I've started contributing to Quartz at Work, specifically on their Purpose of Companies "obsession" (or topic). My first piece was published today, and I'd love for you to check it out.
Etsy’s tumultuous journey serves as a cautionary tale for socially conscious entrepreneurs and corporate leaders. It’s clear in hindsight that Etsy’s original model had to evolve in order to hold up under the demands for continuous growth. When backed into a corner, the board chose to prioritize shareholder value by cutting away at the very core of the company’s culture. It suggests that socially responsible business models may not be built to to withstand the brutal short-termism of the capital markets. Entrepreneurs and investors, alike, need to be honest when this is the case, ideally identifying and addressing the tension before it’s too late. For most socially responsible business, an IPO simply may not be the best option.
Read the full article HERE.