The Good Office Podcast, by Marie Mae: Recent Episodes
Marie Mae
The Good Office Podcast is a show all about using your business as a force for good.
International business expert and Founder and CEO of Marie Mae Company Jillian Ryan hosts the weekly podcast that provides listeners actionable ways to do good, lead with integrity, be authentic and practice gratitude - as a consumer, an employee, and as a business owner.
For more information about Marie Mae and business school classes please visit https://mariemae.com.
The end of the year is the perfect time for reflection.
If you’re one of the lucky ones who gets to slow down for the holidays (not the case for us here at Marie Mae!), it’s an opportunity to look back and take stock of all you’ve done.
It’s gratifying to see what you’ve accomplished before you create goals for the upcoming year… and it helps you see if what you’re doing is working.
When you’re trying to do good and make an impact through your business, this is important stuff. That’s why I recommend a year-end impact assessment.
This assessment is useful for crafting your action plan in the future, plus building on your business’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategy.
Start off with questions like: Where did you “do good” and how impactful was it across each part of your business? Were there opportunities for improvement? Think beyond just donations. How did you support teammates? Did you reflect your values across your supply chain?
Don’t worry if you’re just starting out – this is incredibly useful for continuing to work toward your action plan.
Be sure to check out the free workbook I have for you so you can review your 2021, assess your priorities, and set the stage for an even more successful 2022.
Takeaways from this episode:
· List out the big business milestones in 2020, preferably in a month-by-month format.
· Review all impacts your business had, both positive and negative, in regard to environment, social impact, customer satisfaction and more.
· Reflect on your list by thinking about what you can do differently or how you can improve.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
https://thegoodofficepodcast.com/assessment
To book a free strategy session with Jillian:
https://mariemae.com/consulting
To learn more about Marie Mae :
https://mariemae.com/
For show notes and more resources:
https://mariemae.com/episode/80
Topics discussed in this episode:
- Company's Impact Assessment
- Corporate social responsibility plan
- End-of-Year Review
- Business Strategy
- How to create an Impact Report
Once upon a time, a woman named Gabrielle Dolan worked as a leader in corporate Australia. In this environment, she realized the power of effective business communication and how storytelling is the key.
This lesson ignited a passion in her, and she went on a journey to share her insights with others. Today she’s an international keynote speaker, educator, and author of Magnetic Stories: Connect with Customers and Engage Employees.
Gabrielle helps many others convert cold data and logic and embed them into inviting, memorable stories. Leaders who know how to communicate wield the power to change the way they lead and create a ripple effect of impact.
See? We all love the power of a good story. This doesn’t change in the business world – after all, we’re still human, so the same rule applies.
As our story’s hero Gabrielle explains, stories are a powerful force.
Stories reel in the listener and create an emotional hook so they listen and understand a message better. (We want to know what happens next! We’re invested!)
Stories are memorable. We retain information better in that format.
Stories help the storyteller by endowing them with a sense of authenticity and credibility.
Stories are effective. They share a vision and enhance collective understanding.
If you’re looking to do good in your field, or get your office on board with an initiative, try using storytelling. Watch how people respond. You might just find you’ve increased buy-in and built excitement for your cause.
Takeaways from this episode:
- Storytelling taps into our emotions, and our brains process emotions differently than logic. It lingers in long-term storage of the brain and can also lead to better buy-in.
- As humans we retain stories better than pure data alone. Lead with a story to engage, and you’ll keep your audience’s attention better throughout the rest of a presentation.
- Incorporate stories about your company’s creation, culture, customer service, customers, and challenges into your brand materials and presentations.
Topics discussed:
- Creating engaging presentations
- Storytelling in business
- 5 types of stories businesses need
- Telling customer stories
- Sharing your brand story
- Connecting with employees
- Sharing your values
To connect to Gabrielle Dolan please follow:
https://gabrielledolan.com/
https://www.instagram.com/gabrielledolan.1/
To purchase Magnetic Stories:
https://gabrielledolan.com/resources/magnetic-stories/
To book a free strategy session with Jillian:
https://mariemae.com/consulting
To learn more about Marie Mae :
https://mariemae.com/
For show notes and more resources:
https://mariemae.com/episode/79
I don’t know about you, but when I read books or learn about new ideas, I think, “Wow, I should really try that” – only to not follow through with action most of the time.
It’s easy for us to amass theories and tidbits of wisdom, but converting them into a practice is where it counts. Learning by itself doesn’t lead to lasting change; we must apply the strategies we’ve learned so it sticks and yields results.
That’s when the lightbulb goes off. That’s when you change your business.
Leadership Developer and Results Coach Brian Lovegrove says, “We don’t have a learning problem. We have a doing problem.” And he helps professionals get started by eradicating fear and crafting a clear vision with action items along the way.
If you’re wanting to become a “good office” that impacts your team, office, customer - even the world - in a positive way, you’ll want to hear Brian’s 5 keys to success. They’ll help you develop the skills needed to make a difference in any area of your life.
You’ll learn about accountability and how the right coach can empower you with the right tools to take your business where you need it to go. You’ll also learn the hallmarks of a good mentor. It all involves taking that first step and making your learning a practice.
His practical tips will have you on the path to an incredible life.
Takeaways from this episode:
- We need a clear vision of what we want from our learning, why we’re doing it, and how we’re getting there - with a commitment to follow through.
- 90% of problems can be fixed by taking action. It’s better to do something than nothing at all.
- Make sure your team can function without you. When leaders always answer their team’s questions, it’s enabling them rather than teaching them to troubleshoot for themselves.
To connect to Brian Lovegrove please visit:
https://www.brianlovegrovecoaching.com/
To get access Brian's Masterclass on How To Consistently Get Your Desired Results And Achieve Your Goals please visit:
http://becomeunstoppable.info/
Or text the word 'Result' to 77948
John Maxwell:
https://www.johnmaxwell.com/
The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership: Follow Them and People Will Follow You
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ETK5N5O/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_hsch_vapi_tkin_p1_i1
To book a free strategy session with Jillian:
https://mariemae.com/consulting
For show notes and more resources:
https://mariemae.com/episode/78
Topics discussed:
- Keys to business success
- Accountability
- Coaching vs. mentorship
- Overcoming fear
- Implementing your training
- Leadership
- Empowering your team
Small businesses are the backbone of the economy. In fact, it comprises most of the U.S. GDP!
However, small businesses may not always have the resources and “know how” that some of the largest businesses have.
And the stakes are high. How high? Unfortunately, 60% of businesses fail in the first 5 years. 83% fail due to poor cashflow management, or knowing how and where money should go.
I spoke with Michael King of KFE Solutions, who has devoted his career to instilling small business owners with knowledge and confidence. He acknowledges the importance of small businesses and has pledged to empower them.
What I love about Michael is his teacher’s heart. He has the talent of distilling business concepts into smaller, understandable nuggets. In other words, everyday people can consume and grasp the business acumen he offers.
(In fact, he calls this his “superpower.”)
We talk about his experience in the business world starting out, and how he had to learn to understand accounting and finance. This journey set him on a path to help others in similar situations.
He channels his talents in our conversation and provides helpful tidbits to business owners who are starting out or learning to better understand their operations.
Much of it boils down to knowing your numbers and building a strong financial foundation. It doesn’t matter if your sales and marketing game is strong if you don’t have a strong handle on your finances.
Don’t miss his words of wisdom. I loved hearing from him and benefited greatly, and can’t wait for you to do the same.
Takeaways from this episode:
- The critical 4 numbers an entrepreneur should know: revenue, gross profit, net profit, and cashflow.
- A cashflow forecast helps you think about how much money you have in the business today and how much money will go into the business over time. This helps guide your expenditures.
- Be conservative while estimating your profits; optimism isn’t the goal in cashflow forecasting because you must prepare for worst-case scenarios.
To learn more about Michael King and KFE Solutions please visit:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/iammichaelking/
https://www.kfesolutions.com/
https://www.instagram.com/i.am.michael.king/
To book a free strategy session with Jillian:
https://mariemae.com/consulting
To learn more about Marie Mae :
https://mariemae.com/
Show notes and more resources:
https://mariemae.com/episode/77
Topics discussed:
- Cashflow management
- Cashflow forecasting
- Net profit and gross profit
- Business fundamentals
- Small business growth
- Understanding accounting and finance
- Leaders and financials
It’s common for entrepreneurs to have their lightbulb moment and run full speed ahead with their ideas.
Sometimes it’s at the expense of doing their due diligence.
They might skip the research and legal phases of creating their product or business - missteps that affect them later in the process. And when it comes to things like intellectual property and getting patents, you don’t want to miss your window of time because you’re concerned about costs while starting out.
It’s a legitimate concern to be sure. There are always fires to put out, and maybe cash is limited starting out. If my lawyer friend didn’t push me to meet with a lawyer while starting Marie Mae, I’d probably have skipped it, too. But I’m glad I didn’t!
With that in mind, Devin Miller stops by to discuss his patent and trademark law firm that focuses on serving startups and small businesses. He’s no stranger to that arena - he’s founded several startups of his own! Drawing from his personal experience, he explains common mistakes business founders make, as well as valuable advice he’d give to his clients.
You’ll have great takeaways for your entrepreneurial venture and even a bit of homework for next steps, including ideas for your legal consultation.
Takeaways from this episode:
-Write your idea down and come back to it in a week. If you’re still excited about your idea, you’re more likely to follow through and do the hard work that comes with it.
-Have a strategy in place so you know what you need to do and when to do it. Even if you don’t have the funds, that roadmap can help you save up and prepare.
-When you’re struggling with multiple problems, invest your time and money in the one that moves the needle and will most impact the business.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
How to book your free strategy session with Devin Miller:
www.strategymeeting.com
For free law resources, Devin put a lot of free resources online:
https://milleripl.com/blogs/milleriplaw/snap-legal
To learn more about Marie Mae :
https://mariemae.com/
For show notes and more resources:
https://mariemae.com/episode/76
Topics discussed:
- Entrepreneurship
- Startups and small businesses
- Intellectual property, trademarks and patents
- Legal assessments
- Legal strategy
- Common entrepreneur mistakes
There’s a proven process for multiplying your profitability as a company, and you can do it from your desk.
The method to achieving this? Having an action plan that hits the “peak impact zone” - where the impact both you and your customer want to make is something you’re uniquely qualified to provide.
In this replay, I walk you through the process of getting your “do good” strategy off the ground through an action plan.
My step-by-step guidance - which I've learned by working with Fortune10 Companies - helps synchronize your business’s purpose and profits so they won’t compete with each other.
It’s an iterative, intentional process making you and your customers happy, creating a real impact, while boosting your business’s bottom line.
Takeaways from this episode:
· Businesses succeed in the purpose-driven profit zone. This is the intersection of 1) the impact you want to make 2) the impact your customer wants to make, and 3) the impact you’re uniquely positioned to provide and the recipient needs.
· If your impact is competing with your ability to make profits, your purpose will be cut. That’s why it’s important to find a sustainable purpose that will in turn propel your business.
· Start small and choose one area to focus on as you seek to start creating an impact. You can’t fix everything at once, and you can always build on it later.
· Know the questions to ask to get started on your implementation plan, as well as the timing to best position it for success.
· Communicate clear expectations to your team for how their actions and specific role contribute to the company objective.
· Establish metrics and a timetable to evaluate your progress, and make tweaks along the way. If something isn’t working, phase it out and move forward.
· Acting on your purpose attracts clients that are well aligned with you.
Resources Mentioned in this episode:
Book a Strategy Session at:
https://mariemae.com/consulting
B Corp Directory:
https://bcorporation.net/directory
United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals:
https://unfoundation.org/what-we-do/issues/sustainable-development-goals/?gclid=Cj0KCQiA9P__BRC0ARIsAEZ6irhGpDTRZYlHWoQhC8bI8OX5ikcx4IANtpV2KO5hSVfH_fComjruGA4aAnytEALw_wcB
Episode 30: How to Do a Year-End Impact Review
https://thegoodofficepodcast.com/episodes/30
To book a free strategy session with Jillian:
https://mariemae.com/consulting
To learn more about Marie Mae :
https://mariemae.com/
For show notes and more resources:
https://mariemae.com/episode/75
Topics discussed in this episode:
· Creating your company’s annual action plan
· Aligning business purpose with profits
· What to do after your year-end assessment
· Messaging with clarity
· Business purpose and growth
· Implementing strategy and new ideas
We’re experiencing the “Great Resignation” (or the "Great Reshuffle") in the workforce right now, and one of the biggest reasons people leave their jobs? Burnout.
You might hear “I’m burnt out” used interchangeably with “I’m stressed.” But burnout and stress are different.
Burnout is long term. It may come across as irritability or cynicism, but it can also be indifference - where you stop caring about your work.
One way I like to describe it is emotional exhaustion. And it happens to both teammates and leaders. If it’s not dealt with, it can leak out unintentionally in your behaviors – and can also have a ripple effect throughout your organization.
As a leader trying to nurture your own “good office,” it’s important to realize what falls within your scope when it comes to managing burnout … and what doesn’t.
For yourself, it can mean tending to your physical and mental self-care. It’s also about seeing patterns in your responses. When it comes to your team, recognize what’s within your control to alleviate and what’s out of your hands.
And today I’m happy to welcome Erin Rocchio to the podcast to help you do just that. Erin is the author of “Wholeness at Work: Free Yourself from Burnout for Good,” which addresses the science behind workplace burnout. She explores the symptoms, sources, and solutions across 3 different levels: individual, relational, and systemic. Her knowledge and methods help leaders find sustainable solutions for workplace well-being.
It’s a timely discussion, and super helpful whether you’re a leader or individual suffering burnout. I hope this helps you show up as your best self and work with your team, who, first and foremost, are only human.
Takeaways from this episode:
- If you’re checking in with your team and collecting feedback, you should be responsible with the feedback you receive and act where it’s within your power.
- Treat business as a marathon, not a sprint. Identify opportunities for renewal and learn what that means for your team. How can you build that into your strategy?
- Consider the thoughts and emotions you have regularly and how they contribute to your well-being. Make the choice to act (not react) to them in a way that serves you.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
For coaching and events with Erin Rocchio:
www.evolution.team
Burnout assessment and resources:
ourwholenessatwork.com
Wholeness at Work: Free Yourself From Burnout for Good:
https://ourwholenessatwork.com/products/wholeness-at-work-free-yourself-from-burnout-for-good
To book a free strategy session with Jillian:
https://mariemae.com/consulting
To learn more about Marie Mae :
https://mariemae.com/
For show notes and more resources:
https://mariemae.com/episode/74
Topics discussed:
- Burnout in the workplace
- Stress vs. burnout
- Team morale
- Self-regulation
- Prioritizing self-care
- Mindfulness
- Self-compassion
Corporate gifting may sound like a large-scale operation for clients or for a company holiday party.
It’s not that those scenarios aren’t included…but that’s not the entirety of what corporate gifting is.
Have you ever celebrated Bosses Day? Administrative Assistants Day? Or even a regular birthday in the office? You can send an impactful gift for any of those celebrations.
But in addition to the everyday, gifting can also be part of a larger strategy too. You just may not know of the possibilities for a gifting strategy without seeing it in action first.
(But I’ll tell you now I’ve never met a company that hasn’t done corporate gifts in one form or another!)
That’s why I’m discussing my experience with my law firm clients and how they welcome their associates, as well as my firsthand experience at trade shows.
I’ll tell you how to best utilize gifting in your business.
Because gifts can really make a difference.
A thoughtful gesture of goodwill goes a long way - and can help you nurture a different type of office.
Takeaways from this episode:
- If you’re not giving your new hires gifts, know that your competitors are.
- A great gift isn’t extravagant or expensive. A great gift is personalized and tells a story.
- Gifting should grow your business, enhance your client experience, and elevate your firm’s reputation.
Free resources available for you at https://www.MarieMae.com/lawfirms which include:
- Top tips for curating the perfect corporate gifting strategy (for law firms and client development)
- 5 reasons corporate gifting is a whole lot more than marketing
To book a free strategy session with Jillian:
www.mariemae.com/corporate
To learn more about Marie Mae :
https://mariemae.com/
For show notes and more resources:
https://mariemae.com/episode/73
Have you been wondering which gifts to give your team at the end of the year?
Gifts for professionals that a) aren’t marketing swag and b) manage to be nice, useful, and meaningful?
You’re in luck. I may not be a certain talk show host, but I’ve rounded up my “favorite things” - the hottest professional gifts of 2021.
Clients have asked for my input in the past, so this year, I managed to get ahead with this list.
These aren’t items that only I’d enjoy … although I can personally vouch for the fact they’re awesome!
I’ve done client research and asked real professionals what they’d like. And it may not be what you think.
You could say I’m offering you the science of gifting.
(And no, nothing is sponsored.)
Remember, there are important parameters to follow when it comes to planning and giving gifts. They help you go the extra mile so that your employees feel appreciated.
This list should help you hit a home run with your team. There are even VIP gifts if you really want to make an impact or reward important clients.
Enjoy!
Takeaways from this episode:
- Gifts for professionals should be useful - and something the recipient wouldn’t buy for themselves.
- Don’t buy something cheap. Your recipients won’t want it, and it might get stuck on a container ship en route to you thanks to global supply chain issues this year.
- Giving generous gifts that are thoughtful says a lot about your brand - more than a gift branded with your logo ever will.
See the full list of the hottest corporate gifts of 2021 at mariemae.com/2021catalog.
To book a free strategy session with Jillian:
https://mariemae.com/consulting
To learn more about Marie Mae :
https://mariemae.com/
For show notes and more resources:
https://mariemae.com/episode/72
Topics discussed:
Corporate gifting
Office holiday gifting
Best employee gifts of 2021
Employee appreciation
Year-end rewards
Client Appreciation
The holidays are approaching - fast.
They’ll be here before you know it, and soon you might just find yourself wishing you had more time to shop for gifts.
(And it can definitely put a damper on the holiday season when you’re stressed about finding gifts at the last minute!)
Plus, in this era of “the great resignation,” there’s a mass exodus of people seeking employment elsewhere. Maybe the pandemic made them rethink their current work situation, or maybe they don’t want to return to the office in favor of the work / life balance that teleworking offers.
With that in mind, gifting is a strategy to show your people you value their contributions - that you care about them as people.
It’s always great to send gifts. But when you give gifts thoughtfully, at the right time and with the right preparation, it goes a long way in making your teammates or clients feel valued and appreciated.
It can also help you out to plan early, especially this year.
I’ll show you why.
Takeaways from this episode:
· You can actually save money by taking advantage of early shopper discounts, which help you and the vendor because many are slammed with business in November and December.
· The earlier you shop, the more product availability you’re going to have - and the more opportunities to customize, and the less stressed you’ll be.
· Your gift stands out in a crowd when it’s the first one your recipient receives.
Want a free eBook on corporate gifting tips and trends for 2021?
