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Back to Business: Former Anheuser-Busch Exec Calls Out Corporate America's Woke Drift

In a bold and much-needed course correction, the newly launched Good for Business (G4B) Coalition is stepping up to reclaim the rightful role of American corporations — one grounded in value creation, merit, and responsibility, not progressive ideology or political posturing. At a time when too many companies have veered off course, bowing to the pressures of DEI mandates, ESG scorekeeping, and CRT-driven training programs, G4B offers a clear and principled alternative. Backed by seasoned leaders from finance, law, academia, and small business, this coalition brings credibility and common sense to the national conversation, reminding corporate America that its purpose is to serve customers and shareholders, not to double as agents of the cultural Left.

In recent years, many American companies have prioritized political activism over performance, embracing controversial social agendas that alienate customers and distract from their core missions. From ESG mandates to DEI checklists, this shift has raised serious concerns about long-term sustainability. 

I sat down with Anson Frericks—Founder of Athletic Capital, Co-Founder of Strive Asset Management, and former President of Anheuser-Busch Sales & Distribution Company—to discuss how American businesses can realign with their core purpose after veering off course by embracing woke policies that, in many cases, amount to business self-sabotage.

Frericks described G4B as a “commonsense coalition” with a clear goal: to refocus businesses on what they do best—running successful, value-driven enterprises. He emphasized that injecting politics and social activism into corporate strategy is not a sustainable business model, and many companies are unclear—even confused—about what DEI initiatives entail. Frericks argued that if businesses engage with DEI, they must be clear about their intentions and ensure those efforts align with their core mission, not distract from it.

Take Costco, for instance. With its headquarters in Seattle—a city deeply entrenched in progressive politics—it’s not surprising that the company might adopt or publicly support specific DEI policies. But according to Frericks, this is where many corporations begin to lose their way. Companies often drift from their foundational principles and core business objectives to appease the awakened agenda. Frericks argues that rather than weighing in on divisive political or social issues, businesses should stay focused on their mission and remain accountable to the customers they were built to serve.