As we sail further into 2023, the trend toward purpose-driven business shows no signs of slowing down. They are not just businesses; they're movements. They don't merely sell products or services; they connect with consumers profoundly, tapping into shared values and beliefs.
 
We've seen brands like Patagonia and Ben & Jerry's talk about purpose and live it. For them, environmental conservation and social activism aren't just marketing gimmicks; they're the essence of their identity. Their compass points unfalteringly towards a future where business success is synonymous with positively impacting the world.

Being true to purpose isn't just about doing good; it's also good for business. According to PwC research, 79% of business leaders affirm that purpose is fundamental to success. Purpose-driven companies attract top-tier talent, foster customer loyalty, and perform better financially. They stand out in the crowded marketplace, allowing consumers to align with your brand beyond the product offering.

Moreover, purpose-driven marketing has emerged as one of the top marketing trends of 2023. Brands like McDonald's, Samsung, and Sky, which effectively communicate their 'why', have boosted their reputation and customer loyalty. By investing in projects that resonate with their purpose, these companies forge more meaningful connections with their audiences.

For these trailblazing companies, profitability isn't the final destination but a by-product of their journey toward positively impacting society and the environment.

Take Bloom Impact, Australia's inaugural climate impact investing app, for example. They enable ordinary investors to contribute to the clean energy transition by meticulously selecting scientifically-backed climate solutions like solar farms and green infrastructure. Intertwining profitability with sustainability is charting a course toward a brighter future for all.

Purpose-driven companies grasp that employees yearn for more than just a paycheck - they seek purpose and a sense of belonging. Community-building initiatives are pivotal in achieving this and amplifying overall employee engagement. 

onHand, aptly dubbed "the impact app," has perfected community-building through volunteering. They foster a robust sense of belonging by aligning employees with purpose-driven missions such as mentoring youth or combating climate change. This employee-centric approach enriches company culture and magnetizes and retains top-tier talent. 

According to the 2023 Net Positive Employee Barometer by Paul Polman, 44% of U.S. Gen Z and millennial employees have previously resigned from a job because the company's values were discordant with their own. Like onHand, community-building initiatives are vital in addressing this issue and cultivating a sense of purpose and connection among employees.

Innovation is the gale force wind that propels purpose-driven companies. It enables them to navigate societal challenges with technological prowess and creative solutions while maintaining a competitive edge in their industry.
 
IBM's mission, "making a connected world smarter," fuels innovative programs like Smarter Cities. Collaborating with governments worldwide, IBM addresses environmental and social challenges head-on, transforming communities and leaving a lasting positive imprint. 

Through the Smarter Cities Challenge, IBM has already made significant strides. Stockholm experienced a 22% reduction in traffic congestion, translating to an annual revenue gain of $92 million. Bolzano saw a 30% savings in services for its aging population, and Malta achieved a 15% drop in water consumption and a 25% decrease in energy use. As a result, these cities have become more intelligent, more sustainable places to live, demonstrating the power of purpose-driven innovation.

Indeed, purpose is a powerful driver in the corporate world. In fact, 68% of executives believe it gives companies the agility to innovate amidst disruption, and 59% think it can drive transformational change. And initiatives like IBM's Smarter Cities bring this belief to life, showing how purpose can fuel innovation, carve out a competitive edge, and address societal issues, all at once.

As we sail further into the depths of 2023, purpose-driven companies stand as constellations in the vast business cosmos, heralding a new epoch of business that prioritizes societal well-being and profitability.
 
Whether you're a startup launching into the stormy seas or a seasoned sailor navigating the waves, remember this: your purpose is your compass. It will guide you through the most brutal storms and lead you toward uncharted territories of success and impact. May we all find our "True North" and chart a course toward a more purposeful and prosperous future!