Sign up for our mailing list at MarieMae.com.
Episode 70: FEELING STUCK THIS HOLIDAY SEASON? HERE'S WHAT TO CONSIDER
https://mariemae.com/episode/70
To book a free strategy session with Jillian:
https://mariemae.com/consulting
To learn more about Marie Mae :
https://mariemae.com/
For show notes and more resources:
https://mariemae.com/episode/
Topics discussed:
- Corporate gifting
- Holiday gifting at work
- Gifting tips
- Supply chain issues
- Employee appreciation
Isn’t it crazy the holidays are coming up so fast? I’m wrapping my head around the fact it’s no longer October 2019!
Maybe you’re feeling “frozen” as the end of the year approaches, wondering the best way to handle the holidays.
Should you return to in-person holiday events this year?
Should you host a virtual party?
Or maybe just sending gifts will suffice?
To be fair, it’s a strange time. The pandemic persists, but vaccinations are well underway.
This strange “in-between” time makes you wonder: Are we okay to meet? Is it still too soon?
The holidays are a convenient time to let our teams know we care about them. And since holiday parties are for them, it’s important to get their input. Find out what they’d prefer.
(I’d also like to speak on behalf of my fellow introverts!)
Being in the gifting space myself, I have some thoughts about the holidays and showing your appreciation with a quality gift.
Tune in and I’ll help you get a clearer picture of how to proceed –-and you definitely shouldn’t wait.
Time flies, after all!
Takeaways from this episode:
- Ask your employees how they feel before you plan a holiday party. See if they’re even comfortable meeting in person.
- Don’t overthink virtual events. They don’t need to be super intricate with a long agenda.
- Quality gifts (not marketing swag!) are always appreciated by your employees - especially if they’re on trend.
To view our 2021 Gift Catalog, please visit:
www.mariemae.com/2021catalog
To book a free strategy session with Jillian:
https://mariemae.com/consulting
To learn more about Marie Mae :
https://mariemae.com/
For show notes and more resources:
https://mariemae.com/episode/70
Topics discussed:
- Company holiday parties
- Corporate gifting
- Virtual events
- Employee appreciation
- Introverted employees
- Holiday parties and the pandemic
Gratitude is so incredibly important to practice in business.
And I don’t mean daily affirmations – though I do love those. I’m talking about showing gratitude.
Showing gratitude for your team that makes it happen.
Recently I mentioned how I took a hiatus from everything to get my head on straight after some challenging times over the past year.
My team handled it all with grace. They stepped up in a way that truly allowed me to step away and reset.
While giving team members bonuses is great, they often use bonus money for necessities and not luxuries.
I wanted to live out the principles of my gifting business at Marie Mae and give them something tangible. Specifically, I wanted to give my team something they wouldn’t give themselves.
Team Treat Day was born.
Listen in and I’ll tell you why this was important for the team, even if the timing was a little unconventional.
I always say baking impact into the business is a good thing for a “good office,” and this is an important example of doing it internally.
Pay it forward to your team. They deserve it!
Takeaways from this episode:
-The epitome of a great gift? When it’s a surprise, a luxury that they would never buy for themselves, and helps them feel seen and treasured. It also shows them what's possible and tangible to be achieved in the future if they put in the work.
-You don’t have to wait until after your team hits a big business goal to reward them. Reward them up front to get them in a positive headspace and boost morale.
-Gifts don’t always have to be done as a “thank you” or saved for holidays. Use gifting to help your team feel like a million bucks.
To book a free strategy session with Jillian:
https://mariemae.com/consulting
To learn more about Marie Mae :
https://mariemae.com
For show notes and more resources:
https://mariemae.com/episode/69
Topics discussed:
-Corporate gifting
- Team appreciation
-Surprising your team
-Team building
-Setting team goals
-Boosting team morale
Sometimes the topics we want to avoid are the ones worth discussing.
One example? Letting go of clients.
But it’s sometimes a necessity in business - for them, for your team, and for you.
And while firing a client may not sound like something a “good office” would do … It really is about doing good by your people, following your values and making sure everyone is in alignment.
It’s about creating an environment you and your team succeed in.
I’ve had to do this recently, and don’t get me wrong, it’s definitely not easy.
But there are tactics to make it a little less painful for everyone involved.
Plus, they’ll help you avoid making any mistakes in the future while ensuring you’re looking out for everyone involved.
I’ll tell you a little about how firing my first client went, and how I worked with my team and took care of them (while also taking care of this client).
It should help you when you find yourself in this uncomfortable situation too.
Takeaways from this episode:
- When evaluating the direction you should go with a client, listen to your team and empower them by involving them in the decision.
- When ending a business relationship with a client, keep it brief. Don’t burn bridges and don’t get into the nitty-gritty about what they did wrong.
- It’s important to meet with your team. Discuss what went wrong, and what to do differently in the future, so you have guardrails in place to avoid getting in that situation again.
To book a free strategy session with Jillian:
https://mariemae.com/consulting
To learn more about Marie Mae and for more podcast resources:
www.mariemae.com/episode/68
Topics discussed:
- Firing clients
- Empowering your team
- Ending business relationships amicably
- Prioritizing your work culture
- Evaluating work relationships
- Learning from mistakes
The news has been heavy lately. (Then again, when is it not heavy?)
Hurricanes, earthquakes, war, the pandemic…
Finding the right way to respond both individually and as a leader can be paralyzing.
Maybe you want to give back, but all you can do is sit and wonder, but what can I do?
Yes, it can be hard to know where to begin. But how often do we end our thought process there?
I should do something, but what?
I’ve been there. I’ve surrendered to the overwhelming feelings and let it stop me in my tracks. It’s easier to stop there.
But I also know as a leader and a human, I want to be the type that acts.
Do you?
I’m here to give you a pep talk as someone who tries to bake good into my business wherever it makes sense. It starts with following through.
And you can do it, too.
Takeaways from this episode:
- It’s easy to get stuck in despair. Reframe your thinking from “I should do something” to “I’m going to do something, I just need to figure out what that is.”
- Don’t overcomplicate it. Doing good and making an impact often happens in small yet thoughtful ways.
- When you’re unsure of the best way to give back, it’s common to just donate. Donating is great—but the problem isn’t always a lack of funds. Consider your connections and ask questions to see if there is a better way you can help.
Topics discussed:
- Giving back as a business
- Feeling overwhelmed
- Donations
- Afghanistan
- Haiti
- Geopolitics
To book a free strategy session with Jillian:
https://mariemae.com/consulting
To learn more about Marie Mae and for more podcast resources:
www.mariemae.com/episode/67
The past year has been a time, hasn’t it? Not only have we endured a global pandemic, but even everyday stresses have changed.
Maybe your business has suffered.
Maybe your relationships were tested.
Maybe peripheral friends dropped out of your life.
Or maybe you lost someone close to you.
Personally, I’ve been through a rough patch the past few months. And me being me, my instinct is to push through and never ask for help.
But it got to my breaking point, and I realized it was actually a long time coming. I needed to step back and acknowledge I needed to prioritize myself.
Frankly, it was time to allow myself to be human. I would’ve crashed and burned if I continued on the path I was on. It was time to heal and reset…and that’s okay.
We’re not robots. Leaders should demonstrate it’s okay to be vulnerable at work because if we manage our mental health first, and allow others to be human too, everything else will follow. It will make your office a kinder place to be.
So you could say the first step to having a good office is making sure you're in a good place as a leader.
Through sharing my own personal story, you’ll learn tips such as:
· The importance of managing your mental health
· Communicating with and relying on your teammates
· Why it’s okay to make yourself a priority
Takeaways from this episode:
- It's okay to admit when you're not doing well. It's okay to open up about your personal struggles at work … and leaders should model this.
- To be the type of leader you need to be, you have to put your oxygen mask on first.
- Don’t be afraid to take time off when you need it - and disconnect from your email too! You’ll come back refreshed with a better head on your shoulders.
Topics discussed:
- Mental health at the workplace
- Vulnerability at work
- Relying on your team / asking for help
- The importance of disconnecting
- COVID-19
- Making it through rough patches
To book a free strategy session with Jillian:
https://mariemae.com/consulting
To learn more about Marie Mae and for more podcast resources:
www.mariemae.com/episode/65
Have you noticed each time you go to the doctor for an annual check-up, they’ll go ahead and schedule your next visit in advance? If we’re honest with ourselves, if the receptionist didn’t do this ahead of time we would probably forgo scheduling one at all (or forget to come back) - a lot can happen in a year!
The same goes for our business. How often do we check up and check in with our regular clients? Perhaps you already schedule 1-on-1s with your team. That’s great, but we should also extend it to customers. This can be a great learning opportunity for you and a chance to go above and beyond.
Food for thought:
- Touching base regularly with clients should be scheduled in advance. It doesn’t have to be a long meeting, just make the effort.
- Operationalize it: make the meeting recurring every quarter or every year, so long as it’s on the calendar. Preparations don’t have to dominate your time.
- If you discover there’s not much to discuss during your touch base, at least use it as a time to build rapport and strengthen your relationship.
- Open the door for them to discuss your relationship as a whole and if there’s anything you can do to make their lives easier or transactions smoother.
- Getting new leads is important, but maintaining existing relationships with clients is critical and should be a part of your strategy.
- Regular touch bases can also keep your services top-of-mind for your clients - adding to your bottom line.
Topics discussed:
- Touching base with clients
- Relationship building
- Being proactive with clients
- Planning ahead
- Leadership hacks
Learn more about The Good Office Podcast:
www.thegoodofficepodcast.com
www.instagram.com/thegoodofficepodcast
To book a free strategy session with Jillian:
https://mariemae.com/consulting
To learn more about Marie Mae:
https://mariemae.com/
The Good Office Podcast is 1 year old, and during that time you’ve heard from businesses trying to do good with their platform. Women-owned businesses, businesses run by minorities, and businesses that pay their workers fair and livable wages – through it all we’ve seen some common takeaways.
Marie Mae CEO and Founder Jillian Ryan shares the truth about businesses’ do-good strategies, some unconventional ways you can do good every day, and how to be kind to yourself through it all. She also has an exciting announcement about the podcast, so be sure to listen.
Topics discussed in this episode:
- Companies and charitable giving
- Giveback strategies
- Mental health
- Attention span
- Short storytelling
- Leadership
Takeaways from this episode:
- Learn to take care of your mental health, be kind to yourself, and model that behavior to your team.
- Being nice to people who interact with you counts as doing good in business.
- Most companies are trying to use their platform to do good, but many just don’t know how.
- Allow yourself to accept help when you need it.
- With how busy life can be, if you want someone to listen to what you’re saying, keep it brief.
To book a free strategy session with Jillian:
https://mariemae.com/consulting
To learn more about Marie Mae :
https://mariemae.com/
To learn more about The Good Office Podcast:
www.thegoodofficepodcast.com
Show notes and more resources:
https://thegoodofficepodcast.com/episodes/64
s The Good Office Podcast continues to inspire you this summer season to use your business as a force for good, Jillian takes a minute to revisit a special episode - one that takes us through the journey of the entrepreneur's mindset.
In this episode, Jillian talks with Donna Letier, co-founder of Gardenuity, which matches budding gardeners with the best plants for their region and season with convenient grow-it-yourself kits.
What you'll learn in this episode:
Donna’s journey as an entrepreneur and Gardenuity’s goal to connect people to wellness
How transparency about not only successes in business but also failures can help your venture grow in the long run
The benefits of approaching entrepreneurship with the mindset that it’s about learning and enjoying the process
Why it’s important to speak directly with your customers and hear their feedback
The importance of mindful moments and how they can help you practice gratitude and be more present
Topics discussed:
Entrepreneurship
Business
Gardening
Leadership
Wellness
Gratitude
Productivity
Key takeaways from this episode:
Gardenuity delivers customized container gardens across the country, with the mission of creating a personalized gardening experience and helping others ‘grow good.’
The company was built on the foundation of providing opportunities to find and grow gratitude in order to improve our mental and physical health.
Failures or obstacles in business are an important part of your story as an entrepreneur – they allow you to receive help or advice that can ultimately make you stronger.
Being open to the journey of building a business and gaining knowledge along the way is the best way to achieve longevity.
Hearing from customers about any challenges they may be having with your product or service will help you be more willing to pivot when needed – which has been especially important over the last year.
It’s important to find meaningful moments, and this can be as simple as stepping away from distractions and taking five minutes to be present with yourself.
For the full episode, please visit:
Episode 22: How to Align a Brand and Product Strategy to Enhance the Customer Experience
https://thegoodofficepodcast.com/episodes/22
To book a free strategy session with Jillian:
https://mariemae.com/consulting
To learn more about Marie Mae :
https://mariemae.com/
To learn more about The Good Office Podcast:
www.thegoodofficepodcast.com
Show notes and more resources:
https://thegoodofficepodcast.com/episodes/63
Everyone suffers burnout at one point or another, but Dr. Julia Colangelo has tips to get out of a rut when it becomes chronic. An award-winning professor of mindfulness at Columbia University, she teaches people how to find their flow in both personal and professional life.
After coping with burnout as a social worker, she began a private practice for short-term stress reduction therapy. This new clientele taught her many people didn’t need therapy, they needed to recover from burnout, find their professional cheerleader, and recapture their joy.
You’ll learn how giving your time to causes you care about and aligning actions with your priorities can set you on an energized path. Connecting to causes you champion can also have a ripple effect that creates good in the world.
Takeaways from this episode:
- Preventing burnout and increasing happiness and creativity starts with enjoying what you’re doing. Think of the process as enhancing your life instead of preventing burnout.
- Activating your goals and finding purpose helps decrease anger and resentment, creating a kinder world of micro-actions that lead to macro-change.
- If you feel out of alignment with your values, pick one area to “turn the volume up” and the rest will be a domino effect.
- Surround yourself with people who align with your priorities in life, and avoid giving time or energy to those who criticize you or push back on your boundaries.
- If you’re not in the position to donate financially to causes you care about, think about how to instead give your time, resources, and knowledge, and be generous with it.
Topics discussed in this episode:
- Burnout / stress
- Finding your flow
- Donating your time and strengths
- Professional coaching
- Living your values
- Setting boundaries
For the full episode and full list of resources, please visit:
https://thegoodofficepodcast.com/episodes/29
To book a free strategy session with Jillian:
https://mariemae.com/consulting
To learn more about Marie Mae :
https://mariemae.com/
To learn more about The Good Office Podcast:
www.thegoodofficepodcast.com
Show notes and more resources:
https://thegoodofficepodcast.com/episodes
Mindset is critical to overcoming any obstacles - and Lindsey Vertner, cofounder of Unleashed Woman, is living proof. The last thing she remembered was listening to music on the way back from her mother’s house before she found herself on life support following a near-fatal car wreck. She went brain dead multiple times and was told she’d be paralyzed, but she still walked out of the hospital a month later.
Achieving the extraordinary is not an accident. Today, Lindsey teaches ambitious leaders and female entrepreneurs how to master their mindset, drawing from her own experiences to craft a framework for living a first-class life. You’ll learn her 3 pillars of self and how that sets the foundation for you living your best life, and in turn, being able to give your best self to others.
Topics discussed in this episode:
- Mastering your mindset
- Affirmations
- Self-care
- Self-discipline
- Self-worth
- Removing self-limiting beliefs
Takeaways from this episode:
- You always have a choice: You can be a victim to your circumstances or become a victor over your obstacles.
- You can have the best systems and tools in the world, but without a healthy mindset that eliminates self-limiting beliefs, you’ll only get so far.
- If we don’t practice self-care, it leads down a path of mental, emotional, and eventually physical deterioration. Then we can’t give our best selves to serve others.
- We make time for the things that we decide to make time for.
- Self-care doesn’t mean buying expensive indulgences. Sometimes it’s saying no to people and maintaining boundaries in life.
- Do a time-audit to incorporate self-discipline in your life to determine if you’re intentional about where you devote your energy.
- If we don’t believe we deserve more, then we’ll continue to never achieve it and even sabotage our own success.
For the full episode and resources mentioned in this episode, please visit:
https://thegoodofficepodcast.com/episodes/42
To book a free strategy session with Jillian:
https://mariemae.com/consulting
To learn more about Marie Mae :
https://mariemae.com/
To learn more about The Good Office Podcast:
www.thegoodofficepodcast.com
Show notes and more resources:
https://thegoodofficepodcast.com
People tend to think of masculine and feminine in terms of biological male and female characteristics. However, Melissa Martin reframes it in terms of a "masculine" doing or giving energy versus the "feminine" receiving energy. When a woman is embodied in her feminine energy where she’s open to receiving love, support, and wealth, she can manifest a new life both personally and professionally.
Melissa Martin helps women create a healthy mindset, relationship with money, and sense of self-worth, and it begins with tapping into that feminine energy. She explains her past relationship with money and how it was ultimately tied to her self-worth, along with practices that helped her remedy her outlook. When it comes to fixing your relationship with money, start with examining yourself and viewing it as an empowering tool.
Topics discussed in this episode:
- Money management
- Masculine vs. feminine energy
- Rebuilding your life
- Abundance mindset
- Being open to receiving
- Building a healthy relationship with money
- Self-worth
Takeaways from this episode:
- Many women in business struggle with knowing their worth - and it’s not just about money itself, but what it represents.
- A woman that's embodied in feminine energy is open to support, abundance, success, compliments, and money.
- In turn, the key to unlocking financial potential is being able to ask for what you want, which is a form of self-love.
- Examine your relationship with money as if it’s an interpersonal relationship. Is it toxic? Is it defined by jealousy? Or does it help you create, do good, and inspire gratitude?
- Set intentions with your money and what you’d like to create with your funds.
Topics covered in this episode:
- Women and money management
- Doing good with money
- Rebuilding financially and emotionally
- Unlocking your potential
- Overcoming negative mindsets
- Self-limiting beliefs
- Helping yourself to help others
Mentioned in this episode:
Full episode:
https://thegoodofficepodcast.com/episodes/44
Ladies Aligned's website:
Follow Melissa on Instagram:
Boldly Courageous Podcast
Book a free strategy session with Jillian:
https://mariemae.com/consulting
Learn more about Marie Mae:
https://mariemae.com/
Learn more about The Good Office Podcast:
https://thegoodofficepodcast.com
Margaret Alabi is the cofounder of The Pivot Consulting Group, a career and life transformation coaching practice. As a coaching professional, Margaret guides people from where they are to where they want to be without compromising their authenticity.
Marie Mae CEO Jillian Ryan revisits her conversation with Margaret where they discuss:
- Her entrepreneurial and self-awareness journey
- How the Clifton StrengthsFinder assessment helps individuals and teams
- How to stay true to yourself in your career
Topics discussed in this episode:
- Clifton StrengthsFinder assessment
- Authenticity
- Imposter Syndrome
- Hiring to match your weaknesses
- Professional growth
Takeaways from this episode:
- If you’re living up to what people want you to be instead of who you really are, it’s a difficult, exhausting, and unsustainable path.
