Innovation with Purpose: Bryce Givens of All The Way Well On The World’s Most Successful Purpose-Driven Business Models
An Interview With Russ McLeod
Financial Sustainability: A purpose-driven business can’t sustain itself on passion alone. Building a reliable fundraising strategy has allowed us to keep our doors open and expand our impact.
In today’s business landscape, companies that integrate purpose into their core strategy are gaining significant traction. These businesses go beyond profit to create positive social and environmental impact, proving that doing good and doing well can go hand in hand. What are the key elements of these successful purpose-driven business models, and what can other companies learn from them? I had the pleasure of interviewing Bryce Givens.
Bryce Givens is the founder and CEO of All The Way Well, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing scholarships and peer coaching services for individuals overcoming substance use disorders. With a deep commitment to community support and recovery, Bryce has leveraged his personal experiences to develop an organization that focuses on holistic healing and sustainable personal growth. His leadership has been instrumental in creating an inclusive environment where recovery is not just a goal but a sustainable way of life.
Thank you so much for doing this with us! Our readers would love to get to know you a bit better. Can you share a bit about your background and what has led you to this moment in your career?
Absolutely, it’s a pleasure to share my journey. My path has been shaped by personal experiences with addiction and recovery, which completely transformed my life. After overcoming those challenges, I made it my mission to help others find the support and community they need for their own recovery journeys. This led me to create All The Way Well, where we focus on peer coaching, providing scholarships, and creating opportunities for individuals to build a life of resilience and purpose.
Can you share a pivotal moment in your career that inspired you to integrate a sense of purpose into your professional journey?
A pivotal moment came when I realized that my struggles could actually be my strength. After receiving an 8-year prison sentence due to the impact of addiction, I knew that my recovery journey could inspire others. It wasn’t just about turning my life around — it was about helping others find hope and the strength to rebuild their own lives. That realization was the catalyst for making purpose the core of everything I do.
Can you describe your company’s mission? What societal problems are you solving? What customer problems are you solving?
All The Way Well exists to empower individuals through peer recovery support and scholarships. We address the societal challenge of access to quality recovery support, especially for those who can’t afford it. By providing coaching and financial assistance, we help our clients overcome the hurdles of starting and sustaining their recovery journey, building a strong community around them that fosters long-term success.
Do you have a big hairy audacious goal for your organization and its impact on the planet?
Our audacious goal is to make peer recovery support accessible to every person seeking recovery, regardless of their financial situation. We aim to set a new standard in the recovery industry, proving that community support and holistic care can transform lives. We envision a world where no one is held back from recovery due to lack of resources.
Can you please describe some of your successes to date?
One of our proudest achievements has been providing over 200 scholarships to individuals who otherwise might not have been able to access recovery services. We’ve also built a network of peer coaches who serve as mentors and guides, creating a ripple effect of positive impact across our communities. These milestones remind us of the difference we’re making one person at a time.
How would you describe your business model? How is impact engrained in the business model?
Our model is centered on delivering peer coaching and financial assistance to those in need. Impact is not just a byproduct; it’s the foundation of what we do. Every dollar we raise through fundraising and grants goes directly toward providing scholarships and expanding our peer coaching network, ensuring that every action we take is aligned with our mission to foster recovery and resilience.
Can you share an example of an innovative solution your company developed that aligns with your core purpose?
We developed a mentorship program that pairs peer coaches with scholarship recipients, creating a personalized support system. This approach ensures that individuals don’t just receive financial help but are also guided by someone who has walked a similar path. It’s made a significant difference in how our clients perceive their recovery journey, providing both hope and a sense of accountability.
Many purpose-driven businesses have struggled to achieve growth. What are some of the biggest mistakes purpose-driven businesses make in their business model and approach to selling to customers?
One of the biggest mistakes is losing sight of sustainability in the pursuit of impact. It’s easy to become so focused on the mission that you forget the importance of building a financially viable model. Another common mistake is not investing enough in marketing and storytelling. You can have a powerful mission, but if you don’t communicate it effectively, it’s hard to build the support you need.
With the design of your business model, what has allowed your organization to achieve growth and deliver on impact?
Balancing impact with sustainability has been key. We’ve built strong relationships with donors and funders, ensuring we have the financial support needed to scale our programs. Additionally, by focusing on the quality of our peer support services, we’ve created a reputation that attracts more clients and partners, allowing us to expand our reach without compromising our core values.
What are your “5 Things You Need To Create a Successful Purpose Driven Business Model”? If you can, please share a story or example for each.
- A Clear Mission: Your mission should be your North Star. For us, it’s about creating access to recovery services. It guides every decision we make, from hiring staff to developing new programs.
- Financial Sustainability: A purpose-driven business can’t sustain itself on passion alone. Building a reliable fundraising strategy has allowed us to keep our doors open and expand our impact.
- Community Engagement: Our mentorship program is a prime example of this. By engaging the community, we build a network that supports our mission and amplifies our reach.
- Transparency: Being open about where our funds go has helped us build trust with our donors and clients. This transparency has been crucial in maintaining long-term relationships.
- Resilience: The journey is not always easy. Building resilience in ourselves and our organization has allowed us to weather challenges and continue to grow.
What advice would you give to other entrepreneurs looking to create a successful purpose-driven business model?
Focus on building a sustainable financial plan alongside your mission. Don’t be afraid to ask for help and seek out mentors who can guide you. And always remember why you started — when the mission remains at the heart of what you do, it will guide you through even the toughest times.
Can you share a story of a mentor or a leader who inspired you in your journey?
A mentor who profoundly impacted me is my podcast co-host, Justin Harris, he emphasized the importance of vulnerability and authenticity in leadership. He taught me that sharing my struggles could actually be a source of strength and connection with others, a lesson that has shaped the way I lead All The Way Well.
What do you envision for the future of purpose-driven businesses, and how do you see your company contributing to this vision?
I believe the future of purpose-driven businesses lies in their ability to innovate and adapt while staying true to their core mission. At All The Way Well, we aim to be at the forefront of this movement, showing that by focusing on human connection and holistic support, we can achieve both financial sustainability and deep social impact.
How can our readers further follow your work or your company online?
You can follow us on our website at allthewaywell.org and stay connected through our social media channels for updates, stories of impact, and opportunities to get involved.
This was great. Thanks for taking time for us to learn more about you and your business. We wish you continued success!
About the Interviewer: Russell McLeod is an experienced business leader, social entrepreneur, and mentor. A champion of profit with purpose, the circular economy and of collaboration for positive progress. Russell is the founder of Mightyhum a Toronto-based impact enterprise dedicated to supporting growing organizations. And, while it’s not a requirement, the Mightyhum team has a passion for collaborating with purpose-driven businesses. Mightyhum specializes in providing consulting services and turning hairy audacious concepts into achievable ventures & projects. The Mightyhum team work with C-suite executives and leaders, developing new product offerings, effective go-to-market strategies, building for profitability, and streamlining operations. Before Mightyhum, Russell was involved in the world of social enterprise as the Executive Director of ME to WE, one of Canada’s best known and most awarded social enterprises. While at ME to WE, the team demonstrated that being profitable and impactful was indeed possible. During his tenure, ME to WE delivered $20M in cash and in-kind to WE Charity, helping transform the lives of over 1 million people through access to clean water; the lives of 200,000 children with access to education; and 30,000 women-led businesses launched globally.
Russell’ personal mission is to inspire others that there is ‘a better way to do business,’ ‘that through business we can solve some of the world’s problems at the same time.’ You can follow Russell’s work at https://www.linkedin.com/in/russell-mcleod1/ or www.mightyhum.com.
