Tell us about KADIRA. What was the inspiration behind the creation of KADIRA and what is its mission?
The inspiration behind the creation of KADIRA is the belief in business as a force for good to drive long-term value. KADIRA is a B Corp certified impact consulting firm based in the UAE.
The mission of KADIRA is to help businesses prioritize people and the planet while achieving their goals. We believe in sustainable growth as the key to creating a better future for all. As part of this commitment, KADIRA supports local charities by donating 5% of annual revenues.
We offer B Corp certification support, which addresses the entirety of a business’ operations and covers five key impact areas of Governance, Workers, Community, Environment, and Customers. The B Corp certification is a rigorous process, with applicants required to reach a minimum benchmark score while providing evidence of socially and environmentally responsible practices. By gaining B Corp certification, businesses can differentiate their brand, gain credibility, and attract ethically-minded customers while joining a global community of like-minded businesses driving positive change.
What impact is KADIRA trying to make?
KADIRA aims to contribute to a global shift towards a more sustainable and socially responsible business model. By helping companies achieve B Corp certification, we strive to foster a community of businesses committed to balancing profit with purpose. Through our expertise in sustainability, governance, and impact measurement, we guide organizations in integrating ethical practices into their operations. Ultimately, we seek to redefine success in business by promoting environmental stewardship, social equity, and transparency. By empowering businesses to prioritize people and the planet alongside profit, KADIRA aspires to drive systemic change towards a more inclusive and sustainable economy.
Please share some key milestones or initiatives that your company has undertaken on its sustainability journey leading up to achieving B Corp certification.
As KADIRA is a lean company our operations were already very much aligned with sustainable business practices. Therefore our main initiatives focused on community engagement and supporting local causes, for example the charity Gulf4Good. In addition KADIRA has provided ad-hoc pro-bono consulting services to small mission driven companies who are interested in B Corp certification, but unable to pay for non business critical consulting services. Through this KADIRA is demonstrating a holistic approach to social responsibility further solidifying our dedication to balancing profit with purpose.
What motivated your company to pursue B Corp certification, and how does it align with your broader sustainability goals and values?
It really was a natural progression for KADIRA to become a B Corp. After learning about the movement and training as B Leaders with B Lab we then helped companies who are interested in the certification. It was clear for us from the start that we wanted our own company to be B Corp certified, but we also wanted to have reached a certain growth stage before going for the certification. After more than a year of operation and with several client engagements completed it felt like the right time. We are now very happy to be the highest scoring B Corp in the MENA region.
Highlight some specific ways in which becoming a B Corp has influenced your company’s operations, culture, or relationships with stakeholders.
Overall, becoming a B Corp has not only shaped our internal operations and culture but has also strengthened our relationships with stakeholders by aligning our business practices with values that prioritize people, the planet, and the community. We are definitely more mindful of our wider impact and consider any business decision from different perspectives. For example we consciously choose to work with women and women led businesses to drive more equal representation of different genders in the business world.
Can you share some future plans or initiatives that KADIRA has in store to enhance its impact?
We are continuing to raise awareness about the B Corp movement and are actively expanding our network to further build the impact ecosystem in the UAE. We recently joined the regional chapters of the UN Global Compact and the SME Climate Hub. Additionally, KADIRA plans to increasingly leverage digital impact and ESG reporting technology to support our clients in their impact reporting, by collaborating closely with leading solution providers.
We are also planning on organizing some activities for the eight UAE based B Corps and companies interested in the movement so stay tuned for some activities launching throughout the year.
Finally, what advice would you give to other businesses and brands looking to become more sustainable and socially responsible in their operations?
To enhance sustainability and social responsibility, businesses should first conduct a thorough assessment of their operations to identify areas for improvement. Implementing eco-friendly practices such as reducing waste, conserving energy, and sourcing ethically are crucial steps. Engaging with stakeholders and communities can foster transparency and trust. Additionally, investing in employee education and training on sustainability issues can cultivate a culture of responsibility. Collaboration with like-minded organizations and supporting local initiatives further strengthens the impact. Embracing sustainability isn’t just a trend but a necessity for long-term success, reputation and positive societal impact.