- The Clifton StrengthsFinder assessment is a revolutionary development tool to help anyone develop and empower themselves and their teams so that they better understand who they are.
- Diversity appears in many ways, including diversity of strengths and diversity of thought. You need diverse strengths on your team to fill in the gaps.
- Connect with your anabolic energy, which allows you to be more constructive and sustain the success you’re enjoying.
To listen to the full episode, please visit:
https://thegoodofficepodcast.com/episodes/24
To learn more about the Pivot Consulting Group, please visit:
http://readysetpivot.com/
contact@thepivotco.com
Margaret Alabi on Facebook - Coach MAA
https://www.linkedin.com/company/thepivotco/
Take your own Clifton Strengths Assessment:
https://www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/en/home.aspx
Learn more about The Good Office Podcast:
www.thegoodofficepodcast.com
www.instagram.com/thegoodofficepodcast.com
To book a free strategy session with Jillian:
https://mariemae.com/consulting
To learn more about Marie Mae:
https://mariemae.com/
To learn more about The Good Office Podcast:
www.thegoodofficepodcast.com/episodes/59
When families are in the aftermath of an unexpected crisis and estate plans aren’t in place, it can be chaotic - and even create generational consequences. Ifeoma “Iffy” Ibekwe seeks to keep people confident and prepared as the principal attorney at Ibekwe Law, fueled by her passion for helping everyone make plans for their passing – regardless of their age or wealth. Encouraging women is her calling, and she believes every woman deserves a plan to legally protect herself and her loved ones.
Marie Mae Founder and CEO Jillian Ryan revisits her conversation with Iffy as she discusses finding purpose in what she does as a lawyer. They also discuss how Iffy gave back during the Black Lives Matter movement and how she goes the extra mile to give back to under-served communities.
Takeaways from this episode:
- Finding passion and purpose in your work helps drive you to do good. It’s hard to use your profession as a force for good when you lack belief in what you’re doing.
- Dedicate your resources toward the good that you want to accomplish.
- Be generous and find ways to give back whenever possible.
- When you succeed, consider people who are “othered” in society - and lift them up. Serve as a mentor and share what you’ve learned.
Topics covered in this episode:
- Entrepreneurship
- Estate planning
- Finding purpose in your work
- Using your business for good
- Mentorship
For more details and the full episode, please visit:
https://thegoodofficepodcast.com/episodes/34
To book a free strategy session with Jillian:
https://mariemae.com/consulting
To learn more about Marie Mae :
https://mariemae.com/
To learn more about The Good Office Podcast:
www.thegoodofficepodcast.com
Show notes and more resources:
https://thegoodofficepodcast.com/
This week’s inspirational throwback comes from the marketing mastermind behind the Tory Burch Foundation, Molly Heffernan, who helped bring the global campaign #embraceambition to life. As part of her work, she helps empower women through programs and initiatives that invest in the success and sustainability of women-owned small businesses.
We hone in on some great moments from episode 13, where Molly discusses the origin of the famous Tory Burch campaign. She also draws from her career working to create a more equitable society to give 3 pieces of advice to women in business.
Topics discussed in this episode:
-Embracing ambition
-Female empowerment
-Sexism in business
-Tory Burch Foundation
-Ambitious female leaders
Takeaways from this episode:
- Many women have been conditioned to believe their ambition is a bad thing when it’s something to be embraced.
- Think about what you want your business to be and what you want to stand for. What do you want that business to look and feel like? Work backwards from there.
- Don’t be afraid to ask questions - feedback from others might give you the lightbulb moment you need for your business’s next steps.
- Women in business often have compelling stories, so don’t be afraid to be authentic and share them to connect with others.
To book a free strategy session with Jillian:
https://mariemae.com/consulting
For show notes and the full episode, please visit:
https://thegoodofficepodcast.com/episodes/13
To learn more about Marie Mae :
https://mariemae.com/
Business owners and particularly women tend to put themselves last on their priority list. Women often feel conditioned to put everyone else's needs, desires, and opinions above our own - and owning a business only worsens the issue.
Kaneisha Grayson understands this dilemma all too well as the founder of The Art of Applying, the world’s largest black-owned and woman of color-owned graduate admissions consulting company. That’s why she made changes to improve not only her business, but her own self-care. Together with Marie Mae Founder and CEO Jillian Ryan, they discuss some improvements they made to their lives to empower themselves and enhance their wellbeing.
Topics in this episode:
- Prioritizing yourself
- Self-care
- Female empowerment
- Overworking and over committing
Takeaways from this episode:
- Every time you say yes to a request or commitment, there's a trade-off and you're saying no to something else.
- Value your time and charge what you’re worth.
- Trust yourself and know that ultimately, you have to turn to yourself for the answers.
- Do good by yourself, do good by your clients, and do good by your team.
- Find one full day on the calendar and devote it to developing yourself or your business without distractions or interruptions.
For the full episode and links, please visit:
https://thegoodofficepodcast.com/episodes/40
Resources mentioned in this episode:
The Art of Applying: https://theartofapplying.com/
Scale Your Joy: http://scaleyourjoy.com/
Book a free strategy session with Jillian:
https://mariemae.com/consulting
Learn more about Marie Mae:
https://mariemae.com/
Learn more about The Good Office Podcast:
https://thegoodofficepodcast.com
If you want to show appreciation to your team or clients after a tough year, there are best practices to help the gift make a big impact. Putting extra thought into it to go the extra mile can pay dividends – while thoughtless gifts can be worse than sending nothing at all!
Marie Mae CEO Jillian Ryan gives a behind-the-scenes glance at the world of corporate gifting and expounds upon the dos and don'ts. She draws from her business to illustrate how it’s an extraordinary opportunity for your firm to show people you care and are interested in corporate purpose, not platitudes. You’ll get shrewd pieces of advice that Marie Mae tells top clients. When you put these tips into practice, you’ll get the highest return on investment.
Topics in this episode:
- Corporate gifting
- Branded gifts
- Gift ideas for clients / employees
- Customer / employee appreciation
- Concierge gifting service
- Behind the scenes
Takeaways from this episode:
- Go for quality over quantity when you buy gifts. Be strategic and make sure they tell a story about your values.
- Gifting well helps your client feel appreciated and prevents you from appearing thoughtless compared to your competition.
- Outsourcing gifting services helps you learn what everyone else is gifting and what’s being well-received.
- Factor corporate gifting into your big annual review as a company so you can execute thoughtfully.
- Avoid sending high-end tech items. Often the target market stocks up on these products themselves. If you do, include choices.
- Try gifting at times when others aren’t gifting: After New Year’s when life is calmer than the holidays, clients’ birthdays, during random holidays, etc.
- Be subtle with your branding if you include it in your gift.
To book a free strategy session with Jillian:
https://mariemae.com/consulting
To learn more about Marie Mae :
https://mariemae.com/
To learn more about The Good Office Podcast:
www.thegoodofficepodcast.com
Show notes and more resources:
https://thegoodofficepodcast.com/episodes/55
How often do you begin a self-help book only to throw it by the wayside or forget what you’ve learned? Or you learn the concepts but never put them into practice? Brian Lovegrove is a leadership developer and results coach who believes learning is not enough to make lasting change. He realized that most books and training programs only give the student the theory with little practical experience, so his 5 keys of success guide people to develop the skills and strategies to become holistically successful.
In this episode, Brian shares his journey, the 5 keys to success, and practical tips for mastering them to lead an incredible life.
Topics in this episode:
- Keys to business success
- Accountability
- Coaching vs. mentorship
- Overcoming fear
- Implementing your training
- Leadership
- Empowering your team
Takeaways from this episode:
- Applying the strategies you learn is what helps the lightbulb go off and change your business. We don’t have a learning problem; we have a doing problem.
- Fear is the number one obstacle to accomplishing what you truly want in life.
- We need a clear vision of what we want from our learning, why we’re doing it, and how we’re getting there - with a commitment to follow through.
- 90% of problems can be fixed by taking action. It’s better to do something than nothing at all.
- Accountability coaching works because it places the onus on you - and you’re the one who knows your business best.
- A mentor can climb the mountain before you, but that doesn't mean that your climb of the same mountain will be identical, or that they can teach you exactly how to do it.
- When leaders always answer their team’s questions, it’s enabling them rather than teaching them to troubleshoot for themselves. Make sure your team can function without you.
To connect to Brian Lovegrove please visit:
https://www.brianlovegrovecoaching.com/
To get access Brian's Masterclass on How To Consistently Get Your Desired Results And Achieve Your Goals please visit:
http://becomeunstoppable.info/
Or text the word 'Result' to 77948
John Maxwell:
https://www.johnmaxwell.com/
The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership: Follow Them and People Will Follow You
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ETK5N5O/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_hsch_vapi_tkin_p1_i1
To book a free strategy session with Jillian:
https://mariemae.com/consulting
To learn more about Marie Mae:
https://mariemae.com/
To learn more about The Good Office Podcast:
www.thegoodofficepodcast.com
Show notes and more resources:
https://thegoodofficepodcast.com/episodes/54
What makes you want to do business with a company? Is it price or product quality? Normally those factors come into play, but strong customer service is often what seals the deal.
In this next installment of The Messy Middle series, Marie Mae CEO Jillian Ryan illustrates her expectations for her brand’s customer service while starting out vs. the reality that unfolded. While customer service is about helping the customer, you can’t serve them effectively without establishing your own boundaries and respecting the limitations of the entire team. It’s also beneficial to be focused on what you can realistically achieve and what serves your overall strategy.
Topics in this episode:
- Customer service
- Guiding customers to the right product
- Setting boundaries in business
- Working with vendors
- Learning to say no
- Focusing your business
Takeaways from this episode:
- Customer service should involve actually interacting with a person who has the knowledge and power to help you when you need it.
- You and your team can’t do it all, so it’s important to establish boundaries to prevent burnout.
- If you’re saying yes to every opportunity or sale that arises, operations can become complicated and prevent you from scaling your business. You must be able to source it, systematize it, and ensure nothing is overlooked - and to serve existing customers well.
- Guide customers to where they need to go - don’t overwhelm them and offer anything and everything.
- Learn to say no. Focusing on opportunities that relate to your overall strategy and where you want to go is key; don’t stretch yourself thin for fear of losing sales.
To book a free strategy session with Jillian:
https://mariemae.com/consulting
To learn more about Marie Mae :
https://mariemae.com/
To learn more about The Good Office Podcast:
www.thegoodofficepodcast.com
Show notes and more resources:
https://thegoodofficepodcast.com/episodes/53
When an organization undergoes change, some team members are on board, some fear the worst, and others struggle with knowing how to proceed. “Intrapreneurs” help advocate and usher in change within an organization - bridging together different concerns, uniting those resistant to change, and forging a path forward. While entrepreneurs disrupt the status quo to create their own business venture, intrapreneurs choose to disrupt from within an existing organization.
Nancy Murphy helps support these intrapreneurs as the founder and president of CSR Communications, so they can realize change faster and with less resistance. This week she shares with Marie Mae Founder and CEO Jillian Ryan the 3 types of resistance to change, how to overcome them, and her top tips for using your platform for good in sustainable ways.
Topics in this episode:
- Creating change in an organization
- Internal change agents
- Status quo resistance
- Intrapreneurs vs. entrepreneurs
- Why people resist change
- How to win people over to your vision
- Corporate charity / volunteer work
Takeaways from this episode:
- It’s often a thankless, grueling job when internal agents try to enact changes within legacy organizations.
- Resistance to change isn’t always bad. Team feedback is critical to making change efforts stronger.
- Dig into negative feedback and any defensiveness to see what’s underneath your team’s concerns. Invite people with different outlooks to complement your ideas.
- Status quo defenders aren’t naturally opposed to change; it’s that sometimes the status quo is entwined with their identity or they helped bring the status quo about. Consider how to frame your vision in a way that speaks to their motivations and desires.
- Often those struggling to adapt to change are lacking either a will or a way because of disparities between policies / practices and the outlook being evangelized.
- Think about each business decision and how to maximize it for good, whether that’s sourcing from minority-owned businesses or making sustainable choices.
- You don’t have to make grand, sweeping gestures to do good in your business. Small, strategic actions add up over time.
To learn more about Nancy Murphy and CSR Communications please visit:
https://www.csrcommunications.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancyamurphy/
What’s your Influence Style? Quiz:
https://quiz.csrcommunications.com/sf/de5229d7
To book a free strategy session with Jillian:
https://mariemae.com/consulting
To learn more about Marie Mae :
https://mariemae.com/
To learn more about The Good Office Podcast:
www.thegoodofficepodcast.com
Show notes and more resources:
https://thegoodofficepodcast.com/episodes/52
60% of businesses fail in the first five years, and 83% fail due to poor cashflow management. Michael King of KFE Solutions created his business in 2015 with the goal of helping entrepreneurs understand their numbers so they can make better decisions. When he started out in the business world, he recognized the hurdles standing in the way of understanding financial fundamentals and pledged to fix it for himself and others.
In this episode, Michael expresses how using his superpower for teaching small businesses by distilling business concepts into understandable, easily consumed nuggets helps real people. He explains that since the majority of the U.S. GDP comes from small businesses, it’s important to empower small business owners with knowledge and confidence. Their success in turn can strengthen communities and families.
Tune in to learn more about the power of knowing your numbers as well as Michael’s top tips for how to establish a strong financial foundation in your company.
Topics in this episode:
- Cashflow management
- Cashflow forecasting
- Net profit and gross profit
- Business fundamentals
- Small business growth
- Understanding accounting and finance
- Leaders and financials
Takeaways from this episode:
- It’s not unusual for accountants and bookkeepers to struggle with communicating financial concepts in an understandable, relatable way. Find someone with a teacher’s heart to help you understand.
- The power of knowing your numbers might be a daunting journey, but it’s one worth taking to keep your business afloat and thriving.
- The critical 4 numbers an entrepreneur should know: revenue, gross profit, net profit, and cashflow.
- A cashflow forecast helps you think about how much money you have in the business today and how much money you think will go into the business over time. This helps guide expenses.
- Be conservative while estimating your profits; optimism isn’t the goal in cashflow forecasting because you have to be prepared for the worst.
- Even if you’re succeeding with sales/ marketing and your operations, your business will stagnate without a knowledge of finance.
To learn more about Michael King and KFE Solutions please visit:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/iammichaelking/
https://www.kfesolutions.com/
https://www.instagram.com/i.am.michael.king/
To book a free strategy session with Jillian:
https://mariemae.com/consulting
To learn more about Marie Mae :
https://mariemae.com/
To learn more about The Good Office Podcast:
www.thegoodofficepodcast.com
Show notes and more resources:
https://thegoodofficepodcast.com/episodes/51
We hear about business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-consumer (B2B) communication. However, we should be thinking in terms of human to human. That’s the common tie, and our humanity is ultimately what speaks to us the most.
This is much of Felicia Sullivan’s goal in her career of building human brands and wielding the power of storytelling in business communications. Her brand strategy helps companies better connect with their consumers in an authentic way instead of pushing products.
This week she asserts how the power of understanding customers and how embracing our humanity - and its diversity - can not only strengthen a company, but the whole business landscape.
Topics covered in this episode:
- B2B and B2C marketing communication
- Corporate authenticity
- Purchasing with purpose
- Diversity and inclusion
- The myth of guaranteed results / MLMs
Takeaways from this episode:
- Working successfully with clients involves setting realistic expectations not only for them, but for yourself. Communicate boundaries and accessibility. Use your expertise rather than simply taking orders.
- Listen to your customers and gather their feedback - treat them as human, not as dollar signs.
- Brands that don’t connect or cultivate relationships with customers will lose them because they won’t feel heard and get the service they deserve.
- Showing up as your authentic self doesn’t mean you’re not professional - it means you allow yourself to show up as a human being. And when services are similar, people buy personality, not just competency.
- Be thoughtful about who you work with and which brands you’re supporting. Do you values align? Will they further your vision? Where you put your resources is a political act.
- The “Get rich quick like me” message inherent in many brands’ marketing is mired in privilege. Success is a confluence of luck, timing, access, opportunity and more.
- No skillset has guaranteed results embedded in them; you can only provide the tools and knowledge.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/feliciacsullivan/
https://felsull.medium.com/
Felicia's books:
www.amazon.com/Felicia-C-Sullivan/e/B001JS30U4/ref=dp_byline_cont_pop_book_1
Can We Please Quit The “Get Rich Like Me, It’s Easy” Rhetoric?
https://medium.com/falling-into-freelancing/can-we-please-quit-the-get-rich-like-me-its-easy-rhetoric-ec33928c7985
To book a free strategy session with Jillian:
https://mariemae.com/consulting
To learn more about Marie Mae :
https://mariemae.com/
To learn more about The Good Office Podcast:
www.thegoodofficepodcast.com
Show notes and more resources:
https://thegoodofficepodcast.com/episodes/50
We all love the power of a good story. But did you know it’s also useful in a business setting? Since we’re all humans with emotions, we listen and understand the message better when it’s in narrative form. We also retain it better than when we’re just presented cold data and logic.
Gabrielle Dolan realized the power of storytelling and effective business communication while working in leadership in corporate Australia. Now she enjoys success as an international keynote speaker, educator, and author of Magnetic Stories: Connect with Customers and Engage Employees.
This week she explains how to implement storytelling in your business to share a vision and enhance collective understanding, all while doing good.
Topics covered in this episode:
- Creating engaging presentations
- Storytelling in business
- 5 types of stories businesses need
- Telling customer stories
- Sharing your brand story
- Connecting with employees
- Sharing your values
Takeaways from this episode:
- Weaving important information into a story is a memorable and effective technique that gives you authenticity and credibility.
- As humans we retain stories better than pure data alone. Storytelling taps into emotion, and our brains process emotion differently than logic to where it lingers in long-term storage of the brain.
- Stories create emotional connections which in turn can lead to buy-in.
- Lead with a story to engage, and you’ll keep your audience’s attention better throughout the rest of a presentation.
- Incorporate stories about your company’s creation, culture, customer service, customers, and challenges into your brand materials and presentations.
- Knowing how to communicate has the power to change the way you lead and creates a ripple effect of impact.
To connect to Gabrielle Dolan please follow:
https://gabrielledolan.com/
https://www.instagram.com/gabrielledolan.1/
To purchase Magnetic Stories:
https://gabrielledolan.com/resources/magnetic-stories/
To book a free strategy session with Jillian:
https://mariemae.com/consulting
To learn more about Marie Mae:
https://mariemae.com/
To learn more about The Good Office Podcast:
www.thegoodofficepodcast.com
Show notes and more resources:
https://thegoodofficepodcast.com/episodes/49
“Out of your head and into your bank account” is the tagline of Carrie Koh’s coaching business for high-performing female entrepreneurs. After suffering a personal loss, she realized how often we silo our professional and personal lives and decided work should be fun. Her philosophy is that business shouldn’t be unnecessarily hard to be successful. She launched her business by fostering interpersonal connections and helps leaders forge the path to not only success, but the lives they want to have.
