Today we’d like to introduce you to Kathryn Decker

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?

Building a Career on Innovation and Impact

My journey began with a deep interest in analytical sciences, which led me to pursue a BS in Forensic Science at Michigan State University. From there, I honed my skills in quality assurance and operations management. To further equip myself for leadership roles, I earned an eMBA from the Quantic School of Business and Technology.

Throughout my career, I’ve thrived in diverse environments, including government agencies, biotech firms, and Fortune 500 pharmaceutical companies. In these roles, I’ve consistently led corporate teams focused on driving innovation through new product launches, technical customer support, and strategic global initiatives.

I possess a strong ability to navigate the challenges of fast-growing organizations. I excel at identifying gaps (“white space areas”) and implementing processes and systems that can scale alongside a team’s evolving needs. This is what truly excites me about being COO at Softly – the opportunity to make a positive impact with a company that is revolutionizing green marketing compliance.

A Passion for Sustainability and Social Responsibility

Beyond professional success, I’ve always been committed to sustainability and social responsibility. This passion fuels my desire to contribute to a better tomorrow. I’m incredibly proud to be part of a team at Softly that shares these values. We are dedicated to fostering diversity, empowering underrepresented communities, and creating a positive environmental impact.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?

The road has definitely had its twists and turns. Initially, Softly began with a consumer-facing browser extension, designed to empower individuals to make informed choices about the sustainability practices of the companies they interact with. While there was significant interest, we also encountered challenges in reaching a large enough user base to achieve the impact we envisioned.

This led us to a crucial pivot point. We realized that the biggest impact could be made by working directly with businesses. Many companies genuinely strive for sustainability, but navigating the complex landscape of regulations and standards can be overwhelming. This can unfortunately lead to unintentional greenwashing, which undermines consumer trust.

By shifting our focus to a B2B platform, we empower businesses to ensure their sustainability claims are transparent and compliant. This has been a significant change, requiring us to develop new partnerships and expertise. However, it’s incredibly rewarding to see how Softly is now helping businesses navigate the path towards authentic sustainability communication.

As you know, we’re big fans of Softly. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?

Softly is a technology company on a mission to revolutionize how businesses communicate sustainability. We specialize in helping companies navigate the ever-evolving landscape of sustainability regulations and standards.

What sets us apart is our focus on building trust in sustainability communication. Many companies struggle to translate their good intentions into clear, transparent messaging. Greenwashing, or making misleading claims about sustainability, is unfortunately a common issue. This erodes consumer trust and hinders progress towards a more sustainable future.

Softly’s B2B platform empowers businesses to ensure their sustainability claims are compliant and verifiable. We provide the tools and guidance companies need to tell their authentic sustainability story. This benefits businesses by strengthening brand reputation and attracting environmentally conscious consumers.

We’re most proud of the impact we’re having on both businesses and consumers. Businesses gain the confidence to communicate their sustainability efforts accurately, while consumers are empowered to make informed choices based on reliable information. This fosters a more transparent and trustworthy marketplace for everyone.

Softly is here to help businesses navigate the complexities of sustainability communication. We offer a comprehensive platform that simplifies compliance, fosters transparency, and ultimately allows businesses to build trust with their customers. By working together, we can create a more sustainable future for all.

What makes you happy?

On a personal level, a few things truly spark joy for me. First, there’s the satisfaction of solving a complex problem. Whether it’s figuring out a new system for Softly or tackling a challenging task in a previous role, there’s an immense sense of accomplishment that comes with finding an effective solution.

But beyond the technical wins, what really makes me happy is seeing the positive impact of our work. At Softly, that impact is twofold. We empower businesses to communicate their sustainability efforts authentically, which fosters trust with consumers. This, in turn, encourages more companies to prioritize genuine sustainability practices. Knowing that Softly plays a role in creating a more transparent and environmentally responsible future is incredibly motivating.

Finally, happiness for me comes from being part of a team that shares my values. The team at Softly is passionate about making a difference, and that shared purpose creates a truly inspiring and supportive work environment.

Pricing:

• Free Trial: Get started with a free 30-day trial to explore the platform and see how Softly can help you navigate sustainability communication.
• Individual Plan ($50/month): This plan provides access to our innovative ESG AI Navigator (currently in private beta) – a powerful tool to guide you in understanding and communicating your environmental, social, and governance (ESG) efforts.
• Business Plan ($500/month): This plan offers a comprehensive solution, including assessment and monitoring for one URL per month. You’ll also gain valuable insights through access to competitive market analytics regarding sustainable products.
• Enterprise Plan (Starting at $5,000/month): This customizable plan caters to the specific needs of larger organizations. It includes features like multi-site risk surveillance, a dedicated platform, and multi-brand report generation.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.softlysolutions.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shopping_softly/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/getsoftly
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/GetSoftly
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrnxOHDzHwpBw8Bep8Sfc7Q