implement shortcode for interview question

content/articles/kiessel-good_market.md

@@ -8,19 +8,27 @@ summary: "Good Market is a digital commons for enterprises that prioritize peopl
 tags: [economics, organizations, ecology, standards]
 ---
 
-*I want to begin with the question of how you like to introduce yourself. How do you introduce yourself to somebody you've just met? Where do you begin?*
+{{< i >}}
+I want to begin with the question of how you like to introduce yourself. How do you introduce yourself to somebody you've just met? Where do you begin?
+{{< /i >}}
 
 It changes with every single context. But the general introduction for right now is that I'm part of Good Market, which is a digital commons. That's usually my introduction at the moment.
 
-*Part of?*
+{{< i >}}
+Part of?
+{{< /i >}}
 
 Yes, I say, "I'm part of." I'm a co-creator. This is a collective effort so "part of" feels more right.
 
-*How would you outline the trajectory of your life and career? Where did you start? And where do you see yourself now?*
+{{< i >}}
+How would you outline the trajectory of your life and career? Where did you start? And where do you see yourself now?
+{{< /i >}}
 
 I started with ecological systems. My training and early work was environmental toxicology and agroecology---what we would now call regenerative agriculture. I was very concerned about environmental problems, especially the intersections of environmental issues and social justice. So that was the earliest work.
 
-*What were the specific contexts of that work?*
+{{< i >}}
+What were the specific contexts of that work?
+{{< /i >}}
 
 I was involved in ecotoxicology research connected to a Superfund site. After that, I taught at a local university in rural Thailand for a couple of years and became more focused on agriculture issues and community development. I came back to the US briefly for a Masters program, and after that, I joined a local organization in Sri Lanka that primarily worked in agricultural areas.
 
@@ -32,7 +40,9 @@ When I was in university, I was focused more on the ecological side of things, t
 
 The current phase of my work pulls on all of those experiences, but it's much more about understanding our current economic system, looking at the root causes of our ecological and social issues, and finding leverage points that we can work on collectively to address those root causes. The work I'm doing now is very much around shifting economic systems so they are good for people and planet. So, that's the trajectory---ecological systems to social systems to economic systems.
 
-*And what was the story of the creation of Good Market?*
+{{< i >}}
+And what was the story of the creation of Good Market?
+{{< /i >}}
 
 It came out of experiences with the local organization in Sri Lanka. During the war, many of the communities we worked with were displaced. The organization was involved in emergency relief and resettlement work and became dependent on international aid. When the ceasefire was signed, they expected all of their funding to stop. I was asked to join to help with the transition to a more self-sustaining model, so they could continue the community work without international aid. I had some background in fair trade and what we now call social enterprise and I was supporting the local district teams. We were making good progress, but then after the tsunami and after the war restarted, the focus shifted back to emergency relief, and a new wave of international aid entered the country.
 
@@ -44,15 +54,21 @@ That is the origin. It was realizing how big and interconnected this movement is
 
 I wanted to work on something that wasn't donor-dependent or project-focused and I was interested in supporting groups that were working on social and environmental issues with self-sustaining models.
 
-*How would you summarize what Good Market does?*
+{{< i >}}
+How would you summarize what Good Market does?
+{{< /i >}}
 
 What we are doing now is making the broader movement of self-sustaining enterprises and networks more visible. We are making it easier for these groups to find and connect with each other, and to collaborate on systems change, whether that's changing the narrative or changing rules and policies. Our goal is to create a digital commons that is shared by all the groups using it.
 
-*What do the groups have to do to be part of it?*
+{{< i >}}
+What do the groups have to do to be part of it?
+{{< /i >}}
 
 It's a commons, so there's a very clear boundary. That's been there from the very beginning. There are community-owned minimum standards for each sector of the economy. There's a free online application form. It's free to be included, but the standards are a very critical part of the process. And then there's a crowdsourced monitoring system. So to be included, participants have to fill the free online form, meet the community-owned standards, and have a public profile on the site.
 
-*Are those standards things that groups usually already have in place, and are monitoring? Is it something that they already have in place before they come to you, before you encounter these groups? Or are they developing these kinds of practices in relationship to the platform?*
+{{< i >}}
+Are those standards things that groups usually already have in place, and are monitoring? Is it something that they already have in place before they come to you, before you encounter these groups? Or are they developing these kinds of practices in relationship to the platform?
+{{< /i >}}
 
 It varies. The minimum standards are designed to be accessible and work across regions, languages, and business types---social enterprises, cooperatives, not-for-profits, responsible businesses, and initiatives that aren't legally registered. For people signing up because they identify as part of the movement, meeting the standards is very straightforward. They are fully aligned with these values and they often go way beyond the minimum requirements.
 
