CHANGEMAKING IN THE WORKPLACE: WHEN EMPLOYEES LEAD SOCIAL IMPACT

Research shows that companies with a higher density of employee changemakers are more sustainable and successful. 

In collaboration with novelist Aurelie Razimbaud, Ashoka shares the personal stories of executives, managers and employees at all levels driving positive impact within their companies. Through heartfelt interviews, we highlight their journeys of employee-led changemaking, featuring leaders from companies like Boehringer Ingelheim, Kersia and more. 

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More company employees need to identify and act as changemakers...

There is a growing gap between companies’ sustainability ambitions and their results.

A recent GlobeScan study found that despite the stated importance of sustainability to commercial success, only 37 percent of senior leader respondents believe sustainability is “very integrated” into the core of their business.  

To help close this gap, we need more employees who identify and act as changemakers!

Early evidence points to it: Leveraging LinkedIn data, Ashoka discovered that the top 10 globally rated sustainable companies show on average a 10 percent density of employees initiating and activating change – which is three times the industry average.

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...so we are telling their stories

We need new protagonists in the sustainability transition: changemaker employees. 

A Supply Chain Manager of a healthcare company, a Head of HR in the food safety industry, a DEI Manager of a sports company: What values drive them? What inspires them to contribute to positive impact? What keeps them up at night? 

We tell these stories of corporate employees leading change to set others in motion. Change will not happen without them, because they initiate creative solutions and unleash a powerful peer-to-peer multiplier effect.

Read more about the business case for employee changemaking here

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The employee social impact framework

Changemaking happens at many levels. Sometimes it's an action we take to solve challenges in our own lives, that also improves those of our families, neighboors, colleagues... Sometimes, it's a wider movement that affects a whole community, or even society at large. 

Either way, the key is always in the empathy that has led to that action. The drive to do good for all. 

Each of the stories we share fit in at least one of three different levels of impact: The protagonist and their direct surrounding; their community or neighboorhood; society in general. 

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STORIES

Meet Sebastien, Sophie, Annette, Ghizlane... and many others who have shared their personal and professional journeys. They reflect the reality of thousands of employees who have taken that extra step to solve the problems they witnessed around them. And inspired others to follow. 

Impulsar la transformación empresarial mediante una formación innovadora

SEBASTIEN BOSSARD | CEO DE KERSIA | FRANCIA Sebastien lideró la formación de agentes de cambio en su empresa del sector químico, transformando mentalidades y fomentando una cultura de innovación y empatía. Mediante la introducción de los programas de Ashoka y centrándose en el cambio sistémico...
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Defender la diversidad: Cómo una empresa deportiva impulsa la inclusión y el impacto social

SOPHIE | DEI & LÍDER DE IMPACTO SOCIAL EN UNA EMPRESA DEPORTIVA| FRANCIA Sophie impulsa iniciativas que promueven la igualdad de oportunidades y el impacto social. A través de prácticas de contratación diversificadas, divulgación comunitaria y promoción interna, está transformando su empresa en un...
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Impacto silencioso: Un viaje por las finanzas sociales

ANNETTE | FINANZAS DE IMPACTO EN PHILIPS | PAÍSES BAJOS Annette reflexiona sobre su viaje para convertirse en agente de cambio, inspirada por héroes ordinarios y anónimos que contribuyen desinteresadamente al bien común. Como directora de finanzas sociales y fundadora de una empresa de consultoría...
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Modelos de gobernanza compartida, en las empresas y en el hogar

JEAN MAUPEOU | FACILITADOR ASOCIADO DE FLEXJOB | FRANCE | Jean reflexiona sobre una vida guiada por la resolución de problemas, el fomento del liderazgo colaborativo y su experiencia viviendo junto a personas que estuvieron en situación de calle. Su propia empresa se creó bajo un modelo de...
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Recursos humanos y educación para retener el talento local

DEIRDRE FORTE | DIRECTORA DE RECURSOS HUMANOS EN KERSIA | IRLANDA Para Deirdre, las pequeñas acciones significativas son cruciales para fomentar el cambio positivo. Trabajando en una zona rural, puso en marcha un programa educativo en su empresa, brindando pasantías para estudiantes que les...
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El poder de las pequeñas acciones

