Latest news with #changemakers
Forbes
4 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
How Greater Purpose Is Giving Canadian Businesses A New Way To Lead With Impact
Shaping the next generation of business Today marks the official launch of Greater Purpose, a Canadian platform built to bring together businesses that want to integrate purpose into the very core of how they operate. For Brad Offman, founder of Greater Purpose, this is the culmination of years spent listening, learning, and bringing together leaders ready to stand up for what matters most. 'We've actually been building this community for several years, starting with the launch of The Partnership Conference in 2019,' Brad says. 'But as much as I love our Conference and our other Regional Events, there are some real limitations. Events are ephemeral and short-lived. While they might be foundational to creating a movement, they aren't enough. We needed to fill the space that exists between events and in our view, that could only be done by creating a community that would drive our objectives on an ongoing basis.' Greater Purpose is that space: a membership community where businesses can share insights, connect with peers, and amplify their commitment to social purpose. From exclusive events and a trusted purpose mark to brand visibility and a private online community, it offers a home for changemakers who believe in using business as a force for good. Brad Offman, Founder and Chief Executive Officer A New Definition of Success For Brad, this work is deeply personal. Having spent most of his career in the corporate world—including time as a senior executive at a large financial institution—he understands that profitability and purpose aren't in conflict, they're intertwined. 'Greater Purpose defines success by commitment to social purpose. Wherever a business is on the path to purpose, there's a place for it in Greater Purpose,' he says. 'I've spent most of my career in the corporate sector, most recently as a senior executive at a large financial institution. I recognized early on that a company could change the world by leveraging its assets in the name of social good, and that didn't have to come at the expense of profitability or shareholder value. That was a profound moment for me.' The Power of Community Brad is clear that community is not just a feature—it's at the heart of everything. 'Community is such a critical part of the purpose journey,' he says. 'Change becomes easier when everyone gets on board. Changemakers are often outliers, especially in large companies. We provide a community to let these changemakers understand that they are not alone.' It's about connection and collaboration, but also about belonging. 'Community is the foundation for collaboration, trust, and a profound sense of belonging. It is a critical element for driving the change we are driving to achieve.' Purpose in Practice From startups to established corporations, Greater Purpose's members come from all corners of the economy. But what unites them isn't a single set of metrics—it's a shared commitment to finding and living their reason for being. 'What unites our members is a commitment to finding and understanding their very reason for existing,' Brad says. 'Purpose isn't about impact, employee engagement, inclusion, sustainable procurement and good governance—but at the same time, it's about all of those things. Once a business, or an individual, defines its purpose, it becomes easier to answer existential questions about its strategy and its direction.' What's most inspiring to Brad is seeing how purpose becomes a strategic North Star. 'What is unexpected is how many companies are thinking about purpose as a core strategic driver,' he says. 'It makes everything easier because it defines as a company what you will do, and just as importantly, what you will not do. Companies all have unique assets, and watching them deploy these assets in the name of their purpose is truly a fascinating sight to behold.' Mission of Greater Purpose: To build the most dynamic business community for social purpose ... More professionals A Defining Moment for Canada As the world faces profound shifts, Brad sees a rare opportunity for Canadian companies to lead. 'We're living in very, very interesting times,' he says. 'The current geopolitical environment is forcing many companies to rethink their place in the world, and what's most interesting is that parts of the shift have happened virtually overnight.' Even though Greater Purpose wasn't created in direct response to these turbulent times, Brad believes it's exactly what's needed right now. 'While we didn't create Greater Purpose in the context of the current geopolitical situation, I think having the haven of a purpose-driven community will provide an outlet for companies that are truly committed to this work,' he says. And in those conversations with leaders across Canada, Brad hears something powerful: 'Canada is rethinking its purpose, and there is a powerful sense that Canadian companies can be global leaders when it comes to purpose. This isn't anecdotal. I'm talking to business leaders everyday and there's a sense that this is Canada's time to shine.' Yet he's quick to emphasize that defining purpose is only the beginning. 'Paul Klein, another Forbes contributor, reminded me recently that having a strong purpose is merely the first step,' he notes. 'That purpose needs to be activated, and it needs to be activated quickly and immediately. Otherwise, we will miss this golden opportunity to take the lead on this issue, and demonstrate that companies truly have the power to change the world through a well-defined and thoughtfully activated purpose. The time is NOW.' For Brad Offman and the growing community at Greater Purpose, today's launch is about more than a new platform. It's an invitation—to rethink what it means to do business in Canada, to lead with integrity, and to prove that the future isn't just about what you sell—it's about what you stand for.
