Simple Mills’ Post

As we commemorate Youth Month & observe the inauguration of Cyril Ramaphosa for a second term as president of the republic, we consider the prospect of a young democracy coming to terms with its growth and the outcry of a people frustrated by high unemployment rates, corruption, poor service delivery and growing levels of inequality. Business leaders and their organisations have a critical role to play, and a change in mindset is seeing many corporates collaborating with government and community organisations in more positive partnerships. In one way, we’re seeing that play out on the national stage as political parties are forced to work together in the form of a coalition government. This quarter’s Sustainable Times highlights how companies can promote democracy and social justice.

Viola! it's the weekend💃💃💃💃💃 ☺If asked what the highlight of my week was, I would say: "you", yes, you, my amazing #linkedinfamily who like, comment and repost my posts. You, my amazing #connections who seize every opportunity to express your admiration for my passion for #agriculture, #foodsecurity and #sustainability, thank you a bunch. 📌Another highlight for me was attending Dr Glory Edozien (PhD)- Visibility Expert for Thought Leaders visibility icon mini-series for female executives (I highly recommend it to every career woman). Listening to incredible high achievers like Joyce Daniels Odiri Oginni, CFA Tracey ABAYETA and learning from their wealth of experiences inspired me to aim for nothing but #excellence. 📍I also participated in a #20daylinkedinchallengewithhaoma which availed me the opportunity to connect with professionals from different fields of endeavours. 📌It's been a busy but social and productive week for me☺ 🤔How has your week been? ---------------------------------------------------- 📢Are you coming across my post for the first time? This is not a coincidence😊. I'm Inimbom Bassey the #Softlifefarmer who believes that #zerohunger is attainable amidst #climatecrisis and so I help farmers and agribusiness enthusiasts build #climateresilience by adapting #climatesmartagriculture practices because I aim to ensure that #agribusinesses are #profitable and the #ecosystem preserved. Kindly follow me and turn on your notification 🔔 to be prompted whenever I post. ------------------------------------------------------------- #tgif #highlights #weekend #visionarythinking #werisebyliftingothers #thoughtleadership

I was invited to emcee the largest North American volunteer gathering at my former employer—an international environmental organization—because of my charisma and “eloquence.” It was considered an honor to stand on that stage, selected out of the more than 4,000 employees worldwide to represent the organization and rallying hundreds of passionate volunteers for the mission. Yet, a few years later, I was dismissed from that same organization. The reason? Using that same voice to speak up about inequity and the urgent need for true inclusion within the environmental space. The irony isn’t lost on me. How quickly a celebrated voice becomes a "problematic" one when it starts calling out uncomfortable truths. For all the talk of diversity and inclusion, those values must extend beyond surface-level representation to encompass authentic, sometimes difficult conversations about power dynamics and systemic change. Otherwise, it’s just performative. This experience didn’t break me, though. It planted the seed for something far more impactful: Green Heffa Farms. After being terminated, I realized I no longer wanted to work within a system that silenced voices like mine; instead, I wanted to build a space where authenticity is valued, where speaking up isn’t just tolerated—it’s celebrated. And that’s why I’m so committed to cultivating a business culture that’s rooted in integrity and respect for everyone’s voice. Here is video evidence that my being able to effectively communicate has never been a problem and that I will speak up for our planet and equity. And Green Heffa Farms is proof that I have never had an issue with putting in the hard work to protect our environment. As the world continues to deal with the reality of climate change, disproportionate distribution of resources, and widening equity gaps, it’s become clearer than ever that addressing these challenges requires more than just lip service—it demands courageous voices willing to speak up and transformative leaders willing to take action. That’s why building my own platform became essential: to ensure that those traditionally sidelined have a seat at the table, shaping solutions that are inclusive, equitable, and sustainable. #Leadership #Authenticity #Inclusion #FarmHer #BlackWomenInAgriculture #GreenHeffaFarms #speakup #equity #CEO #climatechange

Embarking on a Journey of Impact: Harvesting Hope Imagine we're farmers in a field... Just as a farmer plants seeds and watches them grow into a bountiful harvest, our small efforts can grow into big changes that positively impact people's lives. Every morning, I wake up excited about our work, similar to how a farmer feels seeing their crops flourish. It's so rewarding to hear stories of how our actions have bettered lives. It's like looking over a field of golden crops at harvest time – that's what inspires me! Let's go on this journey together, when our work really makes a difference and brings smiles to people's faces. This journey isn't just about me; it's about all of us. We're like a team of farmers, each tending to our part of the field, but all aiming to make the world a better place. By coming together, we can do so much more, create positive change, and help many people. Are you ready to join in and make a difference? Ready to share in the joy of seeing lives transformed for the better? Let's start this adventure together, where we're honest, face challenges with hope, and celebrate our collective achievements. Come on, let's plant the seeds of impact – a story that spreads joy and kindness, crosses all boundaries, and leaves a lasting, positive legacy on the world. #ImpactJourney #ChangeMakers #TogetherWeHarvest

