Top Progressive Companies in Recession-Proof Industries — And They're Hiring Now

Ep 43 Progressive Companies (finished)

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[: 00:00:00

Unlock. We're all about those light bulb moments. I'm talking to people who are still trying to figure out what they're meant to do, coaching them life to reach that magical, yes, this is it moment, and we'll also hear from those who've already found their dream careers and figure out exactly how they did it.

tion that might hit a little [: 00:01:00

Maybe your company cut the DEI team, but said, nothing's changing. Maybe you're the only woman of color on your team. Juggling three people's workload, still underpaid and invisible. Maybe you're clocking in every day and thinking, I'm scared to leave, but I'm more scared to stay.

ligned job is not stability. [: 00:02:00

But the good news, there are companies out there doing better leading this values. , thriving, while paying people fairly, investing in sustainability, , protecting marginalized groups, and actually walking the talk when it comes to DEI and even better news, they are hiring right now.

In this episode, I'll walk you through why values aligned work matters more than ever, especially when the world feels upside down. Which industries are recession proof and values forward? The exact companies like Ben and Jerry's, nts Health and Salesforce that are making a real impact and growing like crazy, and how to spot the difference between a company that sits, it's inclusive.

look, what to look for, and [: 00:03:00

Since: 2020

million to close racial pay [: 00:04:00

And guess what? They are not just surviving. They're growing. If any of these describes you, you have to listen to this entire episode. One, you are burned out and tired of pretending your chop still makes sense. Two, you want to use your career as a force for good.

Three, you're scared to make a move in this economy, but you know, staying isn't safe either. Or four, you are looking for hope and a plan. We are going to unpack the myth that it's too risky to leave, especially now, and I'll show you why. That belief is actually what's keeping you stuck. Because listen, your labor is power.

Do they just serve it? Would [: 00:05:00

Why people's rights are under attack? If not, then why are you handing over your work to them? Your job should feel like a contribution to something you believe in, not a betrayal of who you are. At the same time, I wanna say there's absolutely no judgment if this is where you are right now, because I get how hard it is to get out of this situation.

But taking the first small step, and I'm gonna walk you through all those today, is gonna get you into a role that feels so much more aligned. So grab a coffee, get comfy, or pop those earbuds in for your commute because we are about to get into the companies that are doing it differently. The ones where you can feel proud of where you work, where you're valued, respected, and secure.

Yes. Even now, [: 00:06:00

'cause you might be thinking, okay, Theresa, I get that I'm not happy where I am. But have you seen the news layoffs, budget cuts, hiring freezes? Maybe now it's not the time to shake things up. Yes, I hear you. I really, really hear you. When it feels like the whole world is in crisis mode,

et real. What is the cost of [: 00:07:00

Because here's the painful truth I see play out every single day with my clients before they come to me. Staying in a draining, misaligned job is not stability. It's low motion, self-sabotage. You already know that voice in your gut.

The one whispering this isn't right. That voice, it's gonna get louder and trying to ignore it while pretending everything is fine at work. That's not just exhausting. It's actually dangerous because that misalignment, it grows. It chips away at your confidence, your creativity, your joy. Let me ask you something that might sting a little.

e most definitely not alone. [: 00:08:00

I feel like I'm betraying my values just by showing up to work. They cut our DEI team and then told us nothing was changing. It's gaslighting. I'm the only woman of color on my team and I'm constantly underpaid and overworked That's not just a bad week, that's not something a wellness webinar is gonna fix. That's a system level misalignment and staying in the system might feel safe until it isn't because the safety you think you have, it's actually an illusion. If your company doesn't share your values, if they've already started slashing budgets and programs that actually support people, do you really think your job is going to be protected with the next round of cuts comes?

. You are not stuck. You are [: 00:09:00

es before, some of you during: 2008

rs makes me want to give up, [: 00:10:00

Maybe your current role is so intense. You barely have time to eat lunch, let alone build a career plan. But what if instead of trying to apply to everything, you had a focus plan that helped you target the right companies in the right industries, the ones that actually align with your politics, your ethics, your energy, your lifestyle, and your values.

to a company that's cutting [: 00:11:00

Is it responsible to hand over your time, energy, and skills to an employer that won't even acknowledge the climate crisis? Is it responsible to stay stuck in a job that's slowly draining your health, your creativity, and your relationships? No. What's responsible is building a career that supports you, your values, and your future.

And the good news, you don't have to quit tomorrow. You just need a plan. A plan to move with intention to get clear on what you actually want. Okay. To stop handing over your labor to companies that don't deserve it.

for a hundred K today? No, I [: 00:12:00

It's not just about a job. It's about being part of the shift and staying stuck in a misaligned role that's not neutral, that's voting for the status quo. And if you've been waiting for permission to leave, this is it. It's not reckless to leave a job that's wrecking your wellbeing. It's not selfish to want alignment, and it's not naive to want impact, peace, purpose, and fair pay. All in one place. I know this sounds like one, but really this is not a fantasy. It's what happens when you build your career on your terms. . And in the next section of this episode, I'm going to show you exactly where to start looking.

t didn't slash DEI. The ones [: 00:13:00

Let's go find the places that are doing exactly that.

