Welchman Keen Leads with Commitment to Social Impact and Inclusivity
- Cecilia Hough
- 3 days ago
- 4 min read
About Welchman Keen
Welchman Keen is a global technology advisory firm that provides strategic guidance for public and private stakeholders in developing markets to enable effective, sustainable, and secure connectivity policy. We support the delivery of global and equitable access to technology by helping companies navigate fluid regulatory landscapes and access new markets while supporting governments in developing policies and building capacity to advance connectivity.
Welchman Keen is a proud B Corp since July 2023. Recently, the B Lab Singapore team sat down with Managing Partner, Aaron Boyd, to learn more about what matters most to them and their B Corp journey.
1. What is the purpose/mission of your organisation?
Welchman Keen’s principal goal is to enable universal access to responsible connectivity. We believe that the right approach to telecommunication infrastructure and connectivity is critical to sustainable development, by which investment and growth create positive socio-economic and environmental impacts for the communities we serve. Our work focuses on helping developing countries develop better connectivity policies and build capacity against cyber threats and digital risks. We are also working to support remote communities with the ability to be connected, bringing opportunities for education, work and access to medical and government services.
2. Why did the organisation embark on B Corp certification?
We embarked on B Corp certification as a testament to our commitment to serving communities. We see this as significant given that a discernible disparity is emerging in the ESG landscape, where there is a disproportionate emphasis on environmental factors over social ones. Studies, such as the one conducted by the Harvard Law School Forum on Corporate Governance, have underscored this imbalance in resource allocation and attention within ESG. Discussions within the World Economic Forum have also emphasised the importance of integrating social responsibility into sustainable business practices, highlighting the need to holistically address environmental and social concerns.
Moreover, unlike environmental and governance issues, we noticed social considerations are less tangible and lack mature data to demonstrate their impact on a company's performance, as highlighted by the United Nations Principles for Responsible Investment. This complexity emphasises the vital role of certifications like B Corp, which meticulously assess the highest standards of verified social and environmental performance, fostering transparency and legal accountability to harmonise profit and purpose.”
3. Could you share some learning or insights of your B Corp journey?
Our journey to becoming a B Corp has been a profound learning experience for our organisation. The meticulous application process itself was a valuable lesson, highlighting areas that we can improve on to enhance our ESG efforts. Through this process, we gained insights into how to refine our practices and better support our employees. One such improvement was the revision of our internal employee handbook, by making it more comprehensive with a compilation of our various policies for easy reference. “
4. Could you share some of your best practices as a B Corp Certified company?
We pride ourselves on our remote-first and unlimited flex-time work arrangements, which are key in enhancing job satisfaction and productivity. The tangible impact of our approach is evident in our employees’ experiences. For example, our Editor Sofiah Jamil, is a working mother and caregiver with a global family across Singapore, Malaysia, Canada, and Morocco. Our work culture has empowered her to effectively manage multiple responsibilities across international borders, demonstrating the practicality and inclusivity of the company's approach. In Sofiah's own words, our unparalleled support for employee mobility enables her to work from anywhere in the world, allowing her to be close to her family while excelling in her role.”
5. Share one thing you can do as a B Corp that you were not able to do before certification?
As a B Corp, we can now significantly enhance our visibility and credibility in terms of ESG practices, which was not achievable before our B Corp certification.
This certification has provided us with a platform to showcase our commitment to sustainable and ethical business practices, thereby amplifying our impact and influence in the ESG space.”
6. What impact has the B Corp certification had on your organisation’s strategy & growth?
B Corp certification has reinforced our dedication to serving communities and underscored the value of our remote-first and flexible work arrangements. Notably, it brings attention to the process of how these flexible arrangements work while maintaining productivity and meeting deadlines. Communication and professionalism are fundamental principles, as outlined in our employee handbook. Recognising communication as a dynamic process, senior management will continue to actively engage with employees to gain a deeper understanding of their needs and concerns.”
7. What is the next step for your organisation?
We see a future where remote work not only enhances productivity but also holds the potential to reduce economic disparities. Imagine a world where remote communities in developing countries have the access and training needed to engage in remote work. The social impact is significant, offering alternative employment opportunities and addressing the challenges associated with migration for work. Our clients and associates in the Pacific Islands have highlighted issues such as the high costs of travel from remote villages and prolonged separation from their families and homelands.
Our forthcoming initiative under our Digital Transformation practice aims to tackle these challenges and more. We are collaborating with CEO.com and the Government of Vanuatu to establish a pilot multi-use remote connectivity hub, which will provide underserved populations in Vanuatu digital access to government and essential services (such as telehealth) as well as educational and professional opportunities. We look forward to this exciting development and welcome like-minded organisations to collaborate with on this journey.
Welchman Keen Employees enjoying remote work
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Aaron Boyd for sharing his insights and inspiring perspectives. Your contributions continue to inspire the B Corp community to drive meaningful change.
Watch Aaron's interview with CEO.com Podcast in which he talks about Welchman Keen's journey and purpose.
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