Lead on Purpose: How Values Drive Business in Uncertain Times

2020 was a turning point for many Americans. Now more than ever, consumers look to businesses to have a positive impact on society. In fact, 60 percent of consumers express a greater “willingness to buy” from companies that champion purpose through environmental, social and governance (ESG) initiatives.

In this series sponsored by Mars, a family-owned, principles-led business that believes the world we want tomorrow starts with how we do business today, we'll take a closer look at what it means to truly embed purpose into every aspect of a business — and how this type of values-driven leadership enables the private sector to step up and meet the urgency of the current moment. (Image credit: Вадим Пастух/Adobe Stock)

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Content from this campaign

Responsible Business & Employee Engagement

‘Puppies for Parole’ Offers a Second Chance for Incarcerated People and Shelter Dogs in Missouri
Puppies for Parole recognizes the importance in second chances for all. The program offers incarcerated people in Missouri an opportunity to train and socialize shelter dogs, making them more adoptable.

Education

Fellowship Empowers Young People With the Power of Sustainability Storytelling
Storytelling is central to sustainability and social impact. Issues like warming temperatures or gender equity gaps may sound complex and difficult to understand.

Responsible Production & Consumption

The World Has a Rice Problem, but Farmers Can Solve It
Rice is the most commonly eaten food in the world, but conventional rice production has a hefty environmental impact. Growing rice is incredibly water-intensive, and flooded fields are ideal growing conditions for methane-emitting bacteria.

Supply Chain & the Circular Economy

Mars and Rubicon Team Up for 'Trick-or-Trash' Recycling Program on Halloween
This Halloween, Mars and Rubicon are coming together to offer trick-or-treaters an easy way to collect and recycle their candy wrapper waste.

Health & Healthcare

Three Ways Leaders Can Better Prevent Mental Health Crises at Work - Before They Happen
When I began my career, mental health was not a topic that was openly discussed. The idea of seeking therapy was something very private and even taboo.

Environment

New Partnership Enlists Mars Employees To Tackle Marine Debris
A partnership developed by Mars, Incorporated is sending corporate employees on remote expeditions to help solve the problem of marine debris.

Diversity & Inclusion

What It Takes To Build Workplaces That Are More Inclusive for LGBTQ People
How can people be at their best in their careers if they work in an environment in which they don’t feel safe fully revealing who they are?

Responsible Production & Consumption

The Challenge of Plastic and Achieving Sustainable Packaging
There’s no shortage of data and stories pointing to the impacts that single-use plastics have on the planet.

Responsible Business & Employee Engagement

A Purpose-Driven Culture Built on Putting People First
Organizations often talk about the importance of company culture, but what does a healthy company culture actually look like?

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

Pet Homelessness Shouldn't Be Happening: Here's How Companies and Individuals Can Help
Despite Americans’ overall affection for pets, the reality is that at any given time nearly 48 million cats and dogs don’t have a home in the U.S.
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