GENERAL INTERVIEW

Corporate Activist: Learn what corporate activism means

Published on May 22, 2024

Have You Heard? is where the Pod Bible team meet the people behind the podcasts you may not have heard, but we think you should have. The Corporate Activist is something of a business podcast with a difference – one where the focus is on purposeful activism as a part of the business model. We caught up with Siri Khalsa to learn more about her passion for this area, and for podcasting…

Who are you and what’s your podcast about?

I have three decades of experience spanning the corporate, public and non-profit sectors, in an effort to help others and make the world a little better. In 2023 I launched The Corporate Activist with the intention to grow the corporate activism movement by creating awareness of how corporations, or even small and medium sized businesses, can engage in social impact and political issues. On the show I speak to people working in social impact as business owners, researchers and academics to better understand what corporate activism actually means, and how it’s progressing and more that needs to be done.

I believe the corporate sector has a huge role to play in addressing the urgent social, environmental, and geopolitical problems we face today. On the Corporate Activist we aim to give advice and best practices for how companies can get involved with authenticity, intelligence and impact.

What’s the first podcast you ever listened to?

I listened to This American Life originally as a radio show which helped introduce me to the world of podcasting. I also remember loving Start Up from Gimlet, which got me really interested in the podcasting industry in general.

Why did you decide to start podcasting in the first place?

I just love the accessibility of the format, both for listeners and for makers. It allows you to dive into the topics that you are passionate about, and helps connect you to others who share that passion, anywhere in the world. I know corporate activism is a bit of a niche topic, but having a podcast on the topic allows me to find and build the community of people who also care about the role, responsibility of corporations in addressing today’s most pressing challenges. I love hearing from people who enjoy the podcast, it gives me a great deal of hope and inspiration.

Which podcasts do you take inspiration from?

I love How I Built This, which really goes deep into the entrepreneurial process both from the personal and professional perspective. I also enjoy In Good Company recently which is a shorter format, but always has challenging and unexpected conversations with the world’s top business leaders. And of course, I love a podcast like Off Menu that can make you laugh out loud.

Who’s your dream guest for the podcast?

Such a good question because it is a long list. I actually had the chance to meet Anita Roddick (founder of the Body Shop) many, many years ago and was so inspired by her, she would have been a great guest. But it is also great to see a new generation of young entrepreneurs who approach their businesses as a way to do good in the world like Aurora James.

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learnt so far as a podcaster?

At the beginning I struggled a bit with figuring out what message I wanted to share with my audience. By putting out the episodes, finding the right guests, and having the conversations helped me understand and refine the purpose of the podcast. Learn by doing!

Which episode would you say is the perfect introduction to your podcast?

The first episode Season 2, ‘Making Business Good’ with guest Giles Gibbons was a great conversation about how the original concepts of corporate social responsibility got us to where we are today and how we can move forward in sustainable ways.