Long considered the “gold standard” for purpose-driven companies, Patagonia might be considered an activist organization that happens to sell apparel and outdoor gear. While founder Yvon Chouinard placed the stewardship of our Earth at the center of the business from day one, Patagonia has only deepened its foothold in environmental issues, from climate activism to the protection of public lands.
To talk about Patagonia’s radical journey and trail-blazing approach to purpose, Purpose 360 welcomed Corley Kenna, Director of Global Communications and Public Relations. Listen for Corley’s insights on:
- How Patagonia developed and evolves key purpose-led initiatives including Patagonia Action Works, Tin Shed Ventures, Patagonia Provisions, Patagonia Films, and Worn Wear
- How Patagonia enforces transparency throughout the business and supply chain, including addressing its own ills and articulating clear steps forward
- Why Patagonia has thrived as a business while taking sometimes contentious, and frequently unapologetic stances based on values—such as telling customers “don’t buy this jacket” or encouraging advocates to “vote out the a**holes”
- How Patagonia empowers its employees to live the company’s values—and their own—through industry-leading initiatives and benefits
Links & Notes
- About Patagonia
- Activism at Patagonia
- Patagonia Action Works
- Corley Kenna on LinkedIn
- Patagonia Films
- The Cleanest Line
- 1% for the Planet
- (00:00) – Welcome to Purpose 360!
- (02:02) – The Numbers
- (05:17) – Corley Kenna
- (13:10) – Who Is Patagonia?
- (14:35) – Yvon
- (16:49) – Shifting New Mission Statement Through Co’s Ecosystem
- (18:25) – Scale and Call to Action
- (20:17) – In the Know – The Dialogue Project
- (22:38) – Sharing Best Practices
- (24:23) – Time for Employees
- (26:36) – COVID & BLM
- (29:06) – Holistic Solutions
- (31:23) – Patagonia Action Works
- (34:37) – Patagonia’s Public Trust Trailer
