Host Charlene Norman is recovering from hand surgery this month. To help ease her guilt in NOT being able to produce a new episode and to answer the questions about the 5Cs origin story, she has pulled out the original first four episodes. Listen in as she candidly admits her mistakes, discusses why she got into it and then decide for yourself if the podcast has morphed apppropriately.

The original premise was about reimagining capitalism so that profit and compassion can not only coexist but thrive together. This requires four pillars:

1. Environmental Accountability

2. Respect and Kindness

3. Accountability to Stakeholders

4. Community-Centric Offerings

In addition, two key issues need to be addressed

1. Wage Gap disparity between executive and employee pay must be closed. This isn’t just about optics; it’s about fairness and social stability.

2. Environmental Justice comes into play in that businesses must internalize the true costs of their environmental impact, rather than passing them on to society.

The Bottom Line:

Reimagining capitalism is not just about “doing well by doing good.” It’s about fundamentally rethinking the rules of the game to ensure that profit never comes at the expense of people or the planet. AND it's smart business. Because

-Talent Magnet: Top performers want to work for companies with purpose and integrity.

-Customer Loyalty: Consumers are increasingly values-driven and will pay a premium for ethical brands.

-Risk Mitigation: Companies that ignore social and environmental risks face regulatory, reputational, and operational threats.

-Long-Term Value: Sustainable, stakeholder-focused companies outperform their peers over the long haul.

This is NOT about perfection or utopia. It’s about making better choices—day in and day out—that move us closer to a world where business is a force for good.

Have you rated yourself on your Stewardship capabilities? Take the Stewardship Quiz today!

The 5Cs podcast, book and community are about shining a light on a better path. Think of it as a global village of business people giving Planet Earth a hand up. You can find Charlene Norman on LinkedIn and here. Consider subscribing for more thoughts from the 5Cs on Substack.

Climate change. For many business leaders and executives, the term conjures images of melting glaciers, dire scientific reports, and a sense of overwhelming scale. It’s easy to feel that the problem is too big, too abstract, and too far removed from our daily lives. But what if there's a different way?

The host, Charlene Norman, of Good Stewardship; Lasting Impact explores how personal experience and storytelling might transform the way we approach climate change. Here are the main themes covered in this episode.

1. Make Climate Change Personal: Start with Your Own Weather Diary

2. Connect the Dots: Understand the Long Game of Nature

3. Shift the Narrative: It’s Not About Saving the Earth—It’s About Saving Ourselves

4. Build Community Through Storytelling and Relationships

5. Be a Bridge Builder: Inspire Action for Future Generations

Conclusion: YOUR Story Matters—Now Share It

Have you rated yourself on your Stewardship capabilities? Take the Stewardship Quiz today!

The 5Cs podcast, book and community are about shining a light on a better path. Think of it as a global village of business people giving Planet Earth a hand up. You can find Charlene Norman on LinkedIn and here. Consider subscribing for more thoughts from the 5Cs on Substack.

This is the final of the series: Unpacking Climate Change: The Science, the Myths, and the Urgency of Action.

With guest Thomas Schueneman of Global Warming is Real. Listen to Tom here, and sign up for his newsletter here.

The Key Takeaways:

Triple Bottom Line:

It’s time to think beyond profit. Tom and I discussed the importance of considering people and the planet alongside financial performance. It’s not just good ethics; it’s good business.

Circular Economy:

Imagine leasing washing machines instead of selling them. When they wear out, companies reclaim and recycle parts. This model reduces waste and promotes sustainability. Intrigued? You should be!

Packaging Responsibility:

Plastic waste is a massive issue. Tom urges businesses to take charge of their packaging choices. Let’s stop shifting the recycling burden to consumers and start exploring sustainable alternatives.

Emotional Engagement:

Facts and figures can be overwhelming. Tom suggests connecting with people on an emotional level by discussing local environmental changes. It’s about making climate change relatable and urgent.

Building Trust:

Trust is key. By discussing relatable topics like pollution, we can gradually introduce broader climate issues. It’s about building rapport and fostering meaningful conversations.

Have you rated yourself on your Stewardship capabilities? Take the Stewardship Quiz today!

The 5Cs podcast, book and community are about shining a light on a better path. Think of it as a global village of business people giving Planet Earth a hand up. You can find Charlene Norman on LinkedIn and here. Consider subscribing for more thoughts from the 5Cs on Substack.