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Job Title: Consultant
Type of Company: My company provides strategic thinking, visioning, project development and execution for fair trade companies, organizations and networks looking to make the world's trade more just, environmentally sustainable and peaceful.
Education: BA in International Studies
Previous Experience: Top Banana at Oke USA Executive Director at Equal Exchange
Job Tasks: I work with small companies and small to mid-size non-profit organizations helping them get clear on what they stand for and what they want to accomplish in the world. Then, I help them implement that vision based on their clear values. I primarily work with organizations working in the fair trade movement. My work includes writing business plans, research papers, designing development projects for small farmer organizations, creating strategies for fair trade companies, strengthening cooperative systems, coaching key leaders and providing strategic insight.
I have co-founded two companies, Equal Exchange and Oke USA, and advised numerous organizations such as Oxfam America, SERRV, FAST, Root Capital, Cafe Direct, Just Us Coffee, TransFair USA, Host Universal, Rainforest Alliance, No Sweat Apparel and many others. I also helped create the vision and then early implementation of the Finance Alliance of Sustainable Trade (FAST). I have served as an advisor or board member for Root Capital (Formerly Ecologic Finance), Red Tomato and the Cambridge Friends School Parents Association.
When I was running Equal Exchange and later Oke USA, I was involved in all aspects of the business from writing business plans, negotiating contracts, raising money, cleaning toilets, ordering office supplies, hiring , coaching, mentoring and firing people. developing operational systems, overseeng brand development, putting together office and IT systems, public speaking, travel to develop producer relationships and product development.
Best and Worst Parts of the Job: Best parts are working with amazing people committed to making the world a better place. Worst parts are making calls to people I don't know and asking them for information, money or to buy something.!
Job Tips:
1. Do the work to clarify your personal values and aspirations
2. Make a commitment to your values.
3. Stick to your values.
4. Commit to a regular spiritual practice such as meditation, prayer or yoga and do it!
5. Review your values regularly and refine them.
6. Renew your commitment to your values.
7. Maintain your spiritual practices. Every day. Every week. Every month.
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