Talking Purpose

In this captivating episode of Talking Purpose, I welcome Phil Winters, the visionary and co-founder of GoodLot Brewing in Caledon Ontario, for an in-depth discussion about the intersection of craft beer and sustainability. Phil takes listeners on a journey back when he and his partner Gail decided to transform a 30-acre farm into a sustainable brewing enterprise. With sustainability as a core principle from the start, Phil and Gail embraced regenerative agricultural practices, focusing on building healthy soil and reducing their carbon footprint.Phil breaks down how GoodLot Brewing harnesses local resources, from Ontario-grown hops to the usage of their own well water, to craft beers that embody the essence of their surroundings. He offers a fascinating look into their innovative brewing processes, such as capturing steam for energy and generating their own beer gas, showcasing the possibilities of a zero-carbon brewery model.Dial into this episode to hear Phil discuss the real-life challenges faced in the brewing industry, from battling climate constraints to navigating the beer market's economic landscape. Despite these obstacles, Phil's commitment to sustainability and top-quality beer remains unwavering and continues to do him well as they grow the brand. Whether you’re intrigued by sustainable agriculture, eager to learn about eco-friendly brewing, or simply have a passion for craft beer, this episode not only inspires but also provides a practical blueprint for those looking to build an environmentally responsible business. Join us as we explore how GoodLot Brewing is reshaping what it means to brew with purpose.Learn more about starting and scaling a for-purpose business at www.talkingpurpose.ca Start your business today on the best e-commerce platform in the world on Shopify

Welcome to "Talking Purpose," where stories of passion, innovation, and impact take center stage. In this episode, titled "Rootless," host Katie Kung engages in a captivating conversation with Sachi Singh, founder and CEO of Rootless. Her passion for environmental impact led her to discover the wonders of seaweed—an ingredient she envisions as a transformative force in food, health, and regeneration.Sachi shares the inspiring narrative behind Rootless, highlighting her unyielding commitment to revolutionize women's health through the introduction of nutrient-dense seaweed bites. This episode unveils the journey of Rootless as it sets out to redefine hormone health and foster a conscientious community. From Sachi’s market research and product validation journey to building innovative community engagement, every turn unveils delightful aspects of how she built the Rootless brand. With plans to expand Rootless into a trusted wellness platform, she envisions a future where seaweed becomes a household staple for optimizing health.Join us for a thought-provoking discussion on innovation, the intersection of personal and planetary health, and the small acts of self-care that lead to profound change. With Sachi’s remarkable narrative, listeners are bound to be inspired, informed, and perhaps even persuaded to join the seaweed revolution.Learn more about starting and scaling a for-purpose business at www.talkingpurpose.ca Start your business today on the best e-commerce platform in the world on Shopify

Welcome back to another enlightening episode of "Talking Purpose," where we delve into the heart of influencer marketing and its immense potential for purpose-driven brands. Joining us today is Bella Kuscu, a seasoned expert in the PR and influencer marketing sphere. Throughout this episode, Bella shares her rich experiences from working with notable brands like Flat Tummy Tea to offering her expertise in the influencer engagement in agencies across Toronto. We explore the nuances of influencer marketing, emphasizing the importance of authenticity, relationship building, and its strategic use as a tool in broader marketing strategies. Whether you're a budding brand or an established enterprise, Bella's insights are invaluable, packed with practical advice on building genuine connections with content creators and leveraging unique marketing strategies to resonate with your target audience. From understanding the quantitative metrics of influencer campaigns to crafting immersive brand experiences, this episode is a trove of information for any brand looking to harness the power of influencers effectively. Tune in to discover how to navigate the dynamic landscape of influencer marketing with thoughtfulness and purpose.Learn more about starting and scaling a for-purpose business at www.talkingpurpose.ca Start your business today on the best e-commerce platform in the world on Shopify

Welcome to another enlightening episode of "Talking Purpose." I am your host, Katie Kung, thrilled to embark on this journey with Donna Bungard, the director of accessibility at Indeed, the #1 job site in the world1 and a global job matching and hiring platformAs we kick off 2025, Donna shares her compelling origin story, growing up within the larger disability community, and how it naturally led her to a career in accessibility and diversity. In this episode, Donna and I dive into the realms of diversity and accessibility, focusing on the transformative power of skills-first hiring and its potential to bridge significant employment gaps for people with disabilities. Donna further illuminates Indeed's commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace culture that prioritizes understanding and supporting diverse access needs. Join us as we explore the nuances of inclusive workforce development, the importance of questioning conventional job descriptions, and the future of accessibility in the workplace. Donna provides a pragmatic perspective, specifically during a time of inclusive hiring backlashes. This episode is brimming with insights for small business owners, HR professionals, and anyone interested in building a more inclusive and diverse work environment. Stay tuned for a conversation that promises to challenge perspectives and inspire action.Learn more about starting and scaling a for-purpose business at www.talkingpurpose.ca Start your business today on the best e-commerce platform in the world on Shopify