She’ll share best practices for female entrepreneurs to thrive in their pursuits and common issues she sees them facing. Of course, Carrie will also share her top tips for how she uses her career and her company as a force for good.
Topics in this episode:
- Blending your professional and personal life
- Female entrepreneurs
- How to create authentic relationships with clients
- Conducting your business authentically
- Growth and scarcity mindset
- Creating customer connections
Takeaways from this episode:
- You don’t have to separate personal and professional life. Oftentimes our work can be more effective when we integrate the two and will attract people to your business.
- We don’t have to figure everything out on our own. That means our ego is in overdrive. However, we must know that we’re capable of getting the results we want one way or another.
- Stop viewing success in terms of gaining 10k followers or other vanity stats. It’s ultimately about creating strong connections. When you connect and engage people, you convert.
- Don’t be afraid to offer free advice or tidbits of wisdom while marketing yourself to show what you could offer a potential client.
- Show up online as a positive, possibility-focused force. Help your customers see a new future you can help them get.
- We can’t underestimate speaking to corporate customers like humans. It’s okay to lift the corporate veil.
- We’re often holding ourselves back by being who we think we need to be. Then this projection doesn’t align with our strengths and what we actually know to be true.
To connect to Carrie Koh please visit:
https://carriekoh.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/carriekoh/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/profitablehappyfemaleentrepreneurs
To book a free strategy session with Jillian:
https://mariemae.com/consulting
To learn more about Marie Mae :
https://mariemae.com/
To learn more about The Good Office Podcast:
www.thegoodofficepodcast.com
Show notes and more resources:
https://thegoodofficepodcast.com/episodes/48
What’s the hardest part of managing a small business? For many, like Marie Mae Founder and CEO Jillian Ryan, it’s cashflow. There are many moving parts with cashflow that can keep small business owners up at night, and it’s even more difficult when you rely on it to go the extra mile in helping others. Jillian draws from her experience to offer tips and tidbits of wisdom when it comes to getting paid and having money in the bank (even in tough times like a pandemic). She also shares how bigger companies can support smaller companies they’re partnering with.
This is the second episode in The Messy Middle series, where Jillian breaks down the good, bad, and ugly while growing a business. Through it all you’ll learn how to do good by your customers, your team, and yourself.
Topics covered in this episode:
- Managing cashflow
- How big businesses can support small businesses
- Helping small businesses in the pandemic
- Why you need a CFO
- Paying vendors / payroll
- Growing pains for businesses
Takeaways from this episode:
- Get payment upfront when you’re taking on a new customer – and weigh the pros and cons of taking on that customer at all.
- Especially during the pandemic, consider how your operations impact the smaller businesses you work with.
- Know your numbers and constantly evaluate your margins.
- If you’re part of a large company that’s working with a small business, consider how your payment schedule affects them. Small companies often don’t have the money in the bank that you do.
- Be sure to pay your vendors / partners within a reasonable time window.
- Make sure you have a cushion of cash in the bank and guardrails in your contracts.
To book a free strategy session with Jillian:
https://mariemae.com/consulting
To learn more about Marie Mae :
https://mariemae.com/
To learn more about The Good Office Podcast:
www.thegoodofficepodcast.com
Show notes and more resources:
https://thegoodofficepodcast.com/episodes/47
It’s not uncommon for CEOs to have imposter syndrome. After all, many go from being an employee to the head decision-maker, steering toward uncharted territory as the captain of their business. Plus, experiencing different phases of growing their own business requires them to wear different hats. It’s even more complicated knowing there’s no step-by-step manual for success.
As CEO and Founder of Sif Industries, Jill James transforms self-funded businesses into high-profit companies through strategic operating support - particularly for those who identify as women. She helps new businesses grow into a sustainable business model and get a more stable revenue footing. This week Jill shares valuable insight about why new CEOs should feel empowered, best practices for female entrepreneurs to thrive in their first 2 years of business, and top tips for using business as a force for good.
Topics covered in this episode:
- Starting a company
- Female CEOs and entrepreneurs
- The first 2 years of business
- Imposter syndrome
- Making a profit as a new business
- Social impact
- How to run a business effectively a mom
Takeaways from this episode:
- New CEOs know their product, service, and ins and outs of running the company, and often act as a coach and a team player - yet many feel as if they’re failing.
- It’s important to remember that you’re empowered to be a CEO. No one else has the information you have, can gather inputs and put them in place with your unique vantage point. It’s an opportunity for you to do good in the world.
- Not every entrepreneur has to suffer without pay for years.
- Having a business and having a baby are similar: There’s no perfect time to embark on that journey, you just have to start (and know that you’ll learn along the way).
- Don’t be afraid to be profitable; it enables you to make good choices that change the world.
- Think about your team and how you’d want to be treated in their position, and you’ll attract people who want to treat you that way as well.
To connect to Jill James:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jilldjames/
https://sifindustries.com/
https://thejilljames.com/
To book a free strategy session with Jillian:
https://mariemae.com/consulting
To learn more about Marie Mae :
https://mariemae.com/
To learn more about The Good Office Podcast:
www.thegoodofficepodcast.com
Show notes and more resources:
https://thegoodofficepodcast.com/episodes/46
As more and more people get the vaccine, it feels like we’re quickly returning to life pre-COVID. But it’s important for businesses and society in general to resist reverting back to exactly how things were. Marie Mae Founder and CEO Jillian Ryan discusses her personal experiences over the past year and recounts ways life has changed – for better and for worse. And some changes have been positive! Recognizing these changes, keeping the improvements, and leading with empathy can help you be a better human in the workplace.
Topics covered in this episode:
- Life before COVID-19
- Life after lockdown
- Anxiety and Mental Health
- 9-5 mentality
- Greater work flexibility
- Being intentional with your time
Takeaways from this episode:
- Let’s be kind as we begin returning to life after COVID. Many people have experienced trauma and loss in the past year.
- Think about how to improve the workplace and not rush to return to the 9-to-5 just because it’s what you used to do.
- Thoughtfully consider changes that should stay. For instance, many team members have enjoyed having more freedom. How might they enjoy more autonomy going forward?
- Try to be intentional with your time and resources instead of filling up your calendar again.
- Continue to support small business and mentorship opportunities even as the overall economy improves.
To book a free strategy session with Jillian:
https://mariemae.com/consulting
To learn more about Marie Mae :
https://mariemae.com/
To learn more about The Good Office Podcast:
www.thegoodofficepodcast.com
Show notes and more resources:
https://thegoodofficepodcast.com/episodes/45
While some say that money is the root of all evil, Abundance and Business Coach Melissa Martin says money simply magnifies a woman’s underlying energy. And if you’re open to receiving love and support, you’re more likely to put it back out into the universe. This was a hard-won truth for Melissa, whose troubled relationship with money shaped her behavior and was entwined with her sense of self. Her journey to mend her relationship with money cascaded into multiple positive impacts, and it began with untying her self-worth from her net worth.
This week Melissa shares her journey in network marketing and helping women reach a life of abundance and alignment through her empowerment company. She’ll also share the biggest issues for women entrepreneurs when it comes to their money mindset, as well as her best advice to address them - and, of course, she shares her insight on making her business a force for good in the world.
Topics covered in this episode:
- Women and money management
- Doing good with money
- Rebuilding financially and emotionally
- Unlocking your potential
- Overcoming negative mindsets
- Self-limiting beliefs
- Helping yourself to help others
Takeaways from this episode:
- Many women in business struggle with raising their rates, and much of it has to do with knowing their worth. It’s not always about the money itself, but what it represents.
- Rock bottom can be a foundation to build your new mountain. Change your mindset of loss to one of gratitude and watch how your reality changes.
- Unlocking financial potential begins with being open to receiving love and support and being able to ask for what you want.
- To address your mindset issues, begin with an awareness of your thoughts. Ask yourself where your negative thoughts come from. Then choose a new belief and find proof that supports it.
- Your beliefs create your thoughts, your thoughts create your actions, and your actions create your reality.
- When you are unapologetic about your desires and share your gifts from a place of alignment with your desires, you can serve from your highest perspective and do more good.
Resources:
Ladies Aligned's website:
https://www.ladiesaligned.com/about
Follow Melissa on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/themelissamartin
Boldly Courageous Podcast
https://themelissamartin.com/podcast/
To book a free strategy session with Jillian:
https://mariemae.com/consulting
To learn more about Marie Mae :
https://mariemae.com/
To learn more about The Good Office Podcast:
www.thegoodofficepodcast.com
Show notes and more resources:
https://thegoodofficepodcast.com/episodes/44
“Overthinking isn’t a personality trait. It’s a form of fear.”
Jillian Ryan, founder and CEO of Marie Mae, unpacks this quote in the context of business leadership. She explains that to build a business, you’re not always going to know all the answers, and you’ll often need to take leaps before you’re ready. However, she encourages you to try it anyway - even without the answers - because you’ll learn valuable lessons along the way.
This week she highlights a couple of lessons from her own career where she took the plunge without overthinking it, which led to some of the most fruitful experiences of her life.
Topics covered in this episode:
- Overthinking / anxiety in leadership
- Taking risks in business
- Learning on the go
- Building confidence
- Finding comfort in uncertainty
Takeaways from this episode:
- If you avoid an opportunity out of fear, you risk missing out on the best things happening to you and enriching learning experiences.
- When you take a risk and succeed, it’s a confidence boost, or at the very least an opportunity for growth.
- You don’t have to have all the answers. Surround yourself with people who have them and seek them out together.
- You’ll be able to figure out your problems and pick up new skills along the way as you search for the information you need.
- Overthinking is a form of anxiety to work through, so find ways to take steps in overcoming it.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Jon Acuff's new book:
https://acuff.me/
To book a free strategy session with Jillian:
https://mariemae.com/consulting
To learn more about Marie Mae :
https://mariemae.com/
To learn more about The Good Office Podcast:
www.thegoodofficepodcast.com
Show notes and more resources:
https://thegoodofficepodcast.com/episodes/43
The last thing Lindsey Vertner remembers is listening to music on the highway. Next thing she knew, she was in a dark room staring at the moon out an unfamiliar window. A nurse would later tell her she was in a wreck where her car flipped multiple times - and that she was pronounced brain-dead at the scene and later on at the hospital. But a month later, she walked out of there on her own.
Lindsey now has an outlook on life that guides her work as an award-winning strategist, transformational speaker and 3-time Amazon number one bestselling author. Since her mindset is what helped her through, she’s devoted to teaching female entrepreneurs and leaders how to master their mindset, as well as create a first-class life full of purpose, fulfillment, and happiness. Lindsey is also the cofounder of The Unleashed Woman, a nonprofit organization that uplifts women of all backgrounds through national empowerment and networking events.
This week she discusses how to begin doing good for your business and how it starts with the 3 pillars of self, which affect everything in your lives and business. She also discusses intention and using your unique skills to reach your goals.
Topics in this episode:
- How to reach goals
- Mastering your mindset
- Self-care
- Self-discipline
- The power of affirmations
- Eliminating self-limiting beliefs
Takeaways from this episode:
- Mastering your mindset to go from victim to victor begins with casting off self-limiting beliefs and embracing self-care.
- Self-care is not selfish. If we aren’t putting ourselves first, it leads down a path of deterioration of emotional and mental health, in turn overflowing into our physical health.
- We have time for the things that we decide to make time for. If there’s a will, there’s a way.
- To practice self-discipline in work, try conducting a time audit. Learn where you most of your time is spent during the day - are you doing everything for everyone else?
- If we don't believe that we deserve all of the things that we truly desire, then we will continue to never achieve them. Our brains don't know fact from fiction until we tell it what's fact and what's fiction.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
https://theunleashedwoman.net/
http://bit.ly/takeactiondownload
www.lindseyvertner.com/products + discount code GoodOffice
To book a free strategy session with Jillian:
https://mariemae.com/consulting
To learn more about Marie Mae :
https://mariemae.com/
To learn more about The Good Office Podcast:
www.thegoodofficepodcast.com
Show notes and more resources:
https://thegoodofficepodcast.com/episodes/42
We hear about how entrepreneurs start their small businesses and the big moment they “make it” – but what about the growing pains along the way? Corporate gifting company Marie Mae has tripled in size over the past year, during which its founder Jillian Ryan has had to steer a small yet growing team through supply chain issues during a pandemic. Jillian describes how they’ve navigated the challenges that accompany a growing business, and how it hit fever-pitch during the historic Texas snowstorm in February 2021. When operations hit a standstill, the Marie Mae team had to get scrappy and creative to deliver their biggest box order yet.
Though it wasn’t always glamorous, they learned some key takeaways from the experience to help any business through challenges. In this kickoff of “the messy middle” series, Jillian shows how it’s possible to do business ethically and hold on to “good office values,” even when times get tough.
Topics covered in this episode:
- Challenges in running a small business
- Expecting the unexpected
- Supply chain issues
- Scaling your business
- How to lead a team in times of uncertainty
Takeaways from this episode:
- When fluke events happen while your growing business, you can expect things to break along the way. Be sure to rebuild it to scale so it’ll work better in the future.
- Growing a business is messy. Every business owner goes through challenges on a weekly, even daily, basis.
- Be sure to evaluate what works and what doesn’t after you’ve put out your fires, and be able to put a process in place for the next time it happens.
- To successfully overcome challenges, both perseverance and the ability to laugh with your team is key. Never give up, and create an environment to keep spirits high.
- Strike a balance when communicating with your client. If you speak with them about an issue, come with a recommendation or solution.
To book a free strategy session with Jillian:
https://mariemae.com/consulting
To learn more about Marie Mae :
https://mariemae.com/
To learn more about The Good Office Podcast:
www.thegoodofficepodcast.com
For show notes and more resources:
https://thegoodofficepodcast.com/episodes/41
Kaneisha Grayson describes her business as “providing representation of what’s possible.” As the founder of The Art of Applying, she created the world’s largest black-owned and woman of color-owned graduate admissions consulting company. People all over the world can get help applying and getting admitted at top graduate schools - and hopefully receive as much financial aid as possible.
The program offers a comprehensive plan for underserved or marginalized groups to realize their full potential. For example, The Art of Applying has seen students who grew up with a single mother in a one-bedroom apartment break the cycle and rewrite their futures.
With that kind of promise, there’s a lot on the back-end to help the program run as smoothly as it can be. Kaneisha explains each aspect of how her business does good, with takeaways and “joy work” for you to apply as well.
Topics in this episode:
- Business coaching and mentorship
- Admissions consulting for marginalized groups
- Applying to universities
- Securing financial aid
- Representation in academia
- Self-care tactics
- Developing your team
- Caring for your clients
Takeaways from this episode:
- The Art of Applying helps its clients get accepted into top schools with as much financial aid / scholarships as possible, and cares for them with its “greenlight guarantee.”
- If you’re a service-based business, don’t be shy about capturing client stories, and celebrating and sharing them. This is a great business tool, and they’re often excited to share their success.
- Mentorship and career coaching are invaluable for helping students think outside the box about their future careers.
- As you seek to do good in your business, begin with doing good for yourself. Maybe this means not over-extending yourself or limiting your meetings to maximize your productivity.
- Be as transparent as possible with your clients about your services so there are no surprises.
- Find new ways to constantly improve your offerings to clients so you’re always doing good by them.
- Regularly communicate roles, responsibilities, and your vision with your team so there’s clarity and focus system-wide.
-Invest in your team, whether it’s through 1-on-1 meetings or continued learning.
To visit The Art of Applying:
https://theartofapplying.com
To listen to Kaneisha's upcoming podcast Scale Your Joy:
http://scaleyourjoy.com/
To book a free strategy session with Jillian:
https://mariemae.com/consulting
To learn more about Marie Mae:
https://mariemae.com/
To learn more about The Good Office Podcast:
www.thegoodofficepodcast.com
Show notes and more resources:
https://thegoodofficepodcast.com/episodes/40
You often hear “the sky is the limit” - but what does that look like for companies with a social impact strategy? When you brainstorm ways to bake impact into your business, it’s helpful to take note of companies who do it well and excel. After all, there’s a nugget of truth from their experience that you can take and apply to your own business where it makes sense.
This week Marie Mae Founder and CEO Jillian Ryan delves into why 3 companies nail their impact strategy: Salesforce, Patagonia, and Warby Parker. Even though they’re in different industries, they use their unique offerings, passions, and expertise to nurture sustainable change in the world. Their practices will inspire you and hopefully provide ideas for your own company’s growth.
Topics covered in this episode:
- Corporate social responsibility
- Company philanthropy
- Corporate foundations, donations, and grants
- Companies that make a positive impact (Salesforce, Patagonia, Warby Parker)
Takeaways from this episode:
- 93% of business leaders indicated they believe companies are not just employers, but stewards of society. That’s why it’s important to devote significant resources to socially responsible initiatives.
- Salesforce empowers nonprofits and schools to do what for-profit companies do thanks to their corporate philanthropy program - and focusing on what they can uniquely provide.
- Patagonia has not only looked at each step of their supply chain to do good, but they’ve seamlessly blended their brand identity with their ethics.
- Warby Parker uses programs and partnerships to train individuals in 50 countries to perform eye exams. This is a service in which they have expertise and makes sense for their brand.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment
Book a free strategy session with Jillian:
https://mariemae.com/consulting
Learn more about Marie Mae :
https://mariemae.com/
Learn more about The Good Office Podcast:
www.thegoodofficepodcast.com
Show notes and more resources:
https://thegoodofficepodcast.com/episodes/39
In a time where COVID-19 has resulted in layoffs, many companies are aiming to protect their workforce at all costs. One such company is Savhera, a premium, organic essential oil company that employs sex-trafficking survivors. They identify those in need of dignified employment and provide them with not only living wages, but training and education to help them succeed across many areas of life.
Marie Mae Founder and CEO Jillian Ryan talks with Savhera Founder Dr. Vanessa Bouché about the ways they promote serving others in their business. This includes the way they lead with a people-first mindset and how they’ve adapted during COVID-19.
Topics discussed:
- Preserving your workforce during COVID-19
- Corporate gifting
- Investing in your employees
- Sex trafficking survivors
- COVID-19 impact on business
Takeaways from this episode:
- One of the most important things a company can do right now is learn to adapt and pivot to unexpected circumstances - which can in turn help preserve your workforce.
- Many employees’ mental health are suffering right now, so consider ways to show you value them and spread the love.
- The divide between essential and non-essential workers is often responsible for who is exposed to COVID-19, which automatically puts certain populations at risk.
- Savhera uses the PIES human development model (Physical, Intellectual, Economic, and Spiritual) for employees, many of which come from the red-light district in Delhi.
