So often in business, the almighty dollar is the bottom line.
Private corporations are out to make a profit for their investors and operations are conducted with that at front of mind. Bigger initiatives for the benefit of society that aren’t related to making money are left to non-profit organizations and charities to pursue. It’s not that the business world doesn’t see these as positive things to get involved with, it’s just often not seen as part of doing business.
But once in awhile there’s that rare person who manages to meld the two objectives. To marry a corporation’s duty to being profitable with a good social cause. For our #FollowFriday feature this week, we look at three people to follow that demonstrate that business can be about more than profit.
Jordan Ekers, vice-president of business development at Nudge Rewards
Transforming systems for social change is all about transforming relationships with all stakeholders. #tnsaccelerate #sharedvalue
— Jordan Ekers (@JordanEkers) June 5, 2014
This founder of Atlantic Eco-Expo, the largest environmental consumer trade show in Atlantic Canada, Ekers is now leading business development at Nudge Rewards, formerly Greengage Mobile. An expert in behaviour change, Ekers is exploring how Nudge’s mobile platform can boost employee engagement in company initiatives around health and wellness, sustainability, and volunteerism. So far the young company is working with big brands like Tangerine.
Linda Maziaris, founder, Body Bijou Jewellery
Congrats to Gr 9 student Linda Manziaris, @Startup_Canada's national Young Entrepreneur of the Year for @BodyBijou! pic.twitter.com/ImX2zmGTkg
— Havergal College (@HavergalCollege) June 16, 2014
While most 14-year-olds are just trying to figure out how to survive high school life, Maziaris has already founded her own business making hand-made jewellery that is sold online. If that’s not already impressive enough, consider that she gives half the proceeds to the charity her sister started, which seeks to improve women’s education in the developing world. Check out the Body Bijou Twitter feed for photos of celebrity encounters Manziaris has in her travels and for information about the importance of women’s education.
Lean In Toronto chapter
Professional #women growing their careers by networking, learning & sharing experiences! http://t.co/rFGtmUZRkp pic.twitter.com/MtpX1mR9bt
— Lean In Canada (@LeanInCanada) June 19, 2014
After Sheryl Sandberg launched her Lean In book she parlayed its success into a new foundation that encouraged women in the business world to share their stories and set up chapter groups to continue the conversation. The Toronto chapter describes itself as a group where women can meet like-minded peers, be inspired and empowered, and build on their knowledge. An upcoming event will focus on how to handle so-called “Mean Girls” or office bullies. We were glad to see the Lean In Toronto Twitter account join our recent #CDNwomen chat.