Podcast
The Caring Economy with Toby Usnik
Hosted by Toby Usnik · EN
Looking for purpose-driven career or business advice? Want to match your personal brand with a values-aligned organization? The Caring Economy is your destination. Join us weekly for insightful discussions with influential leaders sharing how they balance purpose, profit, and legacy in today's challenging business landscape. Topics range from corporate social responsibility to brand stewardship and beyond.
Discover how to transform your career or business through caring principles. Engage with us on LinkedIn (Toby Usnik) and Twitter (@Tusnik) using #TheCaringEconomy.
25episodes
Episodes
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From Kerala to Caterpillar: Asha Varghese on Building Resilience That Lasts
Oct 800:21:38Tap to summarizeIn today’s world of polarization, climate disruption, and rapid digital change, resilience is everything.On this episode of The Caring Economy, we sit down with Asha Varghese, President of the Caterpillar Foundation and Head of CSR at Caterpillar. Asha reflects on her journey from Kerala, India, to rural Kentucky, and how those experiences shaped her approach to corporate leadership and purpose.She shares how Caterpillar has given over $1 billion globally, supporting disaster recovery, education, and sustainability initiatives. We also discuss the future of work, the rise of AI, and why corporations must play a role in rebuilding trust and community resilience.Asha’s story is a reminder that leadership isn’t about grand gestures, it’s about persistence, partnership, and impact over time.Listen in for lessons on how business can become a force for resilience in a fragile world.
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Seeds of Resilience: Cary Fowler on Food Security in a Changing World
Sep 1500:30:00Tap to summarizeHow do we secure the future of food in an age of climate chaos?In this episode of The Caring Economy, we sit down with Dr. Cary Fowler — co-recipient of the 2024 World Food Prize and the driving force behind the Svalbard Global Seed Vault. From his roots in the Civil Rights movement to his global mission to protect crop diversity, Fowler takes us on a journey that connects justice, resilience, and survival.We discuss:The story behind the so-called “Doomsday Vault” and why it’s humanity’s insurance policy.How climate change, biodiversity loss, and conflict are reshaping global food security.Why food policy is national security — and what leaders must do next.Life lessons on persistence, purpose, and building for generations to come.This conversation is a wake-up call and a roadmap for anyone who cares about the future of food, climate, and humanity.
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Meeting the Moment: How Laura Washington Heals Fractures in Our Democracy
Aug 1800:30:48Tap to summarizeIn this episode of The Caring Economy, we have a wide-ranging discussion with Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley President & CEO Laura Washington, who draws on her decades of experience to explore the vital role of community, local philanthropy, and collective care have in our society. She also reflects on how today’s media landscape shapes trust, power, and participation in civic life.Laura highlights the transformative power of grassroots initiatives and the critical need for collective action to support local communities. She reminds us that philanthropy is not just about funding; it's about building trust, fostering relationships, and creating opportunities for all.Join us for a conversation that inspires us to consider how we can actively contribute to the well-being of our communities
Transcribe →Checkmate or Check Yourself? Balancing Tech and Intuition
Aug 1100:38:45Tap to summarize🎙 The Caring Economy welcomes chess educator and lifelong player Jon Rigai to explore what the game of chess can teach us about navigating an AI-driven world.From training tournament players to helping 900-rated beginners find their stride, Jon’s philosophy is rooted in the power of slow, intentional thinking. In an era when AI engines can calculate the “perfect” move instantly, he reminds us that the real growth comes from trusting our instincts, embracing mistakes, and learning through the messy process.We discuss:♟ The impact of AI on chess and why over-reliance can dull creativity♟ Life lessons from the board—patience, foresight, and resilience♟ Why in-person chess communities still matter in a digital-first world♟ How “the best defense is a good offense” applies far beyond the gameWhether you’re a chess player, a tech skeptic, or someone navigating a rapidly changing world, this episode will inspire you to think strategically—and stay human—in the age of algorithms.📍 Listen now and discover how the timeless game of chess offers a blueprint for living with intention in our fast-paced, tech-saturated era.#Chess #AI #Leadership #TheCaringEconomy #TechEthics #PersonalGrowth
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AmeriCorps & The Future of Work: Conversation with Michael Smith
Mar 7, 202500:29:31Tap to summarizeIn this episode of The Caring Economy, we sit down with Michael D. Smith, CEO of AmeriCorps, to explore how national service is shaping the future of leadership, social impact, and civic engagement. With over 200,000 AmeriCorps members serving across 40,000+ communities, the organization is tackling some of the nation’s biggest challenges—from education and disaster relief to public health and climate action.Michael shares his personal journey from growing up in a working-class Massachusetts town to leading one of the most influential service organizations in the U.S. We discuss the business case for volunteerism, how service can be a powerful career accelerator, and why corporate leaders should embrace community engagement as a strategic advantage.As we move into 2025, where purpose-driven work is becoming the norm, this conversation challenges us to think about the role of service in leadership, workforce development, and social cohesion.🎧 Tune in now for a thought-provoking discussion on the power of giving back.