The Independent
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Eugenie tells of delight at becoming mentor to changemakers at King's charity
Princess Eugenie has expressed her delight at becoming a mentor for The King's Foundation's new 35 under 35 network of changemakers. The late Queen's granddaughter praised the selection of young creatives for their 'outstanding work in areas the King is passionate about'. Charles's niece Eugenie visited the Garrison Chapel, the London exhibition space of the monarch's charity, last week to meet some of the group. The 35 under 35 have been brought together in the foundation's 35th anniversary year to promote the change the King wants to see globally across sustainability, traditional crafts and the arts. Eugenie's new role for the King's charity emerged last week and the princess, who is a director at Hauser & Wirth contemporary gallery, said she was looking forward to sharing her passion for art. The princess said: 'I'm delighted to be working with this group of exceptional young people who have been selected thanks to their outstanding work in areas the King is passionate about. 'Given I recently celebrated my 35th birthday, it's fitting to take part in the charity's 35th anniversary celebrations and share my passion for art with the 35 under 35.' Other mentors include designer Samuel Ross, artist and influencer Sophie Tea Art, and historian Alice Loxton, who has millions of followers on social media as @history_alice. The list of 35 under 35 includes woodworker Eli Baxter, embroiderer Angelica Ellis, basketmaker Florence Hamer, stonemason Freya de Lisle, milliner Barnaby Horn, painter Jo Rance, and environmental filmmaker Jack Harries. This week, Eugenie was specially invited to the Buckingham Palace garden party by the Prince and Princess of Wales, after they requested she and Zara Tindall accompany them.
Associated Press
22-05-2025
- Health
- Associated Press
'Misunderstood', The mental health book that is making waves across borders
BANGALORE, KARNATAKA, INDIA, May 22, 2025 / / -- In an unprecedented publishing success, MISUNDERSTOOD – A Guide to Mental Wellness, authored by social reformer and legal crusader Sree Krishna Seelam, has taken the global literary scene by storm, topping the charts across 12 countries, including India, the USA, Germany, Australia, Canada, and the UK, without a single penny spent on marketing. The book is being hailed as a movement, not just a manuscript. Rooted in raw honesty, scientific insight, and heart-wrenching real-life stories, MISUNDERSTOOD is more than a guide; it's a revolution in how society perceives mental health. 'This book was born out of silence, stigma, and pain. But it now speaks loudly for those who couldn't. It's my war cry and my peace offering.' – Sree Krishna Seelam Sree Krishna Seelam, known for donating all royalties from his bestsellers to social causes, leads the www. Foundation, a volunteer-powered non-profit with over 12,000 changemakers worldwide. His latest work was co-created by a remarkable team of therapists, clinical psychologists, psychiatrists, educators, and hundreds of grassroots volunteers from rural India to international universities, making it a truly people-powered project. A Global Phenomenon with Local Roots The book's record-breaking success, achieved with zero ad budget, reflects not just the need for mental health reform but the collective hunger for empathy, understanding, and truth. Readers from all walks of life have called it 'life-saving,' 'soul-healing,' and 'the first book that finally understood them.' About the Author Sree Krishna Seelam is no ordinary writer. With 21 books across law, mental health, human rights, and social justice, he has turned his pen into a weapon for change. An aspiring lawmaker, an advocate for change, and founder of a pro bono legal service brand called www. Sree is on a mission to make the world a better place, one reader, one reform, and one book at a time. What Makes MISUNDERSTOOD Different? Backed by clinical insight, real-life suicide cases, and survivor stories Features contributions from licensed professionals and trained mental health advocates Every chapter includes practical tools: mental exercises, writing prompts, and daily actions 100% of proceeds support mental health education and suicide prevention campaigns in India Join the Movement With mental health issues rising globally post-pandemic, MISUNDERSTOOD has become a call to action. It's not just a book; it's a blueprint for building a more compassionate, informed world. Readers, professionals, and policymakers alike are invited to read, share, and take part in the mental wellness movement by downloading the book for free from Sree Krishna Seelam Wedidit Foundation email us here Visit us on social media: LinkedIn Facebook Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
