For decades, Ben Cohen has treated business as a vehicle for political and social advocacy, building Ben & Jerry's into a global brand known for its activism. Today the brand’s voice is being challenged by its corporate parent, prompting Cohen to call for “freeing” the company he founded and reclaiming its ability to stand for its values. In this candid conversation, Cohen explores what it truly means to lead a mission-driven company in a world where governance protections can erode, corporate power challenges your mission, and founders must weigh the real trade-offs among autonomy, growth, and sustaining a purpose-led mission.