Digging Deeper: A Rich Stew
Assistant grounds manager Ryan Heiland of Coloradan Magazine has revolutionized the way of seeding the campus with microbe-rich compost tea, resulting in stunning effects. Now, he is collaborating with scientists to study the roots of his success.
Possibility With Velocity
Seana Steffen, a former graduate of CU-Boulder and founder of the Restorative Leadership Institute (RLI) in Colorado, believes that businesses can play a crucial role in driving positive change for a healthier and more sustainable Earth. With a focus on sustainable and community development, Steffen advocates for businesses to operate with the interests of workers, community, and the environment in mind.
RLI, being a benefit corporation, functions with the purpose of offering consulting, coaching, and leadership development services to purpose-driven organizations, ensuring sustainable impact. Recognized as a 2013 B Corp "Best for Community Impact" award recipient, RLI has gained prominence in the field. Benefit corporations, which are now legally recognized in 27 states, including Colorado, prioritize social and environmental goals alongside profit-seeking objectives, making them a mechanism to drive positive change.
Steffen's extensive client list includes governments, major nonprofits, and Fortune 100 companies such as Hewlett Packard International, the Sustainability Consortium, and the Carter Center. With her expertise and guidance, Steffen assisted organizations like World Pulse in expanding their reach from 60,000 participants to a staggering 30 million, empowering women worldwide.
Steffen's journey to launching RLI was shaped by her time at CU-Boulder, where she founded INVST Community Studies, a program that empowers students to become engaged citizens and leaders working for the betterment of humanity and the environment. She envisions a future where leadership in boardrooms and households consistently asks, "Which choice will bring the highest benefit to all?"
By Doug McPherson
In conclusion, the innovative work of Ryan Heiland has shown the immense potential of using microbe-rich compost tea for campus seeding. Collaborating with scientists, Heiland's success has paved the way for further exploration and research. Meanwhile, inspired by the power of business, Seana Steffen and her Restorative Leadership Institute (RLI) are actively driving positive change by assisting purpose-driven organizations in achieving sustainable impact. Their unique approach as a benefit corporation sets an example for businesses worldwide, proving that profit-seeking and social/environmental goals can go hand in hand. The combined efforts of individuals like Heiland and organizations like RLI contribute to building a healthier, more sustainable world for us all.