- Many of their employees have never had any level of education, but Savhera teaches them literacy, math, and other professional skills to carry them through life.
Learn more about Savhera:
https://savhera.com/
Connect to Dr. Vanessa Bouché:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-vanessa-bouch%C3%A9-101093130/
Book a free strategy session with Jillian:
https://mariemae.com/consulting
To purchase our wellness products mentioned in this interview:
https://mariemae.com/shop
Learn more about The Good Office Podcast:
www.thegoodofficepodcast.com
Show notes and more resources:
https://thegoodofficepodcast.com/episodes/38
You might have a company in mind that you want to emulate, one that just seems to nail their do-good strategy. It may seem like magic how they manage to connect with their customers and make a true impact on the industry - but it’s actually a science.
Marie Mae Founder and CEO Jillian Ryan draws from her background in international business to break down what makes a successful impact strategy. The “secret” begins with the intersection of 3 different areas: the impact you (your company) are uniquely qualified to provide, the impact your customers want to make, and the impact solution that is truly needed to solve a real issue. This week you’ll learn what each entails.
Topics covered in this episode:
- How to develop an impact strategy
- Discovering your strengths
- How to be charitable in your work
- Customer research
- Your differentiator / value proposition
Takeaways from this episode:
- To find an impact you’re uniquely qualified to provide, first think about your expertise and then consider what would provide value to others.
- It may take soul-searching and introspection to figure out your unique qualifications, and don’t be afraid to ask others about your strengths.
- Discovering customer motivations and passions requires market research and knowing your customer.
- Customers may not even know their own motivations for buying. This could be up to you to uncover.
- Look for an impact that’s truly needed – not one you want to provide.
- All 3 elements must align to succeed.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
How to Determine Your Impact Zone Framework:
http://thegoodofficepodcast.com/s/Determining-Your-Impact.pdf
Book a free strategy session with Jillian:
https://mariemae.com/consulting
Learn more about The Good Office Podcast:
www.thegoodofficepodcast.com
www.instagram.com/thegoodofficepodcast.com
Connect with Marie Mae on Social media:
https://www.pinterest.com/mariemaecompany
https://www.instagram.com/mariemaecompany
https://www.facebook.com/mariemaecompany
Show notes and more resources:
https://thegoodofficepodcast.com/episodes/37
True or false: You should wait until your company has grown to hire a public relations firm.
You might be surprised to hear this is false. Your business is receiving PR whether or not you’re putting effort into it. Being thoughtful about your PR strategy helps you build meaningful relationships over the long term, which results in brand loyalty. When your mission is to wield your business to do good, PR is an important tool to spread that impact.
Connie Wong of Moderne Press specializes in representing emerging brands that are often female led. With a focus on creating individualized plans directed by her clients’ brand values, she shares how to tell your story and cut through the clutter to capture media attention - and reach your target market. She’ll also share her top 3 tips for using business as a force for good, which is especially important to her as a someone working to elevate small businesses.
Takeaways from this episode:
- To present your company to the media, begin by knowing who you are, your brand ethos, your customer, and your story - and be able to describe it briefly in an elevator pitch.
- Consider which media outlets are most conducive to telling your story in the right way that also reaches your target market for maximum impact.
- Before you email a journalist, read what they’ve written prior to get a sense of what they’re interested in hearing about. Think about how you can further their narrative and bolster the types of stories they like to tell.
- Don’t make your pitch solely about you and your business. Think about how what you do can help serve their target readers.
- Maybe your story idea is a good one, but not good right now. Follow up later or offer other story ideas if it makes sense.
- Many businesses consider PR a luxury for when they’ve grown. However, it’s to help you grow - through crafting your story, building influence, and shaping your reputation.
- Your PR strategy is a marathon, not a sprint. Plant the seeds now for long-term impact, like meaningful relationships based on connections and ethos.
Topics covered in this episode:
- How to pitch your business
- Reaching out to PR firms
- PR as a tool for your business
- Crafting an elevator pitch
- Using your business to do good
- The importance of corporate values
Moderne Press PR:
http://www.modernepr.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/conniewong/
Book a free strategy session with Jillian:
https://mariemae.com/consulting
Learn more about The Good Office Podcast:
www.thegoodofficepodcast.com
www.instagram.com/thegoodofficepodcast.com
Connect with Marie Mae on Social media:
https://www.pinterest.com/mariemaecompany
https://www.instagram.com/mariemaecompany
https://www.facebook.com/mariemaecompany
Show notes and more resources:
https://thegoodofficepodcast.com/episodes/36
Typical corporate philanthropy involves donating a portion of profits to a charitable cause. While that’s a laudable act, there are certain risks involved – and it may not be the best way to effect lasting change when it’s the sole or primary way your business gives back.
Marie Mae Founder and CEO Jillian Ryan discusses 4 reasons why donations alone may not be the best avenue for your business’s give-back strategy, as well as how to ensure your efforts will be longstanding and successful. This episode will show how baking impact into your business is beneficial and a worthwhile investment of time and resources.
Topics covered in this episode:
- Corporate philanthropy
- Donating to charity
- Creating sustainable change with corporate giving
- Partnering with nonprofits
- Incorporating philanthropy in your business plan
Takeaways from this episode:
- Charitable giving is often the first thing to get cut when business isn’t doing well. It’s also at risk when you bring in new investors or experience other large structural changes.
- True partnerships are much more effective, efficient and rewarding. You can work together for true symbiosis where everyone’s operations are better off.
- The best formula to make an impact is when your company is uniquely qualified to provide the impact your customers and clients want to make when working with you.
- If the cause you’re donating to doesn’t align with the impact your customer wants to make while working with you, your give-back strategy will be unsuccessful.
Episode 30: How to Do a Year-End Impact Review
https://thegoodofficepodcast.com/episodes/30
Episode 33: The Roadmap to Multiply Your Profitability and Maximize Your Impact
https://thegoodofficepodcast.com/episodes/33
Book a free strategy session with Jillian:
https://mariemae.com/consulting
Learn more about The Good Office Podcast:
www.thegoodofficepodcast.com
www.instagram.com/thegoodofficepodcast.com
Connect with Marie Mae on Social media:
https://www.pinterest.com/mariemaecompany
https://www.instagram.com/mariemaecompany
https://www.facebook.com/mariemaecompany
Show notes and more resources:
https://thegoodofficepodcast.com/episodes/35
Estate planning may not be the first thing we think about when it comes to female empowerment - but Ifeoma “Iffy” Ibekwe sees it as just that. As the principal attorney at Ibekwe Law, she believes every woman deserves a plan to legally protect herself and her loved ones.
The value guiding her law firm? Every woman has the capacity to make money and manage money, and she deserves to preserve her voice and make decisions that could impact generations. This fuels Iffy and helps her shape her business decisions.
Today she will share her tips for getting started on creating a will, how she started her entrepreneurial journey, and 3 ways to make an impact and do good with your own endeavors. She’ll also share why creating a will is particularly important right now and how she wielded her niche to take a stand during the Black Lives Matter movement.
Topics covered in this episode:
- Entrepreneurship and purpose
- Estate planning
- Tips for creating a will
- Empowering women through the law
- Medical directives and financial directives
- Preserving your voice through generations
- Protecting your children
Takeaways from this episode:
- Estate planning is not just for the ultra-wealthy; it’s for anyone and everyone 18 and older who can make decisions for themselves.
- Especially now during a pandemic, it’s important for women to have instructions for healthcare and financial decisions if she’s in an emergency, unavailable or incapacitated.
- Having a plan in place takes the burden off family members who would otherwise worry about making the right decision.
- To get started on your will, first consider what components you’d like included and who you want to help carry out your plans.
- Enjoying whatever you do for a living, or at least finding purpose in it, helps you “do good” in what you do. It’s hard to work as a force for good when you lack belief in it.
- Dedicate your resources to the good you wish to accomplish in the role you have.
- Pave the way for others, helping mentor them by speaking to their issues and supporting their journey.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Wills In Texas:
http://willsintexas.com/
Video resources:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrKvcRBaDMHIxHSsmqKpEcA
To book Iffy as a Speaker:
http://iffyibekwe.com/
Book a free strategy session with Jillian:
https://mariemae.com/consulting
Learn more about The Good Office Podcast:
www.thegoodofficepodcast.com
www.instagram.com/thegoodofficepodcast.com
Connect with Marie Mae on Social media:
https://www.pinterest.com/mariemaecompany
https://www.instagram.com/mariemaecompany
https://www.facebook.com/mariemaecompany
Show notes and more resources:
https://thegoodofficepodcast.com/episodes/34
There’s a proven process for multiplying your profitability as a company, and you can do it from your desk. The method to achieving this? Having an action plan that hits the “peak impact zone” - where the impact both you and your customer want to make is something you’re uniquely qualified to provide.
In episode 30 of The Good Office Podcast, Jillian Ryan shared her tips for crafting a year-end assessment. This week she takes it a step further, walking you through the process of getting your “do good” strategy off the ground through an action plan. Her step-by-step guidance - which she learned by working with Fortune10 Companies - helps synchronize your business’s purpose and profits so they won’t compete with each other. It’s an iterative, intentional process making you and your customers happy, creating a real impact, while boosting your business’s bottom line.
Topics discussed in this episode:
· Creating your company’s annual action plan
· Aligning business purpose with profits
· What to do after your year-end assessment
· Messaging with clarity
· Business purpose and growth
· Implementing strategy and new ideas
Takeaways from this episode:
· Businesses succeed in the purpose-driven profit zone. This is the intersection of 1) the impact you want to make 2) the impact your customer wants to make, and 3) the impact you’re uniquely positioned to provide and the recipient needs.
· If your impact is competing with your ability to make profits, your purpose will be cut. That’s why it’s important to find a sustainable purpose that will in turn propel your business.
· Start small and choose one area to focus on as you seek to start creating an impact. You can’t fix everything at once, and you can always build on it later.
· Know the questions to ask to get started on your implementation plan, as well as the timing to best position it for success.
· Communicate clear expectations to your team for how their actions and specific role contribute to the company objective.
· Establish metrics and a timetable to evaluate your progress, and make tweaks along the way. If something isn’t working, phase it out and move forward.
· Acting on your purpose attracts clients that are well aligned with you.
Resources Mentioned in this episode:
Book a Strategy Session at:
https://mariemae.com/consulting
B Corp Directory:
https://bcorporation.net/directory
United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals:
https://unfoundation.org/what-we-do/issues/sustainable-development-goals/?gclid=Cj0KCQiA9P__BRC0ARIsAEZ6irhGpDTRZYlHWoQhC8bI8OX5ikcx4IANtpV2KO5hSVfH_fComjruGA4aAnytEALw_wcB
Episode 30: How to Do a Year-End Impact Review
https://thegoodofficepodcast.com/episodes/30
Learn more about The Good Office Podcast:
www.thegoodofficepodcast.com
www.instagram.com/thegoodofficepodcast.com
Connect with Marie Mae on Social media:
https://www.pinterest.com/mariemaecompany
https://www.instagram.com/mariemaecompany
https://www.facebook.com/mariemaecompany
Show notes and more resources:
https://thegoodofficepodcast.com/episodes/33
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed corporate culture. To make an impact on company goals, processes, and relationships, leaders must think outside the box. Different times require well-crafted solutions to stay ahead of challenges, which Cindy Constable offers as an award-winning TEDx speaker, business growth strategist and more.
Jillian Ryan, international business expert and Founder of Marie Mae Company, speaks with Cindy about her entrepreneurial journey and her recommended strategies for building a corporate culture by design. She emphasizes the importance of planning and “if you don’t know where you are, you won’t know how you’re going to get there.” They’ll also discuss Cindy’s top tips for using her agency as a force for good.
Topics discussed:
- Yearly audits and planning
- The importance of internal communication in business
- Using a facilitator for company planning
- New-year working sessions
- Business growth strategy
- Corporate culture and COVID-19
- Developing a company mission, vision and values
- The impact of small business in the local economy
Takeaways from this episode:
- Crafting and tracking yearly plans with key performance indicators (KPIs) is like using a GPS: Even if you need to pivot along the way, it helps you recalculate a new direction to your destination.
- Have a communications plan: We often focus on external communications, but strong internal communication helps build culture and keep everyone aligned.
- To build corporate culture by design, start with a full-scale review, auditing your business processes, investigating their effectiveness, and double-checking them against your values. Ask if it makes sense moving forward.
- Establish a planning session agenda and timeline, and engage stakeholders along the way (include customer input and data).
- Facilitators are invaluable in company planning by helping everyone build a consensus, identifying blind spots, and providing a new perspective.
- Have scenario-planning ready for situations like a pandemic. Investigate back-up plans and ways to stay nimble.
- Small businesses drive the economy, so try to think of ways to support other small businesses in non-traditional ways. Your money can also make an impact.
- Don’t be afraid to invest in yourself; this is the first stepping-stone to investing and supporting others.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
PESTEL Analysis:
https://www.business-to-you.com/scanning-the-environment-pestel-analysis/
SWOT Analysis:
https://www.businessnewsdaily.com/4245-swot-analysis.html#:~:text=A%20SWOT%20analysis%20is%20a,in%20making%20a%20business%20decision.
Connect to Cindy Constable:
http://www.cindyrconstable.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/cindyrconstable/
Book a Corporate Gifting Strategy Session through:
https://mariemae.com/corporate
Learn more about The Good Office Podcast:
www.thegoodofficepodcast.com
www.instagram.com/thegoodofficepodcast.com
Connect with Marie Mae on Social media:
https://www.pinterest.com/mariemaecompany
https://www.instagram.com/mariemaecompany
https://www.facebook.com/mariemaecompany
Show notes and more resources:
https://thegoodofficepodcast.com/episodes/32
Representation matters. That’s why Joyce Guan West founded Coaching with Empathy, where she serves as an executive and business coach specializing in helping Asian-Americans, people of color, and women. Though Asian Americans are a large part of the professional workforce, the percentage in the C-suite is small and disproportionate. Joyce’s work serves as a force for good by helping them land management roles and inspiring them with her own leadership.
In this episode, Joyce discusses her journey as an entrepreneur and how networking has helped her success. Through it all she’s learned many entrepreneurial truths, such as how and when to pivot from her original business plans in order to succeed in a natural new direction. Finally, she gives her top 3 tips for using coaching to make a difference in the world.
Takeaways from this episode:
- It’s important to focus on the customer as early as possible when creating a product or service. Validate your offering with them early on to ensure you’re on track and your hard work isn’t wasted.
- There’s value in knowing how to run different aspects of a business in order to see how everything fits together.
- When times are tough, lean into it: Tackle your problems, delve into the details, and bring your courage to find a solution.
- Identify a target group you’re passionate about serving. This will have a ripple effect in that population.
- Take care of your employees to take care of your clients. Encourage your team to rejuvenate and reenergize with self-care so they can perform their best.
- Address any moments with teammates or clients that don’t respect your boundaries.
- Give people hope by sharing your story, and let your empathy lead the way.
Topics from this episode:
- Authentic Leadership
- Empathy in the workplace
- Representation in the workplace
- Entrepreneurial Lessons
- Business Coach
Resources mentioned in this episode:
How to Conduct an Annual Life Review That Will Catapult You into the New Year
https://schlaf.medium.com/how-to-conduct-an-annual-life-review-that-will-catapult-you-into-the-new-year-d5aaffebac1f
Book a Corporate Strategy Session through:
https://mariemae.com/corporate
Learn more about The Good Office Podcast:
www.thegoodofficepodcast.com
www.instagram.com/thegoodofficepodcast.com
Connect with Marie Mae on Social media:
https://www.pinterest.com/mariemaecompany
https://www.instagram.com/mariemaecompany
https://www.facebook.com/mariemaecompany
Show notes and more resources:
https://thegoodofficepodcast.com/episodes/31
How to connect with Joyce Guan West:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/joyceguanwest/
https://www.instagram.com/joyceguanwest/
As the year winds down and you’re preparing for 2021, it’s a great time to do a year-end impact assessment. In other words: Where did you seek to “do good” and how impactful was it across each facet of your business? Were there opportunities for improvement?
This is an important activity that’s not reserved for Fortune 100 companies. If you’re a smaller business, this can help you continue to strategize and work your way toward your vision. Be sure to check out the free workbook accompanying this episode, so you can review your year, assess your priorities, and set the stage for an even more successful year to come.
Topics discussed in this episode:
- Company's Impact Assessment
- End-of-Year Review
- Business Strategy
- How to create an Impact Report
Takeaways from this episode:
· A year-end impact assessment is about more than the charitable contributions you made. Consider your supply chain, how you support teammates, and more.
· List out the big business milestones in 2020, preferably in a month-by-month format.
· Review all impacts your business had, both positive and negative, in regards to environment, social impact, customer satisfaction and more.
· Reflect on your list by thinking about what you can do differently or how you can improve.
· This assessment is instrumental in crafting your action plan in the future and for building out your business’s corporate social responsibility strategy.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
https://thegoodofficepodcast.com/assessment
Book a Impact Strategy Session through:
https://mariemae.com/corporate
Learn more about The Good Office Podcast:
www.thegoodofficepodcast.com
www.instagram.com/thegoodofficepodcast.com
Connect with Marie Mae on Social media:
https://www.pinterest.com/mariemaecompany
https://www.instagram.com/mariemaecompany
https://www.facebook.com/mariemaecompany
Show notes and more resources:
https://thegoodofficepodcast.com/episodes/30
Today Jillian welcomes Dr. Julia Colangelo, an esteemed therapist and “hype girl” for working professionals. Dr. Julia started in social work before becoming an inspirational speaker, educator, therapist, and consultant, as well as award-winning professor of mindfulness at Columbia University. Her specialty? She helps professionals find their flow to prevent burnout, increase happiness, and lean into their creativity.
Creating your “flow” begins with loving what you do and creating the space in your life to work on your vision. It’s about unlocking peak performance by aligning your values and your actions to make those values come to life. Dr. Colangelo elaborates on how to make your dream life a reality, how to create boundaries in your career, and her top 3 tips for using business as a force for good.
Takeaways from this episode:
· If you’re feeling out of alignment with your values, you don’t have to look too far: Find one area where you can focus your energy and the rest will follow.
· Surround yourself with people in your inner circle who keep you going, and don’t give too much of yourself to people who don’t share your values.
· Be intentional where you’re offering your time and make sure that it aligns with what you want - do not sacrifice who you are or your self-worth.
· Do a periodic gut check on your business and gauge how much of it focuses on the work you have to do, and how much of it contributes to the “greater good.” This daily/weekly check-in helps you tap into your vision on a regular basis.
· Don’t be afraid to connect with other business professionals and find a way to collaborate with them (rather than compete). You don’t have to solve every problem yourself.
· Notice the moments over the past year when you felt sparks of fulfillment and commit to replicating moments like that.
· Map out your values by listing 10 values that stand out to you, then narrow it down to 3-5 and identify where those values show up in your business.
