Skills
About
Bo Howard is the Vice President of Business Development for Shapiro, a company focusing on building recycling and sustainability programs for manufacturers. Over the 120+ years of Shapiro’s history, most of that has been focused on metal recycling. Bo and others have helped transition Shapiro from a metal-focused company, to a sustainability-focused company over the last several years. Living near the Gulf of Mexico on the Alabama coast, along with growing up in Florida, helped shape a love of nature and a responsibility to it from a young age. From writing protest letters to corporations with bad environmental policies in fifth grade to watching the impacts of the BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill in his backyard, nature has always played a critical role in his life. When not visiting client sites to help improve the impact on the environment, Bo tries to travel as much as possible with his wife and three kids. Showing his kids the beauty of the world is critical to helping them appreciate why it’s so important to protect our resources and wild areas. Expanding on his appreciation of nature, Bo works with clients to tell the right story about what improvements are being made. It's not enough to prove it; people have to understand it. That's where the spark comes from, turning a byproduct into a sustainability story. In addition to early exposure to sustainability and nearly a decade working at Shapiro, Bo is working towards a Master's Degree in Sustainability from the Harvard Extension School. Adding academic knowledge to practical applications helps connect the dots of how and why for him and his clients.
Bo Howard
Published content
expert panel
The final quarter of the year is make-or-break for many companies. Here are some goals and actions to close out Q4 on a high note. As the year winds down, many leaders shift their focus to holiday campaigns, budget wrap-ups or end-of-year reporting. But Q4 can also be a strategic springboard into the year ahead. The goals businesses set in these last few months often determine whether they simply coast to the finish line or create lasting momentum. Below, Rolling Stone Culture Council members share the most important goals they’re prioritizing in Q4. These strategies can help you finish the year strong and start the next one on solid footing.
expert panel
Whether you're pitching to investors or sharing an idea with your team, these tips can help you persuade your audience and achieve your goals. Persuasion is one of the most valuable skills in business, shaping outcomes in everything from investor pitches to client negotiations. Especially in creative and culture-driven industries, where ideas and storytelling carry extra weight, the ability to influence others often determines whether a vision gains traction or fades away. Taking the right approach to communication can directly influence how you connect and inspire confidence in your ideas. To help, the members of Rolling Stone Culture Council share their best strategies for persuading others and why these approaches are so effective.
expert panel
Is your workplace hurting more than helping your professional growth? Here's how to tell. A toxic workplace can take many forms — sometimes it’s obvious, and other times it’s hidden beneath the surface. Left unchecked, toxic dynamics can undermine collaboration, weaken performance and create lasting harm for both people and organizations. As an employee, recognizing the red flags early is critical to protect both your mental health and career growth. To help you spot toxicity in the workplace, Rolling Stone Culture Council leaders share the signs they’ve seen most often and the steps you can take when faced with these situations.
expert panel
Every leader has room to grow — and the best ones never stop learning. To successfully lead a business in the modern world, entrepreneurs have to be intentional about how they grow — both personally and professionally. That growth often comes down to refining the skills that influence how you communicate, make decisions and guide your team through uncertainty. To help you find out which skills are worth the effort, Rolling Stone Culture Council members share what they’re currently working on and why it matters. From emotional intelligence to technical fluency, their answers offer a valuable look at the behind-the-scenes work that shapes effective leadership.
expert panel
Business leaders across sectors are excited about these upcoming technology trends, industry shifts and networking events in 2025 and beyond. Many industries are sitting at a crossroads right now, where artificial intelligence, immersive experiences, social change and culture are converging in ways that promise to redefine entire fields. From tech-fueled transformations to cultural shifts and long-awaited events, industry leaders are looking ahead to these changes with optimism and energy. Below, members of Rolling Stone Culture Council share the innovations and upcoming moments that have them most excited, and why they believe these developments will spark lasting impact.
Company details
Shapiro
Company bio
Shapiro is a sustainability-driven company committed to circularity programs that reduce greenhouse gas emissions by diverting recyclable materials such as metal, wood, cardboard, paper, and plastic from landfills. Founded in 1904, Shapiro remains privately owned and operates across North America, including Canada and Mexico, while also trading materials internationally. With 12 locations including a corporate office in St. Louis, Missouri, the city where Shapiro first established its business, they continue to expand their network to best assist clients in reaching their sustainability initiatives.