How Greater Purpose Is Giving Canadian Businesses A New Way To Lead With Impact
Afdhel Aziz - Forbes • June 25, 2025

Discover how Greater Purpose is reshaping Canadian business by helping companies turn their values into action. This Forbes article explores how a bold new network is making purpose the strategy, not just the slogan.

Today marks the official launch of Greater Purpose, a Canadian platform built to bring together businesses that want to integrate purpose into the very core of how they operate. For Brad Offman, founder of Greater Purpose, this is the culmination of years spent listening, learning, and bringing together leaders ready to stand up for what matters most.


“We’ve actually been building this community for several years, starting with the launch of The Partnership Conference in 2019,” Brad says. “But as much as I love our Conference and our other Regional Events, there are some real limitations. Events are ephemeral and short-lived. While they might be foundational to creating a movement, they aren’t enough. We needed to fill the space that exists between events and in our view, that could only be done by creating a community that would drive our objectives on an ongoing basis.”


Greater Purpose is that space: a membership community where businesses can share insights, connect with peers, and amplify their commitment to social purpose. From exclusive events and a trusted purpose mark to brand visibility and a private online community, it offers a home for changemakers who believe in using business as a force for good.


A New Definition of Success

For Brad, this work is deeply personal. Having spent most of his career in the corporate world—including time as a senior executive at a large financial institution—he understands that profitability and purpose aren’t in conflict, they’re intertwined.


“Greater Purpose defines success by commitment to social purpose. Wherever a business is on the path to purpose, there’s a place for it in Greater Purpose,” he says. “I’ve spent most of my career in the corporate sector, most recently as a senior executive at a large financial institution. I recognized early on that a company could change the world by leveraging its assets in the name of social good, and that didn’t have to come at the expense of profitability or shareholder value. That was a profound moment for me.”


The Power of Community

Brad is clear that community is not just a feature—it’s at the heart of everything. “Community is such a critical part of the purpose journey,” he says. “Change becomes easier when everyone gets on board. Changemakers are often outliers, especially in large companies. We provide a community to let these changemakers understand that they are not alone.”


It’s about connection and collaboration, but also about belonging. “Community is the foundation for collaboration, trust, and a profound sense of belonging. It is a critical element for driving the change we are driving to achieve.”


Purpose in Practice

From startups to established corporations, Greater Purpose’s members come from all corners of the economy. But what unites them isn’t a single set of metrics—it’s a shared commitment to finding and living their reason for being.


“What unites our members is a commitment to finding and understanding their very reason for existing,” Brad says. “Purpose isn’t about impact, employee engagement, inclusion, sustainable procurement and good governance—but at the same time, it’s about all of those things. Once a business, or an individual, defines its purpose, it becomes easier to answer existential questions about its strategy and its direction.”


What’s most inspiring to Brad is seeing how purpose becomes a strategic North Star. “What is unexpected is how many companies are thinking about purpose as a core strategic driver,” he says. “It makes everything easier because it defines as a company what you will do, and just as importantly, what you will not do. Companies all have unique assets, and watching them deploy these assets in the name of their purpose is truly a fascinating sight to behold.”


A Defining Moment for Canada

As the world faces profound shifts, Brad sees a rare opportunity for Canadian companies to lead. “We’re living in very, very interesting times,” he says. “The current geopolitical environment is forcing many companies to rethink their place in the world, and what’s most interesting is that parts of the shift have happened virtually overnight.”

Even though Greater Purpose wasn’t created in direct response to these turbulent times, Brad believes it’s exactly what’s needed right now. “While we didn’t create Greater Purpose in the context of the current geopolitical situation, I think having the haven of a purpose-driven community will provide an outlet for companies that are truly committed to this work,” he says.


And in those conversations with leaders across Canada, Brad hears something powerful: “Canada is rethinking its purpose, and there is a powerful sense that Canadian companies can be global leaders when it comes to purpose. This isn’t anecdotal. I’m talking to business leaders everyday and there’s a sense that this is Canada’s time to shine.”


Yet he’s quick to emphasize that defining purpose is only the beginning. “Paul Klein, another Forbes contributor, reminded me recently that having a strong purpose is merely the first step,” he notes. “That purpose needs to be activated, and it needs to be activated quickly and immediately. Otherwise, we will miss this golden opportunity to take the lead on this issue, and demonstrate that companies truly have the power to change the world through a well-defined and thoughtfully activated purpose. The time is NOW.”


For Brad Offman and the growing community at Greater Purpose, today’s launch is about more than a new platform. It’s an invitation—to rethink what it means to do business in Canada, to lead with integrity, and to prove that the future isn’t just about what you sell—it’s about what you stand for.


