Values-driven leadership has never been more critical in a business climate marked by rapid change and uncertainty. On February 20, the University of Vermont’s Grossman School of Business hosted Leading with Purpose: Navigating an Evolving Business Landscape in partnership with Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility (VBSR). The event brought together business leaders, students, and entrepreneurs for a thought-provoking discussion on balancing financial sustainability with social responsibility.
Held in the atrium of Kalkin Hall, the event featured a dynamic panel of experts, including Paige Flanagan (SI-MBA ‘25), Sascha Mayer (Cofounder + Chief Experience Officer, Mamava), Kenneth Merritt Jr. (Managing Director, Merritt & Merritt), Craig Walker (Financial Advisor, Greenvest), and Michael Casella (Market Area Manager, Casella). The conversation was moderated by Srini Venugopal, Ph.D., Academic Director of the Sustainable Innovation MBA (SI-MBA) program and Donald and Gabrielle McCree Endowed Professor of Business.
Panelists shared real-world experiences navigating today’s business challenges while staying true to their missions. They explored questions raised by this year’s Conscious Consumer Spending Index, which found that while 66% of Americans believe in supporting socially responsible brands, overall commitment to these values has declined. Against this backdrop, the discussion focused on strategies for driving positive change, overcoming market pressures, and building resilient, purpose-driven organizations.
The evening also provided ample time for networking, with Vermont business leaders and students connecting over coffee and appetizers. Attendees had the opportunity to engage with SI-MBA students and alumni, gaining insights into the program’s mission of shaping the next generation of business leaders.
Sponsored by Hagan Media and hosted by the Grossman School of Business, Leading with Purpose reaffirmed the importance of socially responsible business practices and the power of collaboration in shaping a more sustainable future.
For more on VBSR and its impact, visit Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility.
For more on SI-MBA and its impact, visit UVM’s Sustainable Innovation MBA program.
About the Author
Emily Listowich is a current SI-MBA student with a background in outdoor recreation advocacy, nonprofit development, and creative storytelling. A proud Vermont transplant, Emily earned her Bachelor’s degree from UVM’s Rubenstein School in 2018, where she focused on Natural Resources and Community Development. Her professional experience includes managing multimillion-dollar fundraising efforts, directing national film tours, and co-founding UVM’s Chicks on Sticks VT, a club dedicated to inclusivity in snowsports. Passionate about mission-driven work and cross-sector collaboration, Emily aspires to build bridges between the for-profit and nonprofit worlds to strengthen Vermont's communities and economy.