Original article here

Author: codefortynine GmbH

Since 2019, we are proud to be a member of Pledge 1%. This initiative has inspired us to give back part of our success to the community. What started with 1% has now grown to an impressive 10% of our profits, which we donate each year to charitable causes. 

Our Passion for Giving

Our donation practice at codefortynine is more than just an obligation—it’s a passion. The selection of donation recipients is a collective effort: Every employee has the opportunity to present organizations they care about. We then vote together and distribute the donation sum to the chosen organizations. This democratic approach ensures our donations carry a personal touch and reach those who truly need them.

We support various areas, including environmental protection, aiding children and families in need, and promoting open-source projects that enrich our daily work. We are particularly proud of our continuous support for projects dedicated to climate protection. For instance, we offset all our company flight emissions through atmosfair, contributing positively to the reduction of CO₂ and other emissions.

Responding to Global Events

A particularly challenging moment was the outbreak of the war in Ukraine. We immediately initiated donations to support the urgently needed humanitarian aid. This demonstrates how flexible and committed our team is in responding to global events.

“Being part of a company that really cares about making a difference is incredibly rewarding. The democratic approach to selecting donation recipients means that every voice is heard and every cause we support is close to our hearts. It’s inspiring to see how our collective efforts can make a real difference in the world.”

– Markus, Operations Director

Highlighting Special Initiatives

One memorable event was our special raffle at Atlassian Team ’24 in Las Vegas. It enabled the winner to donate $49,000 to an impactful campaign. He chose to donate to UNICEF, helping to support children in need around the world. This event highlights our commitment to making a difference in the world.

Our journey with Pledge 1% has brought us closer together as a company and as a team. We are proud to see the difference our joint efforts can make. We remain committed to our mission and look forward to continuing to make a positive impact on the world through our donations.

A Balanced Approach

At codefortynine, we believe in making a difference both locally and globally. Our donations reflect our commitment to supporting causes that matter in our home country. We are dedicated to contributing to national initiatives that support our local communities and environment, such as the Kinderschutzbund Karlsruhe and the Stiftung THW.

At an international level, our contributions to organizations such as atmosfair and UNICEF ensure that our impact is felt globally. By supporting climate protection initiatives and humanitarian aid measures, we want to tackle global challenges and help people in need worldwide.

Our balanced approach to supporting both national and international causes underscores our dedication to making the world a better place, starting from our own backyard and extending our reach across the globe. Through our thoughtful and democratic donation process, we aim to support a diverse range of initiatives that reflect our values.

Annual distribution of company donations by sector (2019-2023)

Original link
Author: Workato

Trishunda A. Mooney

Founder/CEO, 4th Moon Productions
Alpharetta, USA

If you could describe yourself in one word, what would that be and why?
Hopeful! Growing up in rural Alabama, just below the poverty line, the 4th child of six, who was diagnosed at three years old with the most severe form of sickle cell disease (SS), I’ve strongly leaned on hope to keep moving.

My parents did a great job doing all they could to provide for us in so many ways. They embedded within each of us the importance of family and thinking outside of the box. Though we were not given everything we asked for, I remained hopeful they would find a way to deliver something even better and they never let me down. When I was diagnosed with this blood disorder, my parents also received the news that I was not expected to live beyond eight years old.

As far back as I can remember, I’ve turned to the hope of tomorrow, the next moment, the next year of achieving even more than what was being presented to me at the time. If I saw something that was contrary to what I was experiencing, I was hopeful I would too have the opportunity to show myself how my life is not limited to my circumstances.

Pledge 1% provides a framework for businesses to do good. Do you think it’s important for today’s corporate leaders to prioritize social impact? If so, why?
100%! There is something we are all passionate about, something we’ve all uniquely gone through that we could lend our voices and platform to bring awareness and education. In doing so, we bridge gaps in humanity…helping others who are currently experiencing something you’ve been through feel as though they are not alone. And even more so, you are an example of that circumstance not dictating your entire life.

Do you give back to the community with your team and work? If so, what does this look like?

Yes we do. Currently, 4th Moon Productions is producing an animated short film to bring awareness and education in support of the sickle cell community worldwide. Though the subject matter embedded within this project is sickle cell disease (SCD), we are determined to share it in a way that anyone diagnosed with any sickness, disease, and/or disability will find themselves in the story and be inspired to live beyond.