Telegraph
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Telegraph
Princess Eugenie to mentor King's young hopefuls on changing the world
Princess Eugenie is to mentor the King's pick of young creatives he hopes will promote change in the world over decades to come. The Princess, 35, met several of the 35 'changemakers' last week, including milliner Barnaby Horn, painter Jo Rance and knitwear designer Marie Bruhat. It is hoped that Prince Andrew's younger daughter, who is a director at Hauser & Wirth art gallery in Mayfair, will use her experience of the arts world to inspire and elevate their work. The King's Foundation last week announced its list of '35 under 35' who will act as charity ambassadors throughout its 35th anniversary year, flying the flag for the King's beloved heritage crafts and the environment. The group – which includes a composer, an architect, several climate activists and a sustainable florist – joined forces for the first time on Thursday evening at a launch event at the Garrison Chapel, the charity's central London base. Dame Ann Limb, chairman of the board, said the foundation had been 'surprised and overwhelmed' by the hundreds of applications from young people keen to align with the organisation and promote the King's belief that everything in nature is interconnected, including ourselves. 'As a woman in her 73rd year, I'd like to think this is the generation that will carry this on,' she said of their work. 'And the King will want that. 'What struck me was the diversity of skills and talents, and the scale of their ambition, which was quite breathtaking in its boldness.' 'A timely project' The King's Foundation was founded as the Prince of Wales's Institute of Architecture by the then Prince Charles in 1990. Six years earlier, the heir to the throne had famously described a proposed extension to the National Gallery extension as a 'monstrous carbuncle', prompting the design to be swiftly scrapped. Dame Ann suggested that the '35 under 35' scheme was a timely project that brought the King full circle. 'This has come at the right moment because in 1990, the Institute of Architecture was founded by a younger prince who had a moan about architecture at the National Gallery,' she said. 'Well, he, as the King now, and the Queen, have just been back to reopen that new extension of the National Gallery. And so times move on. And I think this has caught the mood for the next 35 years, because traditional skills, their reinvention and application is very much more in demand now than it was.' Laura Young, a climate scientist, said it was 'heartwarming' and 'encouraging' to know that climate change was part of the King's personal ethos. 'He doesn't just turn up to events, he really embeds in his own work,' she said. 'The recognition that there is a young generation full of ideas is the most exciting thing about this programme. 'It's lovely to look around the room and see fashion designers, florists, joiners, people who are doing sustainability in their own sphere being inspired by this initiative. And it's also great to connect, because it's the collaboration that makes the most impact. 'Tonight is the origin of something and it will be what we make of it. Just the name, the King's Foundation gives credibility, and unfortunately in today's world, you need a bit of that. It also opens doors.' Kristina Murrin, chief executive of the foundation, said that many of the courses run by the foundation were born out of a need to maintain skills that had all but disappeared, which in turn had inspired the search for 'the most exciting, the most energetic, the most inspiring' young people who would keep those skills alive. She said she hoped the scheme would create 'lifelong friendships and collaborations' as well as providing connections and guidance from a team of mentors, including Princess Eugenie, about how to grow a business. Mr Horn said it would be invaluable to have a member of the Royal family on board who had an interest in both fashion and the art world. 'My work crosses over between art and fashion so Princess Eugenie is a perfect mentor,' he said. Composer Jack Pepper said: 'What I stand for as a musician, as a creative, is breaking down barriers, and that's what then attracted me to the foundation 'Equally, that's what the environmental philosophy of the King is about – how can people come together and work together - harmony being the principle underlying all that they do.'
