The Community that underpins a successful food app
What does it take to build a business that serves people, planet and profit – without compromise? In this episode of Meta-Conscious Leaders, Greg Suart speaks with the brilliant and inspirational Tessa Clarke, co-founder and CEO of Olio, the global food-sharing platform redistributing surplus food and household items through local communities.
What began as a personal refusal to waste perfectly good food has evolved into a movement. Olio has helped redistribute over 135 million meals and millions of household items, while attracting more than $50 million in investment capital. But this conversation goes far beyond startup success.
For more information:
Olio: https://olioapp.com/en/
Tessa Clarke: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tessaclarkeolio/
Sign up for the Better Business Act: https://betterbusinessact.org/
Tessa shares the deeper philosophy behind Olio – a belief that waste is not just a logistical issue, but a moral one. She explores how modern disconnection has fueled both food waste and social fragmentation, and how rebuilding community is central to solving both. Together we discuss:
• Why food waste is a systems failure
• The tension between impact and profitability
• Building a B Corp rooted in regenerative principles
• The Better Business Act and redefining fiduciary duty
• AI, responsibility, and scaling positive impact
• Whether we are witnessing a broader shift in business consciousness Olio offers a living example of a regenerative culture in action — a circular economy model powered by community, technology and courageous leadership.
If you’re interested in the future of business, sustainability and systems change, this conversation is essential viewing.
SPONSORED BY: This Meta-Conscious Leaders podcast is sponsored by Ultimate Goal Ltd: Partners in Personal, Leadership & Business Growth, Developing Personal Mastery, Emotional Intelligence and Transcendent Leadership https://www.ultimategoal.co.uk
TAKEAWAYS
• Nature is the world’s most precious and finite resource.
• Monetizing sustainability is a significant challenge.
• The Better Business Act aims to hold companies accountable.
• Profit should not be the sole end goal for businesses.
• We must price the value that nature provides.
• Pollution and waste have hidden costs that need addressing.
• Company directors should face consequences for environmental harm.
• Jail time could change business practices rapidly.
• Sustainability requires a collective effort from all sectors.
• Corporate responsibility is essential for solving societal problems.
CHAPTERS
00:00 Introduction to Meta-Conscious Leaders and Tessa Clarke
02:22 Tessa’s Ethos and Background
06:00 The Moral Imperative of Food Waste
08:14 The Birth of Olio: A Personal Journey
12:14 Olio’s Business Model and Community Impact
15:47 Understanding Food Waste Statistics
19:39 The Role of Community in Reducing Waste
22:46 Challenges and Resilience in Business
26:34 Harnessing AI for Positive Impact
29:56 Balancing Purpose and Profit in Business
32:52 The Better Business Act: A New Path for Corporations
36:03 Reforming Fiduciary Responsibilities for a Sustainable Future
37:24 Olio’s Business Model: Profitability and Purpose in Harmony
43:51 Innovative Governance: Community Engagement and Ownership
50:05 Navigating the Future: Agility and Growth in Business
52:51 The Shift in Consciousness: Business, Humanity, and Spirituality
57:23 Business Leadership: A Catalyst for Social Change
01:01:30 Hope and Community: The Power of Collective Action
01:04:28 Introduction to Tessa’s Leadership
01:04:28 The Impact of the Better Business Act
SPONSORED BY: This Meta-Conscious Leaders podcast is sponsored by Ultimate Goal Ltd: Partners in Personal, Leadership & Business Growth, Developing Personal Mastery, Emotional Intelligence and Transcendent Leadership https://www.ultimategoal.co.uk
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