PROFESOR DR. JÖRG KREUZER | JEFE DE MEDICINA, UNIDAD OPERATIVA REGIONAL ASEAN, COREA, AUSTRALIA Y NUEVA ZELANDA EN BOEHRINGER INGELHEIM Joerg reflexiona sobre cómo las pequeñas acciones individuales pueden crear una reacción en cadena que impulse el cambio. Inspirado en el concepto del efecto...
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Pasión y liderazgo por un mundo más saludable

MANUELA PASTORE | DIRECTORA ASOCIADA DE ACTIVACIÓN DE COMUNIDAD, SOSTENIBILIDAD Y CULTURA EN BOEHRINGER INGELHEIM | ALEMANIA El viaje de Manuela con el programa Making More Health de Boehringer Ingelheim transformó su carrera, inspirándola a alejarse de los roles tradicionales. Lanzó una iniciativa...
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Trabajar con los agricultores como agentes del cambio hacia un futuro sostenible

TOBIAS | DIRECTOR GLOBAL DE AGRICULTURA INTELIGENTE Y SOSTENIBLE EN LA INDUSTRIA ALIMENTARIA | FRANCIA Con un profundo compromiso con la sostenibilidad, Tobias lidera los esfuerzos para la transición hacia la agricultura regenerativa. A través de la colaboración con los agricultores y modelos de...
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Empoderando a las comunidades a través de la compasión

DR. MOSES AROKOYO | GERENTE DE VENTAS EN ÁFRICA SUBSAHARIANA EN BOEHRINGER INGELHEIM | NIGERIA La misión de Moses de animar a los demás abarca desde apoyar a individuos vulnerables en casa hasta ayudar a agricultores y renovar escuelas. Su dedicación como agente de cambio impulsa tanto su vida...
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Ikigai y liderazgo: encontrar sentido a nuestro trabajo

NICOLA BELLAMY | DIRECTORA DE MARKETING Y COMUNICACIONES EN KERSIA | REINO UNIDO A través del ikigai y la introspección, Nicola, Directora de Marketing en la industria de seguridad alimentaria, encuentra propósito en la mentoría y el liderazgo, alineando sus valores personales con su crecimiento...
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Del zumo de uva a los drones: Creando impacto para todos

JAN CASSEN | DIRECTOR GLOBAL DE SUMINISTROS DE BOEHRINGER INGELHEIM | ALEMANIA Jan, de Boehringer Ingelheim, es un directivo impulsado por la empatía, dedicado a construir vínculos entre equipos, comunidades y causas sociales. Desde vender zumo de uva para recaudar fondos hasta ayudar a...
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Del intraemprendimiento al espíritu empresarial en la industria química

GHIZLANE JOUGLEUX | CEO EN MUTYN | FRANCIA Defensora apasionada del consumo ético, Ghizlane decidió fundar su propia empresa de productos de limpieza sostenibles, asegurándose de que la responsabilidad medioambiental fuera tan prioritaria como el rendimiento económico. Su trayectoria, desde una...
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Cómo empoderar al personal para generar impacto social

FERNANDO ZALLOCO | DIRECTOR GLOBAL DE ADQUISICÓN DE TALENTO Y CRECIMIENTO DE PERSONAS EN BOEHRINGER INGELHEIM | ARGENTINA De dejar su ciudad natal en Argentina a los 17 hasta convertirse en Director Global de Talento, la trayectoria de Fernando se define por asumir riesgos audaces y una pasión por...
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Cambiando la cultura de la empresa desde dentro

SARA BLANCO | DIRECTORA TÉCNICA Y LÍDER DE PROYECTOS EN KERSIA | REINO UNIDO Impulsada por la empatía y su compromiso con la mejora social, Sara lidera cambios culturales dentro de su empresa. A través de la mentoría, talleres e iniciativas estratégicas, fomenta un entorno de apoyo e inclusión que...
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Creando agentes de cambio: cómo el efecto B genera un impacto sostenible en el trabajo

