Achieving authentic sustainable change: how do companies walk the talk? In conversation with Ooni, Zebra Growth and Small99.

Every company and their dog seems to be introducing green strategies - or, at least, talking about it. While multinational corporations are being desecrated for their latest misleading green marketing strategy, the purpose-driven business revolution is well underway, with the UK celebrating their 800th B Corp this year. There’s no doubt that companies need to take collective action on climate change, but how to change authentically has leaders across industries shrugging their shoulders.

At the same time, people want to work for companies that reflect their values. 71% of Millenials and Gen Z’s see climate change as the biggest challenge facing their generation: the next generation of workers is making choices about what work they do - and who they work for - that authentically care about the world and people around them.

So, how do founders who genuinely believe that business should be a force for good resolve that gap? And how do they get their employees on board?

On November 24th, we’ll explore how companies match what they say with what they do. We’ve collected a brilliant panel of local founders and practitioners committed to net-zero and social impact goals. Together, we’ll discuss their journeys from for-profit to regenerative strategies, how to talk about sustainability authentically, and how leaders can get their employees involved and on board with sustainable change.

We'll dive into our panellists' stories, including:

• 14x growth in just three years - while prioritising sustainability
• How commercial growth goes hand in hand with ethical business practices
• The power of authentic leadership
• How to turn climate anxiety into climate action
• The impact of our words on inspiring change

Join us on November 24th at UserTesting's Edinburgh campus, where we will take a slice of advice from Ooni, ask Zebra Growth why companies of all stripes should be authentically eco and chat about the biggest challenges with Small99.

How to attend

We're excited to be back in person with our friends at UserTesting Edinburgh, and we'll have the usual networking, food and drink that you'd expect from our events.

Constanza Moreno-Sánchez, Regenerative Business Team Leader at Ooni

Constanza had extensive experience in supply chain and logistics in her home country of Mexico before moving to Scotland, where she studied for an MSc in Sustainable resource management. Since graduating, her career has focused on helping organisations become more sustainable and enabling the shift to a regenerative mindset. Constanza won the highly commended at the Environmental Placement Programme awards 2018 and was named on the 2021 Scottish Power’s COP26 Green Power List for being one of the driving forces behind Ooni Pizza Oven’s Green Team, advocating for sustainability across the industry.

Lee Fitzpatrick, Co-founder at Zebra Growth

Lee is the co-founder and Managing Director of Zebra Growth. A problem solver at heart, Lee has been an entrepreneur operating in the startup scene both in the UK and globally for 15 years. So, understandably, he’s picked up a thing or two about business and growth. Lee has been involved in 'business for good' initiatives since 2012 and has grown increasingly disconnected from the traditional profit-driven business ecosystem, thinking, "there has to be a better way." Zebra Growth combines both passions - growth and positive impact - by supporting purpose-driven entrepreneurs through a methodology called growth hacking as well as branding.

Adam Bastock, Small99

Adam Bastock is the founder of Small99. Small99 breaks down the journey for micro and small businesses to net zero into a series of manageable, bite size steps to follow. Having spent a decade working with and in small businesses, Adam understands the challenges owners have with limited resources and time. Most owners feel overwhelmed with the amount of information about net zero, and Small99 was founded to cut through all the noise. With 99% of the economy made up of small businesses, Small99 provides practical guidance on how they can reach net zero quickly and accelerate the transition to net zero. Adam’s goal is to guide 1 million businesses to net zero by 2025.

[Host] Anna Brow, Content Marketer, loveelectric (SG Scotland)

From Aotearoa New Zealand to Edinburgh, Scotland, Anna has seen how people create real change through business. She recently completed her Masters in Strategic Communication and Public Relations at Queen Margaret, focusing on how businesses drive social and environmental impact by getting their employees involved and on board with new sustainability strategies. Currently working in the marketing team at loveelectric, Anna brings an inquisitive take on the business world to the Startup Grind Scotland team.

Why attend?

• Connect with peers in a casual setting
• Catch up with friends and make new ones
• Wine, beer and soft drinks
• Share an ask or a project you’re excited for with the community

What you need to know!

• What: Achieving authentic sustainable change: how do companies walk the talk? In conversation with Ooni, Zebra Growth and Small99.
• When: November 24th
• Time: 6.30 - 9.00pm
• Where: In-person at UserTesting Edinburgh.
• Bonus Extras: Partner offers, interactive Q&A and a chance to win a special prize via our Twitter competition!