Kim Sundy of Kellogg Company: Living proof you can get paid to change the world

The Companies that Care podcast highlights companies and business leaders who are making a difference in the world, like Kim Sundy, senior director of sustainability at the Kellogg Company.

Driven by the legacy of its founder, W.K. Kellogg, the Kellogg Company is the world’s leading producer of cereal and snacks. 

 But did you know Kellogg’s vision is a good and just world, where people are not just fed but fulfilled? This cereal and snack company is serious about living out its mission and has set some ambitious goals. These are just a few examples:

• Providing Better Days for 3 billion people by the end of 2030 through:

1. Nourishing 1 billion people by delivering nutrition foods that address common shortfall nutrients and addressing hidden hunger
2. Feeding 375 million people in need 
3. Supporting 1 million farmers and workers while conserving natural resources 
4. Engaging 1.5 billion people in the issue of global food security

• Aspiring to achieve gender equity of 50/50 by the end of 2025
• Working toward 100 percent reusable, recyclable, or compostable packaging by the end of 2025
• Honoring Black history every month as a call for food justice in Black communities
•  Committing to source 100% cage-free eggs by 2025, even though most of their products do not contain eggs
• Supporting equity for women by identifying parts of their supply chain with the highest prevalence of women and assessing the risks and opportunities they face
• Aiming to achieve over 50% renewable energy by the end of 2022
•  Supporting historically excluded employees through highly active employee networks, mentoring programs, and a Black Chef in Residency program
• Expanding paid parental leave for both mothers and fathers to 12 weeks; increasing fertility benefits to $30K for assisted reproductive procedures; and increasing adoption benefits to $10K per eligible adoption.

Kim and I talked about having careers in sustainability and the importance of communications. She also shared her perspective as a Black woman executive and how Kellogg does a better job than many companies at nurturing equity & inclusion among its workforce.

I alternate the Companies That Care podcast with my original podcast, Finding Fertile Ground, which shares personal stories of grit and resilience. On both my podcasts I strive to highlight voices from historically excluded populations, people who don't always get a platform. Find out more on my website and social media.

The Companies That Care podcast is brought to you by Fertile Ground Communications. If you like what you hear or read, wander through my website to find out more about my work.

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 With 30 years of experience in the environmental consulting industry, I am passionate about sustainability and corporate citizenship, equity & inclusion, businesses that use their power for good, and doing everything I can to create a kinder, more sustainable, and just world. We help organizations and people discover what makes them special and help them share that with the world. 

As a podcaster for justice, I stand with my sisters from the Women of Color Podcasters Community. We are podcasters united to condemn the tragic murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor and many others at the hands of police. This is a continuation of the systemic racism pervasive in our country since its inception and we are committed to standing against racism in all its forms.