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.

This is the third episode 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.

Thus far, we have covered the original scientific research reports and how they were co-opted to initiate the trend towards the misinformation and false narratives we see today. We’ve also examined how the mixed messaging and confusing communications have successfully numbed the average consumer and business leader. And today, we jump into equally provocative topics.

The Key Highlights are --

-The Chicken Little Effect: Why Clarity Matters

-The Human Response: Doom, Denial, and Everything In Between

-Electric Vehicles: Not the Silver Bullet

-The Recycling Conundrum: Progress and Pitfalls

-Consumerism and the Great Acceleration

-Overwhelm and Adaptation: The Modern Dilemma

-Actionable Advice: Small Steps, Big Impact

-Collective Commitment for a Sustainable Future

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 second episode 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.

You are very likely no stranger to the buzzwords “climate change,” “sustainability,” and “corporate responsibility.” But let’s be honest—between quarterly reports, board meetings, and the daily grind, it’s easy to relegate climate change to the “someday” pile. In the latest episode we tackle the real, often uncomfortable truths about climate change, and—more importantly—how clarity and collaboration can help us all move from confusion to action.

Key Highlights --

-Facing the Unexpected: The Insurance Metaphor

-Tip 1: Embrace Clarity—Admit What You Don’t Know

-Tip 2: Communicate with Context—Make Climate Change Relatable

-Tip 3: Shift the Narrative—From Doom to Tangible Impact

-Tip 4: Think in Timescales—Patience and Perspective

-Tip 5: Collaborate for the Greater Good—Beyond Individual Action

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 first episode of the new 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.

Climate change is no longer a distant threat or a topic reserved for scientists and activists. It’s a business reality, a leadership challenge, and—let’s be honest—a bit of a headache for anyone who likes their summers mild and their supply chains predictable. We break down the complexities of climate change, debunk persistent myths, and offer actionable insights for business leaders and executives.

Whether you’re a CEO, a sustainability officer, or simply a leader who wants to future-proof your organization, this series is a clear-eyed look at what climate change means for you—and what you can do about it.

In this episode we cover the following highlights --

-Recognizing the Warning Signs: Why Ignoring Climate Change is Not an Option
-Understanding the Science: Anthropogenic vs. Natural Climate Change
-The History of Climate Science: Lessons from the Past
-The Misinformation Playbook: How Doubt Was Manufactured
-Actionable Steps for Business Leaders
-Conclusion: Leading with Clarity and Courage

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.

Finishing the series about Responsible Sourcing with a twist. It is aimed squarely at those organizations without deep pockets for an army of consultants or MBA employees.

With guest Chris Van Bergen, an expert in social impact and sustainability. Chris, who serves as an adjunct professor at NYU's Stern School of Business, is the CFO and COO of Nest, a nonprofit organization, AND AND the author behind the book Certifiable: How Businesses Operationalize Responsible Sourcing.

The episode covers the following highlights:

-Balancing Business Operations and Sustainability Initiatives

-The Importance of a Solid Business Plan

-Research and Data-Driven Decision Making

-Technological Advancements Enhancing Transparency

-Supplier Collaboration

-Circular Economy and Sustainable Production Techniques

-Corporate Finance and Sustainability

We need a multifaceted approach to implement sustainability in business effectively. By balancing operational needs with sustainability goals, leveraging technology for transparency, and encouraging informed consumer choices, businesses can navigate the complexities of the modern market while contributing positively to society and the environment. And best of all, it doesn't need to costs a fortune.

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.

Continuing the series about Responsible Sourcing with a twist. It is aimed squarely at those organizations without deep pockets for an army of consultants or MBA employees.

With guest Chris Van Bergen, an expert in social impact and sustainability. Chris, who serves as an adjunct professor at NYU's Stern School of Business, is the CFO and COO of Nest, a nonprofit organization, AND the author behind the book Certifiable: How Businesses Operationalize Responsible Sourcing.

The episode covers the following highlights:

-Reframing the Challenge

-Break Down the Problem: Divide the sustainability challenge into smaller, more manageable tasks.

-Focus on High-Impact Areas: Prioritize initiatives

-Internal Dynamics and Team Collaboration

-The Role of Leadership

-Build a Supportive Culture

-Embrace The Snowball Effect of Success

-Balancing Business Operations with Sustainability Goals

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.