Our Story
Bananaleaf was founded by social-impact storyteller Philippe Lazaro, with the belief that the road to a more just, peaceful, and sustainable world starts with the stories we tell.
Philippe has spent over a decade in international development and sustainability organizations, including Plant With Purpose, Liberty in North Korea, Project Drawdown, Ocean Conservancy, and Mobility International.
At Plant With Purpose, he established a marketing and communications function around ethical storytelling that supported a season of 325% growth. During that time, he led storytelling expeditions to Thailand, Ethiopia, Bangladesh, Mexico, and Burundi and launched the GrassRoots Podcast.
Philippe has spoken at TEDx San Diego, Creative Mornings, and EarthX. He is a certified social impact storyteller via Georgetown University.
Who We Work With
International Development & Environment
NGOs where ecological health and human flourishing are inseparable. Working on food security, ecosystem restoration, climate adaptation, sustainable livelihoods? This is the heart of our work, and where our decade of field experience lives.
Global Humanitarian Organizations
INGOs working across the full spectrum of human dignity from trafficking, poverty, displacement, education, to land rights. We understand the complexity and sensitivity of field-based storytelling across cultures and contexts.
Environmental & Climate Organizations
Organizations protecting nature, advancing climate solutions, and building the public will for a livable planet. We speak this language fluently and know how to make it accessible to audiences far beyond the converted.
Outdoor & Purpose-Driven Brands
Companies in the 1% for the Planet network and adjacent ecosystems: brands where mission and product are genuinely integrated, not bolted on as an afterthought. We help surface the story underneath the product.
Regenerative Travel Providers
Tour operators, travel companies, and experience designers who believe how we move through the world matters and that travel can build connection rather than extract it. We've been to many of the places you work.
Cultural Heritage Brands with a Story
Brands that celebrate the richness of global cultures, traditions, and ways of knowing, treating heritage as something to honor, not flatten. The world has more stories than any single narrative can hold.
Justice, Equity & Community Organizations
Nonprofits working toward a more just and inclusive world whether that's criminal justice, disability rights, arts access, or immigrant communities. If the mission is to expand who belongs, we're interested.
For-Purpose Businesses
Companies with a serious, demonstrated commitment to doing good at scale BCorps, social enterprises, and businesses where profit and purpose aren't in tension. We hold for-profits to the same storytelling standard as nonprofits.
Not sure if you’re a fit?
Our best clients aren't defined by sector or size. They're defined by soul. They take their work seriously, they take the communities they serve seriously, and they're ready to invest in telling their story the right way. If that sounds like you, it's worth a conversation.
The Beliefs that Shape Our Work
Storytelling is a Solution
Storytelling can help amplify the solutions-forward work of organizations, demonstrating that change is possible and holding systems accountable. Storytelling itself can also create change by shifting perspectives and reframing challenges.
Storytelling isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about inviting others on the journey. Humility and curiosity are important professional values.
There’s Always More to the Story
Stories Matter Because
People Matter
Ethical storytelling is a non-negotiable. People telling their own story in their own words is what we aim for. Anyone who shares their story is being generous. It’s our responsibility to steward that gift.
Ready to Start Something Wow?
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