Welcome To Brand
Heart
A podcast that celebrates companies who are leading with their heart during the COVID-19 epidemic.
In this show, we take a closer look at companies who are going above and beyond to do what’s right for their employees, customers, and community. Tune in as we hear from business leaders who are doing good in the world during this epidemic and how it’s helping them build stronger relationships with people.
If you know of a company that is going above and behind, fill out the form below so we can help tell their story!
Recent Episodes
Gentle Giant
In this inspiring podcast with Gentle Giant President, Larry O'Toole, learn what it means to truly run a business with HEART (Honor, Enthusiasm, Above & beyond, Respect, Teamwork) – and the impact it can have on employees, customers, community and the bottom line.
Oofos
Oofos is a footwear company on a mission to make people feel better – and that goes far beyond just their feet. Check out this inspiring interview with Oofos CEO, Steve Gallo, to “feel the OO” and hear how they’re helping customers, employees and the community feel better.
Harvard Business School
Brands with big hearts require leaders with hearts. With its mission to educate leaders who make a difference in the world, Harvard Business School (HBS) is creating both. In this episode, hear from Brian Kenny, HBS Chief Marketing and Communications Office, about how HBS is not only creating leaders and businesses with heart, but also walking the walk themselves.
Uwill
Approximately 64% of students dropping out of college attribute doing so, in part, to mental health issues. Launched just prior to the pandemic, Uwill is addressing this issue by working with colleges and universities to provide students ubiquitous access to counselors. In this episode, Uwill’s Director of Client Services, Asini Wijewardane shares their story.
Inner City Weightlifting
At Inner City Weightlifting, clients gain much more than just physical strength. They also gain strength in humanity as they learn from and interact with their trainers. Listen to this inspiring interview with founder and CEO Jon Feinman to hear how they are using weightlifting to help create a more caring, understanding, and equitable world.
BOKS
For more than 10 years, the BOKS Kids fitness program from Reebok/Adidas has been getting kids moving in the morning – improving not only their physical health, but also their classroom engagement and mental health. Listen to this inspiring interview with BOKS Founder and Executive Director, Kathleen Tullie, as she shares their journey from 1 school in Natick MA to now more than 12.500 schools around the world.
Life Is Good
Life is Good is in the business of spreading optimism – something we can all use a bit more of. But doing so takes practice and a conscious effort. Listen to this inspiring interview with Steve Gross, Chief Playmaker at Life is Good Kids Foundation, to learn how to infuse more optimism into your life and those around you.
Coils to Locs
When life gives you lemons, make lemonade. That’s what cancer survivor, Dianne Austin, did after she was unable to find an Afro kinky curly hair wig while battling the disease. She and her sister, Pamela Shaddock, started Coils to Locs to end this healthcare disparity by producing afro-textured synthetic wigs. Listen to her story.
Forward Financing
Throughout the pandemic, many small businesses have struggled to pay back their loans. Check out this episode with CEO and Founder, Justin Bakes, to hear how they helped their customers through the challenge, while also taking care of their own employees (and loans).
Strategy Matters
A great culture is the foundation of most every great business. In this episode, we speak with Founder and Principal of Strategy Matters, Liz O’Connor, about creating such cultures (Including their own) through leadership, diversity, collaboration and innovation.
Tonneson + Co
By building on a culture of collaboration, trust and respect (among employees, customers and the community), Tonneson + Co has experienced considerable growth and success – and was recently given the 2021 Small Business Innovation and Growth award from the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce. Listen to this interview with CEO, Rick Mastrocola to hear their story.
Moonshine 152 – Asia Mei
If you need inspiration on how to lead a business through difficult times, listen to this interview with Asia Mei, owner of Moonshine 152 restaurant in South Boston and recent winner of the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce Small Business CEO Leadership Award. Owning a restaurant during this pandemic has been anything but easy. Asia Mei demonstrates that success is about more than having great food (which they certainly have) – it’s about having a great big heart.
Bunker Hill Community College
The pandemic brought many challenges to educational institutions, but especially those like Bunker Hill Community College (BHCC). Check out this podcast with Karen Norton, Executive Director of Integrated Marketing and Communications at BHCC, to learn how they rose above the challenges to ensure that their students had the tools, access and support they needed to succeed.
Artists for Humanity
For more than 28 years, Artists for Humanity (AFH) has been creating opportunities for under-resource teens to gain experience, develop their creative skills and build confident with through art and design projects. The work they are doing has never been more important than it is right now. Listen to this interview with AFH Marketing Director, Rich Frank, to learn more about the organization, be inspired by their innovation/growth and heed the call to action to join them.
GasBuddy
With the Colonial Pipeline security breach, the price of gas shot up and, in some cases, it was almost as hard to find as toilet paper at the beginning of COVID. Listen to this interview with GasBuddy CEO, Sarah McCrary to learn how they’re helping consumers save money on gas.
Biteable
Video has been proven to be a highly effective communications tool. However, it’s not always easy for small organizations and internal communications teams to create them. In this episode with Biteable CEO, Brent Chudoba, learn how this leading online video creation company shifted gears to help organizations effectively communicate during the pandemic.
Care Dimensions
The end of life’s journey can be a very difficult time – and COVID makes it even more challenging. Listen to this heartfelt episode with Care Dimensions CEO, Pat Ahern, and Jean Graham, Sr. Director of Marketing, as they share how the largest hospice and palliative care provider in MA is constantly adapting to provide comfort and care to its patients and their families.
Boston Children’s Hospital
While the COVID-19 virus has been most harmful to the adult population, its indirect impact on children is taking its toll with behavioral health and other related issues on the rise. Listen to this podcast to hear Roddy Young, Chief Marketing and Communications office at BCH, discuss the impact on children and how the country’s leading Children’s Hospital is addressing the issue.
