How to Build a Strong Company Culture in Coffee | EQUATOR COFFEES!

Equator Coffees has done something quite remarkable in the coffee space. 32 years in, and they remain steadfast in their values: Female-owned, B corp certified and LGBTQ+ focused. Ben sat down with Co-Founder Helen Russell to discuss the practicalities of creating and maintaining a value-led business… including non-negotiable staff benefits, transparency with customers, and Helen’s personal advice, ‘hire for kindness, teach coffee later!’. Helen also addresses the underrepresentation of women in leadership roles and the importance of supporting women-owned cooperatives.  00:00 Welcome & Introducing Helen Russell 01:23 The Story of Equator Coffees03:01 Building a Values-Led Coffee Business 08:59 Why Transparency Matters 15:36 Creating a Strong Company Culture 19:31 Balancing Values & Profitability 23:10 Turning Values Into Action 28:41 COVID, Grocery & Adapting the Business 35:14 Hospitality & Making Customers Feel Cared For 40:43 Women in Coffee Leadership 47:13 Creating an Equitable Workplace 51:03 Advice for Purpose-Driven Businesses 54:14 Hot Take: Coffee Should Cost More 55:23 Final Thoughts & Shout Outs Equator Coffees: https://www.instagram.com/equatorcoffees/  Helen Russell: https://www.instagram.com/equatorhelen/  If you're new here (welcome), our show dives into some of the best coffee conversations on the internet, but we will always remind ourselves at the end of the day - It's Just Coffee! Want more coffee content?  IT'S JUST COFFEE: https://linktr.ee/itsjustcoffeepod?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=4e8cead0-6644-4c4a-b419-28c825b1b236 Want to get in touch? Hit us up at hello@itsjustcoffeepod.com for any questions or comments. Proudly sponsored by: Marco Beverage Systems: https://www.instagram.com/marcobeveragesystems/  Apax Lab: https://apaxlab.com/ Condesa Co.Lab: https://condesacolab.com.au/  Riverina Fresh: https://www.riverinafresh.com.au/ Thanks for listening!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices