The Organization:
A leader in economic systems change, the B Lab Global Network creates standards, policies, and tools for business. B Lab U.S. & Canada is one of six global partners of B Lab Global, fostering and mobilizing a growing community of people and businesses working towards a more fair and inclusive economy, and certifying companies — known as B Corps or Beneficial Corporations — who are leading the way.
The Assignment:
B Lab US & Canada had been independently working through developing a Theory of Change. They reported on a Town Hall being mired in B Lab Global’s Theory of Change and stuck in a spreadsheet of wide-ranging outcomes. The assignment was to get them unstuck and support them in developing a Theory of Change that aligned with the Global plan but was tangible and relevant for the region.
Overall Outcomes:
Like so many of Lynn’s consulting engagements, with her guidance, the team gained a deeper understanding of the issue they aimed to address and the barriers to success. They committed to delivering a specific, stretch-goal social impact and developed the stakeholder-validated plan necessary to direct and communicate their work. Overall, they gained impact-focused strategic clarity and alignment to make a meaningful difference.
Outcome #1:
With Lynn’s guidance, the team turned its focus to the overall impact they were looking to make. In support of B Lab’s Global Vision of “an inclusive, equitable, and regenerative economic system for all people and the planet”, they aligned on an impact that was relevant and tangible for the region. They aimed to collectively scale specific transformational business practices and public policies with the goal to advance climate justice, racial equity, and a stakeholder-driven economic system.
Outcome #2
The way to do this, they determined, was to build a collective movement in the region, engaging current and potential B Corps and their allies, to drive systemic change in the three critical outcome areas. Kudos to the team for looking beyond themselves to supporting a movement. A more tightly held change initiative might have looked at growing membership, as creating more B Corps would surely support their impact. Indeed, growth is a necessary part of their plan, with the right kind of organizations and a JEDI (Justice Equity Diversity and Inclusion)-forward approach, but it is a piece of the solution within the five necessary strategies to deliver their goals. B Corps growth by itself was not the end goal - the focus was on building a movement of business for good that’s bigger than B Lab.
Outcome #3
B Lab US & Canada realized they were part of the movement themselves. They had an opportunity to lead by example and began hiring diverse leaders to take on each of the three areas of focus and create collective action.
Find Out More:
It's so exciting to see their continued efforts focused on mobilizing collective action through racial equity, climate justice and a stakeholder driven economy. Check out B Lab US & Canada’s website for the latest information on their Theory of Change as they progress through this work. For more background on the development of their Theory of Change, listen to this early interview with Lynn on Apple podcast