In this episode, we chat with Helen Paul-Smith, co-founder of ŌKU New Zealand, about the company's path to B Corp certification and how they balance business with their deep commitment to rongoā Māori, sustainability, and ethical sourcing.

Episode Highlights:

• ŌKU’s Story & Mission – Helen shares how she and her husband, Scott Smith, founded ŌKU to honor the healing power of Aotearoa’s native plants, blending traditional Māori knowledge with modern wellness.

• Why B Corp? – She dives into why ŌKU pursued B Corp certification, what the process was like, and the key changes they made to meet the rigorous social and environmental standards.

• Challenges & Lessons Learned – Helen reflects on the challenges of becoming a B Corp, including supply chain transparency, measuring impact, and ensuring ethical business practices.

• Kaitiakitanga & Sustainability – She explains ŌKU’s commitment to regenerative practices, sourcing native botanicals responsibly, and how their values align with the B Corp movement.

• The Future of ŌKU as a B Corp – Helen shares what’s next for ŌKU, from expanding their impact-driven initiatives to inspiring other businesses to adopt ethical and sustainable practices.

This episode is a must-listen for business owners, sustainability advocates, and anyone curious about B Corp certification and what it truly means to run a values-driven company.

🎉 100 EPISODES! Top Lessons & Favourite Guests from 5 Years of The B Better Podcast 🎉Welcome to a very special episode of the B Better Podcast — the 100th!Since January 2020, I've been diving deep into what it means to build a better business—one that balances purpose and profit. In this milestone episode, I reflect on my biggest lessons from 100 episodes and share highlights from 5 of my all-time favourite guests.👉 Whether you’re a business owner, leader, or impact-curious human, this episode is packed with honest insights, practical takeaways, and behind-the-scenes stories from five years of podcasting with purpose.🎧 In This Episode: • My top reflections from 100 conversations with B Corps and purpose-driven leaders • Why doing good isn’t easy—or black and white • The risks of unintended consequences (yes, even with the best intentions) • The trap of judgement vs. influence—and why inclusion beats exclusion • Why business for good should be the best party on the street • A look back at my Top 5 Favourite Guests: 1. Perry Drysdale – Untouched World 2. Jennifer Boggiss – Heilala Vanilla 3. Ian Harvey – Collective Intelligence 4. Jay Coen Gilbert – Co-founder of B Lab 5. Jenn Harper – Cheekbone Beauty🙌 THANK YOU to all the incredible guests and listeners who’ve supported this journey. If the B Better Podcast has helped you in any way, I’d love to hear from you in the comments.📩 Want help growing your business for good or getting B Corp Certified? I might know a guy 😉📌 Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE & SHARE if you’re ready to B Better.#BBetterPodcast #Episode100 #PurposeDrivenBusiness #BCorp #ImpactBusiness #JennHarper #JayCoenGilbert #HeilalaVanilla #UntouchedWorld #BusinessForGood

In this episode, we sit down with Bron Thomson and Emily Vaka’uta, the co-CEOs of Springload Te Pipītanga, to explore their journey in leading one of New Zealand's foremost digital agencies with a focus on purpose-driven work and bicultural leadership.

Episode Highlights:

• Founding of Springload: Bron shares the inception story of Springload in 2002, transitioning from a sole trader designing websites to building a team committed to creating impactful digital experiences.

• Bicultural Leadership Model: Emily discusses her progression from Chief Financial Officer to co-CEO in October 2021, highlighting the significance of shared leadership that embodies both Māori and Pākehā perspectives.

• B Corp Certification: The duo delves into Springload's achievement of B Corp status in 2019, reflecting their dedication to meeting high standards of social and environmental performance.

• Embracing AI Responsibly: Bron offers insights into navigating the AI revolution, emphasizing practical steps for businesses to adopt AI technologies thoughtfully and ethically.

• Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion: Emily shares her passion for fostering equity, particularly in creating pathways for Māori and Pasifika individuals within the tech industry.

  This conversation provides valuable perspectives on integrating purpose with digital innovation, demonstrating how leadership rooted in cultural inclusivity and ethical practices can drive meaningful change in the tech sector.