By Brad & Claire December 17, 2025
As we close out 2025, we want to pause and say thank you. Leading with purpose can feel lonely. You're often the one making the case for change, pushing against inertia, doing the invisible work of turning aspiration into action. But this year proved something we've always believed: you're not doing it alone. Whether you joined us at a conference, an Impact Circle, or followed along from afar, you helped shape what Greater Purpose became this year. 2025 was a year of change, momentum, and clarity as we transitioned from the Partnership Conference to Greater Purpose and establishing the foundation for what comes next. Why This Year Mattered When we launched Greater Purpose, we were clear on our purpose and mission. Over these last months, we've crystallized the vision that drives our work: positioning Canada as a global leader in purpose-led business. We believe Canada has a real opportunity to shine in this space. As a country, we're doing incredible work, but often quietly. Greater Purpose exists to amplify that work, connect the leaders driving it forward, and shape the next generation of business. Our mission is clear: to build Canada's defining community for purpose-led business. And, wherever you are on the path to purpose, there's a place for you here. The Power of Community What emerged most clearly this year wasn't just programming or events; it was the power of community itself. Of finding your people. Of knowing others are navigating the same tensions, asking the same hard questions, celebrating the same wins that feel massive when you're the only one championing them inside your organization. Sona Khosla, Chief Impact Officer at Benevity, captured this perfectly after our Toronto conference: "In just a year, you have become a touchstone for me; I didn't realize how much I needed community in my own country, so I'm very grateful to all of you for bringing us together for a greater purpose!" This is what a community of practice looks like. It's peer learning grounded in lived experience. It's honest conversations about what's working and what isn't. It's the reminder that you're not alone, and that together, we're building something that matters. A Note for the Season As this year comes to a close, we want to wish you and yours a peaceful holiday season. Take time to rest, to celebrate what you've accomplished, and to reconnect with what matters most. Thank you for being part of this community. For showing up, for pushing forward, for believing that business can—and should—be a force for good. As we head into 2026, if you know someone who belongs in this community—bring them with you. This movement grows stronger when we invite others in. Here's to building what comes next and we'll see you in the new year. With gratitude and warm wishes, Brad & Claire What Stayed With Us This Year Our founding members – Welcoming the companies who believed in this vision from the beginning. Your commitment helped establish the foundation for everything to come. Building strategic partnerships – Collaborating with Postmedia, The Walrus, and Future of Good to amplify Canadian purpose-led business stories. Blue Jays World Series – Watching the team play their hearts out together reminded us that sometimes the best connections happen outside the boardroom. Our first western conference – Taking Greater Purpose west for the first time, the turnout at the Calgary Zoo showed us the appetite for this community extends coast to coast. Greater Purpose Conference East – In October, we gathered hundreds of leaders in Toronto for conversations that moved beyond theory into practice. Becoming a Certified B Corporation – Joining a global community of businesses committed to using business as a force for good. Impact Circles – Creating peer-led spaces for trust, learning, and real connection in Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal. The Inaugural Greater Purpose Awards – Recognizing leaders and organizations making purpose tangible and measurable, including Purpose Leadership Award winner Maureen Young of Coast Capital Savings, Social Purpose Company winners Coast Capital, MCIS Language Solutions, and Sarona Asset Management, and Innovative Partnership Award winner Public Architecture. Looking Ahead: What's Next in 2026 We're heading into 2026 with clarity and conviction—and some exciting firsts. A New Look & Feel A refreshed website and brand experience that reflects the community we're building together. Coming in early 2026. Greater Purpose Conference West May 11-12, 2026 | Vancouver - Our first-ever West Coast conference. Registration is now open . Impact Circles Across Canada In-person community gatherings in Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, Montreal, with more locations to come. New formats, deeper connections, and more opportunities to gather with your peers. The Greater Purpose Awards Expanding in 2026 with additional categories and amplified reach through our media partnerships. Nominations open July 2026. Membership Every business has a greater purpose. A Greater Purpose membership signals yours. It connects you to a national movement working to establish Canada as a global leader in the purpose economy. Learn more . Partner With Us Interested in collaborating on events, programming, or thought leadership? We'd love to hear from you at info@greaterpurpose.inc
By Brad & Claire November 20, 2025