So now that we've talked about why staying in a misaligned shop isn't actually the safe bet, it's time for the part that gets people really fired up. Where the heck do you go instead? Like, by now. We very clearly know what we don't want. No more soul sucking values.

my. Yep. You heard me right? [: 00:14:00

So today I'm gonna walk you through the top industries that you should have your eye on and the companies within them that are walking the talk. These are the ones where you can bring your full self, get paid well, and be part of something that actually matters. We're gonna break this down industry by industry.

We are gonna start with healthcare. Healthcare is about as recession proof as it gets. People need care pandemic recession or not. But not all healthcare companies are built the same. There are a couple of companies that stand out as being progressive. Those companies include the Cigna group.

They're investing in inclusive health plans, including gender affirming care and robust mental health coverage.

n we have Ance Health. Okay, [: 00:15:00

And then there's Humana, rank number one in LGBTQ plus workplace equality for over a decade by the human rights campaign. Yep. Over a decade. They've got openings in it and case management right now. This is the place to look if you're mission driven and want real job security. The second industry I wanna talk about are the utilities, power, water, waste management.

ming for carbon neutrality by: 2030

ndred percent clean energy by: 2035

ture-proof sectors out there.[: 00:17:00

The third industry we're gonna go into is food and beverage essential goods, plus bold values can be the perfect combo for you, and there are some companies that are truly doing it. Right. We're gonna start it off with Ben and Sherry's. I loved when they passed ice cream sales in Georgia to protest water suppression.

I mean, come on. And they offer six months of paid paternal leave and climate advocacy programs. They are hiring in social impact marketing and more. And then we obviously have Costco. Have you seen how long the lines are lately? Oh my God, I'm loving it. Their starting wage is $25 an hour. They offer full benefits for part-time workers, and they just donated 50 million to food banks last year.

ain, HR operations, you name [: 00:18:00

So this industry is stable and actively pushing for social justice next up we got the industry that includes medical equipment and services. The future of healthcare is tech enabled and innovation heavy. And these companies are doing it with purpose. Progressive leaders in this space include Medtronic, PLC.

They're focused on global healthcare access and strong internal DEI programs. They're hiring engineers, clinical specialists, and r and d pros. Next up, we have Abbott Laboratories. They've got programs to advance women in stem. Yes, please. Roles available in diagnostic and health Innovation. And then we've got Boston Scientific Corp.

[: 00:19:00

That are truly good companies to work for. We're gonna start it off with Merck and Co Inc. They are working globally to reduce health disparities with nonprofits like Gavi. They are hiring scientists, policy advocates, and marketing talent. Then we have Gilead Sciences Inc. They are known for the HIV Research and Community Outreach to marginalized groups. They are hiring in clinical trials, C, SR and R and D,

and then there's Bristol Meyer Quip Cole.

vesting in employee resource [: 00:20:00

n for their deeply inclusive [: 00:21:00

They're hiring engineers data and more. We got two more industries coming. The second to last I wanna mention are personal products. Yes. Beauty is essential too, especially when companies are leading this heart. And the beauty industry generally does really, really well during recessions because it's those small luxuries that people can still afford.

There is Elf Beauty and they just pledged 1 million to mental health initiatives for youth, and they're hiring marketing and product design pros. And then we have Colgate , Palm Olive Company. They are sustainability leaders in the space. I think brand strategists and supply chain roles. Last but not least, we have the internet.

gle spending about a hundred [: 00:22:00

They have a really strong DEI program for underrepresented groups, and they're hiring cybersecurity analysts and cloud infrastructure engineers. And then there's ancestry.com. They do a lot of equity audits and storytelling for social impact, and they are hiring data scientists and UX people. So now I know that was a lot.

But what I really want you to take away is that you do not have to choose between paying your bills and making a difference. Company like Costco, elevates Health and Salesforce prove that you can have your values and stability, and these aren't just good intentions. They are good business moves and good career moves for you.

said nothing while the world [: 00:23:00

Spoiler alert, she didn't. She pivoted into the food and beverage industry. Ben and Jerry's. Yep. And now she's using her marketing skills to advocate for social justice in a stable value-driven company. She said, I'm finally using my skills for good and I sleep better. Knowing my shop is secure. That's possible for you as well.

So next step, I'm going to show you how to find these companies even when they're not screaming Progressive from the rooftop. You'll learn how to spot the real ones, how to align your personal brand to stand out, and how to finally start applying with confidence. Let's get you hired at a place that actually deserves you.

n a misaligned job isn't the [: 00:24:00

And more importantly, how do you stand out when you do?

So now I'm gonna show you how to position yourself as a high impact values aligned candidate, and the simple tweaks that you can take on your resume, LinkedIn, and chop search strategy to take it from math to magnetic. Step one is to spot the real progressive companies. Not every company that says diversity or climate action on their website actually backs it up somehow.

