In this podcast , always possible chief exec Richard Freeman, talks to Jo-Anne Godden about social entrepreneurship, ethics in the fashion and design industries and the rise of social enterprises in the 21st century. What exactly is the triple bottom line? Where will the change come from to stop the clothes industry from polluting the world - consumers or manufacturers? And how can a small UK retailer like RubyMoon claim to be helping to both clean up plastic in the sea and get developing world women out of poverty? Jo-Anne Godden had a successful career in the fashion and textiles sector, working around the world in swimwear and lingerie merchandising and product development for brands such as Victoria’s Secret, Gap and Marks & Spencers. In 2011, following an eye-opening trip to China’s garment factories, she quit, frustrated that this global industry was willfully ignoring its own impact on the environment, sustainability and dependent communities - and directed her energy into a new social enterprise: RubyMoon. RubyMoon is now an award-winning community interest company that designs and manufactures top of the range swimwear & fitness clothing, but only uses recycled plastics recovered from the sea. The company directors use all profits to support female entrepreneurs in 12 developing countries, through micro-finance and investment programmes. Over 200 loans have been made to date. For the past 7 years, Jo-Anne has been a champion of ethical business around the world, and is often seen judging awards, mentoring young people and campaigning about a more sustainable approach to fashion. --- Useful links: http://rubymoon.org.uk https://www.lendwithcare.org/ --- If you enjoyed the conversation it would mean the world to us if you’d leave a review on which ever platform you accessed it. You will find more ideas and discussion about critical decision-making on topics as wide-ranging as big data, music, pre-school education, virtual reality and international aid at www.alwayspossible.co.uk/podcasts always possible has a range of services to help power brilliant decision-making in business, culture and education. Tools for designing the best products and services, processes for evaluating impact and techniques to help you increase your customer-base. To book your free, no-obligation consultation, visit www.alwayspossible.co.uk
