The soaring energy costs, inflation and geo-political uncertainties in the aftermath of more than two years of pandemic present unprecedented challenges that many businesses are grappling with. 

Some enterprises however, tell a different story. 

Amidst the perfect storm, they are not only adapting well, but to the extent, even thriving on distinct, competitive advantages that set them apart. 

Some of these may be sustaining on the sheer luck of timing and opportunities that came their way. 

But some of the real success stories are more often than not, businesses guided by design-centred models. Built on the pillars of purpose, customer experience and organisational alignment, they take an honest, human-centred approach to design their entire business spectrum, tackle challenges and deliver positive impact on their customers. 

Of the firms that stood out is Uglyfood. The e-commerce grocer turns the problem of food excesses and perishable, blemished produce into sustainable source of groceries that like-minded customers turn to.

Willing Hearts, a soup kitchen run by a thriving pool of volunteers, is observed to be also an organisation where purpose runs deep. 

Sky Greens, which is a leader in low carbon footprint agricultural technology that brings vertically farmed vegetables to our tables, shows how purpose can innovate sustainable urban solutions.