What if businesses could go beyond sustainability—not just reducing harm but actively restoring and regenerating the systems they depend on? This is the idea behind regenerative business: creating value for people, the planet, and communities by building systems that give back more than they take.
Unlike traditional models focused on profit or sustainability’s aim to maintain the status quo, regenerative business models strive to heal ecosystems, empower stakeholders, and create resilience for the long term. But what does this look like in practice?
In the latest episode of The Conscious Capitalists podcast, Timothy Henry and Raj Sisodia sit down with Ben Mand, CEO of Guayakí Yerba Mate, to unpack this groundbreaking approach. Ben shares insights from his work at Harmless Harvest, where he achieved zero waste, and Guayakí, where he champions regenerative agriculture and stakeholder-focused strategies.
Here’s what Ben had to say about transforming business into a force for regeneration.
Here are some of his biggest takeaways on regenerative business models, soil health, and the transformative power of stakeholder-focused strategies.
1. Moving Beyond Sustainability
Sustainability is no longer enough. Businesses must go further by adopting regenerative practices that restore ecosystems, empower communities, and create resilience throughout supply chains.
“Regenerative business is about more than maintaining the status quo,” Ben shared. “It’s about healing—building stronger systems that benefit everyone involved.”
For example, this might mean not only paying above market rates to suppliers but also investing in their long-term well-being through infrastructure, education, and skill-building.
2. The Vital Role of Soil Health
“Healthy soil is the foundation of everything,” Ben stressed. He explained how regenerative agriculture—rooted in biodiversity and soil restoration—leads to better yields, resilience against climate extremes, and long-term profitability.
Unlike monoculture farming, which depletes soil, regenerative practices enhance it. Healthy soil in turn retains water better, mitigates drought impacts, and increases crop quality.
3. Shifting Mindsets to Embrace Change
Ben acknowledged the challenges of convincing farmers and business leaders to transition to regenerative practices. “It’s not easy to change decades of tradition,” he noted.
His approach? Start small. Guayakí piloted regenerative farming with a handful of partners, gradually demonstrating the benefits through peer-to-peer learning. This created trust and momentum, encouraging others to adopt the practices.
Balancing Profit and Impact
Businesses can simultaneously prioritize financial health and social impact by treating regenerative goals as complementary rather than competing.
“Businesses that lead with purpose,” Ben said, “will not only thrive financially but inspire the next generation of leaders.”
Ben Mand’s leadership demonstrates that businesses can be a force for regeneration—transforming industries, empowering communities, and restoring the planet.
As consumers demand more transparency and accountability, companies that embrace regenerative practices will be positioned not only as market leaders but as pioneers of a more resilient future.
If you’d like to learn more, listen to the podcast here! ->