Stories from the Community

11 Benefits of Humility in Leadership
Tom Hering Tom Hering

11 Benefits of Humility in Leadership

What is one benefit of having humility in leadership?

To help you find humility in your leadership, we asked business leaders and entrepreneurs this question for their best leadership tips. From creating solid company culture to embracing authenticity, there are several benefits of having humility in leadership.

Here are some benefits of having humility in leadership:

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How the Small Business with a Conscience Sparks a Revolution
Tom Hering Tom Hering

How the Small Business with a Conscience Sparks a Revolution

Your world needs help.

Icecaps are melting.

Hate crimes against Asian-American, BIPOC and Trans communities are increasing.

All going on at ever accelerating speeds.

Where do you find hope?

How can you help?

Where do you start?

If you believe a kinder, greener, more equitable world makes for a better life, you're not alone.

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10 Authentic Leadership Traits All Authentic Leaders Share
Tom Hering Tom Hering

10 Authentic Leadership Traits All Authentic Leaders Share

What is one trait of an authentic leader?

To help you become a more authentic leader, we asked business leaders and HR experts this question for their best traits. From humility to living the core values, there are several traits of an authentic leader.


Here are 10 traits of an authentic leader:


  • Trust

  • Human

  • Listening

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How a Eugene Plant Shop Found the Ideal Growing Conditions in an Oregon Benefit Company
Tom Hering Tom Hering

How a Eugene Plant Shop Found the Ideal Growing Conditions in an Oregon Benefit Company

The founders of Stingray Botanicals tell you they don’t just sell high quality plants in Lane County. As a registered and certified Benefit Corporation for Good, they are also committed to advocating for social justice and taking hard stances on human and environmental rights. They aim to be a catalyst for change by engaging the community and other businesses on various socioeconomic issues.

They’ve also taken a sustainability pledge to source goods and services locally whenever possible and to choose products that are made regionally by local artisans. You see, being transparent is vital to being authentic, and that’s why Stingray believes in keeping their customers informed of their products source.

We recently interviewed Lukas about becoming a certified Oregon Benefit Company. Here’s what they had to say about it, the motivation for doing it and why it’s helping grow Stingray Botanicals.

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Describe Your Work Ethic: 14 Ways To Answer Ethic Interview Questions
Tom Hering Tom Hering

Describe Your Work Ethic: 14 Ways To Answer Ethic Interview Questions

Among all the different interview questions in the world, some of the most difficult to answer are questions about your work ethic. How do you answer a question about yourself without sounding overly confident, borderline egotistical?

What tip would you give a candidate on how to answer the interview question, how would you describe your work ethic?

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The Greater Good - Volume 2, Issue 3
Tom Hering Tom Hering

The Greater Good - Volume 2, Issue 3

“Individually, we are one drop. Together, we are an ocean."
- Ryunsuke Satoro

As we cast our eyes out on the horizon, we see a growing wave sparkling on the water. It's one small business after another commited to doing good in the world. These leaders look at the future and their businesses and know they are inextricably linked to creating a planet and community worth living on and in.

Three years ago this month, we celebrated a launch party for our book "Putting Soul Into Business" in a downtown Portland ad agency…

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Why Start a Green Business
Tom Hering Tom Hering

Why Start a Green Business

So, you’re thinking of starting your own business or side hustle. And, you want to ensure you do it right the first go- around. And, it comes as no surprise that you may be thinking about sustainable options to help you and your team succeed. After all, sustainability in the workplace has proven to be valuable part of the DNA of many forward-thinking companies.

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Why a Portland Mission-Based Botanical Shop Chose the 3 P’s Over 501(c)3
Tom Hering Tom Hering

Why a Portland Mission-Based Botanical Shop Chose the 3 P’s Over 501(c)3

When Larkspur Botanicals was in the pre-launch stage, its two conscientious leaders believed they would become a 501(c)3. After all, mission-driven businesses like Larkspur almost always choose non-profit as a business structure.

But along the way, co-owners Kasia Bilhartz and Kailia Wray got exposed to the Oregon Benefit Company and saw it might be a better fit.

