Business Ethics, Walk the Talk
Welcome to the show, where we explore the world of business ethics and how it can benefit companies, employees, customers, and the world. Hosted by Blake Peterson, a licensed financial planning expert based in Omaha, Nebraska, and a passionate advocate for ethical leadership. From startups to established corporations, we feature guests who are leading the way in ethical business practices. We believe in a better way of doing business, and we're here to showcase the power of ethical leadership. Join us for a journey into the fascinating world of business ethics and learn how it can impact your company's success.
Business Ethics, Walk the Talk
From Giving Tuesday to Everyday Impact: A Conversation with Teresa Mardensen
In our current modern times, Corporate social responsibility goes beyond buzzword, into an expectation. In this episode of Ethics Walk the Talk, host Blake Peterson welcomes Teresa Mardensen, Executive Director of Share Omaha, for a powerful conversation on what it really means for companies to “do good” in today’s world. Together, they explore the evolving role of corporate social responsibility (CSR). Teresa shares her journey from a career in marketing and communications to leading community engagement efforts, bringing real impact to businesses and nonprofits alike.
The journey along her path from corporate communications into purpose-driven community engagement, offering practical insights on how businesses can go beyond slogans to authentically give back. From employee volunteer programs to structured giving initiatives, she reveals what works, what doesn’t, and why community impact must be more than a checkbox.
In today’s business culture, CSR is no longer optional, Teresa shows how companies can authentically embed community involvement into their culture, and empower initiatives like Giving Tuesday — a global day of generosity — to rally collective action. And how Share Omaha has localized it to inspire over $22 million in donations for nonprofits across the metro in just six years. Teresa explains how even a $25 gift can create a ripple effect, touching issues like food insecurity, transportation, and employment.
Whether you’re a business leader, nonprofit advocate, or community-minded listener, if you care about purpose, people, and the future of ethical business, this conversation will spark ideas you can take back to your company. Brought to you by the Business Ethics Alliance.
Ethics Matter. Always.