Topics discussed in this episode:
· Entrepreneurship
· Entrepreneurship struggles
· Support circle
· Positivity
· How to find Business Values
· How to make your business a force for good
· Career choices
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Free workbook to help guide your decisions and increase confidence in your choices:
https://www.drjuliacolangelo.com/choice?r_done=1
Flow Surfers with Julia Colangelo Podcast:
https://www.drjuliacolangelo.com/podcast
To connect to Dr. Julia Colangelo please visit:
https://www.drjuliacolangelo.com/
https://www.instagram.com/drjuliacolangelo/?hl=en
https://www.linkedin.com/in/julia-colangelo-lcsw-sifi/
Book a Corporate Gifting Strategy Session through:
https://mariemae.com/corporate
Learn more about The Good Office Podcast:
www.thegoodofficepodcast.com
www.instagram.com/thegoodofficepodcast.com
Connect with Marie Mae on Social media:
https://www.pinterest.com/mariemaecompany
https://www.instagram.com/mariemaecompany
https://www.facebook.com/mariemaecompany
Show notes and more resources:
https://thegoodofficepodcast.com/episodes/29
True or false: Companies should wait until they meet their financial goals before they consider a corporate social responsibility strategy.
False. A “do good” strategy is an asset no matter what stage the company is in. Rather than waiting for a business to grow, a corporate social responsibility strategy can help your company grow up. When it’s baked into your business, doing good can become a competitive advantage.
In this episode Jillian Ryan emphasizes that corporate social responsibility is not just for Fortune 100 companies. She’ll discuss 3 reasons why you shouldn’t wait to do good with your business and how it can be a boon to your growth and a valuable differentiator in the market.
Takeaways from this episode:
- If you wait for a future milestone to begin doing good with your business, it becomes easier to hold off indefinitely.
- There’s never a perfect time to begin. Keep in mind that your expenses and team scale and grow with your business.
- Start building impact into your business at the beginning, when it’s much easier - know you can start small.
- Doing good is not simply good work; it’s good business.
- Listen to your customers to learn what impact they’d like to make.
Book a Corporate Gifting Strategy Session through:
https://mariemae.com/corporate
Learn more about The Good Office Podcast:
www.thegoodofficepodcast.com
www.instagram.com/thegoodofficepodcast.com
Connect with Marie Mae on Social media:
https://www.pinterest.com/mariemaecompany
https://www.instagram.com/mariemaecompany
https://www.facebook.com/mariemaecompany
Show notes and more resources:
https://thegoodofficepodcast.com/episodes/28
The ONE Campaign is an international advocacy nonprofit focused on development programs to fight poverty and build grassroots movements to demand better for all people. In this episode, Jillian welcomes Jackie Quinones, its former senior director of government relations.
Jackie’s impressive C.V. includes working as a staff member on the Foreign Affairs Committee in the U.S. House of Representatives, senator district offices, and more. Her passion that emerged from it all? Being a better denizen of the planet by enacting change and empowering others to do so as well.
She shares stories from her time helping draft legislation and living out her values in her profession, as well as her top piece of advice and favorite story for each of the 4 Good Office Podcast core values: doing good, practicing gratitude, being authentic, and leading with integrity.
Takeaways from this episode:
- Most change occurs at the local level, whether in government or an organization.
- Maintain humility in your accomplishments. With time circumstances may change and so might the solution.
- Keep a learning mindset in what you do and follow your curiosity, balancing the fact you don’t always have the answers.
- Engaging with the community around you can help foster the practice of gratitude by gaining perspective and broadening our minds.
- Keep a group of people around you who will be honest and partner with you in accountability.
- Don’t feel like you’ve failed if you haven’t monetized your passions as a job, and don’t be afraid to have “unexciting” passions, e.g. enjoying helping systems function, organization etc. – they could build to something more down the road.
Topics discussed in this episode:
- How to get involved with your community
- A guide to engaging with the Government
- Career Advancement
- Grassroots organizations
- How doing good in the Government looks like
Resources mentioned in this episode:
How to Citizen - the Podcast:
https://www.baratunde.com/howtocitizen
How to Do Nothing: Resisting the Attention Economy, Jenny Odell:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07RHWKD7N/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1
ONE Campaign:
https://www.one.org/us/about/
Connect to Jackie:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqueline-quinones-512a7b13/
Show notes and more resources:
https://thegoodofficepodcast.com/episodes/27
Book a Corporate Gifting Strategy Session:
https://mariemae.com/corporate
Connect with Marie Mae on Social media:
https://www.pinterest.com/mariemaecompany
https://www.instagram.com/mariemaecompany
https://www.facebook.com/mariemaecompany
Learn more about The Good Office Podcast:
www.thegoodofficepodcast.com
www.instagram.com/thegoodofficepodcast
What do you get when you apply a business framework to social challenges? The answer is impact investing, and this week’s guest, Caroline Vance, is an expert. She’s spent most of her career managing impact investment funds improving access to basic services for low income communities in the developing world. With a background in corporate social responsibility, she gained experience exploring causes in which to invest that can make returns for companies.
Jillian and Caroline discuss what goes into impact investing, the differences between that and ESG investing, and how impact investing has the power to create a tide of positive change. Caroline also shares her top 3 pieces of advice for companies looking to make a social and environmental impact.
Takeaways from this episode:
- Impact investing involves seeking out investments that have a measurable social or environmental outcome alongside financial return.
- Be careful when selecting investment partners and don’t be afraid to place guardrails around your non-negotiables and values as an organization.
- Choosing the wrong investment at the wrong time can sink your ship. Make sure you have a long term strategy in place and alignment with your partners.
Topics covered in this episode:
- Impact investing
- Investing in social enterprise
- Finding investment partners
- ESG investments
- Microfinance
- Nonprofits
- Carbon footprint
- Long-term returns
Operating Principles for Impact Management
https://www.impactprinciples.org/
Calvert Impact Capital, Community Investment Note
https://www.calvertimpactcapital.org/invest
Episode 15: How to Successfully Craft a ‘Do Good’ Business Strategy
https://thegoodofficepodcast.com/episodes/15
Episode 10: How to achieve an ethical, dignified, and impactful supply chain
https://thegoodofficepodcast.com/episodes/10
Learn more about The Good Office Podcast:
www.thegoodofficepodcast.com
www.instagram.com/thegoodofficepodcast.com
Book a Corporate Gifting Strategy Session through:
https://mariemae.com/corporate
Connect with Marie Mae on Social media:
https://www.pinterest.com/mariemaecompany
https://www.instagram.com/mariemaecompany
https://www.facebook.com/mariemaecompany
Show notes and more resources:
https://thegoodofficepodcast.com/episodes/26
During COVID, “business as usual” has often been replaced with uncertainty and new struggles for companies. Maybe they've lost clients or maybe business is slower, so the need to retain and strengthen relationships with clients becomes even more pivotal. Add to that the stress and unusual circumstances that their employees are coping with working from home - and it’s clear spreading joy and giving thanks is important this year.
One strategy that can make a world of difference right now is tapping into the power of corporate gifting. This is different than giving prospects branded marketing swag; this is an investment that makes an impact. Though companies may worry about the cost, it’s about rethinking the impact with the money they’re already spending.
Thoughtful gifts with personalized touches can turn a warm lead into a new customer. It can also boost morale within the company and help you retain valuable talent. Overall, it shows you care about someone and helps you engage in a meaningful way.
Takeaways from this episode:
- There’s a difference between branded marketing material and actual, thoughtful gifts for clients, which demonstrate your knowledge of and care for them.
- Add a personal touch to something you think they’d like, and make sure it fits the context. For instance, right now home and wellness gifts are much appreciated by virtually everyone.
- Focus should be on retaining your clients and wooing warm leads for the best ROI - not “cold” prospects.
- Gifting can be one way you demonstrate that your brand values align with your recipient’s brand values.
- Get appropriately creative: If you’re hosting a virtual event, consider a physical gift to go with it (and send ahead of time!)
- Since holiday parties aren’t happening this year, consider redirecting those funds to a meaningful employee gift to help retain talent and show that they’re a valued part of the business.
Topics discussed in this episode:
- How Corporate Gifting is the best ROI strategy for ANY business
- Dos and Don'ts of employee gifts
- Strategies to retain clients
- Thank you gifts
- Client Engagement
- How to close warm leads
Episode 19: Why I Went from Geopolitics to Corporate Gifting
https://thegoodofficepodcast.com/episodes/19
Episode 04: How to Use Corporate Gifting to Spread Love in Your Community
https://thegoodofficepodcast.com/episodes/04
Episode 07: The Secret to Creating the Perfect Corporate Gift
https://thegoodofficepodcast.com/episodes/07
Learn more about The Good Office Podcast:
www.thegoodofficepodcast.com
www.instagram.com/thegoodofficepodcast.com
Book a Corporate Gifting Strategy Session through:
https://mariemae.com/corporate
Connect with Marie Mae on Social media:
https://www.pinterest.com/mariemaecompany
https://www.instagram.com/mariemaecompany
https://www.facebook.com/mariemaecompany
Show notes and more resources:
https://thegoodofficepodcast.com/episodes/25
People often hear about the value of authenticity and working in a way that aligns with their strengths and values. When each person has a better understanding of who they are and what they bring to the table, their ability to operate within those strengths brings a sense of wholeness to their lives. Getting to that point is another matter entirely.
This week Jillian welcomes Margaret Alabi, the co-founder of the Pivot Consulting Group, where she works with mid-career professionals and executives to help level up their success and transform their goals. She talks about her entrepreneurial journey and struggle to find a sense of congruence in her own work, pivoting her career from a trained pharmacist to a certified coach with Clifton Strengths. Plus, she shares her top tips for people to stay true to themselves as they pursue their career.
Takeaways from this episode:
- The Clifton Strengths Finder assessment is an effective way to help anyone develop or empower themselves and those they lead so that they’re operating within their strengths.
- There are no such things as good strengths or bad strengths; just strengths.
- It’s important to have a balanced team where people complement one another rather than a team of people duplicating each other’s strengths.
- It’s harder to show up authentically and be successful when you’re unaware of negative stimuli and energy. Likewise, your potential can be actualized with the right type of energy and environment.
- Mental, emotional, physical, social and environmental blocks can keep you from working at your best.
- Employ techniques to help you increase your mindfulness and constructive energies so you can reframe situations and accept what’s outside of your control.
Topics discussed:
-How to be comfortable in your own skin at work
-Finding your core strengths
-Benefits of showing up authentically at work
-Benefits of Clifton Strengths Assessment
-Growth Mindset
Learn more about The Good Office Podcast:
www.thegoodofficepodcast.com
www.instagram.com/thegoodofficepodcast.com
To take your own Clifton Strengths
https://www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/en/home.aspx
Book a Strategy Session through:
https://mariemae.com/corporate
To learn more about the Pivot Consulting Group please visit:
http://readysetpivot.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/thepivotco/
contact@thepivotco.com
https://www.facebook.com/Coach-MAA-105060191199515
Connect with Marie Mae on Social media:
https://www.pinterest.com/mariemaecompany
https://www.instagram.com/mariemaecompany
https://www.facebook.com/mariemaecompany
Show notes and more resources:
https://thegoodofficepodcast.com/episodes/24
Thanksgiving is coming up, but with how topsy-turvy the world has felt this year, it’s beneficial to go the extra mile in giving thanks. Slowing down to think about what we’re grateful for can help promote the right mindset for your day. Demonstrating gratitude to those around us can also improve relationships with coworkers, business partners, and customers - even potentially drawing prospects.
In the first November episode, Jillian discusses 3 different ways to practice gratitude: with ourselves, with team members, and with clients. This simple measure can make a huge impact in creating a positive environment and finding mental calm.
Takeaways from this episode:
- Writing in a gratitude journal each morning is a helpful practice to start the day.
- What you’re grateful for doesn’t have to be huge or life-changing - it can be as simple as giving thanks for a pet or a sunny day.
- Self-care activities demonstrate gratitude to yourself, and help you feel and do your best as a leader.
- Listen to your employees; demonstrate genuine interest by asking questions.
- Observing milestones like work anniversaries is an opportunity to pause and celebrate achievements.
- Get creative with opportunities to show gratitude, paying attention to special circumstances.
- The gesture of a thank-you gift truly goes far, especially when you include personalized touches.
Topics covered in this episode:
- Gratitude in the workplace
- Love languages
- How to use love languages to improve communication with your team
- Corporate gifting strategy
- Positive impact of being human in the workplace
Learn more about The Good Office Podcast:
www.thegoodofficepodcast.com
www.instagram.com/thegoodofficepodcast.com
Connect with Marie Mae on Social media:
https://www.pinterest.com/mariemaecompany
https://www.instagram.com/mariemaecompany
https://www.facebook.com/mariemaecompany
Show notes and more resources:
https://thegoodofficepodcast.com/episodes/23
Visit Marie Mae's website to learn more about its mission:
https://mariemae.com
When leaders demonstrate authenticity in the workplace, it’s a strategy for success that their whole team can get behind.
This week Donna Letier speaks about how she leads with authenticity as the cofounder of Gardenuity. The service delivers complete grow-it-yourself kits for budding gardeners, suggesting the best plants for their region and season, as well as self-care reminders, recipes, and weather updates. Her goal of modernizing the gardening space depended on her ability to be true to herself and her vision of creating a transparent, collaborative brand. It’s been a journey of looking inward, then outward, to see this vision unfold.
Takeaways from this episode:
- Make practicing gratitude a priority each day to improve mental resilience and overall health and productivity.
- Know your strengths and weaknesses, filling in your gaps with people who can teach you, who have the same vision and the same ethos.
- Approach your entrepreneurship journey with a joy of learning and trust yourself throughout the process. Know you’re doing what you’re meant to be doing.
- Talk with customers every chance you get to understand and address their challenges and improve or change course.
- Do the hard work digging into the business data to understand the numbers and pivot when needed - without taking it personally.
- Embrace productivity hacks to stay on track.
- Practice full transparency, especially when not everything goes to plan.
- Empower your team to do more and learn to lead.
To learn more about Gardenuity and Donna Letier please visit:
https://gardenuity.com/
https://www.facebook.com/Gardenuity/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/donna-spafford-letier-85765a8/
Learn more about The Good Office Podcast:
www.thegoodofficepodcast.com
www.instagram.com/thegoodofficepodcast.com
Connect with Marie Mae on Social media:
https://www.pinterest.com/mariemaecompany
https://www.instagram.com/mariemaecompany
https://www.facebook.com/mariemaecompany
Show notes and more resources:
https://thegoodofficepodcast.com/episodes/22
Visit Marie Mae's website to learn more about its mission:
https://mariemae.com
The year 2020 has redefined the workplace. Boundaries between work and home are now blurred, and women in particular have been negatively impacted. Instead of a double-shift of working then caring for their families at home, the two hats they wear now overlap. Black women already faced additional barriers with workplace advancement, but now they’re grappling with the disproportionate impacted of COVID-19 as well as the emotional toll of racial violence.
With these issues shaking up the workforce, how can businesses step up to help?
The key to retaining the female workforce and build equal opportunity is to foster a flexible, empathetic workplace. Simple adjustments and loosening the reins on how work “should” look can help women perform better than ever before - and keep their seat at the table. Jillian discusses the adjustments she’s made on her team to help inspire businesses big and small to reexamine the status quo.
Takeaways from this episode:
- Small businesses are not only positioned to make workplace changes happen, but they may even have the advantage. They’re smaller, nimbler, and able to enact changes quickly.
- Give your team the flexibility they need in terms of hours and location. This gives teams the freedom to work when and where they are able. Empower your team.
- Accommodate not only your employees, but their children too, and understand that creating an environment that benefits them benefits everyone.
- 1 in 5 employees have consistently felt uninformed during COVID-19. Keep the lines of communication open so all feel valued and understood. Transparency goes a long way.
- Recognize that employees are wearing multiple hats right now, but productivity can continue and even improve with the right measures.
- There’s a reason there’s the saying, “If you need something done quickly and correctly, hire a mom.”
Learn more about The Good Office Podcast:
www.thegoodofficepodcast.com
www.instagram.com/thegoodofficepodcast
Connect with Marie Mae on Social media:
https://www.pinterest.com/mariemaecompany
https://www.instagram.com/mariemaecompany
https://www.facebook.com/mariemaecompany
Show notes and more resources:
https://thegoodofficepodcast.com/episodes/21
Visit Marie Mae's website to learn more about its mission:
https://mariemae.com
What does it mean to lead with integrity? Jillian unpacks this with Sarah Bowden, co-founder and Chief Operating Officer of The Worthy Co - a social enterprise where 100% of every purchase benefits survivors of trafficking, prostitution, and exploitation. There they learn to craft jewelry, candles, and apparel, all while earning a living wage in a supportive space of like-minded women.
Sarah was serving the trafficking survivor population and noticed them facing the same hurdle over and over: the inability to find a good job due to their backgrounds. She jumped into starting the company with a focus on nurturing their skill set, so they could become self-sufficient and open doors for themselves.
This week she discusses the growth of the nonprofit, the challenges of being a social entrepreneur, and her top 3 tips for leading businesses with integrity.
Takeaways from this episode
- The Worthy Co serves as a springboard for women with tough backgrounds and teaches them soft skills to expand opportunities beyond minimum wage jobs, while providing them a valuable female network.
- It can be tempting to exaggerate statistics like reach in a nonprofit, but the value of building relationships with people cannot be underestimated.
- Be careful about having a savior mentality and viewing your do-good initiative as a rescue mission. Don’t do for people what they can do themselves - simply be a steward.
- People don’t choose the upbringing they have. Where someone is born (and to whom) is up to chance, so bear that in mind and keep your humility.
- It’s okay to not be the expert and show your team that you don’t have all the answers.
- Prioritize your emotional health so you’re in the right mindset to keep your integrity. You’re not at your best when you’re not caring for yourself.
- Your actions evangelize your values. If you model being a workaholic to your team, it’s difficult to assure them that such behavior isn’t the expectation.
What does geopolitical risk analysis have in common with corporate gifting? As Jillian discovered, it was much more than one would think.
In this week’s episode, Jillian discusses her time working as a geopolitical risk analyst for Fortune 100 clients. With her unique access to C-suite executives, she repeatedly saw that they had genuine desire to do good in the communities they operated in around the world. The problem was learning where to start. With her help, they were able to get a better picture of the situation in their international markets and learn about risks.
The job laid a valuable groundwork for her as she sought out an opportunity to make a difference in her own way.
Takeaways from this episode:
- Geopolitical events occur at the complex intersection of geographical, security, political climate, and local cultural factors.
- When companies consider opportunities in emerging markets, they must understand the potential impact that geopolitical events have on business and know how to manage risks.
- “Be a good corporate citizen wherever you go” is a phrase to live by, no matter the business you’re in.
- You can make a real difference in your business - even when it comes to something as small as corporate gifting.
