Conscious Capitalism in Action: Lessons from Richard Dickson of Play It Green
Reflections from the Conscious Entrepreneurs session with Richard Dickson
At our November 2024 Conscious Entrepreneurs session, we welcomed Richard Dickson, founder of Play It Green, to share his journey. One shaped by resilience, purpose, and a belief that small actions create mighty ripples. His story was not only inspiring, but also full of practical insight for solopreneurs and small business owners wondering how they can play their part in sustainability without overwhelm.
Richard’s Journey: From Corporate to Conscious Capitalist
Richard’s career began in the corporate world, but his deep questioning, always asking “why?”, eventually led him to reject traditional models of profit-at-all-costs. After years of working in both retail and not-for-profits, he recognised the need for a new model of business: one that reduces harm, repairs nature, and gives back.
This vision became Play It Green. An impact-driven platform helping businesses and individuals lower their carbon footprint, fund nature repair projects, and create social good, all through transparent and accessible steps.
The Three-Step Solution
Richard explained Play It Green’s simple but powerful framework for tackling climate change:
Reduce: Education, tips, and signposting help businesses and individuals cut their footprint in manageable ways.
Repair: Investment in nature repair projects across land, coast, and sea, using transparent monitoring and indigenous employment.
Re-give: 10% of every subscription supports a charity chosen by the member.
This approach isn’t just about numbers. It’s about culture change. By making sustainability easy, engaging, and rewarding, Play It Green inspires people to repeat positive behaviours and spread them through their communities.
Lessons for Conscious Entrepreneurs
Richard’s session gave us plenty of “wow” moments and reminders that purpose-led growth is possible for all of us:
– Transparency builds trust: Openly sharing processes, impacts, and even receipts has placed Play It Green in the top 2% of B Corps worldwide for governance.
– Small is mighty: Most of Play It Green’s clients are businesses with fewer than 10 employees. Change starts with individuals and small teams.
– Culture beats compliance: Real transformation comes when staff, clients, and communities feel empowered to be part of the journey, not forced into it.
– Good for planet = good for business: Clients who embraced sustainability with Play It Green reported happier staff, stronger brands, and even increased investment opportunities.
As Richard reminded us: “Don’t let anyone tell you that as an individual you cannot create change. Change starts with individuals and nowhere else.”
Why This Matters for Us
For Conscious Entrepreneurs, Richard’s talk was a powerful reminder that our own health and business choices mirror the planet’s. By showing up to do the work, whether through small daily actions, or bigger strategic decisions, we contribute to a collective shift toward conscious capitalism.
The conversation also sparked ideas for how Conscious Entreprenuers could connect more deeply with Play It Green, from weekly polls to shared resources, proving again that community creates clarity.
Final Reflection
We left the session energised, reminded that sustainability doesn’t have to feel heavy or out of reach. With practical tools, supportive communities, and inspiring role models like Richard, growing your business with purpose is not only possible, it’s essential.
Members can revisit the full recording in the members area
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