I’m going to be blunt.
Running a B Corp isn’t some fluffy, feel-good exercise. It’s blimmin’ hard work, especially when you’re trying to change the way an entire industry thinks about wellbeing, like we are at Stress Matters.
And to carry on my blunt honesty, I did pause during re-certification to ask myself, is this still what I want for the business?
I decided yes, it absolutely is (and we have now re-certified with a higher score) but the reason I paused was because it is hard work. The feel-good factor is immense, but it is harder than running a non-BCorp.
Some days it feels like spinning plates (the three Ps – people, planet, profit). But that’s the reality of trying to make a real difference in the world and I’ve decided that maybe I was just destined to be a circus performer!!
At Stress Matters, we’ve woven our B Corp commitments into everything we do. It’s not just a badge on our website (in fact we really need to update our website so it is on there!); it’s in our DNA.
What I mean by this is:
- We measure what matters. Our scorecard isn’t just a spreadsheet; it’s a reflection of our values. We track everything from our carbon footprint to the number of people registering for our Redundancy Support Programme because we believe in being accountable. The numbers that matter aren’t just how many proposals we’ve sent and what we’ve invoiced.
- Our team is our tribe. I’m not sure how I feel about that word Tribe, but it is what we are. We hire people who are passionate about wellbeing, who get our mission, and who aren’t afraid to challenge the status quo. In fact, that’s part of our values.
- We ask the tough questions. “Is this the right thing?” isn’t just a slogan; it’s a guiding principle for every decision we make. There’s not one campaign we’ve run that hasn’t had something built into it for our community.
- We’re building a better future, brick by bloody brick. Our commitment to getting young people into industry and our redundancy support programme are not easy things to manage, but we’ve got pretty good at explaining to those that have never worked before the importance of time keeping and what professional means!
- Giving back is non-negotiable. Our charity donations are a way of sharing our success and making a tangible difference in the world. But it’s not just about supporting people with money, we are always trying to sneak in volunteering during our Team Huddles and Innovation Weeks. We’ve even got our own litter pickers!
But here’s the thing, and this is where I will continue my blunt honesty:
- It’s not always sunshine and roses. There will be days when you want to throw your laptop out the window and scream. That’s normal. This is a tough gig. (Maybe it isn’t for everyone else but it is for me, so if it does feel like that to you, there’s two of us!)
- Look after yourself. You can’t change the world if you’re burnt out. Take breaks, recharge, and remember why you started this journey. I know that’s what we talk about every day at Stress Matters but it’s also from personal experience.
- Trust your gut. Sometimes, the best decisions are the ones that feel right, even if they defy logic. Don’t be afraid to go against the grain. Although what I love is that going against the grain, was caring about this stuff, but now that’s becoming the most logical choice.
Being a B Corp is about more than just making a profit; it’s about making a difference. It’s about building a business that you can be proud of, a business that contributes to a better world. So go for a walk and keep smiling.
