As someone whose business has impact on multiple levels, Shawn Askinosie is indeed “One of 15 Guys Who Are Saving the World,” as O: The Oprah Magazine called him. Hear about his journey and what has gone into creating his company’s impact.
Shawn Askinosie is the founder of Askinosie Chocolate. Lawren Askinosie, his daughter, is the Chief Marketing Officer. Their business model has been featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and on Bloomberg and numerous other media outlets. Shawn was named by O, The Oprah Magazine, as “One of 15 Guys Who Are Saving the World.” He is a Family Brother at Assumption Abbey, a Trappist monastery near Ava, Missouri.
3 Key Points
- Corporate social responsibility departments need to be an integrated part of the business to have impact.
- Scale is the siren song for entrepreneurs. When one grows at any cost, they lose sight of their personal calling.
- Don’t burn yourself out by falling into the vortex of “I’m not doing enough.” Serve your mission confidently.
Quote
“One of the keys to the true transformation of capitalism is the willingness to let [impact-focused activities] play out, even if it’s a little bit messy.”
What We Talked About
In this episode, you’ll learn:
- 01:30 – What brought you to where you are now?
- 03:24 – Why chocolate?
- 04:44 – What does it mean to you to explore your vocation?
- 06:00 – Why “begin with your sorrow”?
- 09:50 – How has tragedy affected you?
- 12:35 – How are you having impact?
- 16:10 – On contributing to the community: providing jobs and education for unhoused kids
- 18:55 – How do you link business with vocation?
- 20:54 – What is reverse scaling?
- 24:38 – How have you dealt with guilt and burnout?
- 29:32 – When you bring people into your company, do they need to be fully bought-in to the mission?
- 33:52 – How have you cultivated your leadership?
- 38:30 – How do you nurture workplace culture?
Actionable Tips
- Don’t wait for everything to be perfect. Start trying to make an impact now.
- Cultivate a centered and mindful life.
- Identify your company’s collective calling.
Resources Mentioned
- Learn more about Askinosie Chocolate
- Shawn’s book: Meaningful Work: A Quest to Do Great Business, Find Your Calling, and Feed Your Soul by Shawn Askinosie
- Learn more about Shawn Askinosie or send him an email
Resources for Your Business
Click here for free resources to increase the impact of your business.
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Ursula Jorch, Host of The Impact Interviews
Ursula Jorch is a business coach, speaker, and podcaster who shows women leaders how to turn their businesses into profitable agents for lasting change, global impact, and a force for good in the world.
