Musings and Hopes for 2024

Greetings Earthlings and fellow travelers on this spinning orb,

A quick update on year-end readership as some of you have an interest in the mechanics of building a newsletter business.

Since reporting two months ago, readership is up by 10% to 158 members. (Still waiting to catch 🔥) Paid supporters increased from 5% of all members to 7%. To which I say: 🙏.

What did you like to read? Here are the most popular stories from last year as determined by an uber-sophisticated, super-computer algorithm (really a combination of email open and link click rates I ginned up):

• My Crazy X - about the rebranding of twitter 🤮
• Power to the People - the movement by citizens of all ages to sue governments over climate change.
• Leverage your LinkedIn for Good - how to use LinkedIn to help others.
• We Interrupt this Blog Post - about our warming planet, which has moved from a trot to a full gallop.
• The Poetry of Purpose - a poetry-themed issue makes the top five - yay!

Next up, a few "hopes" for the coming year, specific and personal:

• I hope some lucky employer needing senior PR and comms talent recognizes the immense experience and creativity of Jeff Davis and hires him. (I first became acquainted with Jeff through an article in the Wall Street Journal about his super-smart SamplingLab idea.)
• I hope a smart corporation steps up and sponsors Cathy Caplener's mental health campaign, "You Are Enough." I admire your grit and perseverance, Cathy - undaunted!
• I hope more cities hop on board with Stuart Williams' and his In Place Impact program. Cities and municipalities are where the real change happens - so let's get with it. SDG11, baby!

As for me, here's the resolution I've made for 2024: to donate platelets to the Red Cross. I've donated lots and lots of whole blood over my lifetime and think it's time to give platelets a go. Simple and easy and achievable.

What are some of your resolutions? If you'd like to share, I'll publish them next week. You can email them to me at rstoddard@oliverrussell.com.

This year promises to be a bumpy ride, folks, so let's be sure to strap in - and let's be there for one another.

Godspeed, friends.

Russ

💥 Quick Hits

• How purpose will be a beacon for business leaders in 2024 - Check out this Fast Company article by Godspeed member Carol Cone and co-author Kristin Kenney, who say it's all about the Four C's this year: colleagues, communications, collaboration, and courage.

• It's impact reporting season 💪 - Required as a public benefit corporation to publish an annual impact report? Or just want to share your story of impact with customers and other stakeholders? Unit of Impact can help you with a platform that's easy to use, convenient, and economical. (Full disclosure: I'm a co-founder of Unit of Impact.)

• On tap now, clean water (maybe) - According to the CDC, there are 50 countries where it's safe to drink tap water. But look a little closer, my thirsty friend, and...this map provides a fountain of data-infused info.

• Time to rise and shine - King Arthur Baking announced its Baking Pitchfest 2024. Half mentorship and half contest, it's an accelerator-like program to provide opportunities for People of Color entrepreneurs.

🤔 Trivia Time

It's fun to periodically check in on the growth of the B Corp movement. When last we looked on May 2, 20203, there were 6,702 companies around the world certified as B Corps. As of January 2, how many B Corps do you think there are?

• 7,140
• 7,562
• 7,999
• 8,432

Today's trivia answer can be found at the bottom of this newsletter.‌‌‌‌‌

Find the Most Meaningful Work of Your Career

Our partner One Work has you covered with meaningful work that goes beyond a paycheck, a cubicle, or a weekly team Zoom call. You'll find purposeful jobs like those below, along with many more at the One Work job board.

Job of the Week: An opportunity at West Paw, a Certified B Corp and manufacturer of environmentally responsible dog toys and dog products in...wait for it...Bozeman, MT. (Big Sky Ski Resort, Yellowstone, you get the idea.) They're seeking a Director of Product Innovation with 10 years' experience to lead product development.

Other Hot Jobs:

• Reporting Analyst, Environmental Markets – 3Degrees – San Francisco, CA; Portland, ME; New York, NY; or Portland, OR
• Administrative Assistant, Product Functions – Athleta – San Francisco, CA
• Marketing Analytics Manager – Participate Learning – Remote
• Lab Technician – Brewer Science – Rolla, MO
• Sales Development Manager – Uplight – Boulder, CO

Trivia Answer

The correct answer is 7,999 B Corps, which means the community has grown 19% in the past eight months. Last May, I predicted certifications would crest the 10,000 mark in July of this year. When do you think it will reach this level?

Please consider supporting Godspeed and this community by upgrading your free membership to a small monthly contribution or annual subscription. 🙏