Welcome everyone to Talking Purpose, This week, I sit down with Zina Grossman, the Chief Growth Officer at WANNA Fashion, to explore the transformative world of augmented reality (AR) in the realms of fashion and e-commerce.Zina takes us through her intriguing progression into the AR space, starting from her first brush with this technology through the popular game, Pokemon Go, to her pivotal role at WANNA Fashion and her mission to enhance retail experiences through virtual try-ons and 3D modelling. Listeners will gain insight into how AR technology is enhancing the way consumers engage with fashion brands, offering an immersive, personalized digital experience that extends beyond the limitations of physical stores.Throughout the conversation, Zina discusses the numerous benefits AR brings to businesses, such as increased customer engagement, improved conversion rates, and the reduction of return rates. She also touches on the emotional connections brands can foster by leveraging AR, as well as its potential to drive sustainability by addressing issues like overproduction and reducing logistical waste.Whether you're in the fashion industry, run an e-commerce platform, or simply have a passion for innovative technology, this episode promises valuable insights and inspiration. Join us as we uncover how augmented reality is paving the way for a more dynamic and sustainable shopping experience.00:00 From Pokemon Go to AR Business03:55 Augmented Reality in Fashion08:07 Augmented Reality in Fashion Marketing11:29 "Amplify Campaigns with Virtual Try-Ons"13:26 "Augmented Reality in Fashion Marketing"18:40 Virtual Fashion Implementation Challenges22:12 Boosting Online Shopping Conversions24:25 E-commerce Success Factors28:22 Revolutionizing Marketing with AR Technology32:15 Advancing Realistic Digital Experiences35:12 Adapting to Global Work Rhythms38:11 Augmented Reality in E-CommerceCheck out my free e-commerce scaling for success guide: https://talkingpurpose.ca/pages/grow-your-sustainable-brand-the-ultimate-free-guideLearn more about starting and scaling a for-purpose business at www.talkingpurpose.ca Start your business today on the best e-commerce platform in the world on Shopify

Welcome to Talking Purpose, where today we have an inspiring conversation with Norbert Elnar, the founder of Masterpiece Kingdom Brands. Norbert shares his remarkable journey of leaving a promising career in advertising in the Philippines to seek purpose and meaning in South Africa, where a chance encounter on a beach in Cape Town, led to a meaningful friendship and collaboration. Norbert candidly shares his transformative experiences and the pivotal moment that led to the creation of Masterpiece Kingdom Brands. He introduces us to his Kingdom Brand Compass framework, a powerful tool designed to help businesses align their brand identity with their faith-based values. We explore the six foundational pillars of this compass, each offering insights on clarity, purpose, and higher calling, aimed at guiding businesses towards sustainable and meaningful growth.Norbert also addresses the contemporary landscape, highlighting the rise of faith-based content. As trends come and go, he emphasizes the lasting impact of embedding biblical principles such as love, compassion, and excellence into business practices.Join us as we uncover the keys to creating influential brands that not only thrive but also serve as inspiration to communities and the planet. This episode is a testament to the power of faith-driven branding as a catalyst for positive change in an ever-changing world.Check out our brand building ebook - https://talkingpurpose.ca/pages/grow-your-sustainable-brand-the-ultimate-free-guideLearn more about starting and scaling a for-purpose business at www.talkingpurpose.ca Start your business today on the best e-commerce platform in the world on Shopify

