Harmony Beyond B Corp: The Two-Loop Model and the House of Business

Living in Canada, I have come to appreciate the beauty of the seasons, and the changing landscapes that come with them. In our small home with a large yard, where space can sometimes feel tight with four of us, I often find solace in the outdoors. Whether I’m working on yard projects, tending to the greenhouse, or simply relaxing in the hot tub, there’s something enchanting about observing the world around me as it unfolds throughout the day.

As I sit in the hot tub, sipping on my yerba mate, I am immersed in the symphony of the day, from the early morning sounds of birds welcoming the dawn to the serene quietude of the evening, punctuated only by the occasional passing plane or distant road noise. It’s a reminder of the constant ebb and flow of systems, both on a macro scale, like the changing seasons, and on a micro scale, as each day transitions.

These observations have led me to ponder the broader systems at play in our world, and one framework that resonates with me is the Theory of Change: Two Loops. This theory posits that as a system nears its peak, a new system begins to emerge. Individuals innovate and move towards something new, while others remain to maintain the excellence of the current system. It’s a process of supporting the passing of the old and the potential emergence of something new.

To delve deeper into this model, I turn my gaze towards our current food system, recognizing that our perspective on any system is influenced by where we stand and our worldview. It prompts the question, “What time is it?” Specifically, in the context of our food system, what time is it?

Recently, I had the opportunity to attend conferences and engage in dialogues with leaders in sustainability in the food industry. In each conversation, I asked the question, “What time is it?” The responses echoed a sense of urgency and a call to action. It was clear that the time for collaboration and conscious change is now.

This sense of urgency aligns perfectly with one of Conscious Brands’ guiding principles: “If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go further, go together.” It’s a powerful reminder that by working together, we can achieve remarkable and conscious transformation.

There’s no denying that our current systems are in flux, with old systems reaching their zenith and new ones emerging. However, the perspective on this change can vary greatly depending on who you ask. While some may see abundance and efficiency in the conventional food system, others, like the organizations Conscious Brands works with, are exploring alternative systems like regenerative and stakeholder-driven approaches.

As these alternative systems gain traction, the incumbent systems often fight for self-preservation. This is where leadership becomes crucial at various points in the system.

In the journey toward fulfilling Conscious Brands’ Vision of 'Harmony', a flourishing, responsive, and regenerative society, we draw inspiration from the Berkana Institute’s Two-Loop model. This model guides us through transformative change, illustrating the death of old paradigms and the emergence of new ones.

The First Loop: B Lab U.S. & Canada Certification - Much like a house needs a sturdy foundation, B Corp certification serves as our initial stepping stone towards ‘Harmony.’ It represents the official system within the house of business metaphor. B Corps, committed to strict social and environmental standards, symbolize our dedication to balancing profit with purpose. However, this is just the beginning.

The Second Loop: Beyond Certification - The second loop, akin to renovating a house, signifies our journey beyond B Corp certification. It’s where we challenge conventional norms and seek innovative ways to make a profound impact. ‘Harmony’ beckons us to transcend B Corp’s minimum requirements.

Linking to ‘Harmony’ - Our pursuit of ‘Harmony’ aligns seamlessly with the second loop of the Berkana model. Achieving it means continuously adapting, innovating, and reevaluating our practices to foster a more regenerative and equitable society.

Strategic Planning for a Harmonious Future - Our strategic planning aligns with the goal our vision of 'Harmony.' This extends beyond B Corp standards, embedding regenerative economic systems into our organization's framework. By bridging the gap between the first and second loops and approaching strategy from a future-focused perspective, we create a dynamic process. We engage with stakeholder groups to understand their needs and assign governance roles to them.

Regular assessments help us track progress and guide further innovation. Our commitment to achieving 'Harmony' is unwavering, and we invite you to join us on this transformative journey.

Ultimately, the Berkana Institute’s Two-Loop model and the metaphor of ‘rebuilding the house of business’ highlight that B Corp certification is not our final destination but a stepping stone toward 'Harmony.' Our focus is on ongoing adaptation and innovation, guided by the belief that businesses can act as catalysts for positive change and create a harmonious future.

What new systems do you envision emerging from this approach?