Purpose 360 with Carol Cone

Artificial intelligence has the power to reshape economies, societies, and our daily lives. But with its rapid rise comes an important question: how can we ensure AI is developed and applied ethically so that it serves humanity instead of harming it? Responsible use requires transparency, accountability, and inclusivity—but defining and implementing these is complex. JUST Capital, a nonprofit dedicated to advancing just bu...

Hunger is one of the most pressing challenges of our time—driven not only by a lack of food, but by inequality, conflict, climate change, and health crises. For more than 45 years, Action Against Hunger has been on the frontlines of addressing these interconnected issues. The organization works in nearly 60 countries, reaching over 21 million people annually through lifesaving nutrition programs, sustainable farming soluti...

In the years following the pandemic, the U.S. saw a historic surge in small business creation—a promising sign of entrepreneurial spirit and economic resilience. Yet, if historical trends continue, nearly half of these new businesses will fail within five years. Small businesses in rural communities face even steeper challenges, from lack of access to capital to limited digital tools and networks. And yet, the promise of s...

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) professionals are facing unprecedented challenges—from the politicization of ESG, to executive orders targeting DE&I, to dramatic shifts in federal funding. The landscape is turbulent, the language is shifting, and the pressure to prove business value has never been higher. Yet, in this moment of uncertainty, many CSR professionals are finding the most value by turning to the CSR c...

From the moment Henry Ford put the world on wheels, Ford has stood for not just cars, but mobility. More than just helping people move from one place to another, Ford gives people the opportunity to reach and achieve more. That same ethos drives Ford Philanthropy today. Rebranded from the “Ford Fund” to reflect a deeper, more holistic commitment, Ford Philanthropy is using the company’s global reach and core strength of mo...

Bill Bedrossian was set on becoming a stockbroker. With a job lined up in Chicago’s financial district, he was focused on financial and professional success. But one afternoon, while walking to lunch, he stepped over a man experiencing homelessness without even noticing him. The man shouted after him, calling Bill out for his fancy suit and “little problems” while the homeless man was unable to get something to eat. Faced ...

In The Purpose Reset, authors Rich Fernandez, Carolina Lasso, and Steph Stern offer a timely and refreshing approach to this show’s favorite topic: purpose. Drawing from decades of experience across the corporate, nonprofit, and coaching worlds, they reinforce an important way of thinking—that purpose isn’t a one-time discovery, but an evolving and continuous process.

We invited the authors to explore how this layered view ...

Packaging is an undeniable part of daily life—from containers that store the food we eat and the products we use to the packages that arrive on our doorstep. This necessity plays a major role in one of the planet’s most pressing challenges: pollution. Packaging waste is clogging ecosystems and contributing to a health crisis that affects both people and the planet. As consumer demand for sustainable solutions grows, the pa...

If you’ve ever put a Newman's Own salad dressing into your grocery cart, congratulations! You’ve made a charitable donation. That’s because Newman's Own Foundation owns the food company outright and directs 100% of profits to the foundation’s philanthropic initiatives. What began as actor Paul Newman’s holiday gift—homemade dressing in old wine bottles—has grown into a $600 million force for good. Guided by the late actor’...

In turbulent times marked by economic volatility, environmental breakdowns, and widespread distrust, what we’re experiencing may feel unprecedented—but we’ve been here before. And as Paul Polman reminds us in his milestone conversation with Carol Cone, we are not without a compass. Paul, the former CEO of Unilever, is one of today’s most respected voices in sustainable leadership. He joined the 200th episode of Purpose 360...

With the frequency and intensity of natural disasters rising, companies are increasingly stepping up to play a role in relief and recovery. But while any financial aid is beneficial to and appreciated by responders and impacted communities, lengthy grant approvals, short-term funding, and rigid spending restrictions can unintentionally hinder responders instead of helping them.

We invited Amy Strecker, President of Duke Ene...

The momentum behind diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) came to an abrupt halt at the start of the year. DE&I initiatives once championed as a force for workplace equity and growth are now being condemned, sidelined, and stripped of their visibility—at least until political winds shift again. But at what cost?

We invited Margaret Spence, an expert and advocate for transformative and inclusive change, to discuss ...

In 2020, the newly founded Truist Foundation was defining its philanthropic priorities when the COVID-19 pandemic changed everything. The Foundation quickly pivoted to provide rapid response support, setting up an open grant application portal and deploying an initial $25 million—which later doubled to $50 million—to provide critical relief to communities hit the hardest. This approach not only solidified Truist Foundation...

Changemakers from One Young World Series

Host Carol Cone interviews Elio Leoni Sceti, co-founder of The Craftory, a mission-driven investment firm focused on responsible consumer packaged goods (CPG). Elio shares insights into The Craftory’s approach to funding purpose-led brands that embed sustainability and social impact at their core. He discusses the evolution of consumer consciousness, the challenges of scaling ethical...

Changemakers from One Young World Series

Host Carol Cone interviews Tendai Mtawarira, also known as "The Beast," a renowned rugby player and gold medalist from South Africa. Tendai shares insights from his illustrious rugby career and his inspiring work with The Beast Foundation, which he founded to give back to the next generation. He discusses his commitment to empowering youth across Africa through education, sports, and...

Child sexual abuse online is a devastating global health crisis that has grown exponentially over the last decade. Thorn, a nonprofit focused on combating this crisis, reveals that the number of reported child sexual abuse files in the U.S. alone surged from 450,000 in 2004 to more than 90 million by 2022. This alarming increase highlights the urgency to address the pervasive and harmful impact of online predators, which w...

In today’s business landscape, companies are judged not just by their financial performance but by how well they meet the expectations of the public. People want businesses to pay fair wages, invest in their employees, support communities, and act with integrity. JUST Capital has spent the past decade tracking these expectations and measuring how well companies live up to them, ultimately creating a powerful framework for ...

In today’s polarized political climate, companies are facing an increasingly complex challenge: how to navigate Americans’ diverse and contrasting beliefs. With a new presidential administration now in place, businesses are grappling with whether to step up involvement, stay quiet about social impact initiatives, or even scale back. The latest research from Carol Cone ON PURPOSE and The Harris Poll offers insights into the...

Every year, we consult with the leading voices in social impact, purpose, and sustainability and ask that they share their predictions for what lies ahead in 2025. From technological advancements and evolving corporate responsibilities to a new U.S. presidential administration and cut-backs in DEI investments, these experts share their perspectives on the future of purposeful work.

We invited Justina Nixon-Saintil, Chief Im...