Summary:

In this episode of Coffey Talk, Kate sits down with Erica Hakonson, CEO and founder of Maven Collective Marketing, to talk about what happens when purpose is not a side project, but the operating system of a business. Erica shares her journey from aspiring academic to entrepreneur, the two-year push to become a certified B Corp, and why giving is not a nice-to-have for her team, it is a responsibility. They walk through Maven’s Pay It Forward initiative, how employee goals now include impact, and why purpose-driven companies can still be wildly profitable.

Takeaways:

• B Corp certification is a rigorous, ongoing commitment, not a one-time badge.
• Purpose-driven practices can live right inside day-to-day operations, not just in marketing copy.
• Giving back can look like money, skills, time, and simple presence in your local community.
• Employees stay longer when they feel like true stakeholders in the mission, not just the work.
• You can grow a profitable business that also funds real-world change, year after year.

👉🏻Contact information for Erica Honkonson: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericahakonson/

B Corp - Maven Collective: https://www.bcorporation.net/en-us/find-a-b-corp/company/maven-collective-marketing/

B Corp Mission: https://www.bcorporation.net/en-us/

Officially B Corp Certified: https://mavencollectivemarketing.com/insights/maven-collectives-journey-to-b-corp-certification/

2026 Microsoft Partnership Survey: https://bit.ly/FY26-MSPartner-Survey

2025 Microsoft Partner Global Benchmarking & Insights Report: https://bit.ly/ms-partner-report

Maven Collective Learn With Us: https://www.youtube.com/@MavenCollectiveMarketing

Maven Collective Sneak Peak into Our Culture: https://www.instagram.com/mavencollectivemarketing/

Partner Marketing Bytes Newsletter: https://bit.ly/partner-marketing-bytes

Pay It Forward Initiative: https://mavencollectivemarketing.com/insights/b-corp-pay-it-forward-2025/

Additionally, Maven Collective's Global Survey on AI-Driven Growth: https://www.einpresswire.com/article/866976365/inside-the-1-2t-microsoft-partner-economy-maven-collective-marketing-unveils-2026-global-survey-on-ai-driven-growth

Thanks for tuning in to Coffey Talk with Kate Coffey-Bacon!
Real people. Real stories. 20-minute conversations that stir something in your soul.
☕ Subscribe and join the Coffey Talk community.
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Episode Summary
In this episode of Coffey Talk, Kate sits down with Steven Chinsky to talk about how consulting has evolved and what the next generation of consultants truly needs to grow into the role with confidence and impact. They explore how mentorship and community shape not just technical skill, but presence, communication, and trust. Steve shares why functional literacy matters as much as technical knowledge, how remote work has changed rapport with customers, and why experienced professionals have a responsibility to look around and pour into those coming up behind them. At its core, this conversation is about growth, learning, and building a future that is stronger because we invested in people.

Key Takeaways

• Mentorship plays a critical role in developing confident, capable consultants
• Functional literacy and business understanding matter as much as technical skill
• Consulting today requires adaptability and continuous learning
• Remote work changes how rapport and trust are built with customers
• Strong communities help individuals grow faster and more sustainably

👉🏻Contact information for Steve Chinsky:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-chinsky-321a20/

BC 3 Amigos: https://www.youtube.com/@BC3Amigos

Email: schinsky@llconsultingservices.com

Thanks for tuning in to Coffey Talk with Kate Coffey-Bacon!
Real people. Real stories. 20-minute conversations that stir something in your soul.
☕ Subscribe and join the Coffey Talk community.
💬 Follow @_CoffeyTalk on Instagram for daily inspiration and behind-the-scenes stories.
🎧 New episodes every Monday at 8 AM ET.

👉 Visit us at CoffeyTalkPodcast.com

Not every year comes with trophies, promotions, or a neat list of accomplishments. Some years are quieter. Harder to explain. Still deeply formative.

In this episode of Coffey Talk, Kate Coffey-Bacon sits down with Shannon Mullins, Microsoft MVP, founder, community leader, and longtime friend, to talk honestly about seasons of change. The years where you show up, keep going, and stay grounded even when there’s no highlight reel to share.

This is a conversation about trusting the process, finding steadiness in uncertainty, and recognizing growth that doesn’t announce itself right away.

Key Takeaways

• Not all growth is visible in real time
  Quiet years often prepare you for what’s next
• Staying grounded matters more than staying busy
• You’re not behind just because your year wasn’t loud

👉🏻Contact information for Shannon Mullins, MVP:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannon-mullinsmacc/

A BC Consulting Group: https://www.abccgroup.com/

Thanks for tuning in to Coffey Talk with Kate Coffey-Bacon!
Real people. Real stories. 20-minute conversations that stir something in your soul.
☕ Subscribe and join the Coffey Talk community.
💬 Follow @_CoffeyTalk on Instagram for daily inspiration and behind-the-scenes stories.
🎧 New episodes every Monday at 8 AM ET.

👉 Visit us at CoffeyTalkPodcast.com