Hospitality Net
12-05-2025
- Hospitality Net
Next-Gen Navigators: Empowering Youth as Champions of Purposeful Travel
We live in extraordinary times. Never before has humanity had such seamless access to the world. Today, 80% of global youth (ages 15–24) own a smartphone and are more globally connected than any previous generation. With one click, they can board a virtual flight to another continent – or a real one. Just a few generations ago, international travel was a privilege for diplomats and the wealthy elite. For many of our parents, a single overseas trip marked a milestone; for our grandparents, it was almost unimaginable. Today, travel is an expectation. We book a flight from Paris to Johannesburg simply because we felt restless on a Friday night. We chase '100 Destinations Before You Die' bucket lists, collect passport stamps like trophies, and share our journeys on social media. But with great access comes great responsibility. And the time has come to move from passive tourism to purposeful travel. Why Youth Matter Globally, young people account for over 23% of all international travellers, and their numbers are only rising. According to the UN Tourism, youth travel generates over $300 billion annually. They're adventurous, tech-savvy, culturally curious - and crucially, more open to values-based travel. This is a powerful force waiting to be activated for good. If elected Secretary-General, I pledge to centre my strategy on one fundamental belief: Youth are not just tourists; they are stewards, storytellers, and changemakers. The best place to start this journey is through education. The Global Youth Tourism Initiative (GYTI) To bring this belief to life, I propose a Global Youth Tourism Initiative (GYTI) - a flagship platform to educate, engage, empower, and inspire young travellers to become heroes of responsible tourism. 1. Educate Develop global tourism literacy curricula with other UN agencies like UNESCO and UNEP, integrating modules on travel ethics, climate impact, cultural preservation, and digital storytelling. with other UN agencies like UNESCO and UNEP, integrating modules on travel ethics, climate impact, cultural preservation, and digital storytelling. Introduce Tourism Labs in Schools - experiential programs simulating real-world tourism challenges and encouraging innovation. 2. Engage Create a UN Youth Tourism Corps : Young ambassadors trained to run workshops, peer-learning circles, and awareness campaigns in their communities. : Young ambassadors trained to run workshops, peer-learning circles, and awareness campaigns in their communities. Partner with platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Meta to amplify stories of youth who've made a difference through tourism - turning their reels into real change. 3. Empower Launch the Youth Tourism Changemakers Fellowship , offering mentorship, seed funding, and policy incubation support for tourism-based social enterprises. , offering mentorship, seed funding, and policy incubation support for tourism-based social enterprises. Collaborate with the private sector—such as Travel Sustainable initiative or Intrepid Travel's youth expeditions—to give youth real-world exposure. 4. Inspire Develop a My Travel for Good storytelling platform where young people share journeys that changed them and how they're paying it forward. storytelling platform where young people share journeys that changed them and how they're paying it forward. Host an annual Youth Tourism Hero Awards at UN Tourism summits, celebrating those who exemplify values-driven travel. Cross-Industry and UN Collaborations UNICEF's U-Report platform shows the power of youth-led data in shaping policies. We can adapt this model to co-create travel policy feedback loops. UNESCO's Creative Cities Network and UN Habitat's Urban Youth Fund offer templates on how to localize global youth initiatives with creative and sustainable outcomes. Partner with the fashion, film, and gaming industries all of which shape youth identity to build campaigns around ethical travel fashion, cinematic cultural storytelling, and travel-based virtual gaming worlds with impact missions. Strategic Priorities for a Youth-Centred Tourism Future Build Youth Tourism Leadership Launch a Global Youth Tourism Leadership Program Establish Regional Tourism Youth Hubs that integrate local wisdom with global perspective. Integrate Responsible Travel Education Embed travel ethics modules in national curricula Create open-source digital courses on sustainability and cultural diplomacy. Facilitate Youth Mobility Advocate for Youth Travel Visas and more equitable visa access for travelers from the Global South. Scale up youth exchange programs, twinning cities and schools for real cultural immersion. A Vision of Youth as Heroes of Tomorrow's Tourism This is not just a policy platform - it is a global movement. A movement to reimagine travel as a force for peace, understanding, and regeneration. A movement where young people don't just explore the world, they heal it, protect it, and tell its stories with heart and honour. If elected, I commit to making this vision real. Because the future of tourism isn't just about where we go, it's about who we become when we get there.