Hello, everyone, and welcome to another insightful episode of Talking Purpose, the podcast where we delve into stories of purposeful innovation and impact. I'm your host, Katie Kung, and today I'm thrilled to bring you an inspiring conversation with Akhil Sivanandan, the CEO and co-founder of Green Story. Akhil and I have known each other through the Shopify ecosystem, and it's a pleasure to finally have him on the show.In this episode, Akhil takes us through his journey of becoming a leading advocate for sustainability and how his experiences growing up in India molded his vision for a greener future. You'll hear about the conception and growth of Green Story, a unique platform that leverages life cycle assessments to help businesses and consumers make more sustainable choices. Akhil shares fascinating insights into the challenges and rewards of building a company dedicated to transparency and environmental impact.We also explore the complexities of sustainability in the global supply chain, particularly in regions like India and China, and discuss the importance of avoiding greenwashing while effectively communicating your brand's sustainability efforts.Whether you're a solopreneur or part of a larger enterprise, you won't want to miss Akhil's valuable advice on navigating sustainability in business and his vision of a future where everyone takes small steps to create massive, positive change. So sit back, relax, and get ready for an episode filled with passion, purpose, and actionable insights.*NEW** Scale Your Purpose-Driven Ecommerce Business Ebook - https://talkingpurpose.ca/pages/grow-your-sustainable-brand-the-ultimate-free-guideTimestamps:00:00 Pursuing Sustainability from Passion05:25 Navigating Sustainable Consumer Choices09:02 Holistic Life Cycle Assessment11:38 Comparative Life Cycle Analysis Benefits16:10 "Sustainability Metrics Drive Business Success"24:09 Global Brands Face Sustainability Pressure27:59 Sustainability Demand Persists Amid RecessionLearn more about starting and scaling a for-purpose business at www.talkingpurpose.ca Start your business today on the best e-commerce platform in the world on Shopify

In this episode, I sit down with Mike McNeil, an entrepreneur in residence, to explore the innovative model of regenerative capital and its role in developing economic longevity. Alongside Regenerative Capital Group, Mike is on a mission to acquire a business in Canada, with a strong emphasis on building relationships and effective succession planning and impact mapping.We'll dive deep into the concept of regenerative business, which goes beyond traditional sustainability to aim for a net positive impact on multiple stakeholders. Learn how the entrepreneurship through acquisition model offers a unique opportunity to acquire established businesses with sustainable cash flows, and how Regenerative Capital Group provides the training and investment needed to create positive social impact. Mike discusses the importance of mentorship, skill sets, and government support in fostering successful business transitions and long-term business scalability.Join us for a compelling conversation on how regenerative capital is shaping the future of business, creating economic longevity, and transforming the entrepreneurial landscapeLearn more about starting and scaling a for-purpose business at www.talkingpurpose.ca Start your business today on the best e-commerce platform in the world on Shopify

Welcome back to another episode of "Talking Purpose"! Today, we're diving into the transformative world of freelancing and social impact with our special guest, Michelle Baltrusitis, senior manager of social impact and community at Fiverr. Michelle joins us to share her inspiring career journey and to unpack how Fiverr, the global marketplace connecting freelancers with businesses in over 700 categories, supports entrepreneurs at all levels.In this episode, we'll explore Fiverr's diverse range of programs designed to uplift communities and drive positive social change. From the Future Collective accelerator that empowers underrepresented entrepreneurs with capital, mentorship, and education, to the Fiverr for All initiative that upskills formerly incarcerated individuals, Fiverr is at the forefront of creating economic opportunities and fostering freelancer well-being.Michelle will also shed light on the various impact measurement tools that Fiverr employs to ensure their programs are both effective and scalable. We'll delve into exciting upcoming initiatives like the NGO hub set to launch later this year, aimed at building robust support systems for nonprofits.Get ready to be inspired as we discuss how Fiverr is not just connecting businesses with freelancers but also driving meaningful social impact through community-driven programs and strategic partnerships.So, settle in and join us as we explore the impactful work being done by Fiverr and the visionary leadership of Michelle Baltrusitis.Learn more about starting and scaling a for-purpose business at www.talkingpurpose.ca Start your business today on the best e-commerce platform in the world on Shopify

Welcome to Talking Purpose, the podcast where we explore the journey of entrepreneurs and their pursuit of purpose. In this episode, we have an aweseom conversation with Chase Barmore, a tech SaaS sales executive and as he calls himself, a recovering entrepreneur. Chase shares his incredible journey of transitioning from running a valet parking business to co-founding a smoothie bar and diving into the world of e-commerce to eventually landing a role as an account executive at Hiros. Throughout the episode, Chase provides valuable insights on sales, marketing, and customer experience. He stresses the importance of creating a human connection in sales and helping others achieve their goals. Chase also shares practical advice on growing an email list, optimizing conversion rates, and understanding the lifetime value of customers. One of the key takeaways from this conversation is the significance of a multi-channel approach and tracking customer journeys to understand their purchasing behaviour. We discuss the importance of personalizing the customer's experience to grow online sales and create brand connections. I also enjoyed our conversation about the power of community and networking and Chase highlights his positive experience in the Shopify for Startups community, where he met valuable contacts and learned about e-commerce strategies. Get ready to be inspired by Chase's journey and gain valuable insights on entrepreneurship, sales, and marketing.Learn more about starting and scaling a for-purpose business at www.talkingpurpose.ca Start your business today on the best e-commerce platform in the world on Shopify