Abstract

The recent global pandemic, economic crisis and racial justice uprisings have revealed a deep, fundamental problem in our economic system, which has long rewarded maximizing wealth over well-being and has prioritized individualism over interdependence. Jessican Yinka Thomas, MBA explores a new model of business, B Corporations (B Corps), and a global movement focused on redesigning capitalism in a way that uses the power of business as an engine to drive positive social and environmental change.

Jessica Yinka Thomas serves as director of the Business Sustainability Collaborative and assistant professor of the practice in the Poole College of Management where she teaches social innovation and environmental sustainability. Her work focuses on studying innovative sustainable business models including B Corporations. Professor Thomas leads the nationally-recognized B Corp Clinic, an experiential learning consulting program where students work with local and global companies to drive social and environmental impact. She serves as president and board chair of B Academics, a global network that works to unite academics studying and teaching about B Corporations. She also serves on the B Lab Standards Advisory Council which is responsible for revisions to the B Corp global standards. Professor Thomas has written numerous white papers, case studies and research reports as well as two social justice novels. She received her MBA from The Fuqua School of Business at Duke University, and her bachelor’s in engineering from Stanford University.

TRANSCRIPT

WANT TO LEARN MORE?

• Learn more about the Business Sustainability Collaborative and get involved by joining the mailing list.

• Learn more about B Corporations and the B Corp movement.

• Find out more about B Academics and how to get involved.

• Visit Professor Thomas’ author website.