@@ -60,7 +76,9 @@ If people are signing up because they are trying to access a specific benefit or
 
 For those who are already in this space, the minimum standards are a relatively easy bar to clear. For those who aren't thinking about their impact on people and the planet yet, the goal is to encourage them and support them on this journey.
 
-*How would how would you characterize the difference between these kinds of standards and, say, the fair trade labels that people might be more familiar with?*
+{{< i >}}
+How would how would you characterize the difference between these kinds of standards and, say, the fair trade labels that people might be more familiar with?
+{{< /i >}}
 
 These standards are just minimum standards that enable people to be part of the digital commons, but there are many networks that use the site that have additional criteria. To join their network pages, enterprises have to meet additional standards. For example, World Fair Trade Organization, Fair Trade Federation, and B Lab, which offers B Corp certification, all have network pages on the digital commons. Enterprises in those networks have all met additional standards and go through their verification or certification processes.
 
@@ -70,7 +88,9 @@ The enterprises that have third-party certification only represent a small perce
 
 This is set up as a minimum level of recognition. It's built in a neutral way that lots of people can use because it's shared infrastructure. It gets used in very different ways by different networks and communities.
 
-*How involved were participating groups in designing the model?*
+{{< i >}}
+How involved were participating groups in designing the model?
+{{< /i >}}
 
 The idea for an online platform came from discussions with all those groups I mentioned earlier, the people we visited in different countries. They wanted a space where they could be visible, connect, and share best practices. But software development can have high upfront costs, and because of the experiences during the tsunami and the war, we were very aware of the risks associated with different types of funding. We'd seen expensive donor-funded software platforms that became ghost towns after the project funding ran out. We'd also seen platforms that took on what gets called "impact investment" and were pushed to become more profit-oriented. We didn't want to take on funding that could lead to mission drift or cause it to become pulled away from the community.
 
@@ -80,7 +100,9 @@ The intention was just to test the concept. We thought there would be about ten
 
 Even after we had the initial software functionality, we told people we were beta testing in Sri Lanka. We wanted to make sure it worked across all sectors---agriculture, fishing, mining, renewable energy, tourism, tech, and all kinds of services. Once it began expanding globally, we focused on serving different enterprise networks. The enterprises signing up were usually invited by those networks or by other enterprises that used the site. Today, it includes enterprises across economic sectors, registration types, languages, and regions. The form can be filled in twenty-two languages and there are enterprises and networks from nearly 120 countries.
 
-*What kinds of inputs informed the design of the marketplace?*
+{{< i >}}
+What kinds of inputs informed the design of the marketplace?
+{{< /i >}}
 
 There were many co-creators, but there were three of us who really served as stewards and we all had been working for that same local organization for almost ten years. So we all had experience with community-based organizations like revolving loan funds, funeral societies, women's welfare associations, producer cooperatives, and groups managing natural resource commons. We had learned about mobilizing people for collective action, developing self-sustaining models, and building trust through transparency and clear community rules. These experiences informed the design process, even though we didn’t explicitly plan it that way. It was only much later when I was re-reading something from Elinor Ostrom that I realized our design followed the eight principles for governing common resources.
 
@@ -88,7 +110,9 @@ Diversity was a big consideration. The goal was to increase visibility across di
 
 Inclusion was also a crucial design consideration. It had to work for people who don’t speak English or use computers, but only have access to a mobile phone. We started by testing the software with people who lived in the city, had international exposure, and used computers, but we didn't consider it ready until we started getting applications submitted in Sinhala and Tamil by mobile phone from rural areas. That's when you know the design works.
 
-*Have the standards been subject to ongoing evolution? How are those standards developed, and who governs them?*
+{{< i >}}
+Have the standards been subject to ongoing evolution? How are those standards developed, and who governs them?
+{{< /i >}}
 
 There are a few basic principles that don't really change. Members prioritize people and the planet over short-term profit maximization, have a purpose that includes social or environmental goals, communicate about how they are good for people and planet, and have a sustainability strategy that goes beyond a one-time project or event.
 
