B Corps are unique in that they must be certified to meet rigorous standards of social and environmental performance, accountability and transparency. Unlike traditional corporations that sometimes find these standards to be at odds with financial obligations to shareholders, B Corps (benefit corporations) build them into their corporate structure.
One recent Leeds grad and Socially Responsible Enterprise (SRE) Certificate recipient from the Center for Education on Social Responsibility (CESR), Kelsey Spencer, is proud to work for a local B Corp.
“The cleaning industry has so many players that don't care about the environment or their employees, and I am happy to be a part of a company that is trying to change that,” says Spencer, who works for Boulder Clean – a local B Corp that produces household cleaners that are safe, sustainable, and naturally made at their 100% solar-powered, Zero Waste facility.
Impressions of the B Corp World
CESR recently caught up with Spencer for her take on working at a B Corp.
CESR: How did you decide upon the SRE Certificate amongst other Leeds options?
Kelsey: I decided to get the SRE Certificate after taking the Business Solutions of the Developing world class with Birdie. She was such an amazing teacher and I figured that if the other classes and requirements were anything like that I would love it!
CESR: In what ways has the SRE Certificate prepared you in moving out into the job market?
Kelsey: The certificate has prepared me for dealing with ethical situations in the job market. The Leadership Challenges course was such a wonderful way for me to prepare for the challenges that I would face and let me practice taking on problems that didn't always have an easy answer.
CESR: What impact has it made in how you view business practices and the business world?
Kelsey: Getting the SRE Certificate really opened my eyes to the idea of working for a company that had values that matched my own. I realized that I couldn't be passionate about something if it wasn't going to improve the world in one way or another.
CESR: What has your experience been so far working with a B Corp?
Kelsey: I ended up getting an internship for a company called Boulder Clean that makes natural cleaning products, and I have been so happy with the work that I do there. Working for a B Corp is really great because you can tell they genuinely care about you.
CESR: How does the differentiation as a B Corp impact the customer-client relationship?
Kelsey: I have found that customers recognize B Corps and they know that they will have a great experience with the product and can develop a relationship with the company. Our customers are amazing and we want to make sure that they absolutely love the products and understand that they are safer for their home. It is a great feeling when you know that your customers trust you and you are providing them with something that will make their lives better.
CESR and B Corps
CESR has close ties and a vested interest in the world of B Corps. CESR helped create the B Impact Assessment Handbook, a manual for Leeds MBA student consultants who assist companies with acquiring B Corp certification. In an exclusive partnership with B Lab Colorado, an organization dedicated to growing the community of Colorado B Corps, CESR helps develop and distribute the manual nationally.
Dave Payne, a CESR instructor of graduate-level sustainable business courses, recently received the B Corps on Campus Award at the B Corp Champions Retreat in recognition of his tireless and passionate mentoring of students through the Impact Catalyst program.
To learn more about CESR and the Socially Responsible Enterprise (SRE) Certificate, click here.