Philanthropy is more than just writing a check; it's about creating a lasting impact by serving others. For entrepreneurs engaging in purpose-driven entrepreneurship, integrating social good into the fabric of a business isn't just noble — it's a powerful way to build a sustainable company that resonates with employees, customers and communities alike.

During a conversation with Cheryl Sutterfield-Jones, CEO of Cars for Kids in Texas, I was struck by her insights on how leaders can make a difference beyond profit margins with purpose-driven entrepreneurship. Her stories offered valuable lessons on embedding purpose into business strategies, fostering trust and making an impact that transcends traditional business goals.

Founders Who Embrace Purpose-Driven Entrepreneurship

Purpose-driven entrepreneurship isn't a new concept. Several founders have woven philanthropy into their companies from the start:

  • Blake Mycoskie (TOMS): Mycoskie pioneered the one-for-one giving model, donating a pair of shoes for every pair sold.
  • Patagonia's Yvon Chouinard: Chouinard built Patagonia with environmental stewardship at its core, donating 1% of sales to environmental causes.
  • Dan Price (Gravity Payments): Price made headlines by raising his employees' minimum salary to $70,000 while cutting his own pay.
  • Scott Harrison (charity: water): Harrison founded charity: water to provide clean water access worldwide, with a model of complete donation transparency.

These founders didn't just focus on building successful companies — they made giving back a core part of their missions, centering purpose-driven entrepreneurship. Their stories show that doing good can be deeply integrated into business operations.

The Power of Servant Leadership in Business

Cheryl's journey into servant leadership and purpose-driven entrepreneurship began early in her career. "I knew I wanted to help others when I was a young girl," she shared. "While attending a conference, I was introduced to Robert Greenleaf's philosophy of the Servant as a Leader. I realized my personal goals of listening, humility, coaching, empathy and empowering my teams aligned with servant leadership."

This philosophy isn't just relevant to nonprofits or large organizations; it holds significant value for entrepreneurs starting new ventures. Founders often wear multiple hats and face immense pressure to deliver results. By adopting a servant leadership mindset, they can create a culture of trust, collaboration and empowerment from day one.

Read the full article about purpose-driven entrepreneurship by Roy Dekel at Entrepreneur.