As the leader of 4th Moon Productions and producer of this project I feel more education and awareness is needed in support of bridging that gap where others with SCD, those fighting to make healthcare less discriminatory and accessible, family members and caregivers providing day-to-day care, or parents receiving the news of their child(ren) diagnosis feel the topic of sickle cell disease is apart of the conversations for change socially, politically, economically and globally.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
It is as you believe.

This year’s International Women’s Day themes are focused on investing in women and inspiring inclusion. What can we do to make today’s workplaces more equitable and inclusive for women?
First, understand how bringing “women” to the table of discussion about change is already inclusive. But to further that notion, “women” is made up of some uniquely talented, skillful, wise, strong, loving, passionate, diverse human beings who are all different in their own way.

Today’s workplaces should focus on each woman they have on the their team and meet them where they are. All women are not the same just as all men are not the same. Workplaces should begin implementing the flexibility of a more person-centered work environment where each team member feels heard, respected, and appreciated for their contributions to the goal(s) of the company without compromising the overall value of the company’s mission and vision.

What advice do you have for women who are just starting their career?
Move in your purpose. We were all created to leave something for the next generation…so, move in it. Everyday, in all you do…be the light and don’t be afraid to shine!

Move in your purpose.

What are you looking forward to this year? Are there any goals (personal or professional), activities, or experiences you are excited about?
Forever hopeful! Personal goals, getting married and having a child. Professional goals, producing my first animated short film and globally bring the sickle cell disease community to the table of discussions and change.

Zsuzsanna Recsey

CEO, Standing on Giants
London, UK

If you could describe yourself in one word, what would that be and why?
If I had to describe myself in one word that would be related to coaching and it most probably would be “Empowering.”

To me, coaching is fundamentally about helping individuals reach their potential and enhance their performance on their own terms. This involves facilitating their learning process, rather than merely teaching them. The most gratifying moments for me are witnessing those breakthroughs where individuals realise something pivotal, quite often sparking profound change. As a certified coach, I’ve had the privilege of facilitating these discoveries with my clients. Moreover, as a leader, I integrate this empowering approach into my daily business interactions, fostering a learning and growth environment.

Pledge 1% provides a framework for businesses to do good. Do you think it’s important for today’s corporate leaders to prioritize social impact? If so, why?
The real question isn’t whether corporate leaders should prioritize social impact, but why they wouldn’t. Our latest B Corp recertification, which saw a 14-point improvement even as our business significantly expanded, demonstrates how combining social impact with business success is not just feasible but also advantageous. Emphasizing People, Planet, and Profit together proves to be not only possible but genuinely rewarding.

During a team discussion about a client’s shift to complex scoring models for measuring objectives, I asked the team how they felt about this challenging change, half-expecting frustration. However, a community engagement manager shared a perspective that truly embodies our ethos. Despite her lack of full understanding of the new system, she was unwavering in her commitment. “I will continue to prioritize our members, focusing on meaningful engagement. The metrics will align as a result of our genuine efforts,” she stated. The team’s full endorsement of her viewpoint was both affirming and inspiring.

Do you give back to the community with your team and work? If so, what does this look like?
We are fortunate to have the opportunity to build and nurture communities through our core business activities, where we assist companies in engaging with their customers in meaningful ways. In addition to this, we are committed to making a positive impact by providing financial support to carefully selected causes on a consistent and structured basis. A portion of the fees from our largest financial transactions is dedicated to chosen charities (through a B Corp partner).

Our efforts are also tailored to support issues that resonate with our diverse team and areas where we believe our unique skills can have the greatest effect.

For instance, in response to the crisis in Ukraine, our contribution extended beyond merely collecting and matching donations to charities aiding refugees. Leveraging the rich linguistic capabilities within our team, we were offering translation services during work hours, as part of an official program, to further support the cause. This initiative is a good example how we can utilize our specific talents for a significant impact.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice I’ve ever received unfolded around the dinner table, where two of my father’s friends shared differing views on my next steps: pursuing a Master’s degree after my Bachelor’s or starting my career immediately. I chose further education, a decision my parents wholeheartedly supported. This path wasn’t just about accumulating knowledge; it was an investment in my future. Through additional degrees and various qualifications, I gained not only expertise but also invaluable experiences and opportunities that lead to a rewarding and successful career.

