Episode 21: Implementing “Purpose” with purpose (w/ guest David Labistour)

Written By Christine Cowan

“Purpose” in business is a daily topic in our newsfeeds. We expect much as shoppers, but are our values and commitments to do right by society and the environment in the way of our desire for what's new in fashion, technology - and the economic means to acquire them?

While consumers continue to buy cheap and made-to-fail products, CEOs are under increasing pressure to convince these same consumers, as well as their employees, investors and other partners, that their enterprise is actively addressing important social and environmental concerns. But how do they back that up and avoid the “greenwashing” handle? How do they implement “Purpose”?

The TBOR team are joined by the perfect guest host in David Labistour. David navigated the business of purpose as the CEO of Mountain Equipment Co-op from 2008 to 2019 and today as a Board Member of one of Canada’s foremost fashion brands, Aritzia.

Christine Cowan

Christine has lived in Portland, OR for 16 years, having grown up in Vancouver B.C. and then a 9 year stint in Toronto. Ont. before she made the move to PDX.  

She hails from a line of gardening women. Her beloved Tutu (grandmother) won awards for her garden, in particular for her roses.  Christine's mum Wendy was also an avid gardener who volunteered at the UBC Botanical gardens.  Christine's passion for gardening started early and in particular she was drawn to succulents and the unique creations of Thomas Hobbs in Vancouver.  She is inspired by the unique and often quirky look of the plants as well as the beautiful containers she puts them in.  Succulents are sustainable, peaceful and low maintenance. Each one is unique and some are flawed but they are just as beautiful - like we are as humans!  

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Episode 22: Scaling innovative food brands with guest Arlene Dickinson
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Episode 20: The challenges of scaling young brands (w/ Christine Day)