{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"539: Saving Lives with Clean Water Solutions with Kurt Avery","description":"How do you create world-changing impact and lasting profits at the same time? In this inspiring episode, host Nicole Jansen sits down with Kurt Avery, the founder of Sawyer\u2014the company renowned for its cutting-edge products protecting people against sun, bugs, waterborne disease, and injuries worldwide. But Sawyer\u2019s story isn\u2019t just one of innovation and growth: it\u2019s a powerful example of what happens when service, strategic thinking, and generosity fuel a business model. Since 2008, Sawyer has donated over 90% of its profits annually, working alongside 40 charities in 80 countries and transforming the lives of more than 28 million people. Kurt shares the trials, pivots, and timeless business truths that took Sawyer from struggling startup to global leader, while holding firmly to a purpose-driven, people-first legacy. Dive into this deep-dive on the intersection of profit, philanthropy, and disruptive innovation\u2014and discover how unconventional thinking, mastery of business math, and service create waves of positive impact you can replicate in your own business. What We Discuss in This Episode Did you imagine Sawyer would have such a global impact from the start? Persevering through failure: What really happens before overnight success? The real job of marketing and changing human behavior Innovation, patents, and teaching the world to use new products Why creative destruction is essential for continued growth The impact of AI on data analysis, decision-making, and future skills demand How to hire and develop thinkers\u2014not just doers\u2014across generations Sawyer\u2019s product breakthroughs: Life-saving water filters, repellents, and more The surprising truth about maximizing profits and margins in any business How to instill legacy into your organization, step by step Podcast Highlights 0:00 - Profitable Social Change Through Business 5:38 - Adapting to Retail Market Changes 7:13 - AI's Impact on Middle Management 11:41 - Sports Role Reflects Thinking Style 12:52 - Valuing Experience Over Credentials 16:13 - Ultimate Water Safety Assurance 20:47 - Decision-Making Matrix Explained 25:11 - Reinvesting Profits and Vendor Credit 27:54 - Advice on Business Finance Structure 30:56 - QR-Integrated Filter Support System 32:55 - Incredible Team Drives Success 36:01 - Legacy Over Selling Out 10 Key Takeaways Business for Good Is Scalable \u2013 Sawyer gives away 90% of profits, showing that philanthropy and profitability can grow hand-in-hand. Overnight Success Takes Decades \u2013 True impact often follows years of trial, learning, and perseverance. Changing the World Means Changing Behavior \u2013 Selling great products isn\u2019t enough; teaching people how to use and benefit from them is essential. Creative Destruction Drives Lasting Growth \u2013 Businesses must embrace constant change in laws, culture, and technology to thrive. Future-Proof Skills Are Decision-Driven \u2013 With AI taking over analysis, the most valuable skill will be high-level decision-making\u2014learn how to think, not just what. Hiring for Thinking, Not Just Doing \u2013 Assess candidates\u2019 real-world logic, not just their credentials; team diversity in thinking styles is critical. Find Profit In the Denominator \u2013 True profitability usually comes from reducing capital investment and inventory, not just upping your sale price. Keep Your Equity\u2014Use Vendor Financing and Loans \u2013 Giving away business equity isn\u2019t necessary and often isn\u2019t in investors\u2019 best interests; be creative about funding. Bake Legacy Into Your Foundation \u2013 Transformational businesses write their values, model, and succession plans into their DNA\u2014plan to outlast yourself. Generosity Multiplies Results \u2013 Paying employees well, leading with purpose, and putting others first creates loyalty, quality, and joy throughout an organization. Favorite Quotes \u201cYou\u2019ve got to change behavior. You can give them a product, but if they don\u2019t change behavior, they\u2019re not going to use the product.\u201d \u201cProfits are made in the denominator, not the numerator\u2026 margins are hard to increase, but investment can be reduced.\u201d \u201cThere are no U-Hauls in heaven\u2014it\u2019s not about the money. We\u2019re making too much change to sell out.\u201d Explore how you can boost profits, change lives, and leave a legacy\u2014with insights you can put to work in your business today. Episode Show Notes: https:\/\/leadersoftransformation.com\/podcast\/business\/539-saving-lives-with-clean-water-solutions-with-kurt-avery  Check out our complete library of episodes and other leadership resources here: https:\/\/leadersoftransformation.com ________ \ud83d\udce3 SUBSCRIBE to the Leaders of Transformation Podcast  \ud83d\udc47 CONNECT with Nicole Jansen on Social Media  \u25b6\ufe0e YOUTUBE \u25b6\ufe0e INSTAGRAM \u25b6\ufe0e FACEBOOK  \u25b6\ufe0e LINKEDIN \u25b6\ufe0e X ","author_name":"Leaders Of Transformation","author_url":"http:\/\/leadersoftransformation.com","html":"