This year’s International Women’s Day themes are focused on investing in women and inspiring inclusion. What can we do to make today’s workplaces more equitable and inclusive for women?
I would pick two initiatives, through which companies can make the workplace more welcoming and supportive for women of all ages.

Flexible work and support for younger women. Understanding that younger women often balance work with caregiving or parenting, it’s important to offer flexible work options like remote work, flexible hours, or part-time roles. Additionally, creating supportive policies is crucial. This means things like longer parental leave, help with childcare, and options for emergency situations. For instance, a company could help cover some childcare costs or work with local childcare centers to offer discounts to employees.

Support for women experiencing menopause. For employees going through menopause, being able to work flexibly is really helpful. But there’s more that can be done, like educating everyone in the workplace about menopause. This includes teaching male employees and managers what menopause is about so they can be more understanding.

Workshops or information sessions can be set up to share knowledge about menopause and how it affects women, along with ways to support colleagues going through it. Creating an environment where everyone knows and respects what women experiencing menopause are going through makes the workplace better for everyone.

What advice do you have for women who are just starting their career?
Surround yourself with mentors, sponsors, and peers who encourage and guide you. Look for role models who inspire you and can offer practical advice from their experiences.

Learn to advocate for yourself; whether it’s negotiating your salary, asking for a promotion, or seeking opportunities for growth. Understand your worth and don’t shy away from pursuing what you deserve. And one more, as you climb the career ladder, don’t forget to support other women along their journey.

Understand your worth and don’t shy away from pursuing what you deserve.

What are you looking forward to this year? Are there any goals (personal or professional), activities, or experiences you are excited about?
I’m excited about wrapping up our strategic plan that aligns with our core purpose for the upcoming three years, especially after successfully achieving the goals of our previous three-year plan, which included both business and social impacts.

Looking ahead, we aim to continue our sustainable growth and broaden our social impact to reach even more stakeholders. At the same time, we’re focused on enhancing employee participation in decision-making and shaping the future direction of our company.

On a personal note, one of the highlights for me this year will be attending some of the events at the Paris Olympics with my son.

 Original article here

Author: Mark Whittaker

Canva has hit so many billion-dollar milestones that it’s easy to lose track. Co-founder Cam Adams said the design juggernaut made it’s premium product free to non-profits in 2015 – reaching some 650,000 organisations – and to schools in 2019.

Canva co-founder Cameron Adams. Image: Forbes Australia

Forty million students have jumped on since it launched a “classroom safe” AI last October, Canva says, bringing the number of students and teachers using the premium product for free to 70 million, at 750,000 schools.

All of which got the Canva leaders wondering how much they were giving away, Adams tells Forbes Australia. 

“So we ran the numbers, and we’d just hit the $1-billion mark, which means that every single year we are now giving away the equivalent of a billion dollars of revenue to educators and to non-profits.”

With Canva last valued at $40 billion – and continuing on an acquisitive path, recently taking over Leonardo.ai – the three Canva founders have made a thing about progressively giving away their wealth.

Wedgetail founders Cameron Adams and Lisa Miller.

Adams has not joined them in that promise, but says he and wife Lisa are intending to do something similar with their estimated $3.37 billion fortune, devoting it to their biodiversity-focused venture-fund and loan facility Wedgetail. “We’re just waiting for all the pieces to line up in terms of having a registered non-profit and stuff like that,” he says.

Adams can’t remember when he and his co-founders started talking about giving so much away. “There was just a kind of a values alignment from the early days. It even stems from the business model. We always wanted a free product that we could give to everyone in the world. We wanted people to be able to access design and use these new visual communication skills to achieve amazing things.”

And while OpenAI’s billionaire cofounder and CEO Sam Altman has given away US$45 million in monthly gifts to individual Texans in order to study a “universal basic income”, the Canva Foundation has been conducting a similar experiment in one of the world’s poorest countries.

It gave $10 million, then $20 million, to GiveDirectly, a charity which eschews traditional aid routes to give money directly to the impoverished. “The whole philosophy behind it is that it’s not about building a school or building a well for a community, it’s about giving people the money that they need to solve their own problems. They know best what is going to help them.

