James Reed: "Socialism and Capitalism don't work, but THIS works." - How becoming PhilCo forces long-term strength, not short-term extraction.
In this episode, Becky is joined by James Reed, Chairman and CEO of Reed, one of the UK’s most recognisable and successful family-owned businesses. James is also the author of Karma Capitalism, a bold vision for a more ethical and purpose-driven approach to business.Becky and James explore what Karma Capitalism looks like in practice and whether responsible, values-led business models can truly thrive amid today’s economic uncertainty, growing inequality, and rapid technological change.How philanthropy-owned companies, often referred to as “Philcos”, are redefining corporate ownership, challenging traditional shareholder models, and reshaping how businesses behave, grow, and succeed over the long term.Why James believes some ESG frameworks fall short of delivering real impact, and what meaningful execution, accountability, and ethical leadership actually look like in modern organisations.As AI reshapes the world of work, James shares his perspective on the future of employment and the critical role that government policy, public funding, and education will play in supporting workers and businesses alike.This episode dives deep into ethical capitalism, corporate responsibility, sustainable business models, and AI’s impact on employment, offering practical insight for founders, CEOs, policymakers, and anyone interested in the future of business in the UK and beyond.Do you want to learn how to build a purpose-driven business from Given, the consultancy that’s helped some of the world's largest organisations become purposeful? Download the Insiders’ Guide to Purpose HERE.
The sustainable return on investment framework: Proving profit, people and performance can align | Emilio Tenuta
This week Becky is joined by Emilio Tenuta, Chief Sustainability Officer at Ecolab. With more than three decades working at the intersection of business and sustainability, Emilio has helped shape how one of the world’s largest B2B companies approaches growth, impact and responsibility, and how those priorities can be designed to work together.We talk about Ecolab’s Exponential Return on Investment approach and what it shows about the link between sustainability, organisational effectiveness and profitability. We also explore why water, often overlooked in the climate conversation, is fast becoming a defining business issue, from resilience and risk to operational performance.The conversation looks at how purpose is embedded at scale at Ecolab through measurable outcomes, practical partnerships and a focus on execution in the real world.Do you want to learn how to build a purpose-driven business from Given, the consultancy that’s helped some of the world's largest organisations become purposeful? Download the Insiders’ Guide to Purpose HERE.
The sustainability agenda 2026: Where leaders should focus their attention | Matthew Bell, CEO of Anthesis
What lies ahead in shaping the sustainability agenda in 2026? And what do leaders need to be preparing for to drive real-world change whilst driving profit?Today, Becky is joined by Matt Bell, the new CEO at Anthesis, for a more forward-looking, strategic conversation on what lies ahead.In this conversation, you’ll hear where leaders should focus their attention in shaping this year's sustainability agenda, how the role of the CSO is evolving as sustainability moves from ambition to action, and what role AI can play and the capabilities that will separate the leaders from laggards.Do you want to learn how to build a purpose-driven business from Given, the consultancy that’s helped some of the world's largest organisations become purposeful? Download the Insiders’ Guide to Purpose HERE.
When your purpose stops landing: How Legal & General rebuilt theirs and how you can too | Emma Hardaker-Jones
When a company built on purpose realises its purpose no longer lands, everything has to be re-examined. Even the language that once united it.So how do leaders reshape something so emotional, so foundational, without breaking what made it powerful in the first place?In this episode, Becky is joined by Emma Hardaker-Jones, Group Chief People and Transformation Officer at Legal & General. Emma has played a central role in defining Legal & General’s most recent chapter, with a big focus on purpose and culture. In this conversation, you’ll hear how Legal & General reshaped their purpose to make it meaningful for every colleague, from the boardroom to the phone lines. They they unpick what it takes to hardwire culture change into leadership behaviour and why balancing head and heart is essential for building a purpose-driven business Do you want to learn how to build a purpose-driven business from Given, the consultancy that’s helped some of the world's largest organisations become purposeful? Download the Insiders’ Guide to Purpose HERE.
Can your cuppa change a global industry? Putting the tea in sustainability | Gareth Mead, Lipton
We all love a cuppa, but did you know the contents of the mug in your hands could hold the key to transforming global value chains?in this episode, Becky is joined by Gareth Mead, Chief Communications & Sustainability Officer at Lipton Teas and Infusions, the world’s largest tea company.Gareth is responsible for shaping how the business defines and delivers its sustainability ambitions. With two decades of experience in corporate affairs, he’s helped some of the world’s biggest brands find their voice and their values.In this conversation, you’ll hear how Lipton is rethinking the role of business in creating “value for all, the realities of embedding positive social and environmental impact in a complex, global system. They also explore why the future of sustainable business depends on transparency and collaboration. Do you want to learn how to build a purpose-driven business from Given, the consultancy that’s helped some of the world's largest organisations become purposeful? Download the Insiders’ Guide to Purpose HERE.