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Simon Mainwaring

We First provides consulting and training to help companies tell the story of their good work in ways that build their business

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Toyota

November 20, 2018 by Simon Mainwaring

Today’s consumers are looking to support brands that make a positive impact in the world and enable them to live a better life. What’s more, the rapid pace of technological advancement coupled with highly competitive markets necessitates business innovation and brand differentiation. As a result, companies that provide mission-driven products and services shape consumer demand, […]

Today’s consumers are looking to support brands that make a positive impact in the world and enable them to live a better life. What’s more, the rapid pace of technological advancement coupled with highly competitive markets necessitates business innovation and brand differentiation. As a result, companies that provide mission-driven products and services shape consumer demand, …

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Filed Under: Innovation, Leadership, Purpose, Social Tagged With: Brand Growth, innovation, social impact, Toyota

March 13, 2017 by Simon Mainwaring

Heineken is on a mission to “Brew a Better World” and its 2016 annual report shows how both profits and purpose are pouring from the beer manufacturer’s business. Running your company with socially and environmentally responsible principles is more than a feel-good idea, it’s a critical aspect of operating a successful business today. And many …

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Filed Under: CSR, Purpose, Thinking Tagged With: Carbon Accounting Company, CoolClimate Calculator, Corporate Social Responsibility, Don't Drink, Heineken, Moderate Drinkers Wanted, Nike, SDGs, Toyota, When you Drive

March 19, 2012 by Simon Mainwaring

http://youtu.be/B062rImllJo I am a huge champion of brands supporting non-profits because both parties benefit so handsomely. For brands, the goodwill, loyalty and profit this inspires is invaluable in a marketplace where companies must prove themselves to be more meaningful to their customers’ lives. Meanwhile non-profits get the support they so richly deserve and critical exposure …

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Filed Under: Advertising, Brands, Causes, Community, Facebook, Social, We First Tagged With: 100 Cars for Good, branding, Social media, Toyota

July 28, 2011 by Simon Mainwaring

Creating a shift in the practice of capitalism requires a re-framing of thinking and behavior. Often, when you talk exclusively about the changes in corporate thinking, people rightly ask for concrete, actionable examples. When you talk exclusively about practical examples or tactics, they beg the question of the changes in thinking they imply. So my …

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Filed Under: Advertising, Brands, Capitalism, Causes, Consumers, Non-profits, Social, We First Tagged With: Capitalism, non-profits, Social change, Toyota

October 14, 2009 by Simon Mainwaring

This week something extraordinary happened. Akio Toyoda, president of Toyota Motor, apologized. Actually, he did far more than that. Here’s what he did: 1. He came clean. Akio admitted Toyota was shamefully unprepared for the global economic crisis and is a step away from “capitulation to irrelevance or death.” 2. He confessed declaring that the …

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Filed Under: Brands, Community Tagged With: Akio Toyoda, Community, Economy, Social change, Toyota

September 15, 2009 by Simon Mainwaring

I was driving down the 10 freeway in L.A. on Sunday with my kids when I saw the billboard above made out of flowers perched on the embankment. Its part of the Prius ‘Harmony’ campaign created by Saatchi, LA (led by Mike McKay and Andrew Christou), and I wanted to share why I think its …

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Filed Under: Advertising, Brands, Consumers Tagged With: Brands, Consumers, Toyota

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