OpenAI Co-Founder & CEO Sam Altman.

And while he applauds Altman’s efforts to make a better world with universal basic income, he says it’s only tangentially related to what the Canva Foundation is doing. “Our work is really focused on the areas of the world where the need is most extreme.”

GiveDirectly identifies an impoverished community and gives thousands of people regular grants totalling between US$250 and US$750 over several months. “The overwhelming evidence coming back is that when you do this, as opposed to, like, building your own infrastructure program, it has greater positive impact,” says Adams.

“You see people starting businesses which enable them to drive income over many years. You see people building houses that house their family. You see people buying goats which give them income. It creates this broader system of sustainable economic support that they need to get themselves out of poverty, as opposed to creating infrastructure projects that don’t get maintained and end up going nowhere.

“So we’ve delivered close to $30 million now into that project, and we’re monitoring it. GiveDirectly is working a lot on the ground, and the plan is to scale that up successfully throughout this year, and the years beyond, and that will scale through Malawi and then eventually scales throughout the world.”

 Cameron Adams on the cover of Issue 9 of Forbes Australia.

Blackboards to onboarding

The Canva founders started looking at education uses in 2017. “But it was in 2019 when I really picked up the baton, because we started noticing a whole bunch of teachers and students using Canva,” says Adams. “And we didn’t originally design Canva for education … So we started looking at what teachers and students were using it for, started thinking about how we might improve the product to be able to make it better for them … I went to the States. We interviewed a bunch of education users there … as well as school districts and even at the level of ministries of education, what they would all need. And we started putting together what became Canva for Education.”

 Canva co-cofounder Melanie Perkins. | Images: Supplied

Adams doesn’t resile from the cynical view that Canva for Education is just onboarding the next generation of paying customers.

“That’s part of the social impact as well. We’re helping every student develop design skills, develop digital literacy and also spark creative thinking. And by developing those skills, we’re really fueling the next generation of change makers, like people who are going to start new businesses, new non-profits, drive movements to help solve climate change, help solve many of the world’s problems – and make sure that there is a new wave of Canvas wanting to leave the world in a better place than they started with.”

It didn’t cost much, he says. “By just flipping a switch behind the scenes to give them access to a free product, it’s probably one of the highest leverage things that we can do.

“We’re seeing not only whole school districts now pick it up, we’re seeing entire countries as well. So Indonesia just rolled out Canva for Education. Poland too. And, equally, we encourage any non-profit anywhere in the world to get in touch. We’re really keen to grow that program beyond a million non-profits using Canva over the next year or two.”

Jayne Warrilow

Founder & CEO, Sacred Changemakers

Columbus, Ohio

If you could describe yourself in one word, what would that be and why?

Curious – I don’t settle for the way things are and am always looking to evolve and improve, I tend to disrupt the status quo.

Pledge 1% provides a framework for businesses to do good. Do you think it’s important for today’s corporate leaders to prioritize social impact? If so, why?

Yes. This is key to my work at Sacred Changemakers, after working a consultant/coach for over 30 years I realized my impact has been to make a lot of white people even richer, that had to change.

Business is the biggest lever for change we have, we must shift our perspective beyond profit. This is my legacy work, I’m dedicating the rest of my career to this message.

Do you give back to the community with your team and work? If so, what does this look like?

Yes, we partner with B1G1 to support many projects worldwide aligned with the UN SDG’s. We also support Pachamama Alliance and last year I travelled to Ecuador to live with 2 different Indigenous Nations to see first hand the damage being done to the Amazon Rainforest. It was life changing and has doubled our efforts to helping more business leaders understand the problems and helping them to make changes, beyond merely having a CSR department – over there and not integrated into the organizational culture.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

“The people who are the hardest to love are the ones who need it most.” This is a great reminder when doing this work and coming up against sexism and bias in my work. It’s helped me so much over the years to stay compassionate when powerful men especially, can be so rude!

“The people who are the hardest to love are the ones who need it most.”

This year’s International Women’s Day themes are focused on investing in women and inspiring inclusion. What can we do to make today’s workplaces more equitable and inclusive for women?