Sometimes businesses forget that their business prospects aren’t nameless, faceless entities. They’re comprised of human beings – humans who enjoy being surprised and delighted. That’s why corporate gifting is important, but unfortunately, it’s often forgotten as the strong practice and business tool that it is.
Jillian emphasizes that corporate gifting should involve genuine gifts, which are not the same as marketing.
Marketing materials like branded swag are sometimes presented as gifts, but giving these sales-centric offerings can diminish the value of the gesture. On the other hand, real, personal, and thoughtful gifts can make someone feel special, seen, and heard - creating delight for the recipient. This in turn helps the gift-giver leave a memorable, lasting impression.
It can be easy to fall into the trap of keeping sales front and center in corporate strategy. But sales will come. First, however, it’s important to establish a foundation and create relationships. Since businesses are entities filled with human beings, relationships are the building blocks and what it’s all about.
Takeaways from this episode:
- Gifting is about the recipient, whereas marketing is about the business.
- Consider: Would you prefer a gift you actually want and can use - or a gift that someone else wants you to have with their name on it?
- Gifts are a way to nurture relationships and help you move beyond the “It’s just business” mindset.
- People are more likely to do business with people they know and trust. Think: Would you be more likely to open the door for a friend or for a salesman?
- People want gifts they’ll keep, not burdensome marketing materials that may get left behind.
- Gifting has the power to open up communications, whereas marketing can be one-way communication that involves talking “at” the recipient.
- Add tangible personal touches to leave a good impression, such as monogramming.
Topics discussed:
- Gifting strategies
- Gifts aren't marketing
- Sales strategies
- Dos and don'ts of corporate gifting
- How to do better customer service
It’s easy to impose limitations on yourself when you’re a new brand just starting out. Looking at what you lack (rather than what sets you apart) is a common mistake to make. Even in Jillian’s earlier professional life, she felt intimidated about approaching a large brand for a partnership (even though it was ultimately successful).
This week’s episode focuses on how to approach and begin working with larger brands as a small business. Jillian presents her top 5 pieces of advice for how a smaller brand can not only make the first step toward a profitable partnership, but leave a solid impression and deliver real value. These tips may help you land a new partner and expand your reach while earning your team respect.
Takeaways from this episode:
- Don’t be scared or shy away from larger companies - if your business is set up to scale, large brands (and larger orders) can be just as easy as smaller ones.
- Take the leap instead of waiting until you think you’re ready.
- Bring in bigger partners who have the experience and scalability necessary to tackle larger projects (e.g. printing vendors).
- Nurture relationships with your production partners - they’re valuable assets to have.
- Lacking in annual revenue and employees? You can make up for that with customer service and hard work.
- You don’t need a big team to create a polished proposal that thoughtfully addresses your client’s pain points.
- Consider what you offer that the larger businesses can’t, with a plan addressing how to make your clients’ jobs easier.
- Your “do good” strategy is an important offering when scoring these larger deals. Big brands tend to look favorably upon this (and often want to be part of it).
- Going the extra mile to help others gives a morale boost to the business and can be a selling point.
Topics discussed in this episode:
- How to scale a small business
- How to land deals with dream companies
- How to win over companies with a great pitching strategy
- How to pitch large companies
- Dealing with impostor syndrome
Learn more about The Good Office Podcast:
www.thegoodofficepodcast.com
www.instagram.com/thegoodofficepodcast.com
Connect with Marie Mae on Social media:
https://www.pinterest.com/mariemaecompany
https://www.instagram.com/mariemaecompany
https://www.facebook.com/mariemaecompany
Show notes and more resources:
https://thegoodofficepodcast.com/episodes/0
Visit Marie Mae's website to learn more about its mission:
https://mariemae.com
This year has brought many societal issues to light, and many brands have responded by showing their support on social media and other marketing channels. But how do brands show that their support isn’t simply virtue signaling or performative, but the real deal?
Tribe Alive is an ethical fashion brand that rapidly grew - from supporting 4 female makers in Honduras to sustainably employing 350 artists and partners in 5 different countries. With 85% of the world’s garment workers being women, typically in unsafe conditions and poverty, Tribe Alive is dedicated to sustainability and social consciousness throughout their entire supply chain. Their employees work in safe and meaningful work environments, are given opportunities to grow, and are treated with dignity and respect.
Founder and CEO Carly Burson is driven by activism, social enterprise and impact consumerism as a medium to empower women. Today she shares how her company achieves this, plus her top 3 tips on authentically showing up for social justice issues as a brand leader or business owner.
Takeaways from this episode:
- Back up your words with action. Go beyond tweets and quotes and commit to an agenda with true, tangible action.
- Commit to an anti-racism policy. Racial equity training is a must, and there should be no tolerance for those who won’t adhere to it.
- Think about how implementation looks, starting with an open and honest dialogue with your team where everyone has a voice and shapes the policies.
- Take steps to share resources among your team and communicate your plan to implement anti-racist policies.
- Show up for organizations in the U.S. that work to empower and amplify black/minority/disadvantaged communities.
- Encourage better hiring practices to bring a diverse range of ideas to the table.
- Foster a culture where everyone feels safe to speak up (and where it’s okay to disagree with leaders).
- Bring the human element into capitalism, providing your team a living wage, donating a portion of profits to social justice causes, and even giving employees election day off.
Topics covered in this Podcast:
- Social Justice Issues
- Authentic Leadership
- America's criminal justice system
- Anti-racist workplace policies
- How to foster healthy company culture
- Racial inequality
- Capitalism
- Systematic racism
Resources mentioned in this Podcast:
‘1619,’ a Podcast From The New York Times
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/23/podcasts/1619-podcast.html
White Fragility book:
https://www.amazon.com/White-Fragility-People-About-Racism/dp/0807047414
The New Jim Crow book:
https://www.amazon.com/New-Jim-Crow-Incarceration-Colorblindness/dp/1620971933/ref=sr_1_2?crid=3MKC1B2BPC94P&dchild=1&keywords=the+new+jim+crow&qid=1600377515&s=books&sprefix=the+new+ji%2Cstripbooks%2C167&sr=1-2
Follow Carly and Tribe Alive on social media:
https://tribealive.com/
https://www.instagram.com/tribealive
https://www.facebook.com/wearetribealive/
https://www.instagram.com/carlyrburson/
Learn more about The Good Office Podcast:
www.thegoodofficepodcast.com
www.instagram.com/thegoodofficepodcast.com
Connect with Marie Mae on Social media:
https://www.pinterest.com/mariemaecompany
https://www.instagram.com/mariemaecompany
https://www.facebook.com/mariemaecompany
Show notes and more resources:
https://thegoodofficepodcast.com/episodes/16
Visit Marie Mae's website to learn more about the products:
https://mariemae.com
Back in July (Episode 5), Jillian outlined the top 5 reasons giveback strategies fail and how business leaders can avoid making the same mistakes. This week’s episode takes it one step further: how to successfully craft the strategy itself now that you’ve bypassed the pitfalls.
Remember, you don’t have to choose between profit and impact when it comes to your business’s giveback plan. It requires sufficient time and strategy, and it should capitalize on your unique offerings and strengths. If you’re thoughtfully building a profitable, purpose-driven business and aligning it with this step-by-step process, you can make a positive – and sustainable – impact on your cause of choice.
Takeaways from this episode:
- You must assess the scope of your operations (where you spend your money, as well as examine all current stakeholders), so you know how to both grow your company and increase your impact.
- Consider what differentiates your business and what unique skillset you bring to the table.
- Ask yourself 3 questions about your strategy: Is your list of ways to give back practical? Is it the best way your business can make an impact? Does it align with what your company does and what your customers want?
- Know what your strategy will look like in practice: how you’ll roll out the initiative and who you’ll work with to make it happen.
- Develop an action plan with a timeline to execute and implement your initiative, breaking it out into manageable steps along the way.
- Communicate the purpose clearly and in a way that excites and motivates your stakeholders.
- Know how to monitor your progress, keeping key metrics in mind so you can pivot if need be and recognize what success looks like. Be thoughtful about the long haul!
Topics in this episode:
- Sustainable Give Back strategies
- How to do Good with your Business
- Strategies to make an impact with your Business
- Business Lessons
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Episode 05. The Top 5 Reasons Giveback Strategies Fail - and How To Avoid Them
https://thegoodofficepodcast.com/episodes/05
Learn more about The Good Office Podcast:
www.thegoodofficepodcast.com
www.instagram.com/thegoodofficepodcast.com
Connect with Marie Mae on Social media:
https://www.pinterest.com/mariemaecompany
https://www.instagram.com/mariemaecompany
https://www.facebook.com/mariemaecompany
Show notes and more resources:
https://thegoodofficepodcast.com/episodes/0
Visit Marie Mae's website to learn more about the products:
https://mariemae.com
Money is the most powerful tool you have, so spend it in a way that makes a difference in the world. That’s the idea behind purchasing power, which this week’s returning guest, Bethany Tran, illustrates as the founder and CEO of The Root Collective. By partnering with independent Guatemalan workshops, her brand offers ethical shoes and accessories that provide above-fair trade wages to its workers.
Bethany started her business 7 years ago with the mission to create change in the world through social enterprise. By giving local Guatemalan artisans jobs with fair wages, she has moved away from the common practice of simply providing charity and instead gives them meaningful work to help their communities. She discusses the domino effect of ethical retail and how investing in quality pieces can be far more gratifying than a quick shopper’s high.
Key takeaways from this episode:
- What it means in entrepreneurship to live your convictions
- The challenges in creating a social enterprise
- Shifting your thinking away from the consumerist “buy, buy, buy” mindset – opting instead to buy less and choose well
- The ripple effect that results from spending money in impactful ways
- The mental overload we get from amassing too much stuff
- Top tips for using purchasing power to do good, including where to start, how to ease in, and why we shouldn’t aim for immediate perfection
Topics covered:
- How to use your purchasing power for good
- Fast fashion vs slow fashion
- America's consumerism problem
- The path to creating ethical shopping habits
- Resources for using your purchasing power for good
Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:
Episode 02: How to Lead with Integrity with Bethany Tran
https://thegoodofficepodcast.com/episodes/02
To learn more about Bethany and the Root Collective:
www.therootcollective.com
www.instagram.com/therootcollective
To learn more about Jillian and the Good Office Podcast, please visit: www.thegoodofficepodcast.com.
Connect with Marie Mae on Social media:
https://www.pinterest.com/mariemaecompany/
https://www.instagram.com/mariemaecompany/
https://www.facebook.com/mariemaecompany
Visit our website to learn more about our products:
https://mariemae.com
In today’s world, truly successful businesses go beyond simply providing a product or service to deliver value. They can have purpose and a positive impact on communities – purpose that shapes and even defines their overall brand.
This week Jillian welcomes someone who embodies this ideal: Director of Marketing and Digital for the Tory Burch Foundation, Molly Heffernan, the mind behind big wins like the global campaign #embraceambition and the first Tory Burch Foundation pop-up shop. As part of her work with this foundation, she helps empower women through programs and initiatives that invest in the success and sustainability of women-owned small businesses – important especially now during the pandemic.
This episode dives into the campaign’s origin and mission to help women welcome and embrace their ambitious side. Jillian and Molly discuss the struggles female entrepreneurs often experience when it comes to internalized biases arising from society’s perception of them. In addition, Molly outlines her top 3 pieces of advice to small business owners, including the importance of pivoting your business in light of COVID-19.
Takeaways from this episode with Molly:
- Envision your business after the pandemic and begin working backwards from there.
- Find a way to reach people and help, even when circumstances change – even if you have to rethink your business a bit.
- Seek a fresh perspective. Don’t be afraid to ask the community, brand ambassadors, and more to crowdsource ideas and inspiration.
- Pursue and jump on opportunities as they arise, knowing that you’re worthy to have a seat at the table.
- Tap in to your brand story in an authentic way. It’s not just about what you sell; it’s about who you are and what you stand for. In particular, women in business have compelling stories, so don’t be afraid to share them to connect with your audience.
- Understand that your mission can be a strong differentiator in the market.
Topics Discussed:
- Female Empowerment
- Tory Burch Foundation's work
- Leading a business during COVID-19
- Impostor Syndrome
- Ambitious Female Leaders
- Women Owned Businesses
- Growth Mindset
- How to Grow a Brand
- Resources to grow a brand
Resources Mentioned in This Podcast:
http://www.toryburchfoundation.org/resources/
https://www.instagram.com/toryburchfoundation/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/toryburchfoundation/
https://twitter.com/ToryBurchFdn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mollyheffernan/
Learn more about The Good Office Podcast:
www.thegoodofficepodcast.com
www.instagram.com/thegoodofficepodcast
Connect with Marie Mae on Social media:
https://www.pinterest.com/mariemaecompany
https://www.instagram.com/mariemaecompany
https://www.facebook.com/mariemaecompany
Show notes and more resources:
thegoodofficepodcast.com/episodes/13
Visit Marie Mae's website to learn more about the products:
https://mariemae.com
Corporate Gifting in 2020 presents new limitations, and equally, new opportunities to really make a positive impact with vendors, clients and employees. In this episode, Jillian Ryan provides an insightful Corporate Gifting roadmap which includes timelines, etiquette tips during a pandemic, and explains why Thanksgiving is bypassing Christmas as the perfect time for gifting.
This episode covers questions that most businesses are asking themselves:
- How to show gratitude to employees, clients or vendors
- When should corporate gifts be sent
- What are the best corporate gift ideas this year
- Where is it appropriate to send gifts, as people are still working from home
In addition, Jillian shares her top 3 tips to creating a Corporate Gifting strategy that doesn't just work for your company, but how to use it to create impact in businesses that need your money the most like local, women-owned, minority and Black owned-businesses.
Takeaways from this episode:
- The Pandemic has accelerated Marie Mae's hyper growth this year. Corporate Gifting is in demand more than ever!
- Consider potential supply chain issues, so...
- ...secure your gifts early if you want access to the best product selection.
- Give gifts that make an impact.
- Choose the impact that you want to make and focus your efforts there.
Learn more about The Good Office Podcast:
www.thegoodofficepodcast.com
www.instagram.com/thegoodofficepodcast.com
Connect with Marie Mae on Social media:
https://www.pinterest.com/mariemaecompany
https://www.instagram.com/mariemaecompany
https://www.facebook.com/mariemaecompany
Show notes and more resources:
https://thegoodofficepodcast.com/episodes/12
Visit Marie Mae's website to learn more about the products:
https://mariemae.com
In this episode, Jillian interviews Kara Christensen, Economic Empowerment Program Manager at the nonprofit New Friends New Life to discuss how businesses can be more inclusive and support Human Trafficking survivors to overcome the challenges they face when re-entering the workforce, and what is needed for healthy, trauma-informed (and trained) workplaces.
Kara shares how this nonprofit is restoring and empowering formerly trafficked teen girls and sexually exploited women and their children (their 'members'), and the triggers that most of their members struggle with during day-to-day activities, such as taking public transportation or reading body language. Jillian and Kara also discuss some shocking human trafficking statistics in Texas, and who is most at risk to be trafficked here in the US.
Takeaways from this episode:
- Trauma has a huge effect on the way people think and interact with other people, and particularly in the way that their body responds to the world. Trauma stunts mental and physical growth, and can lead to symptoms of isolation, shame, and unworthiness.
- It only takes 48 hours for a young person to get picked up off the streets and trafficked in the sex trade, and nearly 87% of teens who have been trafficked have been abandoned or abused at a really young age.
- 77% of trafficking victims are US citizens; 86% of which are female.
- Dallas, TX has an estimated $99 million annual revenue of illegal sex trade.
- New Friends New Life acts as a liaison between the corporation / business and the member, for a healthy, learnable positive community creation.
- Through an economic empowerment program, New Friends New Life helps their members overcome fears such as submitting a background check during job applications, and empowers them to apply for opportunities that before they considered themselves "unworthy of".
Topics discussed in this episode:
- Human Trafficking
- Types of Human Trafficking
- Human Trafficking Hotspots in the US
- How companies can be a trauma trained workplace
- New Friends New Life
- At-risk youth groups
- Who can be at risk of human trafficking
- Sex Trafficking targets
To connect to New Friends New Life please visit:
https://www.instagram.com/newfriendsnewlife/
https://www.facebook.com/newfriendsnewlife/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/new-friends-new-life/
To connect to Kara Christensen, Economic Empowerment Program Manager please email:
kchristensen@newfriendsnewlife.org
Learn more about The Good Office Podcast:
www.thegoodofficepodcast.com
www.instagram.com/thegoodofficepodcast.com
Connect with Marie Mae on Social media:
https://www.pinterest.com/mariemaecompany
https://www.instagram.com/mariemaecompany
https://www.facebook.com/mariemaecompany
Show notes and more resources:
https://thegoodofficepodcast.com/episodes/11
Visit Marie Mae's website to learn more about the products:
https://mariemae.com
In this episode of The Good Office Podcast, Jillian invites Carly Burson, founder and CEO of Tribe Alive to delve into what an ethical business supply chain looks like, in particular when working with craftsmen and artisan groups around the globe, and the opportunities and challenges that come with it.
Carly shares how a life-changing trip to Ethiopia fueled her drive for social justice and inspired her to move away from the fast fashion industry she once worked in, to implement change toward a more sustainable business model. Through Tribe Alive, she has been able to educate both customers and the industry about how to meaningfully employ artisans with a long-lasting impact on local economies. In just four years, the company has grown from employing four female makers in Honduras to supporting over 280 people with sustainable employment in 5 different countries.
While discussing how to scale a business responsibly, Jillian and Carly debate how to create trust with vulnerable communities, and share their tips for companies who want to start evaluating their supply chain.
Takeaways from this episode:
- According to Carly, the fast fashion industry has always created poverty all over the globe, forcing desperate and vulnerable communities to cut corners. The system perpetuates dishonesty in order for these communities to survive. Sustainable business that considers their whole supply chain in their business model can change that.
- The bigger your company gets, the more impactful every part of your supply chain is, so review it often and assess your impact.
- Honor human life in every aspect your business touches, including the way that you market your artisans.
- Tell the stories of partnerships; not sad stories about poverty.
- By supporting artisans' craftsmanship, local communities can maintain these traditions and these art forms within their communities. Providing employment to vulnerable communities will help preserve their history, culture and art.
Follow Carly and Tribe Alive on social media:
https://tribealive.com/
https://www.instagram.com/tribealive
https://www.facebook.com/wearetribealive/
https://www.instagram.com/carlyrburson/
Topics discussed in this episode:
- Marketing ethics
- Employing Artisans globally
- How to make a long-lasting impact abroad
- Handmade vs mass-produced products
- Artisan stories
- How to market artisans in a dignified way
- Company fails abroad
- Carly Burson's trip to Ethiopia to adopt her daughter
- How to provide dignified employment opportunities
Learn more about The Good Office Podcast:
www.thegoodofficepodcast.com
www.instagram.com/thegoodofficepodcast.com
Connect with Marie Mae on Social media:
https://www.pinterest.com/mariemaecompany
https://www.instagram.com/mariemaecompany
https://www.facebook.com/mariemaecompany
Show notes and more resources:
https://www.thegoodofficepodcast.com/episodes/10
Visit Marie Mae's website to learn more about their mission and products:
https://mariemae.com
In this episode of the Good Office Podcast, Jillian dives deeper into how business owners or business leaders can incorporate corporate social responsibility strategies no matter the budget or size of the business.
