Episode 20: Activism
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Looking Outside is for curious business leaders looking for a fresh take on familiar topics.
We end Season 2 of Looking Outside with a frank look at the very topical topic of activism in business. We do this not theoretically or observationally but first hand with activist entrepreneur and CEO of Eat the Change, Seth Goldman.
Seth speaks to why 'acting' is critical in activism, as he's done first hand by venturing into organic packaged food, healthier fast-casual restaurants and planet-friendly meat alternatives. Seth shares how he has done this by crafting ideas designed to change large scale food system issues while appealing to evolving consumer values.
A proud activist, Seth also speaks to how important it is that your business ideas aren't altruistic but meet the needs of the farmer, the buyer, the retailer and of course the employees of the company. Here Seth shares his unique experience as a CEO who tries to live by the commitments he sets in a way that doesn't trade off on business success.
Jo and Seth also discuss the benefits and watchouts of brands crafting a “purpose”. Specifically the well-laid intentions that have the potential for positive impact, the risk of running into greenwashing before you’ve substantiated your initiatives, and the watchouts of trying to solve problems you help to fuel or even created in the world.
This is not just a hot topic, a stellar guest but also of course a thought provoking way we're wrapping up Season 2 of Looking Outside.
To look outside, Seth reaches out to the communities he is working with and supporting through his business. Seeing his impact first hand in those markets helps bring him perspective, particularly in those moments when he is physically outside the office and in nature. Importantly, Seth also tries to speak with people who think differently, ask different questions and see the world in a fresh way. Insight can come from anywhere, even sometimes close to home.
Seth recognizes that he is working on serious issues, but that we also need to stop and have fun, and make sure these progressive shifts are fun for our consumers too.
Seth Goldman is Co-Founder of Eat the Change®, a planet-friendly snack brand that helps people ‘Snack to the Future™’. Eat the Change® recently launched Just Ice Tea, a line of organic bottled tea to go along with the company’s mushroom jerky and carrot snacks. Seth and his co-Founder, Celebrity Chef Spike Mendelsohn are also co-founders of PLNT Burger, a plant-based quick-serve restaurant that offers delicious burgers, sandwiches, fries, and soft-serve.
Seth is also the Co-founder of Honest Tea and Chair of the board of Beyond Meat. He has been widely recognized for his entrepreneurial success and impact, including Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year in Greater Washington, the Washington DC Business Hall of Fame, Beverage Industry Magazine’s Executive of the Year and Partnership for Healthier America’s CEO of the Year. Seth and his wife, Julie Farkas, have also launched ETC Impact, which is a donating $1.25M over three years into non-profit organizations that educate and inspire consumers to make climate-conscious choices with their diet.
Find out more about Eat the Change eatthechange.com & try the products.
Follow Seth on Twitter: @honestseth @eat_the_change & Instagram @eatthechange & Linkedin.
