Why Greater Purpose?
Brad Offman • March 28, 2025

The way we define business success is shifting. Profit alone is no longer the sole measure of a company's value—its impact on society, its environmental footprint, and its commitment to ethical leadership now hold equal weight. This is where Greater Purpose comes in—a movement designed to position Canada as a leader in the global purpose economy, helping businesses integrate purpose into their core strategies and redefine what it means to thrive​.


Why Now? The Urgent Need for Purpose-Driven Business

The traditional relationship between business and society is under strain. From economic inequality to climate change, today’s biggest challenges demand solutions that go beyond philanthropy or corporate social responsibility (CSR). Consumers, employees, and investors alike are asking companies a critical question: What do you stand for?


Canadian businesses are recognizing that purpose isn’t just a branding exercise—it’s a competitive advantage. Companies with a clear social purpose experience stronger brand loyalty, better employee retention, and long-term profitability. But making the shift from shareholder-first to purpose-driven isn’t always easy. Many businesses lack a clear roadmap, struggle to measure impact, or fear accusations of “purpose-washing.” Greater Purpose was created to address these barriers and provide a trusted space for companies to show their commitment to purpose, learn from each other, and drive real change​.



The Evolution from Partnership Conference to Greater Purpose

Greater Purpose didn’t emerge out of nowhere—it’s the next step in an already successful movement. It evolved from the Partnership Conference, a premier gathering of corporate and social impact leaders that has been fostering collaboration and innovation since 2019​. As the conversations grew deeper and the demand for sustained engagement increased, it became clear that companies needed more than an annual event. They needed a year-round community, structured support, and opportunities to showcase their progress.


Enter Greater Purpose: a membership-based network offering exclusive events, awards, strategic partnerships, and access to a vibrant community of purpose-driven leaders​. This is a space where businesses—whether just beginning their purpose journey or leading the charge—can find support, credibility, and inspiration.


How Greater Purpose Will Transform the Canadian Business Landscape

Greater Purpose isn’t just a membership program—it’s a catalyst for systemic change. By creating a visible and influential network of businesses committed to purpose, it has the potential to shift industry norms, influence policy, and set a new standard for corporate leadership in Canada​.


Here’s how:


  1. Building a Purpose Economy – By aligning with global sustainability goals and encouraging companies to integrate purpose into their DNA, Greater Purpose will redefine how success is measured in Canada​.
  2. Encouraging Collaboration Over Competition – The network creates a space where businesses can share best practices, form strategic partnerships, and solve social and environmental challenges together, rather than in silos​.
  3. Shaping Public and Investor Perception – Greater Purpose will provide trustmarks, awards, and visibility tools to help members demonstrate their commitment to purpose—helping businesses attract customers, talent, and investors who prioritize impact​.
  4. Providing a Roadmap for Change – Not all companies are at the same stage in their purpose journey. Greater Purpose offers a scalable framework, allowing businesses to self-assess, set goals, and measure progress over time, ensuring authenticity over superficial commitments​.


How Greater Purpose Will Transform the Canadian Business Landscape

Greater Purpose isn’t about being perfect—it’s about progress. It’s about meeting companies where they are, providing the tools to move forward, and holding space for the honest conversations that drive real change​.


As it launches in 2025, Greater Purpose will set a new standard for corporate leadership in Canada—one where success is measured not just in financial returns, but in positive impact. The future of business is bold, inclusive, and driven by purpose. The question is: Will you be part of it?



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
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