Podcast Summary: Founder’s Story by IBH Media

"Side Hustle With a Heart: How One Founder Makes Giving Frictionless"

Episode 289 with Stuart White, Founder of We Are Our World
Date: December 9, 2025

Episode Overview

In this episode, host Daniel (referred to as B) sits down with Stuart White, the founder of We Are Our World (WEO World)—a social enterprise that turns everyday shopping into frictionless charitable giving. They explore the story, mission, and mechanics behind WEO World, Stuart’s inspiration, and his vision for the future of business and giving. The conversation is authentic and inspiring, highlighting the power of simplicity, technology, and purpose-driven entrepreneurship.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. The Inspiration: Humanity Sparked by a Simple Act

[00:37]

• Stuart shares a pivotal moment while living in Hawaii: seeing a young boy in a wheelchair experience pure joy just being in the ocean, even amidst serious challenges.
• The encounter deeply moved Stuart and made him ponder, “What can I do today to make a difference?”
  • Quote:

    "For that moment, he was just like any other kid. And watching him, I felt inspired, but also honestly relieved never to face what he would… if he's going through these challenges…, what can I do today to make a difference?"
    (Stuart White, 01:00)

2. Turning Inspiration into Action: How WEO World Works

[02:18]

• Stuart identifies a barrier: many people want to give but lack either the access or means.
• WEO World is built to make giving effortless by integrating donations into luxury e-commerce shopping at discounted prices.
• Shoppers get to choose from the Forbes Top 100 Charities in America, with 5–10% of each purchase going to their chosen cause—at no extra cost.
  • Quote:

    "You shop luxury brands at discounted prices ... we donate 5 to 10% of every purchase to your charity of choice from the Forbes Top 100 Charities in America. It costs you absolutely nothing. You shop and we give."
    (Stuart White, 02:56)

3. Solving Real Problems: Ease, Access & Trust

[03:56]

• Stuart stresses the simplicity and trustworthiness of WEO World:
  • Shopping is something people already do; now it can have impact.
  • Forbes Top 100 Charities are chosen purposely for credibility and accountability.
• Annual updates ensure relevance and transparency in charity choices.
  • Quote:

    "You're shopping anyway. Why not make it count?... It truly is the top 100 charities every year in America that's donated to... At the end of the day, you're donating a portion of your purchase. You're not paying for it whatsoever."
    (Stuart White, 04:30)

4. Feedback Loop: Customers & Brands

[05:24]

• Customers’ perspective:
  • They feel empowered to support causes close to their heart while shopping for themselves.
• Brands’ perspective:
  • The model aligns with corporate social responsibility and broadens brand value.
  • The mission is about collective good—“We Are Our World” speaks to this unifying ethos.

5. Growth, Scaling, and Social Enterprise Vision

[06:17]

• Short-term goal: Raise awareness via podcasts and social media.
• Long-term goal: Create a movement, encouraging even other companies to adopt “profit with purpose.”
• Ambition to expand product categories beyond fashion.
• Call for collaboration: Inviting manufacturers or distributors to join the marketplace.
• Visionary Quote:

  "I'd love to see other companies, you know, adopt this model, prove out that you can build a business that's profitable and do good at the same time."
  (Stuart White, 07:11)

6. Stuart’s Background: From Sales to Purpose

[08:19]

• Stuart was never a traditional e-commerce or tech founder—instead, he spent his career in sales, including selling websites pre-dotcom bubble.
• The ability of technology to reach and impact millions was inspiring.
• He wanted to use the latter part of his career for greater good.
  • Quote:

    "I wanted to do something more... sales, when it comes down to it, it's earned me a very good livelihood over the years... But it doesn't give me that unique feeling of really being able to influence this."
    (Stuart White, 08:48)

7. Advice for Mission-Driven Founders

[10:33]

• Highlights the importance of incentives (cash back, referral programs) to keep users engaged and giving back.
• WEO World aims for transparency: users can cash out or use cashback on future purchases.
  • The more you shop, the more you and your chosen charities benefit.
  • Affiliate/Referral program: Users and influencers can earn by referring others—and still do good.
• Notable Motivational Quote:

  "You can make money and have a side hustle, but with a heart, you know, and collectively come together and give that much more to charity."
  (Stuart White, 11:43)

8. Special Promotion and Direct Engagement

[13:22]

• Stuart announces a special holiday promotion for listeners:
  • 5% cash back and 5% off instantly via coupon code.
  • Post and review for an extra 5% “Founder Story coupon”—totaling up to 15% savings and additional charity support.
• Quote:

  "For your viewers, you can save a total of 15% off the purchases and support a charity at the same time. It's my way of saying thanks..."
  (Stuart White, 13:54)

Notable Quotes

• "For that moment, he was just like any other kid. And watching him, I felt inspired..."
  (Stuart White, 01:00)

• "You shop and we give."
  (Stuart White, 02:56)

• "Why would you not? If you could go ahead and if you have the same product and you had the opportunity to give back to charity for absolutely free, why would you not choose that opportunity?"
  (Stuart White, 09:25)

• "You can make money and have a side hustle, but with a heart..."
  (Stuart White, 11:43)

• "It reminds me… of that line that Michael Douglas said in Wall Street… 'Greed is good.' So in this case… you can make money and have a side hustle, but with a heart..."
  (Stuart White, 11:36)

Timestamps for Major Segments

• [00:37] – Stuart’s Hawaii story: the spark for WEO World
• [02:18] – How WEO World works: Shopping and seamless giving
• [03:56] – Standing out with trust and simplicity
• [05:24] – Customer and brand feedback
• [06:17] – Scaling, the social enterprise vision, and call for partners
• [08:19] – Stuart’s professional background and personal motivations
• [10:33] – Advice for aspiring mission-driven founders
• [13:22] – Special holiday promotion for listeners

Closing Thoughts

The episode radiates with the idea that simplicity and heart can catalyze major change—not just in business but for communities and the world. Stuart White models a new style of entrepreneurship: one where profit and purpose aren't mutually exclusive, and where every shopping decision can become an act of giving. For listeners seeking inspiration or a practical path to combine business with impact, this conversation offers clarity, motivation, and actionable steps.

Find out more:

• Visit weareourworld.com
• Contact: info@weorld.com

(Episode ends with mutual appreciation and encouragement for continued impact.)