As previously outlined in episode 1 of this podcast, companies have the power to do good and change their communities for the better without breaking the bank or taking resources away from their main goal. In order to maximize its impact, companies should choose a direction to focus on, and be strategic about it, ensuring that the give back is connected to the company's mission. According to Jillian, team communication is fundamental from the idea's inception to its execution, and finally, customers should also be aware of the company's impact in a non-salesy way.
Listen up as Jillian shares real-life examples to help business owners and leaders implement those changes and use their resources intentionally.
Takeaways from this episode:
- Corporate Social Responsibility Strategy can be implemented no matter the size or budget of the company.
- Not sure how to implement a Corporate Social Responsibility Strategy in a Business? Get employees' invaluable input through a brainstorm session.
- A corporate social responsibility strategy is something that shouldn't be used as marketing material by itself- it should be woven in the business' operations.
- CSR is defined as a self-regulating business model and strategy that helps a company be socially accountable —to itself, its stakeholders, and the public. It can also be called corporate citizenship or ESG factors (economic social and governance).
- Use the give back to give customers and employees a sense of purpose.
Topics discussed in this episode:
- How to implement a Corporate Social Responsibility Strategy
- Corporate Social Responsibility Strategy for any company size and budget
- Community Engagement
- How to engage employees in company initiatives
- Giveback strategies 101
- Company mission
- Employee Engagement
Harvard Business Review article link:
https://hbr.org/2020/05/what-good-business-looks-like
Mentioned in this episode - 01. Corporate Social Responsibility Isn’t A Trend:
www.thegoodofficepodcast.com/episodes/01
Connect with Marie Mae on Social media:
https://www.pinterest.com/mariemaecompany
https://www.instagram.com/mariemaecompany
https://www.facebook.com/mariemaecompany
Show notes and more resources:
www.thegoodofficepodcast.com/episodes/09
Visit Marie Mae's website to learn more about the products:
https://mariemae.com
Learn more about The Good Office Podcast:
www.thegoodofficepodcast.com
www.instagram.com/thegoodofficepodcast
In this week’s episode of the Good Office Podcast, Jillian shares a roadmap to Doing Good at home and abroad, with Erin Murphy, the Founder and Principal of Inle Advisory Group, a strategic advisory firm promoting responsible and transparent investment in emerging markets around the globe.
Jillian and Erin discuss social justice issues and how to truly help: where to start, how to weed through biases, what questions to ask, how to match a social issue with an individual or company's mission, and how to avoid diplomatic drama. As a known expert in the area, Erin has seen first-hand the true consequences of years of individuals and companies wanting 'to do good' without going through due process, or speaking to local organizations, government or NGOs. Take note of which resources to use to maximize impact, how armed conflict, the use and availability of natural resources and land can make or break a project.
Takeaways from this episode:
- Before starting, ask yourself questions such as:
- Are you looking to invest or engage in an issue?
- What are the needs?
- Do these meets match up with your skill set or product? Do they want it? Do they need it?
- Is there an opportunity?
- What are the risks?
- Hire experts to help you navigate the social issue that you're trying to solve: don't just go rogue and do the 'feel good projects' without the proper expertise, as you may end up losing a lot of money, negatively impact the community that you're trying to help, or get into bigger trouble.
- Do the research, challenge your assumptions and accept bad news - you may have to pivot!
- Politics, economics and community/social factors must be considered when initiating any type of process.
- When trying to solve a problem consider the infrastructure needed to make it successful and how it's going to impact the day-to-day life of the communities that you're hoping to help.
- Be intellectually curious about the problem: do your research and get friends and family involved in the early stages so that you can benefit from external output.
- Be careful where you source your information from: news and fake news go hand in hand so it's important to reply on neutral, reputable organizations that rely on data, not on partisan support.
- Many countries abroad have limited natural resources, restricted access to energy supply, armed conflicts, and limited skilled workforce - consider these restrictions when trying to solve a problem abroad.
Topics discussed:
- How to research topics
- How to help foreign communities
- Social Justice Issues
- Economy in African Countries
- US Government and US Governmental Organizations
- Social Media misinformation
- How to use search engines like Google to grow your expertise
- Myanmar
- Natural resources
- The Gates Foundation
Connect to Erin and learn more about Inle Advisory Group:
Erin Murphy
www.inleadvisorygroup.com
@inleadvisorygroup
Learn more about The Good Office Podcast:
www.thegoodofficepodcast.com
www.instagram.com/thegoodofficepodcast.com
Connect with Marie Mae on Social media:
https://www.pinterest.com/mariemaecompany
https://www.instagram.com/mariemaecompany
https://www.facebook.com/mariemaecompany
Show notes and more resources:
https://thegoodofficepodcast.com/episodes/08
Visit Marie Mae's website to learn more about the products:
https://mariemae.com
If you've always wondered what makes a good corporate gift, then take a listen as Jillian Ryan, CEO of Marie Mae, shares her official guide to curating the perfect corporate gift - while making an impact in the community.
Jillian breaks down the process of how to curate products that your recipients will cherish, and that don't make them feel like they are a walking ad for your company. Also, learn about the biggest pitfalls when picking corporate gifts, and learn how to actually make an impact in the local economy with the products that you shortlist.
As part of the exercise, Jillian invites Hannah Rabalais from The Kleinert Foundation to talk about her experience curating their 'Desk Refresh Kit', and how they were able to support social enterprises that are making a difference, and that align with their mission.
Takeaways from this episode:
- Free isn't always a winner: people are willing to pay for higher quality products.
- Corporate gifting is a 120 billion dollar a year industry, so why not invest in good quality products that make an impact?
- The products you choose tell a story - make it a good one.
- Include practical and useful items that your recipients will use.
- Presentation and personalization will make or break a corporate gift.
- A unique and strategic gifting strategy will help grow the business.
- Money stays in the economy longer when you support local businesses, so shop local.
- Products made by social enterprises are normally unique, handmade, and higher quality than most retail products out there.
- Social enterprises have been hit the hardest by COVID-19, and the way to support them and help their vulnerable employees stay employed is to simply use your purchasing power to buy their products.
Show Notes:
https://thegoodofficepodcast.com/episodes/07
Products/companies mentioned in this podcast:
Desk Refresh Kit: https://mariemae.com/shop/desk-refresh-kit
Calyan Wax Co: https://www.calyanwaxco.com/
Savhera: https://savhera.com/
The Worthy Co: https://worthy-co.com/
Tribe Alive: https://tribealive.com/
Bonton Farms: https://bontonfarms.org/
Visit The Kleinert Foundation and connect with Hannah Rabalais:
https://www.kleinertfdn.org/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannah-rabalais-62a762154/
https://www.instagram.com/hannahmcrab/
Connect with Marie Mae on Social media:
https://www.pinterest.com/mariemaecompany/
https://www.instagram.com/mariemaecompany/
https://www.facebook.com/mariemaecompany
Visit our website to learn more about our products:
https://mariemae.com
Whitney O’Halek is a travel blogger with a mission to inspire wanderlust, educate and prepare travelers to maximize their adventures! Through her blog Quick Whit Travel, Whitney shares her authentic travel insights, and tips and tricks that she gathered from visiting 40+ countries around the globe!
In this episode, Jillian and Whitney discuss how travelers can experience authentic culture on a reduced budget, the impact of supporting local businesses, and how to spot look-a-like products which aren't benefiting local communities.
Jillian and Whitney also share their experiences on traveling abroad and reveal tips on how to maximize time off work to travel, how to be a knowledgeable, respectful and safe traveler, and the one thing that you need to do if you ever get lost in local markets.
Takeaways from this episode:
- It can be humbling to be taken out of your comfort zone when traveling in a very different culture.
- Experiencing the authentic culture is actually cheaper than supporting international chains.
- Beware of fake artisanal products in markets that are made in China.
- Do not buy from the children, as it perpetuates the problem and it can be sometimes tied to human trafficking.
- Don't be afraid to haggle - the seller won't sell a product if they think your offer is too low.
- Talk to shopkeepers if you need directions, because it's in their best interest to keep tourists safe.
Visit Whitney's website to learn more about traveling and to order her book:
http://quickwhittravel.com
https://www.amazon.com/Paradise-Lost-Found-Whitney-OHalek/dp/B08BWFKXPJ/ref=sr_1_1?crid=324BLR70RHZX&dchild=1&keywords=paradise+lost+and+found+whitney+ohalek&qid=1594401113&sprefix=paradise+lost+and+found%2Caps%2C-1&sr=8-1
Follow Whitney on social media:
Facebook: @quickwhittravel
Instagram: @quickwhittravel
Twitter: @quickwhittravel
Topics covered on this episode:
- Challenges of budget traveling
- How to manage work to improve vacation days
- How to bargain abroad
- Safety tips for single women traveling alone
- How to find time to travel
- How to haggle
- How to pick the best souvenirs
- Local etiquette tips
- Virtual travel
Learn more about The Good Office Podcast:
www.thegoodofficepodcast.com
www.instagram.com/thegoodofficepodcast.com
Connect with Marie Mae on Social media:
https://www.pinterest.com/mariemaecompany
https://www.instagram.com/mariemaecompany
https://www.facebook.com/mariemaecompany
Show notes and more resources:
https://thegoodofficepodcast.com/episodes/06
Visit Marie Mae's website to learn more about the products:
https://mariemae.com
In this episode aimed at business owners and business leaders, Jillian explains the top 5 reasons giveback strategies fail - and how you can avoid making those same mistakes in your business.
Jillian breaks down the process of understanding how to align your business with a cause, how to make it sustainable, and how you can increase your impact without sacrificing profitability. Additionally, Jillian provides resources on how to improve your giveback model (if you already have one), how to use technology to simplify your work processes when trying to scale and how she figured out her own model for Marie Mae Company.
Takeaways from this episode:
- Doing good is actually good business and impacts all sides of it: people want to make a positive impact in the world; they want to feel like their work matters; they want their customers to feel like they are a part of something larger.
- You can really build a solid business by doing good - and if done correctly, it’s an amazing win-win-win situation.
- Your mission alone won't drive people to purchase what you are selling.
- Take a moment to survey your (potential) clients and understand if your giveback aligns with what they would buy from you.
- Your giveback must be practical.
Show notes and more resources:
www.thegoodofficepodcast.com/episodes/05
Learn more about The Good Office Podcast:
www.thegoodofficepodcast.com
www.instagram.com/thegoodofficepodcast
Connect with Marie Mae on Social media:
https://www.pinterest.com/mariemaecompany
https://www.instagram.com/mariemaecompany
https://www.facebook.com/mariemaecompany
Visit Marie Mae's website to learn more about the products:
www.mariemae.com
In this episode, Jillian dives deeper into what it means to show gratitude on a corporate level. For that, she invited Missy Briggeman to talk about how the Briggeman team is using corporate gifting strategically to spread love in their community.
Missy breaks down the full process - from how they identify the recipients, to how the personal messages are thought through and sent to Marie Mae, and finally, the impact that corporate gifting has in their community. Missy and Jillian discuss the best way for leaders to stay accountable and practice their company values and how that can make or break a company's public image.
Jillian explains how corporate gifting doesn’t need to be highly branded, and how it can be executed by companies at any level - with any budget.
Key takeaways from this episode:
- Gratitude is the great multiplier.
- As the business owner, everything that you do - your decisions and your actions - have a direct impact on your company's public image.
- To properly practice gratitude, you have to first feel it.
- Verbalizing and promoting practicing gratitude helps to multiply it throughout your team.
How you can connect to Missy and Dr. Briggeman's practice:
www.instagram.com/missybriggeman
https://www.facebook.com/MissyBriggeman/
Topics covered on this podcast:
- Employee Morale
- Corporate Gifting
- How to Do Good with your business
- Meaningful Corporate Gifting
- How to Show appreciation for your staff
- How to pick corporate swag that doesn't suck
In this week's episode, Jillian Ryan takes us behind the scenes of Marie Mae's Business School, and shares her journey from working as a geopolitical risk consultant, to creating a side hustle, to cultivating well run and kind businesses in order to alleviate poverty around the world.
Jillian delves into what it takes to bootstrap a business, the process to reverse engineer a business to fund impactful work, and how a global pandemic impacted her business classes.
Key takeaways from this episode:
- Quality control, how to operate more efficiently, and how you go after additional markets are some of the biggest questions out there for business owners.
- It's possible to successfully reverse engineer a business to fund impactful work.
- If there's a will, there's a way: technology can be your best ally to pivot your business to new needs and still be able to make a change.
- Sometimes in life you just have to take action and figure it out along the way.
- Don't hold back from sharing the behind the scenes of your business and your impact: it will make a bigger difference than you think.
- Your audience needs to know what they're funding with their purchase.
- Before you take action, LISTEN carefully to what the problem is that you're trying to help solve.
Learn more about The Good Office Podcast:
www.thegoodofficepodcast.com
www.instagram.com/thegoodofficepodcast.com
Connect with Marie Mae on Social media:
https://www.pinterest.com/mariemaecompany
https://www.instagram.com/mariemaecompany
https://www.facebook.com/mariemaecompany
Visit Marie Mae's website to learn more about their products:
https://mariemae.com
In the second episode of The Good Office Podcast, Jillian explores how to lead your business with integrity, with guest Bethany Tran, founder and CEO of The Root Collective.
Seven years ago Bethany founded The Root Collective with a mission to put people first and profit second: she created a business that creates intergenerational and sustainable growth in Guatemala after seeing how many initiatives even though well-intentioned, would fail to provide lasting impact.
Bethany shares the production process in Guatemala, how she adapted to the local supply chain limitations, and the difficulties in scaling the company. Bethany also talks about how to stay true to your values and her top 3 tips for leading your business with integrity.
Key takeaways from this episode:
- Mindset and education play a huge role in problem-solving.
- Take the time to understand local supply chain restrictions and limitations.
- Don't underestimate the time that it takes to educate your audience about your products.
- It’s ok to grow slow: it will allow you to learn more in the process and when you make mistakes, it has a lower impact.
- Remember your WHY.
- It’s ok to pivot.
To learn more about Jillian and the Good Office Podcast, please visit: www.thegoodofficepodcast.com.
To learn more about Bethany and the Root Collective:
www.therootcollective.com
www.instagram.com/therootcollective
Connect with Marie Mae on Social media:
https://www.pinterest.com/mariemaecompany/
https://www.instagram.com/mariemaecompany/
https://www.facebook.com/mariemaecompany
Visit our website to learn more about our products:
https://mariemae.com
There's no better time to talk about Corporate Social Responsibility, human rights and how we (as individuals and companies) can Do Good.
Host Jillian Ryan, has worked in the area of corporate social responsibility, geopolitics, and international business for 15 years, and yet, with the latest events coming to light, she feels like there's still a lot to learn. After deep consideration and debate, Jillian decided that now is actually the perfect time to stop letting the discomfort of probable missteps get in the way of real discussions, and to stand up for what she believes in. In this episode, Jillian shares her thoughts on corporate social responsibility, and how she believes that this is going to be the roadmap that will allow consumers, investors, companies, and society more broadly to hold companies to account.
Takeaways from this episode:
- ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) factors are a set of standards for a company’s operations that socially conscious investors use to screen potential investments.
- There has never been a better time to improve your corporate values, and to foster open discussion.
- Be intentional with your spending; every dollar you spend is a vote for the type of world you want to live in.
- For the first time, we are really seeing large businesses and organizations care deeply about where the products they are giving out are made and who they are supporting.
- As business owners you can do better: ask yourself "How can we diversify our supply chain?", "How can we do a better job at diversifying our team?", and "How can I as a leader really nurture and provide leadership opportunities for the underserved communities?"
- As an employee: do thorough research that goes beyond marketing materials, and be proactive. Start conversations with your coworkers.
Please feel free to email jillian@mariemae.com to share your stories, and provide feedback about how to improve this conversation.
For show notes, worksheets, Jillian's e-book and all the links mentioned on this podcast please visit:
www.thegoodofficepodcast.com/episodes/001
Connect with Marie Mae on Social media:
https://www.pinterest.com/mariemaecompany/
https://www.instagram.com/mariemaecompany/
https://www.facebook.com/mariemaecompany
Visit our website to learn more about our products:
https://mariemae.com
Not all Business Podcasts are the same, but how many podcasts can teach you how to perfectly blend conscious capitalism and social entrepreneurship? Not many.
Enter me, Jillian Ryan, a former D.C. geopolitical risk analyst turned social enterprise company owner. Throughout my career working as a geopolitical risk analyst to some of the world’s largest Fortune100 companies - I had unique access to their C-suite execs and how they thought. And what I saw over and over again - including within industries that you normally wouldn’t associate with “doing good” - is that most of our clients had a genuine desire to do good in the communities they were operating in around the world.
All of this inspired me to start Marie Mae, a company offering ethically sourced materials, supporting small businesses and most importantly, giving back to the community!
When I launched, it felt quite frankly, silly to establish some core values as at that time it was just me, myself, and I. But I really am glad that I did that, as having established core values helps us stay true to our mission and helps our employees and vendors and clients know immediately what we are about.
Our 4 core values are: Do Good; Lead with Integrity; Practice Gratitude; and Be Authentic. So each episode will fall under one of our 4 main themes:
Doing Good:
How can you make an impact, regardless of the industry you're in; how and why you need to make sure your giveback is aligned with the mission of your company; and lots of interviews with people in various sectors.
Leading with Integrity:
The type of leadership that you need in your business, and examples of how we pivoted our business in a crisis and how our small but mighty team grabbed the attention of Ellen’s team.
Practicing Gratitude:
How to show gratitude as a company, with episodes on why we chose to build a corporate gifting company specifically, and several case studies with our corporate clients on how they are making an impact and gaining new clients by being strategic with their gifting (even in a time of economic downturn).
Being authentic.
The importance of authenticity in a company - why and how to be transparent about how your products are made, how to authentically show up for your non-profit partners, and some of the challenges and opportunities of working with artisans across the globe.
Stay tuned for future episodes as I reveal all my secrets on how I've turned a side hustle into a fast growing, half a million dollar a year corporate gifting company;
how I've secured an order for 300,000 boxes of stationery and most recently, how we've started to experience hyper growth in the 4th quarter of last year!
To learn more about me and this podcast, please visit mariemae.com/podcast and drop me a message, as well as follow us on Instagram at @mariemaecompany!