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San Francisco-based HigherRing: Building Ethical Teams that Scale with Purpose

FYP SF Staff

— 2 min read
San Francisco-based HigherRing: Building Ethical Teams that Scale with Purpose

HigherRing is a purpose-driven outsourcing partner helping businesses grow sustainably while keeping people and planet at the center of every decision. Founded by Michelle Hirons and Susan Hopkinson, this certified B Corporation blends operational excellence with human values, proving that business can scale responsibly without losing its soul.

A Better Way to Build Teams

HigherRing provides flexible, fully managed remote teams that operate as seamless extensions of their clients—covering customer support, bookkeeping, marketing operations, and executive assistance.

  • “Train once” model: HigherRing manages hiring, onboarding, QA, payroll, and compliance.
  • Scalable from fractional support to full-time, multi-function teams.
  • Fair wages, benefits, and professional development for every team member.

A Company that Lives Its Values

As a 1% for the Planet member, Climate Neutral Certified organization, and Living Wage Employer, HigherRing backs its commitments with measurable impact aligned to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

  • Decent work and economic growth through fair-wage jobs and career pathways.
  • Gender equity and inclusive hiring practices.
  • Climate action via carbon accountability and continuous reduction plans.
  • Paid volunteer time, mental health resources, and ongoing training.

Leadership Rooted in Purpose

Michelle Hirons (Co-founder & CEO) brings two decades in operations, eCommerce, and customer success (Gap, Williams-Sonoma, LVMH). A visible voice in women-led business movements, she has served as Membership Chair for WeTheChange and appears on mission-driven podcasts, championing transparency, trust, and sustainable growth.

Susan Hopkinson, CFA (Co-founder; Head of Sustainability & Finance) pairs impact finance expertise with systems thinking, ensuring ethical employment and sound economics reinforce one another.

Katie Carano (COO) leads day-to-day operations with a focus on resilient systems, team wellbeing, and client outcomes—translating purpose into disciplined execution.

Together, this leadership team models the future of ethical business—balancing results with respect, and strategy with compassion.

Why It Matters

Partnering with HigherRing means choosing a business that builds equity into every engagement. Each client relationship creates fair-wage jobs, advances climate action, and proves that integrity is a competitive advantage—reducing turnover, elevating quality, and strengthening long-term growth.

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