSC); and the renowned visionary entrepreneur and thinker on innovation and longterm planning, Eric Ries, creator of the Lean Startup method and bestselling author.
Crystal Ballroom, Hotel Shattuck Plaza
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GOOGLE CALENDAR OUTLOOK APPLE CALENDAR / ICSMarch 28th | 4:45 pm to 6:00 pm
Panelists
Les Szabo
Chief Strategy & Impact Officer
Dr. Bronner’s
Les Szabo, Chief Strategy & Impact Officer at Dr. Bronner’s, the top-selling natural brand of soap in North America, joined the company in 2013. He leads its strategic planning, supports key business initiatives that enhance organizational capabilities and drive growth, and oversees Dr. Bronner’s Planning, Philanthropy & Impact Investing, International Markets, and E-Commerce departments, as well as serving on Dr. Bronner’s Executive Council and Board of Directors. His work is informed by over twenty years’ experience working in the natural products and apparel industries, including as a co-founder of the Living Harvest, Dunderdon, and Infinity Sport brands.
Lara Dickinson
Co-Founder and Executive Director
One Step Closer (OSC)
Lara Dickinson, a thought leader in the natural products industry for some 30 years, has catalyzed many collaborations that have reshaped that sector and continue to do so. As co-founder and Executive Director of One Step Closer (OSC), Lara has helped a number of purpose-driven CEOs build and refine regenerative business models. Lara’s long career has included many multiple executive leadership roles, including with the Climate Collaborative, J.E.D.I. Collaborative, OSC Packaging Collaborative, OSC Women’s Circles, and the Purpose Pledge.
Ben Mand
CEO
Yerba Madre
Ben Mand, the CEO of Yerba Madre, is the driving force behind Yerba Madre’s regenerative mission, leading initiatives to certify more of their products and ingredients to the ROC Gold level, conserve and restore Brazil’s Atlantic Forest, and improve the livelihoods of producers and harvesters. Previously, as the CEO of Harmless Harvest, Ben restructured the company’s supply chain, achieving 100% zero waste, converting to 100% rPET bottles, and implemented regenerative agricultural practices across 50% of their farms. Prior to Harmless Harvest, Ben worked in various brand-marketing and innovation roles at leading companies including Plum Organics, General Mills, Johnson & Johnson, and Interbrand.
Eric Ries
