Our adventures at the B Leaders for Good Summit 2024

In today’s money-driven world, there are daring visionaries who aim to shift the paradigm towards a more equitable and sustainable future. We, Kim Cramer and Alexander Koene, proudly stand among these changemakers. As founders of BR-ND People, a certified B Corp since 2017, and The 23plusone Collective, and co-founders of Let's Play Equal, our vision has been clear: to create a new type of economy that benefits the many, not the few. This year, our journey took us once more to the B Leaders for Good Summit 2024 at the iconic Beurs van Berlage in Amsterdam, where we embarked on a whirlwind adventure of collaboration, innovation, and inspiration.

Diving into the Summit: A Gathering of Visionaries

Attending the B Leaders for Good Summit for the third year in a row, we found ourselves amidst a vibrant community of global changemakers. Organized masterfully by Leen Zevenbergen and Marcello Palazzi and their crew, the summit was a buzzing hive of ideas, innovations, and potential collaborations. Being connected with so many like-minded individuals who share our vision for a better economy is incredibly invigorating. These gatherings are where the magic happens, and the seeds of a regenerative, just economy are sown and nurtured.

Dinner with Lean Lawyers: A Feast of Ideas

One of the standout moments was our delightful dinner at Dik & Cunningham, Amstelveld, with Douwe Cnossen and Dries Beljon from Lean Lawyers, a fellow B Corporation. Over a mouthwatering meal, we delved into spirited discussions about how the legal profession can champion corporate activism. We explored ways to take on “evil finance” and curb the rampant greenwashing by big corporations. It was a powerful reminder that every profession, even one as traditionally conservative as law, has a crucial role to play in advancing sustainability and equity.

Thought-Provoking Dialogues at The Social Hub

Thursday brought another highlight when Alexander attended a dinner at The Social Hub. There, he engaged in fascinating discussions with Hans Stegeman, the contrarian chief economist of Triodos Bank. Topics ranged from de-growth to the possibility of a full ban on persuasive advertising due to the structural greenwashing in the industry. These dialogues underscored the need for a fundamental shift in business practices, moving towards greater transparency and authenticity.

Inspiring Conversations with Luigi Grosso

During the summit, we also had the pleasure of catching up with our friend Luigi Grosso. Luigi's amazing adventures on the Mercy Ships, where he volunteered his time and skills as a paying volunteer, left us truly inspired. His passionate drive to do good and his dedication to helping others are nothing short of admirable. We are incredibly proud of Luigi and his relentless commitment to making a positive impact in the world. Check out the amazing good work done by the medical professionals of Mercy Ships!

Latest on greenwashing laws and enforcement

One of the summit's highlights was when Laura van Gijn of Roos Lawyers captivated us with her breakdown of the latest greenwashing laws. With her characteristic flair, Laura explained the stringent new rules designed to clamp down on misleading environmental claims. She detailed how enforcement agencies are now empowered to hold malicious marketers accountable, ensuring they can no longer hoodwink consumers with false eco-friendly promises. Her insights into the legal mechanisms and the severe penalties for violations left us with a clear understanding of how the legal landscape is evolving to protect both consumers and the environment from deceptive marketing practices.

Celebrating Progress and Future Goals

The summit was packed with numerous other highlights. Over the two days, we reconnected with many friends from the B Corp community, celebrating the remarkable progress that companies have made in using their businesses as forces for good. These interactions reinforced the sense of community and shared purpose for driving collective action towards a more sustainable and equitable economy.

Friday was another day of inspiration, filled with sessions and workshops that sparked new ideas and strategies for advancing our mission. The energy and enthusiasm of the participants were contagious, creating an atmosphere brimming with hope and determination. Special thanks to Charlie MacGregor of The Social Hub for their warm and generous hospitality, providing the perfect setting for these meaningful exchanges.

A Message of Action, Hope, and Gratitude

As the B Leaders for Good Summit 2024 came to a close, we felt a renewed sense of purpose and optimism. Being part of a global network of changemakers united by a common vision to transform the economy is both inspiring and empowering. It is through these connections and collaborations that real and lasting change can be achieved.

To Leen and Marcello, the masterminds behind this summit, we extend our heartfelt gratitude. Your dedication and hard work in bringing together such a diverse and passionate group of individuals are truly commendable. This summit stands as a testament to the power of collective action and the importance of nurturing a community committed to creating a better world.

In conclusion, our journey at the B Leaders for Good Summit 2024 is a vibrant reminder of the importance of action, hope, and gratitude. As we strive to build a regenerative economy, let us remember that our efforts today are for the next generation. They deserve a better Earth, one where prosperity and well-being are shared by all. Let’s continue to work together, fueled by a common purpose, to create a future where businesses act as forces for good, nurturing the planet and its people.

Thank you, to all attendees of the Summit, for your leadership and inspiration. And to everyone involved in the B Leaders for Good Summit, especially Leen and Marcello, thank you for your dedication and hard work in making this transformative event possible. Together, let’s keep this vital work going and create a future where the next generation can thrive on a better Earth.