Storytelling is a powerful tool for building human connections. It got me thinking—how can we apply this to agriculture? I sat down with Chris Valadez, President of the Grower-Shipper Association, to discuss how effective storytelling can strengthen relationships within the ag industry. We explored how effective storytelling in ag looks like: - Illustrating the alignment of organizational strengths with core values. - Using storytelling to connect meaningfully with stakeholders. - Tailoring the message to address issues. - By aligning the agricultural narrative with the public's concerns, the industry can foster better engagement and build trust, making its message more powerful and relatable. Let’s keep finding new ways to bridge the gap between the ag industry and the public, one story at a time. #UnitedAg #ThisIsAg #GrowerShipperAssociation Rhianna Macias Grower-Shipper Association of Central California UnitedAg Christopher Valadez Share how your journey represents ag, and listen here to learn more about strengthening relationships within the industry.

As May draws to an end, let's reflect on Female Founders Month 💭 💭 💭 It's no secret that the passion, innovative spirit and relentless drive of our very own female founders, Dini McGrath and Alina Sartogo, inspires the whole Wonki team every day. And there are many more waste warriors striving for a circular economy with us! From Megan Hale on a mission to spark a passion for repair in the next generation, to Elissa Brunato curating biodegradable sequins and Emily Jane Taylor embracing circular processes by using food waste to create dyes.... the dedication and resilience of these female entrepreneurs certainly continues to shape a better future for all of us. Check out their awesome businesses Team Repair, Radiant Matter and SAGES London for more inspiration. And keep a look out next month as we delve deeper into circular economies as a theme ⭕ For now though, here’s to all of the incredible female founders leading the charge for change! #FemaleFoundersMonth #CircularEconomy #WasteWarriors

Happy Father's Day! To all the Fathers who make a difference! From mentorship to unwavering support, father figures play a crucial role in shaping who we become. Today we take a moment to recongise the incredible men who have championed our growth and success. #CatalystServiceSolutions #FathersDay #FathersDay2024 #SustainabilitySolutions #Sustsainability #ESG #BusinessSupportServices #SustainabilityDevelopmentGoals #FoodServices

After way too long (but for good reasons 👶 ) I am happy to share with you an exiting new episode on *transforming the politics of knowledge for a just food system*! When we started producing this People vs Inequality Podcast series on Food Justice, I immediately knew that I wanted to look at this topic. Having worked on land and food issues for many years, it has always struck me that there is such a debate over who holds the truth and solutions - on sustainable agriculture, food security or sovereignty, land governance. Still too often the voices and knowledges (!) of those actually producing the food, trading the food and cooking the food across large parts of the globe are not considered. It was a pleasure to speak to Eloisa Delos Reyes about Feminist Participatory Action Research as a tool for change. The why, the how, the challenges and opportunities it brings. The narratives that lead to erosion of existing knowledges and a sense of disempowerment, and how to challenge these - because really, what do we consider as technology, innovation and development. We also talk about the violence and militarization that is so prominent around these issues. Despite this, women and communities come together to assert their rights to land and food. «It’s not just about gathering data or evidence. It is also about women reclaiming that advocacy space, for a future not tied by the shackles of patriarchy.» «I hope we can listen to the stories of women from the Global South, learn from them and provide as much support as possible» Much to learn from Eloisa and the work of one of my fav organisations APWLD Secretariat in celebrating the agency of women, so listen in if you are in need of some inspiration! #foodjustice #landrights #righttofood #feministparticipatoryactionresearch #podcast #fightinequality #knowledge #epistemicjustice #PAR #advocacy #howchangehappens #strategy #foodforthought #feministmovements https://lnkd.in/ebYGCSFG

At GoodSAM, we are co-creators. We recognize that valuing and listening to the voice and expertise of our producers is invaluable and leads to opportunity for their families, their communities, and innovation, which leads to a higher quality product for our customers. We are part of one circular community. What love and care goes in, we know will come back around at some point! The journey of "Brave Day" coffee is interwoven with the narrative of brave women, like Emérita and Norethxy. Emérita formed a women's committee, a platform that ignited a collective spark and fostered unity within the women's association she is a part of. Over a few years, she led the development of an award winning coffee, that amid a diverse range of beans, was distinguished by its exceptional flavor profile and impressive yield becoming the finest coffee within the association. Norethxy also a part of the women's association, created a patented formula that fuses mountain microorganisms and organic matter that promises to bolster the productivity of the women farmers' lands. The lands that cradle Brave Day coffee beans have borne witness to a turbulent past, marked by the scars of violence and conflict. Yet, from this history emerges a cohort of women who have transcended the role of victims to emerge as champions of their destiny. Through their labor, they've transformed their farms into sanctuaries of growth, resilience, and economic independence. #Vegan #Organic #Chocolate #Nuts #SmallFarms #ThroughFoodWeCare #RegenerativeAgriculture #Coffee

📌 Empowering women in the manufacturing sector is crucial! 👩💻 STRADA women in manufacturing emphasizes that the empowerment of women leaders in the manufacturing industry and how important it is to share the same goals, values and challenges beyond being a mentor-mentee as women leaders! #womeninmanufacturing