Continue shattering the glass ceiling. Dismantle the patriarchy. Create equality. We are still so far away from where we need to be. Raise awareness and change culture one conversation at a time.

What advice do you have for women who are just starting their career?

Do your own inner work to find your true purpose. Get to know yourself first. Then find a career and organization where you can express what matters most to you fully. If you find yourself in a job where you can’t bring yourself to work, for whatever reason, leave – your health and wellbeing are more important than you might think.

In your 20s take jobs that give you the experience you need to be ready for an amazing role in your 30s forget about the money…

What are you looking forward to this year? Are there any goals (personal or professional), activities, or experiences you are excited about?

We redesigning and evolving our podcast and community to bring even more value to our Sacred Changemakers. We’re also investigating B-Corp status and considering running our own conference in 2025 to lead the conversation that matters most.

Carol Ganz

VP of Client Success, Six Feet Up
Fishers, United States

If you could describe yourself in one word, what would that be and why?
In one word, I am persistent. This quality has been crucial in my journey from entering the tech world 15 years ago to leading client success at Six Feet Up. Our company’s 25-year history of strong, respectful partnerships reflects this persistence. I believe in bringing out the best in our team and clients, creating an environment where everyone feels valued and heard. This has helped build lasting relationships and a supportive, diverse workplace.

My commitment extends beyond work, influencing community involvement and family life, underscoring the importance of persistence in every aspect of life.

Pledge 1% provides a framework for businesses to do good. Do you think it’s important for today’s corporate leaders to prioritize social impact? If so, why?
Prioritizing social impact is imperative. It’s about creating a sustainable world and a work culture driven by purpose. Specifically, Six Feet Up is committed to completing projects that not only advance technology but significantly benefit humanity.

By committing to social impact, companies not only contribute to societal betterment but also inspire innovation and loyalty among employees.

Do you give back to the community with your team and work? If so, what does this look like?
Giving back is woven into the fabric of Six Feet Up’s culture. We aim to inspire others by collaborating with like-minded companies on projects that impact the world.

Our 10-year goal has been to complete 10 IMPACTFUL Projects™ — defined as impressive, purposeful, and transformative — by 2025. As of today, Six Feet Up has had the privilege to work on 9 IMPACTFUL Projects™ ranging from space exploration to lightning strike predictions, forest fire management, genetic engineering, battery energy storage, agriculture data accessibility, and carbon emissions reduction. We are well on our way to achieving (and surpassing) this goal.

Additionally, joining the Pledge 1% movement and the company’s engagement with the open source community reflect its dedication to making a positive impact beyond the realm of technology. For the past decade, I have served on the board for various non-profit organizations including the Plone Foundation, Django Events Foundation North America  (DEFNA) and Women & High Tech. These roles allow me not just to contribute but also to witness firsthand the transformative power of collaborative efforts in technology and diversity.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
“Be yourself and embrace your unique skills.” This piece of advice has been a beacon throughout my career. At Six Feet Up, we encourage each team member to embrace their inherent strengths. This philosophy has not only fostered a diverse and inclusive environment but has also been instrumental in our ability to innovate and meet the complex needs of our clients with authenticity and precision.

           “Be yourself and embrace your unique skills.”

This year’s International Women’s Day themes are focused on investing in women and inspiring inclusion. What can we do to make today’s workplaces more equitable and inclusive for women?
Making today’s workplaces more equitable and inclusive requires active and intentional efforts. Organizations must actively listen to and amplify women’s voices, ensuring their representation in leadership roles and decision-making processes.

At Six Feet Up, a woman-owned software company that values a blend of emotional and intellectual intelligence, we strive to ensure that every voice is heard and valued. Personally, as the mother of a trans son, I deeply understand the importance of equity and inclusion. The journey for equality doesn’t stop with us; industry-wide, we must normalize mentorship, challenge conventional hiring practices, and foster environments where women, and all employees, feel empowered to contribute and excel.

What advice do you have for women who are just starting their career?
To women embarking on their careers: Seek out mentors, never hesitate to ask questions, and boldly pursue opportunities, even if you don’t meet every listed requirement.

Embrace your unique perspectives and experiences—they are invaluable assets. At Six Feet Up, we believe that diverse viewpoints fuel innovation. We actively support this through active involvement in organizations like Women & High Tech which exists to change the landscape of women represented in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) to be equally inclusive to all.

