I like that Ben & Jerry's is willing to speak out about social and political issues that aren't always safe - but are the right thing to do.

I'm a pretty laid-back kind of guy. What I've always wanted to do is set up situations in our company where if people who worked there needed help, we would try to help them, and at the same token if the company needed help from people, they would help us. A kind of give and take.

Ice cream is the perfect buffer, because you can do things in a somewhat lighthearted way. Plus, people have an emotional response to ice cream it's more than just food. So I think when you combine caring, and eating wonderful food, it's a very powerful combination.

It's to be expected that you make mistakes when you're breaking new ground.

Look at your business and the activities that you undertake. Then, start to think about not just your economic concerns, but about social and environmental impacts that businesses have.

One of the great things about Ben & Jerry's for me is that not only is it delicious, but I get it for free.

Businesses can lead with their values and make money, too. You don't have to simply be purely profit-driven. You can integrate social and environmental concerns into a business, be a caring business, be a generous business and still do very well financially.

Ben & Jerry's evolved into what it is doing and is trying to transition its supply chain, but this is essentially retrofitting. In the social enterprise movement, we see companies whose essence, the products they make, the reason they exist from day one, is because these people see something out in the world that they cannot accept.

Don't just do something because it's a trendy idea and will make you a lot of money. The reason I say that is because any kind of venture involves going through difficult times. If you're doing something you are passionate about and really believe in, then that will carry you through.

Business can be a source of progressive change.

If you open up the mind, the opportunity to address both profits and social conditions are limitless. It's a process of innovation.

I guess I harboured hopes that things would happen more quickly, but I'm not disappointed.

Businesses typically look at issues like price, quality, time of delivery. They don't often think about social and environmental impact because they're focused on their financial bottom line.

Recycling, packaging, businesses are changing all of those things because that's what consumers want.

It's good to stand for something, to believe in something and base your business on values.

So much business is based on the belief that we should do whatever we can within legal limits to make as much money as we can. Ben & Jerry's was based on values, and we try to operate a business that not just sells ice cream but partners with all our stakeholders - whether that's suppliers or customers - to bring about a more sustainable world.