AMANDA GOH | DIRECTORA DE DESARROLLO SOSTENIBLE, UNIDAD REGIONAL OPREATIVA ASEAN, COREA, AUSTRALIA Y NUEVA ZELANDA EN BOEHRINGER INGELHEIM  Amanda comparte acerca del programa B-Effect en Boehringer Ingelheim, diseñado para inspirar a una comunidad de agentes de cambio corporativos comprometidos con...
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Altruism and Social Responsibility

This theme reflects a deep-seated desire to contribute positively to society and make the world a better place. This value is a fundamental driver for many of the interviewees, motivating them to take action and see themselves as changemakers capable of creating meaningful impact. 

⚡Jan: "He emphasizes that his actions, such as selling grape juice and donating the profits to charity, are not motivated by personal gain but by a desire to contribute to a better world." 

⚡Moses: "Dr. Arokoyo demonstrates profound compassion and generosity throughout the interview. He regularly opens his home to those in need, providing shelter, education, and support to numerous individuals." 

⚡Joerg: "Joerg emphasizes the importance of giving back to society and helping others. This value is central to his changemaker identity and motivates him to create programs like B-Effect." 

Openness and Inclusivity

This theme highlights the importance of embracing diversity, fostering an inclusive environment, and being open to different perspectives. This value enables changemakers to create more equitable and collaborative spaces, driving positive change in their organizations and communities. 

⚡Annette: "The changemaker emphasizes the importance of an open and inclusive mindset, particularly in contrast to the more self-centered corporate world she was accustomed to." 

⚡Sophie: "Sophie's core value of inclusion and diversity is evident throughout the interview. She is passionate about creating equal opportunities for all, regardless of their background, religion, or physical abilities." 

⚡Jean: "Jean emphasizes the importance of openness and inclusivity in his approach to changemaking. He values creating spaces where everyone's voice is heard and respected." 

Empathy and Listening

This theme highlights the ability to understand and share the feelings of others, as well as actively listening to their needs and perspectives. This skill is crucial for changemakers to identify real issues, develop effective solutions, and build strong relationships with stakeholders. 

⚡Sophie: "Sophie's ability to listen and empathize with others is a crucial skill in her changemaking work. She emphasizes that many of her initiatives come from listening to the concerns and experiences of others, rather than her own ideas." 

⚡Moses: "Dr. Arokoyo's ability to empathize and connect with people is a crucial skill in his changemaking efforts. He shows a deep understanding of the challenges faced by farmers, students, and community members, which allows him to provide targeted and effective support." 

⚡Sara: "Sara demonstrates a strong sense of empathy and care for others, which is fundamental to her identity as a changemaker. She describes herself as always being attentive to others' well-being and having a high level of empathy, almost like a sixth sense." 

Inspiring and Mobilizing Others

This theme focuses on the ability to motivate and engage others in changemaking efforts. This skill allows changemakers to amplify their impact by creating a ripple effect of positive change within their organizations and communities. 

⚡Joerg: "Joerg demonstrates a strong ability to inspire and mobilize others to take action. He shares his enthusiasm and vision with colleagues, creating networks and programs that engage people in changemaking activities." 

⚡Sara: "Sara has actively worked to inspire and empower others to become changemakers. Through her presentations at company events, particularly those in partnership with Ashoka, she has shared her experiences and passion, encouraging colleagues to see themselves as potential agents of change." 

⚡Manuela: "Manuela demonstrates a strong ability to build networks and collaborate with diverse stakeholders. She mentions creating relationships with social entrepreneurs, NGOs, and colleagues from various departments." 

Patience and Persistence

This theme emphasizes the ability to persevere in the face of challenges and maintain a long-term perspective on change. This skill is essential for changemakers to navigate obstacles, overcome resistance, and achieve lasting impact. 

⚡Sara: "Sara demonstrates remarkable patience and perseverance in her changemaking journey. She acknowledges that changing organizational culture is a long process that requires taking small steps and not getting discouraged." 