@@ -96,7 +120,9 @@ The minimum sector standards are standards for each sector of the economy and th
 
 These minimum standards serve as the low bar, and from there, other certifications or networks can have higher levels of criteria. Networks are able to use the site to manage their networks and have their own additional standards and verification systems.
 
-*What kinds of patterns have you noticed in the interactions among these these groups as they're setting standards? What kinds of dynamics emerge as people are developing and choosing their the standards that they're going to enforce for themselves?*
+{{< i >}}
+What kinds of patterns have you noticed in the interactions among these these groups as they're setting standards? What kinds of dynamics emerge as people are developing and choosing their the standards that they're going to enforce for themselves?
+{{< /i >}}
 
 One pattern is that many groups start with a narrow focus in one area and then recognize the need to be more holistic in their approach as they engage in dialogue and explore the space further. For instance, some groups that were previously focused solely on social impact have started to recognize the connection between social and environmental aspects, leading to a more comprehensive approach.
 
@@ -104,7 +130,9 @@ I've also noticed an increased openness to collaboration across what were once s
 
 I can provide a specific example if it would be helpful.
 
-*Please.*
+{{< i >}}
+Please.
+{{< /i >}}
 
 The Social Enterprise World Forum works with social enterprise networks around the world. Most countries don't have a separate legal registration for social enterprises, so it can be difficult to identify them. SEWF worked with national networks to develop shared characteristics and a shared definition, and they wanted to establish a global verification for social enterprises that complemented existing local systems.
 
@@ -114,7 +142,9 @@ After a community feedback and review process, they changed the name of the veri
 
 I'm seeing this trend in many different spaces, where groups that were once focused on their own "tribe" are now recognizing the value of bridging across and working with other groups. Community identity and trust-building are still important within their group, but they're more open to collaboration and cooperation with others.
 
-*How does the platform or the organization support the verification process?*
+{{< i >}}
+How does the platform or the organization support the verification process?
+{{< /i >}}
 
 They use the minimum standards and the free online application as the first step of the process. This works well because it is a free first step. Even if an organization isn't eligible for verification yet, they still benefit from having a public profile. They have a positive feeling and something to work towards in the future.
 
@@ -124,7 +154,9 @@ Because Good Market is a digital commons it's set up as a shared resource. When
 
 Now, when other networks want to collect information or implement a verification or certification process, they can use the existing infrastructure. People and Planet First has also mobilized funds and invested in new functionality like activity tracking systems and the ability to download certificates, which benefits others using the system. This is how the shared infrastructure has been working, allowing different groups to contribute to and benefit from its development.
 
-*How does it help uphold the standards that communities set? What is the process for enforcing those standards?*
+{{< i >}}
+How does it help uphold the standards that communities set? What is the process for enforcing those standards?
+{{< /i >}}
 
 They are also able to use the crowdsourced monitoring system to flag the standards, but they have their own review process. I think that's a crucial aspect. Different contexts require different approaches. What works for one community may not work for another.
 
@@ -132,7 +164,9 @@ By giving each group the autonomy to decide what works best for their community,
 
 At the same time, having a common infrastructure allows them to keep their information organized and accessible, while still providing the flexibility to adapt and evolve their processes as needed. This balance between standardization and customization is key to making these systems effective and sustainable.
 
-*Is there a particular moment when you saw this system being tested, when you saw it confront its own limits or face challenges that community had to rally around solving?*
+{{< i >}}
+Is there a particular moment when you saw this system being tested, when you saw it confront its own limits or face challenges that community had to rally around solving?
+{{< /i >}}
 
 It has been non-stop, but that's what makes it fun. I don't see the obstacles as challenges, but rather as opportunities to learn and adapt. Every time something new comes up, it's a chance to think, "Okay, we hadn't thought of this. How can we address it?" It's a process of continuous learning and evolution.
 
@@ -142,7 +176,9 @@ One of the key questions we had was whether the crowdsourced monitoring system w
 
 It's been an evolution, with each new development and each new group that joins, we ask ourselves, "Does it work at this level? Does it work with this type of group?" It's been a fun and exciting journey, and I'm grateful to have been a part of it.
 
-*In a context when somebody's flagging somebody else, what does the procedure look like?*
+{{< i >}}
+In a context when somebody's flagging somebody else, what does the procedure look like?
+{{< /i >}}
 
 While it's less common now than it was in the early days, issues can still arise. The upfront process has improved significantly, making it more likely to catch potential problems early on. The initial application form has been refined and improved over time, reducing the likelihood of issues slipping through. That being said, there are still cases where a change in ownership, management, or governance, or a significant influx of financial capital, can cause a group to lose sight of their original values and mission. This is where crowdsourced monitoring comes in.
 
