Articles - Page 4 of 10 - Kathy Varol

Purpose and Profit Articles

Purpose and Profit Articles

 

Backlash against greenwashing

Greenwashing is misleading information by an organization to present an environmentally responsible image to the public. In other words, lying about sustainability practices or impact. In years past, the consequence of corporate greenwashing was consumer backlash resulting in negative publicity.  This bad publicity might embarrass leaders and pressure them to …

Read More

 

How to execute a business turnaround

I joined adidas in May 2013. In retrospect, it was the worst time to join the company. Growth for the brand had plateaued. We were balancing on a cliff, and about to take a nose dive. The corporate atmosphere went from comfortable complacency to active discomfort. As sales plummeted so …

Read More

 

Business failure or leadership failure?

If a company cannot provide its employees a living wage, then it’s a clear market indicator that company should not be in business. I do mean living wage. Not minimum wage or the lowest wage someone will accept, but a living wage which is defined as the minimum income necessary …

Read More

 

Hitting pause on lobster

Lobster was not always a delicacy. There are American myths about dockhands striking over meals of lobster. Of prisoners declaring that being served lobster more than twice a week was cruel and unusual punishment. Today lobster is more a luxury for special occasions or fancy restaurants. But a luxury you …

Read More

 

This common practice is toxic for your culture

“We’re having a party Saturday afternoon, want to come over?” I asked a friend. “I can’t,” she says, “I have to work all weekend.” The reason she can’t come is that she’s doing the job she got promoted to months ago, while still doing her previous job that the company …

Read More

 

Climate Pledges Need A Science Based Reboot

“I also have a message to fossil fuel companies and their financial enablers. So-called ‘net-zero pledges’ that exclude core products and activities are poisoning our planet. They must thoroughly review their pledges and align them with this new guidance. Let’s tell it like it is. Using bogus ‘net-zero’ pledges to …

Read More

 

Purpose beyond profit is good business

In 2005 Kraft closed its yogurt factory in Upstate New York. The result was devastating for the local community. This factory was one of many that had been closed in the region. The community felt that after giving their blood, sweat and tears, large companies abandoned them. The son of …

Read More

 

The problem with catfishing

Catfishing means falsely representing yourself on dating apps. That picture from 20 years ago or 50 pounds ago. The filter that makes you unrecognizable even to your mother. Slightly exaggerating your height….by 6 inches. The reason someone falsely represents themself in the first place is because they don’t believe their …

Read More

 

When strategy and execution eat breakfast together

Creating a successful business strategy (including a successful ESG strategy) requires articulating an inspiring vision, a discerning identification of priorities, a relentless focus once priorities are identified, and systems thinking in setting ambitious targets. This work requires the ability to seamlessly shift focus between the forest (vision) and the trees …

Read More
Site Design Rebecca Pollock
Site Development North Star Sites