Why this matters Audacious change, VC ecosystems and climate change

This year, our online site has i ntroduced monthly themes that relate to the biggest trends affecting business for 2019. We kicked off i n February with the celebration of Audacious Change and put a spotlight on ways i ndividuals and companies can make a meaningful difference i n the world, solve a key problem and revamp their practices and models to do more social and environmental good i n the world.

WHY THIS MATTERS: In an era where l arge- scale action i s needed to address the l ooming environmental, social and economic challenges, consumers are becoming i ncreasingly disillusioned with the negative effects politics and economics are having on social i ssues. In the face of this, many believe that business can represent a potent, organised force for change, and are voting both with their wallets and where they choose to work. The 2018 Edelman Earned Brand report found 65 percent of respondents had taken a decision not to buy a brand because i t had stayed silent on an i ssue that i t was felt there was an obligation to address, while the l atest State of the Global Workplace report from Gallup shows that worldwide, only 13 percent of employees are engaged with their work. Experts say companies who move i n this direction, such as Nike with i ts Colin Kaepernick campaign opposing racism, are taking a risk they will be rewarded for. “Driven by a new generation of belief- driven consumers and employees, championed by a new breed of CEO who genuinely feels a sense of wider responsibility, we will see more brands l i ke Patagonia who recently donated $ 10 million to fight climate change,” Tickled Pink founder and former cultural and social strategist at agency True Jerry Beale said.