Respect: A values-led business must respect all stakeholders, including employees, clients, suppliers, and the environment. This means treating everyone with dignity and fairness, listening to their needs and concerns, and taking steps to address them. A business that values respect creates a culture of inclusivity and diversity, which is essential in this day and age.

Ethics: Ethics is the cornerstone of a values-led business. This means conducting business in an honest and fair manner, taking responsibility for one’s actions, and prioritizing social and environmental impact over profit. By upholding ethical standards, businesses build trust with stakeholders and create a positive reputation, which leads to long-term success. Having employee-centric payment methods & polices that are above the minimum and put people before profit is key.

Activism: Activism means taking a proactive approach to social and environmental issues. A values-led business is not content with merely following regulations; it actively seeks to make a positive impact on society and the planet. This may involve taking a stand on political or social issues, supporting community projects, or reducing its environmental footprint. By being an activist, businesses show their commitment to creating a better world for all.

Love: Love may seem like an unusual value to associate with business, but it is critical for creating a values-led business. Love means caring deeply about stakeholders, from employees to customers to the planet. A business that values love goes beyond transactional relationships and fosters genuine connections with stakeholders, leading to stronger loyalty and advocacy.

Transparency: Transparency means being open and honest about one’s actions and impact. A values-led business must be transparent about its operations, impact, and performance, allowing stakeholders to hold it accountable. By being transparent, businesses build trust and create a culture of accountability. This is why all B Corp business pro actively share their impact reports annually that focus on the triple bottom line of people, planet and profit.

Integrity: Integrity means doing what is right, even when no one is watching. A values-led business must have the courage to make difficult decisions and take responsibility for its actions, even if it means short-term sacrifice. By upholding integrity, businesses build a reputation for reliability and trustworthiness.

In conclusion, a values-led business is not just a trendy buzzword; it is the only way forward for businesses looking to create a sustainable future. By prioritizing the values of respect, ethics, activism, love, transparency, and integrity, businesses can create a positive impact on society and the planet, leading to long-term success. The B Corp framework provides a clear path for businesses to align their values with their actions, and it is up to businesses to take this seriously and create a better world for all.