Purposeful Entrepreneurship: Tara Milburn and Ethical Swag

Figure 8

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Join us for another episode of Figure Eight where Julie talks with Tara Milburn, the founder and CEO of Ethical Swag. Tara recounts the challenges of promoting sustainable products in a traditionally non-sustainable industry, the decision to become a B Corp, and building a remote, geographically diverse team.
Tara founded Ethical Swag in 2010 but didn't quit her full-time corporate job until after turning 50, when her kids were older and she could dedicate more time and energy to the venture. She embarked on a journey to redefine what success looks like in a company. Tara believes that business has created many of the challenges we face globally, and has an important role to play in fixing it. Ethical Swag is her way of demonstrating we can solve problems in business, create a better world, provide great swag that aligns with her clients values, and have fun doing it! You can learn more about Tara's incredible career here.
Julie and Tara discuss...

**Ethical Swag's Mission, Values, and Evolution (00:05:53)** Tara's perspective on Ethical Swag as a business vehicle, the industry's response to sustainable products, and the challenges of articulating and achieving her goals for the company. They also discuss Tara's decision to become a B Corp, and the importance of third-party certifications.

**Building a Geographically Diverse Team (00:15:01)** Tara's approach to creating a geographically diverse team, the values of transparency, and the challenges and advantages of building a strong culture within a dispersed team, especially in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.

**Clear communication parameters and technology use (00:23:03)** The impact of evolving technology on work, including the convergence of technologies and the need to be purposeful and thoughtful.

**Balancing profitability and sustainability (00:31:18)** Exploration of the idea that businesses can be profitable while also promoting sustainability and ethical practices. Tara recounts the challenges of societal expectations and the need for progress over perfection in promoting positive change.

**Supporting entrepreneurs in business challenges (00:37:59)** The importance of building a supportive community for entrepreneurs facing business challenges and navigating the "black hole" phases.
You can connect with Ethical Swag through their website, Facebook, or Instagram, and connect with Tara via LinkedIn.

You can connect with Julie on LinkedIn or Instagram.
Find Julie's writing at her blog or by ordering Big Gorgeous Goals.
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