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Purpose 360 episode 136

In Pursuit of Purpose at Kerry Group

Developing a corporate purpose is often compared to a journey. Like journeys, purpose requires precise planning, situational awareness, team coordination, and a steadfast commitment to reaching the destination. Often, the most challenging part is determining where to start.

Kerry Group – global nutrition and ingredients company with billions in annual revenue and 22,000 employees – began its purpose journey in 2018. Now, the company’s purpose is embedded throughout the organization, supporting portfolio growth, new partners and acquisitions, improved recruiting and retention, and a new strategic direction.

We invited Edmond Scanlon, CEO, and Catherine Keogh, Chief Corporate Affairs and Brand Officer, of Kerry Group to take you through each step of the process to the “center of Kerry’s soul.”

Listen for more insights on:

  • Scanlon’s “absolutes” for the purpose discovery process.
  • How to ensure purpose is unique and holistic.
  • Which roles senior leaders should take throughout the discovery and embedding process.
  • How to ensure company buy-in and avoid purpose being interpreted as a top-down exercise.
  • How to launch purpose so it resonates with employees. 

Resources + Links:

  • (00:00) – Welcome to Purpose 360
  • (00:13) – The Kerry Group
  • (00:47) – Evolving the Purpose
  • (02:16) – Katherine’s Perspective
  • (03:10) – Absolutes
  • (04:50) – Not a Top-Down Exercise
  • (06:16) – Intimacy
  • (07:15) – Giving Time to the Process
  • (09:00) – Kerry Group’s Purpose
  • (12:35) – Embedding the Purpose
  • (16:54) – Intuitive
  • (17:52) – Social Impact
  • (18:55) – Product
  • (20:50) – Examples
  • (23:27) – Insights
  • (25:22) – Last Thoughts
  • (26:47) – Wrap Up

Business is an unlikely hero: a force for good working to solve society’s most pressing challenges, while boosting bottom line. This is social purpose at work. And it’s a dynamic journey.

Purpose 360 is a masterclass in unlocking the potential of social purpose to ignite business and social impact. We illuminate the growing impacts of purpose, from engaging employees and fostering deeper consumer loyalty to inspiring product innovation and increasing market share.

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