Turning ideals into action: Meet the Purpose Pioneers

Delving into the human experience of turning ideals into actions, the five-part series explores how community and meaning can be powerful ingredients for success at work and in life. Hosted by Positive News’ Sarah LaBrecque, the podcast features inspiring business owners including Triodos customers and TBUK CEO, Mark Clayton.

We’re proud to be supporting the podcast, championing responsible business and celebrating individuals and business driven by purpose. The podcast is a valuable reminder that organisations and businesses of all sizes can contribute to creating a fairer more regenerative future – helping to build a world where business is a force for good.

Read on to meet the Purpose Pioneers and discover each guest’s journey of turning purpose into practice.

Stephanie Wheen, CEO and Founder of Gympanzees

Gympanzees’ mission is to create fully inclusive environments that improve health outcomes for disabled children and young people by providing regular exercise and therapeutic play. Their approach directly addresses the isolation experienced by these children and their families, actively confronting the alarming statistics around accessibility and loneliness. Disabled children are twice as likely to feel lonely compared to their non-disabled peers (72% vs 36%), and with 77% unable to access regular leisure facilities, their mental and physical health is significantly affected. Gympanzees is determined to change this reality. Since their first pop-up event in 2018, 57 children and young people were able to use specialist equipment for the very first time. The impact is clear, not only in the numbers but in individual stories from those who have accessed the services.

Keith Bradbury, Co-Founder of Ember

Ember is the UK’s first all-electric intercity bus operator. Based in Scotland, its fleet of vehicles are specifically designed for intercity travel. The buses are zero emission, contributing to environmental sustainability by reducing carbon emissions and improving urban air quality. In the podcast, Keith shares how he and his fellow co-founder, Pierce Glennie, wanted to do meaningful work that had real world impact, instead of just focusing on financial success: “We had this really strong sense we wanted to do something where you feel the tangible impacts of it”, Bradbury commented.

Steve Micklewright, CEO of Trees for Life

Trees for Life is dedicated to rewilding the Scottish Highlands and restoring the native Caledonian Forest which once covered much of Scotland. Together with local communities, Trees for Life works to restore Scotland’s natural and cultural heritage while supporting local livelihoods. Steve shares how his passion for conservation began when he was a child, when he joined a campaign to prevent the widening of a local river near his school. Later in life, a pivotal moment was when he encountered a wolf in the Dolomites, which he shares reinforced his belief in the possibility of peaceful human and wildlife coexistence.

“I felt working at Trees for Life and working on rewilding was something really positive, something that you could throw yourself into and see the results and see the impact…it was important for me to move into something that was wholly positive which I feel is what rewilding is.”  Micklewright commented.

Mark Clayton, CEO of Triodos Bank UK

Our CEO Mark also took the time to discuss the impact and running of Triodos, and what inspired him to join the bank. When discussing the impact of Triodos, Mark spoke about its focus on supporting several key themes: food and agriculture, nature capital (restoring biodiversity), renewable energy, circular economy, social housing, and healthcare. Speaking about business lending, Mark also explains how we are active in pioneering nature-based solutions and supporting projects that many mainstream banks avoid. 

Mark reflected on his own personal journey of working in the banking industry, sharing defining moments such as making the transition to a career in ethical banking to prioritise social impact, and considering his legacy for the planet and his children, which motivates his work for long-term social and environmental impact.