@@ -152,7 +188,9 @@ We've had instances where workers have flagged their own organization, suppliers
 
 When we first started, the concept was new and Sri Lankan enterprises were applying because they were trying to access market opportunities. Now, most applicants know the concept and they understand what the standards are before they sign up. This has reduced the number of flagging issues and makes them easier to resolve. Most groups are deeply committed to prioritizing people and planet. They are are more likely to take corrective action and resolve any problems that arise. They want to make it right. They care about it.
 
-*In the fair trade movement, there has always been a give and take between a certain set of values and the temptation to compromise for adoption---especially when certification processes are funded by the certified organizations. There's always this threat of capture, of a certification being used in ways that the people who devised it didn't intend. Does that experience of capture resonate with you as something that you've had to deal with?*
+{{< i >}}
+In the fair trade movement, there has always been a give and take between a certain set of values and the temptation to compromise for adoption---especially when certification processes are funded by the certified organizations. There's always this threat of capture, of a certification being used in ways that the people who devised it didn't intend. Does that experience of capture resonate with you as something that you've had to deal with?
+{{< /i >}}
 
 Yes, it resonates with my earlier experiences in both organic and fair trade. I've seen how certification systems can be co-opted by companies that don't necessarily share the values and principles that underpin the movement.
 
@@ -162,7 +200,9 @@ Similarly, the early organic community had a deeply holistic approach and includ
 
 These are patterns we need to learn from. It's part of the reason the People and Planet First verification was developed. The five standards that underpin the verification were designed to prevent co-optation. Verified enterprises have to exist to solve a social or environmental problem, reinvest the majority of their surplus towards their purpose, and have a structure that protects their purpose over time. Profit-maximizing companies aren't able to meet those criteria.
 
-*Have you paid a price for setting the standards the way you have in terms of limiting your reach?*
+{{< i >}}
+Have you paid a price for setting the standards the way you have in terms of limiting your reach?
+{{< /i >}}
 
 We haven't had to pay a price in terms of the actual standards. The entire purpose of the digital commons is to speed up the transition to an economy that's good for people and the planet. Having a clear boundary is critical for increasing the visibility of the movement. It builds trust and a sense of shared ownership and that has expanded reach.
 
@@ -170,7 +210,9 @@ The price we've paid is more related to inclusion, which is common in this space
 
 Financially, it would have been easier to pilot this type of initiative in a place like Europe or the US, but we chose to test in Sri Lanka because it needed to work for people who don't speak English and don't have access to computers. We were only able to start testing the revenue model once we began expanding to countries where more enterprises have the ability to pay.
 
-*What is the platform's primary engine for economic sustainability?*
+{{< i >}}
+What is the platform's primary engine for economic sustainability?
+{{< /i >}}
 
 This initiative is different from others I've been involved in. Most of the things I've worked on have been revenue-generating from the start. With software, there's a big upfront cost, but the cost to scale and sustain is relatively small. We've had to invest a lot to get the software up and running, but the revenue from the marketplace events and shops in Sri Lanka helped to subsidize the software development costs.
 
@@ -180,7 +222,9 @@ It's also possible for approved enterprises to receive payments through the site
 
 Subscriptions and marketplace transactions are growing, but that will take time. In the meantime, there are many networks wanting additional functionality. They're mobilizing funds to invest in software development, and that's helping to cover costs for now.
 
-*What have been some of your most important decisions, you, either individually or collectively, in the in the process of building this framework and and an organization, and what prepared you for making those decisions?*
+{{< i >}}
+What have been some of your most important decisions, you, either individually or collectively, in the in the process of building this framework and and an organization, and what prepared you for making those decisions?
+{{< /i >}}
 
 The key to building a community-driven initiative is recognizing that it's a never-ending, ongoing process. Every decision feels like the most important decision at the time. It requires being attuned to how things are evolving and changing, and being able to pivot and adapt constantly.
 
@@ -190,7 +234,9 @@ This has made it easier to navigate challenges. It's about being present and lis
 
 I could really feel the impact of these experiences during the pandemic, when I was talking to other organizations that were struggling. Having gone through so much change in the past, I was able to be in a good listening space and provide support to those who were trying to figure out transitions. I know how hard it is, and I was able to be more present for them.
 
