The Inclusive AF Podcast: B Corps, Justice, and Leading with Love

Hey Inclusive AF Fam!

We’re back with another inspiring episode packed with so much knowledge and heart. This week, Jackye Clayton and Katee Van Horn welcome a very special guest from B Lab US & Canada, Hugues Sygney Jr., who shares honest insight on how businesses can truly make a difference in their communities—starting with the “why.”

Bagels & Business: Our Favorite Intros We kick things off with some friendly banter (bagels in Waco, anyone?), then dive into the heart of the matter: the power of business for good! Hugues Sygney Jr. sets the tone, reminding us business is about more than products—it's about people, purpose, and impact.

What’s a B Corp, Anyway? Ever wondered what it means to be a B Corp? Our guest breaks it down: it’s not just about a logo or certification. It’s a call to operate from a place of consciousness—to put people, planet, and community at the center of decision-making. It’s about collective action, rooted in love and accountability, not just profitability.

JEDI, DEIB, and Justice in Action JEDI isn’t just a cool acronym. The “Justice” piece, our guest explains, is about working to correct systems designed to oppress, exclude, or extract. Practical programs like Greyston Bakery’s “Open Hiring” and Rhino Foods’ employee income advance show companies can choose to create real, generational change—not just talk about it.

HR Friends, Take Note! If you’re in HR, you’ll love the actionable ideas: from removing background checks for more inclusive hiring, to providing access to financial literacy and wealth building. These aren’t just nice-to-haves; they’re strategic investments that create thriving teams and stronger, more loyal workplaces.

Learning Journeys and Impact at Scale We hear about B Lab’s Learning Journey and Impact Improvement Programs—initiatives designed to help business leaders live their values and scale solutions that build equity and inclusion from the individual, to the program, to the whole ecosystem. And yes, big brands like Patagonia and Ben & Jerry’s are walking the walk!

Climate, Community, and the Ripple Effect It's not just about people—planet matters too. Our guest reminds us that racial justice and climate justice are intertwined. Companies have the power (and responsibility) to create positive “ripples that become waves,” shaping the future for generations.

Know Your Why A core takeaway: Figure out your why. Lead from love, not just obligation. Make your business, your spending, and your workplace aligned with your values. As Katee Van Horn reminds us, every action (and every dollar) is a vote for the world we want.

Get Involved! Curious if your favorite brand is a B Corp? Check out the B Corp directory online. Business leaders: take the B Impact Assessment to see how your company measures up. And don’t hesitate to reach out—our guest is active on LinkedIn and always happy to chat JEDI, B Corps, and building a better world.

Your voice, your choices, and your business matter. Let’s keep doing the work, together.

With joy and inclusion,
The Inclusive AF Team

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