Hi, I’m Debbie Ferruzzi.

I started Cause-Based Consulting to make it easier for companies to turn their values into action—and to use their influence to create real, lasting change for their employees, communities, and the world.

For 23 years, I worked alongside legendary entrepreneur Sam Zell in an innovative, entrepreneurial environment that encouraged bold thinking. As Executive Vice President of Corporate Strategy, I launched our company’s first-ever social impact programs—engaging employees across the country in causes they cared deeply about.

And what I saw was transformational.

When employees connect through purpose, everything shifts—engagement deepens, retention improves, and people show up not just for work, but for one another. I built lifelong relationships that began with engaging in purpose alongside my peers.

I also had the privilege of leading an organization that produced five socially conscious films, including the theatrically released documentary Bully—a cause I am deeply passionate about. Through that work, I witnessed the incredible power of young people to create a more compassionate world. That experience moved me so profoundly that I founded Humanity Rising, a national nonprofit that empowers youth to lead change through service, storytelling, and social impact.

I’m continually inspired—and blown away—by the talent and passion of young people who are creating a better future.

Through Cause-Based Consulting, I’m extending that passion by helping companies turn compassion into action—creating purpose-driven programs that benefit employees, communities, and the next generation.

Employees today are hungry to make a difference. The next generation of talent cares deeply about what companies stand for. And customers are paying attention—corporate values now influence buying decisions.

At Cause-Based Consulting, we offer turnkey, scalable tools that help companies:

• Amplify the voices of their employees
• Strengthen recruitment, retention, workplace culture, and brand loyalty
• Drive measurable social impact that aligns with your mission and values

I’m passionate about creating win-win-win solutions—the kind that elevate individuals, strengthen organizations, and lift humanity… all while enhancing the bottom line

Let’s connect. I’d love to hear what inspires your company—and explore how we can bring that purpose to life in the world.

Debbie

P.S. Click here to see my resume. And click here to see surprising corporate responsibility statistics.