Show Notes

Welcome to The Firestarter Podcast—people, ideas and conversations that move us forward. It’s your host Willa Kammerer’s business and passion to make the world a better place through storytelling, which is why we’re here today. We’ll talk to mission-driven entrepreneurs, philanthropists, investors, thought leaders, and experts on the front lines of the world’s most pressing issues about designing and thriving careers of impact.  

In this episode, Willa is joined by guest Kate Williams, CEO of 1% for the Planet, a nonprofit organization that connects dollars with doers. Kate has also previously served as a board member for both the National Outdoor Leadership School and Shelburne Farms. Listen as Kate and Willa talk about the impact of 1% for the Planet, the importance of growing philanthropic giving in the environment, and what energizes and engages Kate in her work. 

Kate begins by sharing her story of becoming the CEO of 1% for the Planet. From a young age, she had a passion for the environment which led her to working in the field of nonprofits for the environment. Her work in this field gave her the skills and experience needed to become Director of Partnerships at 1% for the Planet, and later, the organization’s CEO. 1% for the Planet is a global network of members committed to giving one percent of their sales and revenue back to the environment. The team at 1% for the Planet supports these businesses through connecting them with environmental nonprofits and advising on strategic giving. Kate shares how one percent may not seem like a lot at first, but every dollar adds up and demonstrates the power of committing to giving back. 

Next, Willa asks Kate to talk about her perspective on philanthropic giving to environmental causes.

First, she expresses her desire to see an increase in this area of giving. 1% for the Planet aims to do this by helping businesses see that they can make an impact on the environment through their giving. It has become a steppingstone for businesses, helping connect them to giving opportunities. She also points out how government, businesses, and nonprofits all need to work together for this end goal to be accomplished.

Kate goes on to share about her own calling to work on behalf of the environment, and encourages others with similar a passion to do the same. There are so many ways to put this passion to work, especially in helping businesses embed an environmental ethos into their operations. One approach is engaging the larger community of a business, sharing ways to give back to the environment and promoting a mindset of giving. Through this, businesses can begin to see that success lies in what you are able to give rather than get. 

1% for the Planet has grown exponentially over the years, and Kate shares how much of this recent growth has been international, as well as an increase in both the number and variety of business members, and an expansion of staff. She also points out how the pandemic helped them grow specifically through the way it opened people’s eyes to the fact that global change can happen suddenly and the importance of not waiting to help the environment when you can make a difference in the present. Additionally, she shares some of the changes they are working toward, such as growing awareness of and emphasis on giving to environmental justice. 

Moving on to a new topic, Willa asks Kate about what drives her to do what she does. Kate points out how she is fueled by her passion and purpose more than her paycheck. This is what helps her through the hard parts of her job and gives meaning to what she does. She uses this to then encourage others to find meaning in what they do in two ways: first, by asking yourself what motivates you. Second, by asking yourself what unique skills you have that can be used to better the environment. When these two are joined together, it brings about purpose and fulfillment in what you do. 

Lastly, Kate shares some of the mindsets and philosophies that have carried her through hard times. Having a mindset of growth has been one of the most influential tools for her. This kind of mindset has helped her both realize that growth never stops as well as continually seek out ways to grow. She also shares about how her relationship with others across the network has given her purpose and inspiration. The episode ends with Kate expressing her hopes and excitement for the future and upcoming changes for 1% for the Planet, all aimed at the path of growth and giving. 

Timestamps:

0:01 – Host  Willa Kammerer introduces the podcast.

0:46 – Willa introduces today’s guest, Kate Williams

2:10 – Kate joins the conversation and shares her journey to becoming CEO of 1% for the Planet

3:50 – Kate shares about the 1% for the Planet model and its collective impact

8:45 – Willa asks Kate to share about her views on the philanthropic giving to the environment 

16:15 – Kate shares her awakening to wanting to work on behalf of the environment

18:30 – What is the upside for businesses that embed this commitment to help the environment

21:30 – The growth and impact of 1% for the Planet over the years

28:10 – Kate shares about the different issues that 1% for the Planet has addressed

30:00 – What role does storytelling play in communicating with others

33:30 – Kate expresses her motivation and purpose behind her work 

40:25 – Different mindsets and philosophies that have carried Kate through the tough times

44:20 – Different perspectives Kate has gained through her years at 1% for the Planet and her hopes for the future

46:50 – Kate shares some new additions to the organization aimed and growth and giving

Links:

Learn more about 1% for the Planet and how to join or donate at their website

Connect with 1% for the Planet on LinkedIn

Learn more about FirestarterIX

Connect with Willa on Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn

Keywords:

Business, passion, storytelling, democratic, model, philanthropist, philanthropy, investors, leaders, nonprofit, organization, board, member, CEO, planet, environment, global, network, members, international, strategic, giving, processes, give, connecting, opportunities, passion, embed, change, awareness, environmental, justice, purpose, motivates, motivation, skills, mindset, philosophies, grow, growth