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

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

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

We measured our success not just by how much money we made, but by how much we contributed to the community. It was a two-part bottom line.

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.

It's pretty rare to have CEOs or high level executives at big companies who are social activists. They tend not to be drawn to those areas of life.

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.