Tune in to the latest episode of What the…? featuring an insightful conversation with Karen Johns, CEO of Net Impact.

In the latest episode of What the…?, 3BL takes an in-depth look at how Gen Z’s evolving expectations are reshaping the workforce, and how companies can adapt to attract and retain this new generation of professionals.

With over 85% of Gen Z workers prioritizing purpose in their careers, employers must move beyond traditional incentives and create environments where young talent can connect their work to a greater mission. In this episode, Karen Johns, CEO of Net Impact, offers strategic insights on how businesses can engage this emerging workforce and build an environment that fosters both personal fulfillment and professional growth.

Watch the episode now.

Key Takeaways for Business Leaders:

• Purpose-Driven Careers: Gen Z is pushing companies to rethink their value propositions. They seek roles that offer purpose and align with their personal values.
• Expanding the Scope of Impact: This generation is not limiting itself to traditional sustainability roles. From finance to accounting, they are pursuing impact-driven careers across diverse sectors.
• Fostering Mentorship and Transparency: Johns emphasizes the critical importance of mentorship and transparency in retaining top talent. Forging authentic relationships and providing clear paths for career development is key.
• Building a Growth-Focused Culture: Companies need to approach young talent with a mindset of long-term growth. Early careers should be seen as opportunities for exploration and development, with room to evolve as both individuals and leaders.

As Johns puts it, “Gen Z doesn’t just want a paycheck—they want to know their work matters.”

The premiere episode of 3BL’s new video series features a candid conversation with Daniel Blackman, founder of Renaissance94

“What the…?” is the question on every business leader’s mind right now. With expectations on corporate sustainability and social impact shifting fast, companies are scrambling to keep up. To cut through the noise, 3BL, alongside solutions journalism publisher TriplePundit, have launched “What the…?”, a bold new video series delivering unfiltered insights into the toughest challenges facing responsible business today.

The premiere episode features Daniel Blackman, founder of Renaissance94, in a candid conversation about the missteps made by sustainability professionals, the challenges of engaging communities on issues like climate action and resilience, and how business leaders can step up in this critical moment. Throughout the discussion, Blackman sheds light on the complex dynamics at play in the sustainability space, emphasizing that too often, strategies are fragmented, and efforts lack the consistency needed for meaningful change.

As Blackman puts it, “We can’t just talk about change every four years during an election cycle. Real impact comes from ongoing dialogue, accountability, and bringing frontline communities into the decision-making process.”

This powerful statement encapsulates the core of the conversation—sustainability is not a momentary focus but a long-term commitment that must be woven into the fabric of everyday business practices.

Watch the premiere episode here.

In a world full of buzzwords and half-answers, we’re here to ask the questions that matter. So if you’ve ever looked at the latest headlines and thought, What the…?, you’re in the right place.