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Talking Shoes, Philanthropy, and One-for-One with TOMS

Consumers know TOMS, the shoe company that pioneered the one-for-one business model (spurring, by some accounts, more than 1,800 other “one-for-one” businesses). But few know what the name “TOMS” actually means: Tomorrow’s Shoes.

The name is prescient, especially considering the social, political and economic climate today compared to 2006, when TOMS was founded. While the world has changed, the TOMS promise holds fast: captured in the company’s mission (We’re in business to improve lives) and vision (Stand for a Better Tomorrow). 

Purpose 360 welcomed “rebel optimist” Amy Smith, Chief Giving Officer at TOMS, to explain why TOMS is moving away from the one-for-one model to a broader focus on “building a tomorrow where everyone thrives.” 

Listen for Amy’s insights on:

  • How TOMS expanded from a single one-for-one product—shoes—to several products, each supporting a critical social issue (vision, water, safe births, bullying, solar light) 
  • How to smartly and authentically evolve a social impact model to remain relevant, innovative and effective in a turbulent society
  • Why TOMS launched a campaign to end gun violence, and how the company navigated a hotbed social issue 
  • How TOMS works with hundreds of Giving Partners around the world to make a more meaningful and sustainable impact on local communities

Links & Resources

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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