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Power Plays: How Renee Wittemyer is Flipping the Script on Gender Equity
Feb 28, 202500:31:38Tap to summarizeThe data is clear: when women thrive, economies flourish. But are we really putting our money where our values are? In this powerful episode of The Caring Economy, we sit down with Renee Wittemyer, VP of Program & Strategy at Pivotal Ventures, the Melinda French Gates-backed organization reshaping how we fund gender equity and economic opportunity.Renee shares eye-opening insights into how strategic investments in women’s leadership, innovation, and workforce inclusion are driving real, measurable change—and why traditional philanthropy isn’t enough. We discuss:✔️ The ROI of Gender Equity – Why funding women isn’t charity, it’s smart economics✔️ Breaking Systemic Barriers – The biggest challenges preventing women from accessing capital, leadership roles, and opportunity✔️ Pivotal Ventures' Bold Approach – How innovative funding models are accelerating change across industries✔️ What’s Next? – The shifts we need to see in corporate and VC spaces to build a truly inclusive economyIf you're serious about rethinking corporate social responsibility, gender equity, and how capital can drive systemic change, this is an episode you can’t afford to miss.
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Brewing a Better Future—Bob Stiller on Purpose-Driven Business
Feb 12, 202500:29:19Tap to summarizeWhat if corporate success wasn’t just about profit but about creating a positive impact on the world? Bob Stiller,founder of Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, built a billion-dollar brand while pioneeringcorporate social responsibility (CSR). In this episode ofThe Caring Economy, Bob shares how he turned a small Vermont coffee company into a leader insustainability, ethical sourcing, and employee empowerment.Frominvesting in fair-trade coffee farmers to fostering apeople-first company culture, Bob’s leadership proves thatbusiness can be a force for good. Whether you're an entrepreneur, business leader, or passionate aboutsocial impact, this episode is packed withinsights on building a mission-driven company that thrives.Key takeaways from this episode:✔️ WhyCSR is a competitive advantage, not a cost✔️ Howlong-term thinking builds stronger businesses✔️ The role ofemployee engagement in driving innovation✔️ Whysustainability and business success go hand in hand💡 Don’t miss this inspiring conversation with atrue pioneer in purpose-driven business
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The New ROI: Visa Foundation & Graham McMillan on Impact Investing
Jan 31, 202500:34:48Tap to summarizeHow do we redefine ROI in today’s world? In this episode of The Caring Economy, we sit down with Graham McMillan, President of the Visa Foundation, to explore how corporate philanthropy and sustainable investments are reshaping the business landscape. Visa Foundation is at the forefront of financial inclusion, economic empowerment, and social impact, ensuring that capital works for underserved communities worldwide. Graham shares his expertise on blending purpose with profit, the power of partnerships, and how corporations can drive real social change. If you're interested in corporate social responsibility (CSR), ESG initiatives, and how financial institutions are stepping up to address global challenges, this episode is a must-listen.
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Bridging the Divide in 2025—A Conversation with Paul Solman
Jan 23, 202500:27:12Tap to summarizeJoin us on the latest episode of The Caring Economy as we sit down with Paul Solman, the celebrated PBS NewsHour correspondent and co-founder of the American Exchange Project. With a career spanning five decades, Paul has been a beacon of curiosity, understanding, and storytelling. In this episode, Paul shares: His unique journey from art history major to Emmy-winning journalist. The transformative mission of the American Exchange Project, connecting high school seniors across the U.S. to foster empathy and bridge divides. Timeless advice on finding purpose, embracing curiosity, and the power of everyday moments. As we step into 2025 and launch Season 15, this conversation is a powerful reminder of the impact we can all have by building bridges and creating connections. 🎙️ Tune in now to start the year inspired! #PaulSolman #TheCaringEconomy #AmericanExchangeProject #Connection #Empathy
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Gymnastics, Grit, and Giving Back: Wendy Hilliard’s Inspiring Journey
Jan 17, 202500:32:36Tap to summarizeStep into the inspiring world of Wendy Hilliard, a trailblazing gymnast and the first Black rhythmic gymnast to represent the U.S. on the global stage. Wendy’s story is one of resilience, determination, and a profound commitment to making gymnastics—and opportunity—accessible to all. In this episode, Wendy shares her journey from Detroit to the international spotlight, her experiences overcoming systemic barriers, and the mission behind the Wendy Hilliard Gymnastics Foundation. With over 25,000 children served in urban communities like Harlem and Detroit, Wendy’s foundation is empowering the next generation through the transformative power of sports. 💡 What You'll Hear: Wendy’s groundbreaking achievements in rhythmic gymnastics. The challenges she faced as a Black athlete in a predominantly white sport. How her foundation is creating access and equity in gymnastics for underserved communities. The life skills gymnastics instills—discipline, leadership, and confidence—and why they matter beyond the sport. As we step into 2025, Wendy’s story inspires us to embrace resilience, foster opportunity, and create meaningful change in our communities. 🎧 Tune in now and learn how Wendy Hilliard is turning dreams into reality, one gymnast at a time. #TheCaringEconomy #WendyHilliard #Gymnastics #SportsForGood #Resilience #EmpoweringYouth #Podcast
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