As we scrolled through the photos from our Toronto conference, this one brought an instant smile: a room full of people with their hands in the air, fully present, engaged, and saying I'm in. It captures what happens when impact-driven leaders come together: openness, energy, and a feeling of collective momentum that's impossible to ignore. There's something about that image that stays with you. And for our team, it's a reflection of a movement gaining strength. We are living in a time of incredible change and complexity, and these are the people choosing to lead through it differently. They came ready to be challenged, to connect, and to recommit to the work that brought them into this space in the first place. The Reminder We All Needed What we heard again and again in your feedback was "I needed this." Not just the insights shared on stage, but the reminder that you're not doing this work alone. That across Canada, there are leaders pushing against inertia, making the case for change, and doing the often-invisible work of turning purpose from aspiration into action. It's a reminder that even the most driven among us can feel isolated in this work. Purpose-driven leadership isn't always celebrated in traditional business circles. It can feel like swimming against the current, constantly justifying why doing good and doing well aren't mutually exclusive. To be in a room full of people who get it, who are navigating the same tensions and trade-offs, who are asking the same hard questions provides a sense of connection and hope. Recognizing Purpose The inaugural Greater Purpose Awards brought that invisible work into the light, raising the profile of the people and organizations turning purpose into real progress. From courageous leaders to innovative partnerships, the awards celebrated those who are setting new standards for what purposeful business can look like. (And yes… Brad's purple tuxedo was absolutely part of the moment.) Recognition isn't just symbolic. Research consistently shows that meaningful appreciation boosts motivation, strengthens trust, and increases collaboration. These are the conditions under which innovation and social impact flourish. It's also one of the most overlooked levers inside organizations. The Awards helped change that. The winners represented a diverse cross-section of industries and approaches, but they shared a common thread: a refusal to accept the status quo. They're proof that purpose isn't a marketing strategy or a nice-to-have. It's a way of operating that demands courage, commitment, and a willingness to be held accountable to something greater than the bottom line. You can meet our award winners here . Celebrating Impact These past six months have stretched us, surprised us, and reminded us why this movement matters. Last night, we gathered again, this time at our Greater Purpose Launch Party in Vancouver, hosted by our friends and purposeful partners at the Canadian Purpose Economy Project. The energy in the room was unmistakable: leaders connecting, ideas sparking, and a shared sense that one day these tiny ripples of action will create a tide of meaningful change. It was a glimpse of what's to come on May 11–12, when we host our first-ever Greater Purpose Conference in Vancouver. Mark your calendars. Registration opens November 24 , and we'd love to have you with us. Inspiring Change And the momentum continues. On December 4, our sold-out Impact Circle in Toronto brings another group of leaders together to learn, reflect, and shape what's next. The Impact Circle is where purpose-driven leaders gather to connect, share bold ideas, collaborate, and support each other. When you're surrounded by peers who understand the weight of this work, you can speak openly about the setbacks as well as the wins. And that honesty is where the real learning happens. Building What's Next Every gathering, every conversation, every raised hand is building the conditions for a more purposeful economy. Thank you for showing up with your ideas, enthusiasm, and commitment to this work. This community is growing because of you. And we're just getting started. The path forward isn't always clear, and it certainly isn't easy. But what we've seen over these past months gives us confidence that the foundation is strong. You are that foundation. Your willingness to show up, to push for change within your organizations, to hold yourselves and each other accountable is what makes this more than a moment. It's a movement. So keep raising your hands. Keep saying I'm in. And know that when you do, you're part of something much larger than any single event or initiative. You're helping to build the economy we all want to see, one where purpose and profit aren't at odds, where business is a force for good, and where leaders like you are recognized for the vital work you're doing. With gratitude, Brad & Claire
By Brad & Claire October 16, 2025
Greater Purpose Conference 2025 October 27–28, 2025 | The Carlu, Toronto
Greater Purpose conference speaker panel — social purpose business event
By Brad Offman September 18, 2025
The future of business in Canada isn’t being imagined in isolation. It’s being built together. And nowhere is that more evident than at the Greater Purpose Conference . 
Greater Purpose newsletter signup insights
By Brad Offman August 19, 2025
One Month In: Gratitude, Grit, and What Comes Next
Social Purpose Scorecard business assessment
By Brad Offman August 7, 2025
Being purpose-driven means having a social purpose and sticking to it. Every day.
Greater Purpose Awards Canada social impact
By Brad Offman and Claire Elizabeth Williams July 16, 2025
Honouring What’s Possible When Business Leads with Purpose
Claire Elizabeth Williams and Brad Offman
By Claire Williams and Brad Offman June 16, 2025
What began as a single conference has grown into a national movement — and today, we proudly launch Greater Purpose. This marks more than a rebrand; it’s a recommitment to building a future where business leads with courage, collaboration, and social impact at its core.
A canadian flag is flying in front of a mountain range.
By Brad Offman March 28, 2025
Canada is poised to become a global leader in purpose-driven business, driven by initiatives like the Canadian Purpose Economy Project. This article explores how movements like Greater Purpose are helping businesses embed social impact into their core strategies.
A cup of coffee sits next to a notebook and pen
By Brad Offman March 28, 2025
Brad Offman shares his journey from financial services to launching a national movement for purpose-driven business. This story highlights the key moments that led to the creation of Greater Purpose.
Show More