TB12
With a commitment to empowering people to perform at their best, TB12 has risen above challenges presented by the COVID pandemic to not only help their clients, but also help healthcare workers on the front lines and communities in need. Listen to this interview with CEO, John (JB) Burns, for the full story.
Facing History and Ourselves
History has a lot to teach us. On this episode, we speak with Laura Tavares, Senior Director of Organizational Learning and Thought Leadership at Facing History and Ourselves, and learn how they are helping millions of teachers, students and communities around the world find meaning and lessons from history and current events.
Boston Red Sox
When we think of organizations with loyal fans, few (if any) rise above The Boston Red Sox. But, loyalty doesn’t just happen. As the Red Sox clearly demonstrate, loyalty is a two way street. Listen to Red Sox Foundation Executive Director, Bekah Salwasser and Red Sox Chief Marketing Officer, Adam Grossman, share how the Red Sox earn the loyalty of their fans.
SpotOn
As COVID forces small and medium businesses to accelerate digital transformation, SpotOn has put partnership over profit to help its customers and community survive (and thrive) with its digital payment and relationship-building software. Listen to the whole story in this interview with CEO, RJ Horsely.
BSC Group
Joining BSC Group as the CEO less than 3 years ago, CEO Sean O’Brien has worked hard to build a culture of inclusivity and understanding. In this episode, Sean shares his perspectives and insight on how to make that happen – and why it’s so important.
Cruz Companies
Started in 1948 by a talented, courageous, kind and generous Black man in Boston, Cruz Companies has not only been a pillar in the communities it serves, but a role model for others to follow. Hear the full story from President and CEO, John Cruz, and Director, Justin Cruz, along with their perspectives and insights on the current social climate.
Proverb Agency
In this powerful interview recorded just days after the horrific killing of George Floyd (and subsequent protests and riots), Proverb Managing Director, Daren Bascome, and Managing Parnter, Chris Needham, share their insights and perspectives on how we move forward and strengthen the momentum for change.
Soofa
On a mission to help communities be more informed and connected, Soofa installs digital screens with streaming content specific to each neighborhood. As a company largely dependent on ad revenue from local retailers, COVID-19 hit them hard. But, that didn’t stop them from pursuing their mission. Listen to this interview with rock-star CEO, Sandra Richter, to hear how they’ve responded.
Harpoon Brewery
Although beer taps at restaurants, bars and event venues have been shut down, Harpoon Brewery is stepping up in numerous ways to help its employees, customers and the community. They are a shining example of a brand with a big heart. Hear the story directly from Harpoon Brewery’s Business Manager, Greg Moon; Brand Manager, Tim Kast; and Event and Sponsorship Supervisor, Nicole Sawyer.
Call to Action (C2A) Clothing
For more than 2 years, Jill Palese and her team had been working non-stop to launch their new swimwear line in May 2020. But then COVID-19 hit, and rather than launching their line, they pivoted to make medical robes for local hospitals. Listen to Jill’s amazing story and learn how you can help out.
VistaJet
With a global fleet of private aircraft, VistaJet has been helping its customers get to “safe havens” around the world to be with their families during this time. But, with many one-way flights, they’ve transported more than just their customers. They’ve used the extra “return space” to help those in most need. Listen to this interview with VistaJet Chief Commercial Officer, Ian Moore, for the full story.
Alyce
Understanding the importance of relationships (personal and business), Boston-based Alyce helps people build them with gifts that matter. In this episode, Alyce CEO, Greg Segall, shares the virtues of giving how they are enabling people to do so with ease and impact during this time.
S/O/S
S/O/S co-founders and co-CEO, Susanna and Robina, are on a mission to ensure that women always have access to quality feminine products. But, COVID19 put their plans on hold. So, now, they’ve shifted their focus to help those who need the most support – women in healthcare, on the front lines of fighting the virus. Hear the whole story and learn how you can help.
Handel + Haydn Society
This isn’t the first pandemic for the 200+ year-old Handel + Haydn Society. But the way in which they responded to this one is much different than their response to the Spanish Flu. Listen to H+H President, David Snead, as he shares the story of H+H and how they are making fresh Baroque and Classical music available to everyone.
Bedford Collections
As a business that primarily sells pillows and throws via brick & mortal retailers, Bedford Collection was forced to a halt by COVID-19. But, CEO Rich Sherman responded with heart – along with masks, throws and other support for those who needed them most. Listen to the whole story here.
HYP Studios
With her hot yoga and pilates business suddenly coming to a close, Debra Goodman, owner of HYP Studios, chose to help. The day after closing her doors (fittingly on Friday the 13th), she opened her heart – and began streaming free classes for people of all ages to enjoy some exercise, relieve stress and stay healthy. Listen to her full story in this episode.
Will Dailey, Musician
With all bars/clubs closing down and tour dates cancelled, Will Dailey decided to take his show somewhere else – his shower. Hear about Will’s “Isolation Tour” and how he is helping out-of-work front-line workers at clubs throughout Boston.
Eliqs
Ever want to have your own branded beverage? Well, Eliqs can do that for you. However, with most of their business driven by custom beverages for parties and events, the COVID-19 crisis has hit them hard. But rather than closing their doors, they’ve responded with a creative approach to support their partners, their employees and the World Health Organization. Take a listen.
Dirty Water Distillery
Based in Plymouth Mass, Dirty Water Distillery makes a range of unique spirits – from bacon vodka to Bogmonster Cranberry Gin. But now, all they’re making is hand sanitizer. Hundreds of gallons of it – and distributing it for free to hospitals, fire/police departments and anyone else who needs it. Listen to their story and help spread the goodness.