In this episode, we sit down with Bron Thomson and Emily Vaka’uta, the co-CEOs of Springload Te Pipītanga, to explore their journey in leading one of New Zealand's foremost digital agencies with a focus on purpose-driven work and bicultural leadership.

Episode Highlights:

• Founding of Springload: Bron shares the inception story of Springload in 2002, transitioning from a sole trader designing websites to building a team committed to creating impactful digital experiences.

• Bicultural Leadership Model: Emily discusses her progression from Chief Financial Officer to co-CEO in October 2021, highlighting the significance of shared leadership that embodies both Māori and Pākehā perspectives.

• B Corp Certification: The duo delves into Springload's achievement of B Corp status in 2019, reflecting their dedication to meeting high standards of social and environmental performance.

• Embracing AI Responsibly: Bron offers insights into navigating the AI revolution, emphasizing practical steps for businesses to adopt AI technologies thoughtfully and ethically.

• Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion: Emily shares her passion for fostering equity, particularly in creating pathways for Māori and Pasifika individuals within the tech industry.

  This conversation provides valuable perspectives on integrating purpose with digital innovation, demonstrating how leadership rooted in cultural inclusivity and ethical practices can drive meaningful change in the tech sector.

  
  

  
  

In this episode, Richard Evans, Managing Director of Talent Nation, discusses the evolving landscape of sustainability recruitment and the critical role of aligning purpose-driven professionals with organisations committed to environmental and social responsibility.

Key topics include:

• Talent Nation's Mission: Richard shares how Talent Nation specialises in executive search and recruitment within the sustainability, environment, and energy sectors, emphasizing their commitment to connecting purpose-driven individuals with organizations that prioritize positive impact.

• B Corp Certification: He discusses Talent Nation's achievement as the first recruitment company in Australia to attain B Corp status, highlighting the significance of this certification in demonstrating a company's dedication to high social and environmental performance standards.

• Trends in Sustainability Recruitment: Richard provides insights into the growing demand for expertise in sustainability and environmental roles, reflecting on how businesses are increasingly seeking professionals who can drive their sustainability agendas.

• Challenges in Purpose-Driven Recruitment: He explores the challenges organisations face in recruiting for purpose-driven roles and offers strategies for effectively attracting and retaining talent committed to sustainability.

• Future Outlook: Richard shares his vision for the future of sustainability recruitment, discussing emerging trends and the evolving expectations of both employers and candidates in the sector.

This conversation offers valuable perspectives on the intersection of recruitment and sustainability, providing listeners with a deeper understanding of how aligning talent with purpose-driven organisations can drive meaningful change.

Andrew Thornton is the co-founder of Heart in Business and the founder of Belsize Budgens, a London-based grocery store known for its commitment to sustainability and community engagement. He is also a keynote speaker, sharing his journey from a profit-focused entrepreneur to a purpose-driven business leader.

Episode Highlights:

• Heart in Business: Andrew discusses the mission of Heart in Business, an organisation dedicated to placing people, planet, and purpose at the core of business practices.

• Belsize Budgens: He shares insights into Belsize Budgens' approach to integrating sustainability into retail, focusing on ethical sourcing and community involvement.

• Transition to Purpose-Driven Leadership: Andrew reflects on his personal transformation from a traditional entrepreneur to a leader committed to social and environmental responsibility.

• Keynote Speaking: He talks about his experiences as a keynote speaker, inspiring other businesses to adopt heartful practices.

• Future Vision: Andrew outlines his aspirations to continue promoting ethical business practices and to inspire others to place purpose at the heart of their operations.

This episode offers valuable insights into how businesses can integrate purpose and profit, setting a standard for ethical leadership in the industry.