Can a company stay true to its values as it grows? 

In this episode, Ben Cohen, co-founder of Ben & Jerry’s, and Frank van de Ven, CEO of i-team Global, discuss what it takes to build a mission-driven company and why protecting that mission becomes more difficult as organizations grow. 

Ben reflects on the origins of Ben & Jerry’s, the company’s evolution into an activist brand, and his belief that businesses should use their influence to create positive social change. He explains why values cannot simply live with the founders, but must become part of the organization itself. 

The conversation also explores the challenges that arise when ownership changes. Ben shares how Ben & Jerry’s sought to protect its social mission through governance structures and why he believes that mission is now under pressure.