John Friedman

So many companies and organizations consider social media to be a threat to how they control their brand and messaging that they're missing the larger opportunity to use these powerful tools to build their reputation through authenticity and transparency.

They fear losing "control" because they have failed to recognize...

We each have our own favorite memories from the Olympic Games -- whether it be Jessie Owens demonstrating the absurdity of Adolf Hitler's racist notions, gymnast Nadia Comaneci's perfect "10"s, Kerri Strugg's valiant vault on a sprained ankle to win gold or Michael Phelps' eight gold medals. This summer the...

Are we so busy helping others to build their sustainability (environmental, social and economic) pillars that we're neglecting our own personal ones?

It is no secret -- in fact many take pride in knowing -- that altruistic endeavors traditionally pay less. Those working for not-for-profits accept that part of their...

Of course you know what your business or organization does. Right? After all, it's what you do every day. But I caution that if you've worked for your current organization for more than a couple of years, you may now suffer from what Chip and Dan Health called 'The Curse...

Telling customers what they can't have will send them elsewhere. Earn their trust and educate them to promote sustainable purchasing.

In the 1980s, the Advertising Council attempted to empower people -- mostly young people -- to 'Just Say No' (to Drugs). While the effectiveness of the

Most companies envy the passionate loyalty that Apple customers have for their products, the dedication that Southwest Airlines employees demonstrate without understanding that effectively managing their stakeholder relationships is the key to earning these benefits. Employee engagement and customer loyalty are intangible (non-physical) assets that contribute more to the value...

The most famous Muppet of all, Kermit the frog, famously stated, "It's not easy being green." Turns out, it's not easy as being an empowered investor either.

This was supposed to be an 'easy' blog to write. All the fuss around the recent New York Times Op Ed "

The concept of 'The Butterfly Effect' explains that even small actions can have far reaching and unintended consequences. This presents a unique problem for businesses operating in a global context because any business working across cultures must face the fact that -- no matter how they conduct their...

Most businesses recognize the need to adapt in order to maintain their ability to meet changes in the market, the political environment, and public needs. At the same time, however, they are keenly aware of -- and committed to maintaining -- the core elements that they believe have...

While some see the threat of climate change as pitting the needs of the planet against those of progress and business, some brave entrepreneurs will seize the opportunity that efforts to build a more sustainable future will create.

Even those who question the scientific consensus around global warming may...

Whenever I work with companies and organizations that seem to have disagreement on direction, I find it helpful to go back to their foundational documents to reestablish the connection between their past and their desired future.

When we return to America's foundational documents we find many of the principles...

I make no apologies for believing in capitalism. I believe that the opportunity to generate and retain one's own wealth is a driving force for not only improving our environment, but also for individual and societal advancements. I believe that when businesses that are respectful of the environment and advancing...

A lot has been said and written about what it means for a company (or organization) to be a leader. Certainly the area of sustainability and all the sub-categories under that umbrella offer a myriad of opportunities for organizations, companies, and individuals to carve out a niche as a leader...