Scaling a purpose-driven business is hard — but it shouldn’t feel like a constant uphill battle.

In this episode of the Plucky Bamboo Podcast, Chris speaks with Danielle Heward, founder of Optimo and expert in operational strategy for sustainability and social impact businesses.

They dive into what really holds back mission-led companies as they grow - and spoiler alert: it’s not a lack of purpose or passion. It’s the systems, communication breakdowns, and poor processes that slowly drain your team’s energy and stall your impact.

Expect a grounded, practical conversation covering:

- Why passionate teams still get stuck- How to balance your mission with real operational excellence- The danger of chasing tech solutions before fixing the foundations
- What sustainable scaling actually looks like - and how to get there
- How B Corp certification shaped Optimo’s journey (and what Danielle learned from it)
- The real cost of ignoring wellbeing as a founder

Whether you’re running a 5-person startup or scaling a national sustainability brand, this episode is packed with insight to help you grow with clarity, structure, and impact.

🎧 Tune in if you’re ready to build a business that runs as good as it does good.