In this first episode of the Moved podcast, host Gary Watts speaks with Jill Poet, social entrepreneur and co-founder of the Organisation for Responsible Businesses (ORB).
Jill shares her journey of championing micro businesses and ethical practices, the challenges she faced in the early days of ORB, and the importance of engaging small businesses in social responsibility.
The conversation touches on the wider societal impact of small businesses, the decision to gift ORB to its members, and Jill’s book It Really Is Just Good Business. We close with her advice for small businesses and her aspirations for the future of ORB.
Takeaways
- Jill’s management accountancy background shaped her approach to small business.
- Micro and small businesses have outsized potential for social and environmental impact.
- Traditional CSR overlooks the realities of small businesses.
- A holistic ESG approach is vital for engaging micro businesses.
- The early days of ORB demanded resilience and belief in the mission.
- Gifting ORB to its members protected its legacy and purpose.
- Ethical practice and profitability can go hand in hand.
- Small steps matter in creating big change.
- Recognising the good in the world helps counter negativity.
- Jill’s aspiration: grow the ORB community and support for small businesses.
Book Link
Sound Bites
“It was tough. It was so tough.”
“We were far ahead of the field.”
“It really is just good business.”
Chapters
00:00 – Introduction and Background
03:27 – The Inspiration Behind ORB
07:01 – Identifying the Gap in CSR for Small Businesses
15:24 – Challenges in the Early Days of ORB
23:13 – The Growth and Community of ORB
25:58 – Gifting ORB to Its Members
29:43 – The Book: It Really Is Just Good Business
33:03 – Advice for Small Businesses
36:03 – Future Aspirations for ORB
Connect with Jill & ORB
ORB Website: orbuk.org.uk
Jill Poet on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jillpoet
