JENNA JOHNSON - President, Patagonia Inc.

INTERVIEW BY DYLAN & ELSIE (chapter links below)
Reporter's Perspective by Dylan:
I originally found out about Jenna Johnson, President of Patagonia, because I was very interested in sustainable business, and her daughter, Emma is also an SBMS Teen Press Reporter from Team 50. I was interested in Ms. Johnson and excited to interview her because she is an astounding leader, president, and mother. Jenna Johnson has done some incredible things, such as meeting the current U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris in Washington D.C. to discuss Patagonia’s Childcare system and being a big part of Patagonia’s ownership tradeoff that gave the company 100% to the Earth. I learned from Jenna how crucial the Childcare System is, the history of Patagonia, and what sets them apart from other businesses in their industry. This interview reinforced what I already knew about Patagonia: it is a wonderful company that is doing the most during a time of severe fast fashion, with conscious sourcing, a strong flourishing community, and extremely long-lasting high-quality pieces. I think everyone could learn a thing or two from Jenna Johnson and this eco-savior company.
Chapters:
00:00 - Patagonia History + Campus Tour
02:31 - Tell us about some aspects of Patagonia as a work environment…like the Childcare System and how it operates? What else makes Patagonia a good place to work?
05:00 - What are some of the things during the workday at the office that makes Patagonia more like a family?
06:39 - You’ve also talked about being inspired by women within the company, like Malinda Chouinard, as being role models. What did you learn from her?
08:22 - You mentioned there are equal gender roles here in Patagonia, what are the biggest factors that are giving it this equal playing field and such neutrality for both?
10:40 - I understand that you have a love for rock climbing, competitive swimming, and all things outdoors-how has this inspired you to get to where you are today?
12:56 - How did you get involved with Patagonia, and where did you start here?
14:40 - In September of 2022 the ownership of Patagonia changed dramatically. How did the message that “Patagonia is in the business to save our home planet” change that day, and what does this statement look like to you now?
16:32 - What does a day in your life as the President of Patagonia look like?
18:54 - “Fashion is none of our business”-what does that mean to you, and how does it relate to Patagonia as a company?
20:51 - What advice would you give to other companies trying to become more sustainable while still making a profit?
22:37 - Are there any businesses that Patagonia has helped change for the better, and if so, how?
24:27 - What advice would you give to yourself when you were our age?
25:21 - Would it have changed where you are now, if you had taken that advice?
26:12 - If you could give us one homework assignment what would it be?
27:35 - You’ve said that Patagonia is one of the most “complex businesses”. Please tell us a little bit more about what makes it complex.
31:12 - What has being the President of Patagonia helped you to do for the company…and outside of it?
33:57 - You appeal to both sides of the political spectrum, how do you manage to engage both parts when we’re at a time in our history where they’re so separated?
36:34 - Because of the past and [its affect on] the future, how does Patagonia become more of the business that it wants to be?
38:33 - What is one way that we can embrace that regenerativeness that you were talking about?