Seeds Consulting makes business a force for good
May 23, 2017
By: Michelle Ratcliffe
Make business easy — tune in to The Big Idea, a bi-weekly column from the Whistler Chamber of Commerce showcasing a Whistler business innovating in their sector
It’s commonplace for the bottom line to define business success, but there is a growing global network of over 2,000 Certified B Corporations leading a movement to redefine success.
These B Corps are for-profit companies certified by the nonprofit B Lab to meet rigorous standards of social and environmental performance, accountability and transparency.
Whistler’s Seeds Consulting is part of this global movement and principal Diana Mulvey believes that a healthy profit can be achieved parallel to progress for the planet and people.
Mulvey has built a business that takes action on social and environmental issues. Working with companies that aim to do good for humanity and for the planet, her business helps growing enterprises define the difference they are trying to make in the world and market themselves, creating an inspiring identity that stands out.
She believes that while already sitting at an impressive height, Whistler businesses have the opportunity to elevate their impact on the world.
“Whistler’s business community could be known not only as the best in the world, but the best for the world,” said Mulvey. “I’m helping mobilize business owners to be a force for good and tackle social and environmental challenges in their industry.”
Planting seeds with purpose
As any gardener knows, even with seeds in hand, your work still requires a little digging before you can plant and nurture growth. Seeds Consulting’s strategy starts with digging deep to find a client’s highest mandate.
“I’ve been helping clients uncover their higher purpose and get clear on why they are in that business,” explained Mulvey, who said she echoes the philosophy of author and corporate culture thought leader Simon Sinek.
He teaches organizations how to inspire people by starting with “why.” “I share Simon Sinek’s belief that people don’t buy what you do, they buy why you do it,” said Mulvey.
Once the “why” is clear, she can set sights sky high and map out the route to lift her clients’ entrepreneurial ambitions to great heights. Clarity on purpose empowers them to create an identity that rises above the noise, attracting the right customers and building brand loyalty.
Events inspiring action
Mulvey is a key fixture in the entrepreneurial community in Whistler — an inspiring group of innovative minds.
Her respected perspectives have led to collaborations with likeminded organizations and created events aimed at inspiring entrepreneurs to do good for their community.
“I’ve spoken at and introduced events in Whistler that encourage entrepreneurs to learn about and take on environmental and social problems,” she said.
In the last year alone, her hands-on help has seen her teach workshops for the Whistler Centre for Sustainability’s Social Venture Challenge, present on “how putting employees first boosts your brand” at the Whistler Open Forum Speaker Series and collaborate with the Business Development Bank of Canada to bring a screening of The Millennial Dream documentary to Whistler accompanied by empowering discussion around different kinds of success in the new economy.
Confronting the status quo
In addition to speaking up with new ideas at entrepreneurial events, Seeds Consulting connects with and empowers their market online.
The thought leadership exemplified by Mulvey on the Seeds Consulting blog offers an inspiring dialogue for change, contributing valuable knowledge and resources to her community.
“I’m an avid blogger,” said Mulvey. “I use this platform to share ideas, confront the status quo, introduce best practices and build the business case to tackle social and environmental problems.”
Mulvey’s leadership is being felt throughout the resort where the number of businesses who are embedding social causes into their strategy is snowballing. Her impact was recognized earlier this month, with Seeds Consulting honoured as a finalist for “Sustainability in Action Business” at the 2017 Whistler Excellence Awards. Mulvey is helping shape a thriving local economy, from inspiring startup social ventures in their infancy to helping established organizations redefine an inspired brand identity.
“Companies that are better for workers, better for communities, and better for the environment will lead the way and raise the bar for business success beyond the bottom line,” said Mulvey. “I believe Whistler business owners have an opportunity to take on social and environmental problems and be recognized around the globe as being the best for the world.”
Make business easy — tune in to The Big Idea, a bi-weekly column from the Whistler Chamber of Commerce showcasing a Whistler business innovating in their sector
Link to Whistler Question article: http://ow.ly/VJRnm