Corporate Purpose in a Post-Election U.S.

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 American public’s evolving expectations for corporate purpose.

We invited Wendy Salomon and Charlie Spinale from The Harris Poll to discuss the new research alongside host Carol Cone. With nearly half of Americans saying companies should take a larger role in social issues under the new administration, Salomon, Spinale, and Cone share recommendations for how companies can advance progress for authentic social issues. With these research insights, companies can navigate the fine line between action and overreach, fostering trust and driving societal impact in a way that unites rather than divides​.

Listen for key insights on:

• Why mental health is a top priority, and the role companies can play through policies, resources, and supportive workplace cultures.
• Why caring for seniors is a key issue for employees, consumers, and communities and how companies can address these concerns.
• The importance of engaging thoughtfully and how to avoid generic proclamations and instead focus on actionable initiatives that reflect a company’s values.

Resources + Links:

• Wendy Salomon’s LinkedIn
• Charlie Spinale’s LinkedIn
• Sustainable Brands: Corporate Purpose in a Post-Election US: A Call for Continued Leadership
• EPiQ: Employee Purpose iQ

• (00:00) - Welcome to Purpose 360
• (00:13) - Harris Poll and CCOP Research
• (01:55) - Meet Wendy and Charlie
• (02:44) - Wendy’s Background
• (03:33) - Charlie’s Background
• (04:33) - Methodology
• (06:28) - First Major Finding
• (08:09) - Breaking Down Segmentation
• (10:48) - What to Support
• (13:06) - Health and Wellbeing
• (18:09) - Political Gap
• (20:38) - A Longer View
• (21:59) - Other Recommendations
• (26:00) - Last Thoughts
• (29:01) - Wrap Up