All bark, no bite. So how do you tell the difference?

s to check their DEI report. [: 00:25:00

There's a really cool website. It's called open secrets.org, where you can see where a company donates to politically, so you can find out if they're funding climate action, reproductive rights, voting access oh, they quietly slipping checks to the anti L-G-B-T-Q PACS while flying a rainbow flag in tune.

And then you talk to people, or when you are in interviews, you wanna ask questions, be direct.

ones will tell you how they [: 00:26:00

They might not like the question, but that means it's just not the right company for you. Then look at the benefits. Do they offer gender affirming healthcare? Do they offer paid parental leave for everyone? What does their mental health support look like? Because those aren't just perks. They are proof of failures and action.

And then look at their leadership and at their ERGs. How does the leadership team look like all white guys? Do we see some diversity there? Do employee resource groups get budget and visibility or they just window dressing? When you vet companies through a values first lens, you don't just avoid toxic work.

just about finding a better [: 00:27:00

And this is exactly why I build my coaching program, the Career Clarity formula. It is a proven step by step system that gives you a clear action path from I'm stuck to, I'm finally doing work that matters. So I wanna break down how the Career Clarity formula works in action. It works in three phases.

Phase one is clarity. This is where we are gonna cut through the noise. You'll get crystal clear on your values. What do you want your labor to support or not support you? Strengths and transferrable skills, your ideal work environment. And once you're clear on who you are and what you believe in, everything else falls into place.

ou're moving into phase two, [: 00:28:00

We wanna make sure that the world does too. So we'll graph a compelling personal brand that tells your professional story in a way that screams, I'm a mission-driven, high impact candidate. And here's why you want me on your team.

This is where we're gonna update your LinkedIn headline. And we're gonna add keywords like DEI, sustainability, ethical tech, whatever aligns with your target industry. We're gonna work your resume and use value serving bullet points like let cross-functional team to reduce carbon footprint by 18%.

you noticed and remembered. [: 00:29:00

Here we are focusing on strategic values aligned outreach to the right companies in the right industries. So here's what that looks like in practice. We're gonna start by identifying 15 to 20 companies from your personal yes list. And I have a downloadable spreadsheet that's over a hundred progressive recession proof companies hiring right now.

ume, uh, crystal clear cover [: 00:30:00

And this doesn't have to take forever. That's the beautiful thing that Jamie, that client I talked to you about earlier. She landed her new job at Ben in under 90 days. Without starting over, without watering herself down, without taking a pay cut, without burning out in the process. The next step is to take small aligned action, and I want you to start that this week.

So if you're listening to this and you're starting to feel inspired, but overwhelmed at the same time, don't worry. I've got you. Start with one of these steps this week. One, update your LinkedIn headline to reflect your values. Something like marketing leader DI advocate, sustainability focused storyteller.

t up rewrite just one bullet [: 00:31:00

This Shalls, leadership and Values And action. And if you can

Ask a mentor, colleagues, your friends, your family, everyone you know, which companies do you know that have values forward and hiring? The more people you ask, the more companies you're gonna be adding to this list and these tiny steps are gonna lead to major momentum.

'cause you're not just looking for a paycheck, right. You are looking for a place where your work feels like a contribution, not a compromise. And truly, you just deserve to wake up excited. You just deserve to feel proud of where you work and you can have impact and income in the same role. You just need the roadmap, and that's exactly what this is.

e've covered a lot today, so [: 00:32:00

Companies like Ben and Sherry's, Elance Health, Medtronic and Costco that are walking the talk on DEI, climate LGBTQ plus rights and economic justice. Third, and yes, you can you can find a role where you're paid well, treated with respect, and aligned with a mission that matters.

e same, then maybe it's time [: 00:33:00

We will talk you through where you're feeling stuck, what alignment really looks like for you, and how to build a custom plan to move forward without burning out or starting over. Because you don't have to do this alone. You don't have to guess your way through another job search or keep refreshing LinkedIn, hoping the right opportunity magically appears.

I want you to ask yourself. [: 00:34:00

stable. Not looking good for: 2025

The ones who stay too long, they'll be the ones left scrambling when the layoffs hit, when the culture turns toxic, when the brands implodes. And if you're worried about quitting during a downturn, let me reframe that for you. You are not quitting. You are voting. You're voting with your time, with your talent, with your labor.

ore. You're choosing to stop [: 00:35:00

So go book your call. Let's map it out. Let's turn your career into a force for good. And hey, if this episode gave you that spark of hope, or if you know someone's stuck in a role that makes them feel invisible or conflicted, please share this episode with them. Seriously send it right now. Let's spread the word about the companies doing it right and help more people find work that feels like truth.

ty but isn't sure how to get [: 00:36:00

I cannot wait for you to experience that. Until then, remember that your career is in your hands. See you next time on Career Clarity Unlocked.

And that's a wrap for today's episode of Career Clarity Unlocked, if you feeling stuck in that. What's next? Spiral and are ready to finally break free. Let's chat. I. You can book your free career clarity call where we'll uncover what's really important to you. Tackle any obstacles holding you back and map out your best next step.

ou never miss an episode. If [: 00:37:00

And don't forget to share this episode with a friend or on social media. Your support truly means the world. Thanks for hanging out with me and I'll see you next time.