Work That's Worth It
You are rich in hours—around 90,000 of them! For many of you, repeating the professional paths of your parents is not appealing. Particularly because their career choices often lacked purpose and put our planet in danger. Or they devoted their lives to a great cause, but money was scarce. You are craving a broader definition of “success” and need inspiration and role models to show you a different way. That much is clear.
Thankfully many young professionals like you want careers that provide income along with impact. More importantly, you are looking for work worth your valuable time, allowing you to be part of something bigger. However, finding real examples across various industries to achieve this balance is challenging. Fortunately, the Work That’s Worth It podcast connects those dots for you.
Each episode features an inspiring ‘Disruptor for Good’ who has transformed their career hours into a powerful force for positive change. Join host Georgi Enthoven for casual, insightful interviews featuring extraordinary role models from around the globe. The hand-picked guests demonstrate how they aligned their ambitious contributions to the world with matching compensation. They will show you that it is possible to combine a worthwhile contribution with meaningful compensation by investing in yourself and making intentional choices.
Whether you're a recent graduate or an ambitious young professional eager to make a difference, Work That’s Worth It offers a roadmap to turn your career into a vehicle for personal growth and a positive impact. Don’t wait for your ‘second act’ in your career. Tune in now to unlock your potential and start creating the change you wish to see in the world from the get-go.
Work That's Worth It
S1E24: Ethical Entrepreneurship - Connecting Artisans to Global Markets
Today's guest is Rebecca Van Bergen, founder of Nest, a nonprofit organization that champions the handworker economy and supports artisans around the world.
**Ready to love your Mondays? Buy 'Work That's Worth It' now - Amazon, B&N, Bookshop.org. OR, need more convincing? Get the first chapters FREE here.**
Rebecca exemplifies what happens when someone takes an early leap into meaningful work, building a business that authentically reflects who she is. Twenty years ago, as a fresh social work graduate, Rebecca won a business plan competition that provided seed capital to start Nest. Rather than following a traditional career path, she immediately began creating a platform that helps women artisans build sustainable businesses across 123 countries.
Recognized as a PBS Changemaker, World Economic Forum Young Global Leader, and Ashoka Fellow, Rebecca offers invaluable wisdom on building a purpose-driven enterprise that challenges traditional business models while creating economic opportunities for women worldwide.
Her story offers powerful insights into creating an enterprise aligned with your values and finding fulfillment through supporting others' creativity and economic independence.
Key points:
- Rebecca founded Nest after graduating with a social work degree, inspired by Muhammad Yunus winning the Nobel Peace Prize for microfinance in the same year.
- Rather than focusing solely on providing debt for women entrepreneurs, Nest creates supportive environments for craft enterprises through training and market access.
- Nest's Artisan Guild connects craft enterprises globally, with members in 123 countries and all 50 US states, providing e-learning and business development resources.
- Nest partners with major brands and retailers like Etsy, Target, Patagonia, and Williams-Sonoma to connect artisans with markets and ensure ethical sourcing.
- The Uplift Makers program with Etsy has helped bridge the digital divide for cultural communities, including Native makers, Gee's Bend quilters, and Gullah Geechee basket weavers.
- Nest developed a seal of ethical handcraft for globally produced artisanal items, ensuring fair pay and no child labor for home-based producers.
- Craft has historically been marginalized as "women's work" despite being a major income driver for women globally and providing flexible work options.
- The organization focuses on active listening to makers' needs and willingness to iterate programs based on feedback.
- As technology advances, consumer demand for handcrafted items has grown as people seek an antidote to digital life.
- Rebecca built her business skills through learning-by-doing and seeking mentors, maintaining a financially conservative approach to ensure sustainability.
- Nest runs a volunteer program connecting professionals with makers who need support in areas like web design, sales strategy, and logistics.
- Rebecca emphasizes the importance of building confidence to overcome imposter syndrome, which she reframes as "pioneer syndrome" when doing innovative work.