Q&A with Ben Goldhirsh, Founder of GOOD Magazine
Ever since its launch in 2006, GOOD magazine has been shaking up the status quo and asking thought-provoking questions of what modern day philanthropy should look like. In the Q&A below, the founder of GOOD magazine, Ben Goldhirsh, shares his motivation for founding the magazine and adds his insights about social activism and the blurring of the line between philanthropy and modern-day capitalism.AWEARNESS: What was your motivation for
founding GOOD magazine? What is its editorial mission?
Ben: GOOD was born out of a frustration that there was no media
platform celebrating, covering, and elevating the emerging movement of
individuals, businesses, and organizations pushing the world forward. The
mission has evolved over time. We now see ourselves as an editorial led, member
driven community, with a mission to provide content that coalesces this
community, experiences that deepen the relationships within the community,
and utilities that empower the community.
AWEARNESS: In what ways do the values of
Inc. magazine, started by your father, influence your thinking about
philanthropy and social activism?
Ben: Growing up with Inc. as my father's business and also his passion was tremendously influential. Seeing the joy he received from using media to respond to the needs of small business owners, and the feeling he had that he was actually adding value to society with his efforts, really hammered home my interests in trying to align my efforts with broader interests. This idea of aligning interests is really at the core of GOOD, and at the core of my thinking about social activism and philanthropy.
AWEARNESS: Is it possible to do GOOD and make
money at the same time?
Ben: I believe so. If doing GOOD, or doing good, is adding value then there is no reason that it shouldn't be represented in a financial return on investment along with a social one. I think here at GOOD we're real fortunate to have our financial ROI tied to our social ROI by the common denominator of eyeballs.
AWEARNESS: How do you define
GOOD?
Ben: For me, GOOD means meaning well and doing my best to live up
to this intention with action.
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I subscribe to GOOD mag and it does live up to its title. It only comes every other month, which is fine because there are plenty of other things to read int he meantime. Didn't know his dad started INC. mag. Interesting.