⚡Sophie: "Sophie recognizes that changing deeply ingrained beliefs and practices requires resilience and patience. She acknowledges that progress often happens slowly and that it's essential to persist in the face of challenges." 

⚡Tobias: "Tobias demonstrates remarkable patience and persistence in his approach to transforming business models towards sustainability. He recognizes that change takes time, especially when dealing with natural cycles in agriculture." 

Cross-cultural Experiences

This theme highlights the transformative impact of exposure to different cultures and perspectives. These experiences broaden changemakers' worldviews, enhance their empathy, and inspire them to address global challenges. 

⚡Jan Cassen: "Jan's experiences working with social entrepreneurs in Ghana, Kenya, and Uganda have been transformative in his journey as a changemaker. These international exposures allowed him to witness firsthand the challenges faced by communities in developing countries and apply his expertise to make a tangible difference." 

⚡Manuela: "Manuela's experiences working in India and Kenya were transformative for her changemaking journey. She spent time observing NGO practices, working with tribal villages, and organizing leadership weeks in these countries." 

⚡Tobias: "Growing up in a multicultural family and cosmopolitan environment exposed Tobias to diverse situations and perspectives from an early age. This experience fostered his awareness of global inequalities and inspired him to question the impact of his actions." 

Exposure to Social Entrepreneurs

This theme underscores the impact of interacting with and learning from social entrepreneurs. These experiences often serve as catalysts for changemakers, inspiring them to take action and providing models for innovative approaches to social change. 

⚡Joerg: "Joerg's exposure to social entrepreneurs, particularly through Ashoka meetings, was a transformative experience that shaped his changemaker journey. Hearing their stories and witnessing their impact inspired him to take action and create similar opportunities for others." 

⚡Annette: "The interviewee's exposure to and collaboration with social entrepreneurs has been a transformative experience in her changemaking journey. This interaction opened her eyes to a more collaborative and impact-driven approach to business, contrasting with her previous corporate experience." 

⚡Jan: "Jan's experiences working with social entrepreneurs in Ghana, Kenya, and Uganda have been transformative in his journey as a changemaker." 

Creating Inclusive and Sustainable Business Practices

This theme highlights actions taken to transform business models and practices to be more inclusive, sustainable, and socially responsible. These actions demonstrate changemakers' commitment to aligning business objectives with positive social and environmental impact. 

⚡Ghizlane: "One of Ghizlane's most significant actions as a changemaker was creating her own company based on strong ethical principles. By establishing a clear ethical charter, prioritizing environmental impact alongside profit, and fostering a culture of education and awareness, she has created a platform for driving change within her industry." 

⚡Jean: "A significant action Jean has taken as a changemaker is implementing a shared governance model in his company. This involves creating a transparent, participatory structure where all employees have access to financial information and decision-making power." 

⚡Tobias: "Tobias has taken concrete actions to initiate sustainable practices within his company and industry. A significant example is his commitment to transition 100% of their potato cultivation areas to regenerative agriculture practices by 2030." 

TAKE ACTION

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Discover your Changemaking Skills

A changemaker is anyone who envisions a better reality, takes action to enable that reality and activates others to join them in shaping it for the good of all.

Take the Changemaker Index quiz to find out where you are on your changemaker journey. 

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Develop your Intrapreneurship Skills

Developing employee skills such as intrapreneurship, agility and collaborative leadership is increasingly important for businesses.

Future of Business is a 6-week online course offered to Ashoka's corporate partners, including funders, grant-makers, and emerging leaders working within the private sector.

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Take your Company on a Changemaker Journey

Would you like your company to encourage its employees to be changemakers? Would you like to increase your social impact and sustainability from within? 

Discover what Ashoka's Changemaker Companies team has to offer. 

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Find Out What's on the Minds of CEOs

While CEOs say sustainability has become business critical, they acknowledge a gap between their intention and their action to make sustainability core to their strategy.

The global study ‘On the Minds of CEOs’ identifies 10 key drivers and barriers of CEOs driving sustainable transformation.