The B Better Podcast

In this episode, Tim sits down with Frances Blundell, the Head of Sustainability at KMD Brands, the group behind iconic brands like Kathmandu, Rip Curl, and Oboz. This powerful conversation is a fascinating look into the world of corporate sustainability, detailing the challenges and triumphs of bringing a B Corp mindset to a multinational business. If you've ever wondered how a global brand c...

In this episode, we are joined by the founder of Cheekbone Beauty, Jenn Harper, for an inspiring conversation about purpose-driven business. Jenn shares her journey of building a company that is not only a leader in the cosmetics industry but also a powerful force for social and environmental change. We discuss the significance of Cheekbone Beauty's B Corp certification and how doing good can...

In this episode, we are joined by Sharesies co-founder Brooke Roberts for a powerful and inspiring conversation about business as a force for good. We discuss how a well-known company like Sharesies can help raise awareness for the B Corp movement, proving that you can build a successful business while prioritising social and environmental responsibility. If you've ever been curious about how...

In this episode, I sit down with Sirena Chi to chat about our shared experiences as B Corp entrepreneurs , the challenges of building a values-driven business, and the importance of authenticity in sustainability . Episode Highlights: How We First Connected – Sirena and I first crossed paths a few years ago, likely through LinkedIn, as fellow B Corp advocates . We share similar journeys of leaving...

In this episode, we sit down with the mighty Helen Shorthouse , founder of Shorthouse Consulting and a newly certified B Corp based in Ōtautahi Christchurch . Episode Highlights: From Economic Development to B Corp Advocacy – Helen shares her background in economic development , her time at ChristchurchNZ (formerly CDC) , and her long-standing commitment to helping small businesses grow and tell t...

In this episode, we sit down with Chris Bolman, founder of Brightest, to explore how technology can simplify, scale, and strengthen impact measurement for B Corps and beyond. The Brightest Origin Story – Chris shares how Brightest came to life, built from a practitioner’s mindset to create a user-friendly, functional tool for impact tracking and B Corp reporting. Making Impact Measurable – Why man...

In this episode, we sit down with Anita Spiller from True Earth , a Canadian B Corp on a mission to eliminate plastic waste and rethink everyday essentials. The Birth of True Earth – Anita shares the story behind True Earth’s eco-strip laundry detergent , designed to reduce plastic, water, and weight in household products. What started as a small launch quickly exploded , with the perfect timing o...

In this episode, we chat with Helen Paul-Smith , co-founder of ŌKU New Zealand , about the company's path to B Corp certification and how they balance business with their deep commitment to rongoā Māori, sustainability, and ethical sourcing . Episode Highlights: ŌKU’s Story & Mission – Helen shares how she and her husband, Scott Smith, founded ŌKU to honor the healing power of Aotearoa’s nativ...

🎉 100 EPISODES! Top Lessons & Favourite Guests from 5 Years of The B Better Podcast 🎉Welcome to a very special episode of the B Better Podcast — the 100th! Since January 2020, I've been diving deep into what it means to build a better business—one that balances purpose and profit. In this milestone episode, I reflect on my biggest lessons from 100 episodes and share highlights from 5 of...

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 web...

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...

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,...

In this episode, Paul Button, co-founder of Rotorua Canopy Tours, joins us to share his journey of combining eco-adventure tourism with a strong commitment to sustainability. Paul dives into Rotorua Canopy Tours’ process of becoming a B Corp, reflecting on the challenges and rewards of building a business that not only provides unforgettable experiences but also makes a positive impact on the envi...

In this episode, Matt shares his journey from professional skiing and founding Forefront Ski Brand to pioneering sustainable innovation with Checkerspot and Wnder Alpine. Learn how bio-based materials from algae are transforming ski and snowboard production, the challenges of commercialising new technologies, and the impact of earning B Corp certification. Matt also discusses future plans to expan...

In this episode, we chat with Dawn Boulware, VP of Social and Environmental Responsibility at Taos Ski Valley, the only B Corp-certified ski resort in the world. Dawn shares the fascinating history of Taos, from its founding by Ernie Blake in 1955 to its transformation under current ownership. We discuss the unique community and cultural heritage of Taos, the challenges of running a sustainable sk...

In this episode, I'm joined by Leo Tsuo from Weston Backcountry to talk about his journey from growing up in Boulder, Colorado, to leading a sustainable transformation in the ski and snowboard industry. Leo shares insights from his early career in renewable energy, the importance of authentic purpose in business, and how he transitioned Western Backcountry from a faith-driven brand to one rooted i...

Join Tim Jones as he chats with Chris Jansen and Jason Pemberton from Leadership Lab about their journey of integrating purpose into business, their exploration of the B Corp framework, and how collaboration and systems thinking drive their work. They share candid insights on the challenges, lessons, and future opportunities in creating a business that balances profit and impact. Want to stay insp...

In this episode of B Better Podcast , I talk with Kirsty McKay, Co-Founder of Sawmill Brewery, New Zealand’s first B Corp-certified brewery. Kirsty shares Sawmill’s journey to certification, the challenges of building a purpose-driven business, and what it means to truly commit to sustainability in every pint. Kirsty dives into Sawmill’s eco-conscious practices, from zero-waste production to susta...

Curiosity killed the cat, but you needn't worry. In this long-awaited and possibly my favourite episode recorded to date, we dive deep in with Ian Harvey from Collective Intelligence around the topics of curiosity, diversity of thought, and trust, and how that is all increasingly important for the modern business leader. From a background as a farmer into the corporate world and the cut and thrust...

Helen Townsend - putting the Sustained Fun back into the toy industry In this episode, Helen, founder of EcoSplat, shares her inspiring journey into sustainable innovation. Originally launching the Rubbish Whisperer after witnessing the plastic pollution crisis in Nepal, Helen introduced reusable produce bags and paper straws to New Zealand, sparking the beginnings of a purposeful business. EcoSpl...

Summary Notes: In this episode we connect with Gillian from Orba shoes one of the world's most sustainable and ethical shoe brands we talk about her early upbringing in Nova Scotia and how she initially pursued a career in the arts but how she ultimately ended up with an amazing crossroads opportunity to become part of the founding team at Orba we also cover off how they've managed to chal...

Brightly is a purpose-driven IT services company. It works with non-profits and commercial clients that prioritise positive social and environmental impact. Brightly helps these organisations with technology strategy, governance, security and projects. In this episode, Tim chats with CEO and Founder of Brightly, Mike Carroll, about tech and business for good. Specifically, they discuss the top IT...

NSPR Ltd is a PR, communications and talent management agency based in Auckland, New Zealand that helps clients amplify their impact through storytelling. In this episode, Tim sits down with NSPR Managing Director Kate Grant to talk about the important role of PR and Communications in your ability to tell the story of impact and good that you have in your business. Tune in to get some hot tips on...

In this episode, we talk to Lucy Butler of HealthPost, the second in a line of strong South Island women dedicated to providing healthier outcomes for people. We explore the origins of HealthPost, founded by Lucy's mom in the 1980s, driven by her desire to address her own health issues. We discuss the company's growth into a well-recognised online natural health retailer. Lucy shares how f...

In 2019, Peter and Clive launched Deep Down Wines, a boutique producer of organic wines. They'd met a year earlier and discovered a shared passion for organic and sustainable wine production as well as transparency. Through Deep Down Wines, they aim to push boundaries in wine-making and showcase diversity in Marlborough wines. In this episode of the B Better podcast, Tim chats to Peter and Cli...