Kate Williams
Kate Williams is CEO of 1% for the Planet, a global movement that inspires action and commitment so that our planet and future generations thrive. In more than a decade of leadership at the organization, Kate has scaled 1% for the Planet’s network to span 110 countries and 65 industries, driving more than $846 million in certified giving to the most pressing environmental solutions.
Kate earned her BA from Princeton University and her MS from the MIT Sloan School of Management. A dedicated connector and changemaker, she has served on a variety of nonprofit and advisory boards throughout her career. A mom to two grown children and an avid trail runner, Kate lives in Vermont with her husband of 30 years and their dog, Maeve.
853: Kate Williams: CEO, 1% for the Planet
I’d seen the “1% for the Planet” logo many times and figured it was an organization that helped, but I didn’t think of how. The businessman in me wondered, shouldn’t companies just lower prices 1% and let people donate what they want? Does one percent make much difference?
Kate was passing through New York so we got to meet in person. In this recording, she answers these questions and more. She describes the organization more comprehensively, but briefly, 1% for the Planet organizes other organizations, some to donate, others to receive, and vets them.
What interested me most was their long-term goal, which is cultural change, which fits with mine.
Kate didn’t found the organization, but as CEO has scaled the network to 110 countries and 65 industries, driving close to $1 billion in certified giving. She also shares her personal background that motivates her, which also interested me, since from the start of the conversation, her leadership experience and style emerge. Anyone who knows me knows I consider effective leadership one of the most important needs in reducing pollution and depletion.