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9 Items Employees Want In Workplace Wellness Programs
Tom Hering Tom Hering

9 Items Employees Want In Workplace Wellness Programs

Workplace wellness can mean a variety of different things depending on who you ask. For some, it means encouraging your employees to take breaks and get lunch. For others, it means monthly team hiking trips. It could even describe a health benefits plan.

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Now’s the Best Time to Support Small Businesses
MaryAnne Harmer MaryAnne Harmer

Now’s the Best Time to Support Small Businesses

We’ve heard often, “small businesses are the backbone of our country.”

From small manufacturing companies to coffee shops and retail businesses to restaurants and more – small businesses employ thousands of people. They generate more than half of the country’s private gross domestic product. In addition, 97 percent of exporters are small businesses with innovative products spanning the world.

And they build communities. According to a recent study by Pacific Community Ventures:

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3 Indisputable Traits of 50 Certified Benefit Corporations
Tom Hering Tom Hering

3 Indisputable Traits of 50 Certified Benefit Corporations

Last Monday, we certified our 50th Benefit Corporation for Good. It’s a milestone we are proud of.

This marks 50 small businesses in many sectors all being measured by their practice of the Triple Bottom Line of People, Planet and Profit. These include law firms, wine bars, manufacturing companies, financial planners, tattoo artists, plant shops, management consulting companies, natural food producers., promotional marketing companies, print shops, and many others across the spectrum of industries.

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Why Become an Oregon Benefit Company (The Compelling Business Case for Being a Force for Good)
Tom Hering Tom Hering

Why Become an Oregon Benefit Company (The Compelling Business Case for Being a Force for Good)

Benefit Companies, Benefit Corporations and B Corps believe and act differently than other businesses, focusing on the triple bottom line of People, Planet and Profit.

Learn the difference between the structures and what it takes to get certified as a Benefit Company and why it helps in this presentation made in conjunction with Oregon Secretary of State's Office of Small Business Assistance. In this video, you'll learn:

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How Two Wine Afficionados Uncorked Beaverton’s Sustainable Wine Bar
Tom Hering Tom Hering

How Two Wine Afficionados Uncorked Beaverton’s Sustainable Wine Bar

Angela and David Anderson know a thing or two about grape juice for adults. You see, the two of them have been involved in the Oregon wine business enjoying noteworthy pinot noirs and other delectable wines from the region. They’ve also helped design engaging websites for some the state’s finest wineries. All while becoming one of the first Oregon Benefit Companies believing in and practicing the Triple Bottom Line of People, Planet and Profit.

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Refreshing the Triple Bottom Line:  Living Up to Its True Intent
MaryAnne Harmer MaryAnne Harmer

Refreshing the Triple Bottom Line: Living Up to Its True Intent

People, Planet, Profit – the hallmark values of the triple bottom line are espoused by many companies today. It’s a business model that advocates for business goals outside of just making a profit. Like many leaders around the world, Tom and I applaud this idea

We love the premise and celebrate its adoption. It’s a philosophy we live and promote through our business-- certifying Benefit Corporations for Good.

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5 Ways for Small Businesses to Meet UN Sustainable Development Goals
Tom Hering Tom Hering

5 Ways for Small Businesses to Meet UN Sustainable Development Goals

Many small businesses find the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to fight climate change overwhelming. After all, trying to meet these 17 worthy goals can seem challenging for the small business leader who fills so many different roles.

But when whittled down to five simple action steps that same small business leader can see how easy it is to join the fight to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.

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8 Examples of Benefit Corporations Doing Good for the Commons
Tom Hering Tom Hering

8 Examples of Benefit Corporations Doing Good for the Commons

Since Benefit Corporations were first legally passed in 2010, many companies from all different industries have become successful without sacrificing their commitment to doing good for the commons. These corporations are extremely diverse and can range from having one employee to thousands living across seas. Regardless of their differences, all Benefit Corporations share one thing in common; their purpose beyond maximizing revenue or share value.

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