-*You're in some respects creating something new with a platform, a digital tool, but you're also building on existing communities. Do you see Good Market as continuous with or departing from pre-existing legacies in the communities you're working with?*
+{{< i >}}
+You're in some respects creating something new with a platform, a digital tool, but you're also building on existing communities. Do you see Good Market as continuous with or departing from pre-existing legacies in the communities you're working with?
+{{< /i >}}
 
 I absolutely see our work as a continuation of the efforts of those who came before. We're building on the lessons learned from community organizing in Sri Lanka and other traditional communities. This way of working is not new, but we're adapting it to the current context and using digital tools to enable it.
 
@@ -198,7 +244,9 @@ What's exciting about this approach is that allows for both bonding and bridging
 
 The digital aspect of this work also enables bridging between communities and networks. Even if groups have different specialties or approaches, they may have shared interests or leverage points that can be used to drive change. The digital commons makes it possible for these groups to come together, share information, and collaborate on issues that matter to them. It also makes it easier to fill gaps. People can find products or services or solutions that aren't available in their area. That can be really fun.
 
-*Is the language of "protocol" something that you've used in in this work? You're working across many languages. What kind of words do you use to describe Good Market? You talked earlier about the commons, for instance.*
+{{< i >}}
+Is the language of "protocol" something that you've used in in this work? You're working across many languages. What kind of words do you use to describe Good Market? You talked earlier about the commons, for instance.
+{{< /i >}}
 
 When working with software engineers, I'll use more technical terms like "protocol." Beyond that, we try to use more accessible language that resonates with people. We talk about "community rules" and "minimum standards," which are more relatable and effective.
 
@@ -208,7 +256,9 @@ Initially, it was hard to find the right words to describe the different types o
 
 We use the term "network" to describe an enterprise that works with many other enterprises. This can include member organizations, certification bodies, and community-owned spaces. These terms have worked well, but it's taken time to find the right language that can bridge across different divides and be used effectively across the community.
 
-*What is holding this kind of model back from becoming more widespread than it is?*
+{{< i >}}
+What is holding this kind of model back from becoming more widespread than it is?
+{{< /i >}}
 
 We've seen a significant financialization of our economic system, resulting in a huge concentration of wealth and power. This has made it increasingly challenging to undertake this type of work. The current system's rules and regulations only exacerbate the difficulties. There are deep-seated, structural issues that make it hard to effect change.
 
@@ -218,13 +268,17 @@ I think there are people who initially believed they could create change through
 
 An example of a shared challenge is access to financing and appropriate financial services. Mainstream finance is focused on maximizing profits and endless growth. Even in the impact investment space, the dominant narrative is that it's possible to have social and environmental impact *and* market-rate returns. For many of the enterprises we're serving, this narrative is detrimental. They are looking for patient, non-extractive finance that serves their actual needs. While many enterprises are finding creative ways to generate revenue from the start, others---especially those working on large community infrastructure projects---require financing to get off the ground.
 
-*Are there ways in which you've seen that developing shared standards can enable groups to get over those barriers?*
+{{< i >}}
+Are there ways in which you've seen that developing shared standards can enable groups to get over those barriers?
+{{< /i >}}
 
 I feel like it's just beginning, and this is one of the things that excites me the most. In almost every sector, people are collaborating to find solutions to the challenges they're facing, and because they are working in different contexts, many diverse and innovative approaches are emerging. But when we look across all sectors, the biggest ecosystem gaps are in the finance sector. Finance is lagging behind.
 
 I think the entry point is increasing the visibility of groups that are testing out new models of non-extractive finance and transformative finance and trying to do things differently. There are some very new efforts to increase collaboration and sharing in this space. That's the first step to developing shared language, shared standards, and a range of financing options that are better suited to the needs of next economy enterprises.
 
-*Thank you. Is there anything else you want to make sure to include in this story, that you want people to understand about Good Market or about your your work?*
+{{< i >}}
+Thank you. Is there anything else you want to make sure to include in this story, that you want people to understand about Good Market or about your your work?
+{{< /i >}}
 
 I'd like to offer some advice to others who are setting up protocols. Having been involved in and supported many groups in this process, I've learned that it's much easier to establish basic protocols at the beginning of an initiative. I've seen groups, such as marketplaces, that try to introduce protocols later on. It can be extremely challenging to add new protocols and boundaries when you have current members who wouldn't fit within those boundaries.