Designing a useful product is one thing. But designing a useful product that also lessens negative environment impact is quite another.

Enter Thriving Design gardening products. Sustainability is at the very heart of the business. And it’s been a key part in helping the company grow even through pandemic times.

As a registered and certified Benefit Corporation for Good, Thriving Design and its leaders Jason and Morgan Rider are committed so standing up for environmental and human rights.

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:

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.

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

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.

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?

“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…

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.

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.

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.

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.

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:

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.