What are you looking forward to this year? Are there any goals (personal or professional), activities, or experiences you are excited about?
This year is poised to be a landmark for Six Feet Up which celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2024. Professionally, I’m excited about achieving our goal of completing 10 IMPACTFUL Projects™ by 2025 and setting new benchmarks — like contributing to 100 IMPACTFUL Projects™ by 2033.

I’m also excited about Six Feet Up’s broader industry recognition as a top Innovation Service Partner of the Year at the Mira Awards, the Oscars of Tech in Indiana.

On a personal level, I am focused on nurturing our client relationships, driving our mission forward, and supporting my team in their growth and success. Beyond professional goals, I am committed to finding a healthier work-life balance, learning to ‘switch off’ and investing time in personal well-being and family.

Sandra Amezquita

Chairwoman, Viventa

Coral Gables Florida

If you could describe yourself in one word, what would that be and why?

Last month, we conducted 5 workshops to establish our new culture in integrating two merging companies. At the end, the leaders gave me feedback. In the “From You, I Learned” exercise, my colleagues highlighted qualities that set my apart: “Your humanity (highly emphasized), empathy, tolerance, appreciation for the positive aspects in each person, and calm communication.” Each of these qualities underscores my essential role in this collective journey.

“Humanity, Empathy, Tolerance, Appreciation for the positive aspects in each person, and calm communication.”

Pledge 1% provides a framework for businesses to do good. Do you think it’s important for today’s corporate leaders to prioritize social impact? If so, why?

In the business world, there is a wide range of corporate social responsibility initiatives, often clouded by doubts about the transparency of intentions.

However, a well-implemented strategy in this regard positively impacts the well-being and quality of life of a company and its employees. At Viventa, we understand that most people prefer working for a company committed to its community. Recent studies show that generosity has a direct effect on brain areas related to happiness. Thus, we aimed to genuinely engage the company, providing resources and meaningful experiences for all involved.

Community giving has been a significant concern since the inception of Viventa. Despite initial challenges, we wanted to fulfill our commitment to giving back. Considering our reality and work, we believed in the importance of contributing to the community. When ready to embark on this journey, we fully committed to our promise of giving. Exploring options, we came across the Pledge 1% platform, aligning with our goal of dedicating 1% of our economic, productive, or time resources to community work. This pledge has been taken by thousands of companies worldwide.

With our social responsibility program under the 1% Pledge, we sought allied companies to donate our time. We aimed to collaborate with organizations whose missions aligned with ours, focusing on improving the lives of immigrants, particularly women. After close examination of over 25 organizations, we selected two allies: Americans for Immigrant Justice, advocating for immigrant rights, and Branches, an organization educating for financial stability.

Together with our allies, we’ve implemented impactful projects to enhance the lives of immigrants through resource and time donations. On average, each employee dedicates 2 to 6 days to the cause, demonstrating their empowerment through volunteering. This initiative has diversified our ways of helping, making our employees doubly happy.

Our promise to give combines technical expertise and human compassion. The skills of Viventa members and supported organizations have been crucial to two years of contributing to this social responsibility project. Our ongoing task is to find ways to help others live better, with projects impacting the medium term and involving our human capital. We will continue to invest in a comprehensive project to improve our environment based on what we know how to do.

Do you give back to the community with your team and work? If so, what does this look like?

Viventa  continuously supports any opportunities to give back to the community. We support different causes from three important lines of action: Resources, Services and Time. Here are the works that we did.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

The best advice was not to create a foundation but to work with Pledge 1%.

What advice do you have for women who are just starting their career?

Don’t wait to make your 1% contribution in whatever way you can.

What are you looking forward to this year? Are there any goals (personal or professional), activities, or experiences you are excited about?

We will be building 4 houses with Techo Colombia and creating more impact in financial education.

Original article here.
Author: New Relic

New Relic’s mission is to reduce interruptions in digital experiences. After inventing application performance management, we built the intelligent observability platform for real-time insights into today’s complex software stacks and development pipelines.

Please find the New Relic 2024 Impact Report HERE.

Original article here
Author: Kristin Toussaint