As CEO of Unilever from 2008 to 2019, Paul Polman transformed one of the world's largest consumer goods companies by proving that purpose-driven strategies deliver exceptional results. Co-architect of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, and author of the bestselling book "Net Positive," Paul continues to champion responsible leadership. In this episode, he joins Jenn to discuss why courage and conviction are essential for navigating today's turbulent business environment.
Stay Grounded in Your Values
Turbulence isn't new in business, but it reveals which leaders are truly committed versus those paying lip service. Paul emphasises that companies must be clear about their values and stick to them, especially when facing pressure. Leaders who waver from previously made commitments at the first sign of political or financial pressure often find themselves worse off than those who maintain their course.
Set Bold Targets That Feel Uncomfortable
Companies that set science-based targets, where they don't yet know the full solution, often achieve better results and move faster than those with conservative goals. At Unilever, setting ambitious sustainability targets led to partnerships with organisations like UNICEF and the Gates Foundation, ultimately reaching 1.2 billion people and drove growth year after year.
Embed Sustainability Into Business Strategy, Not CSR
The companies abandoning sustainability commitments under pressure are those that never properly embedded these principles into their core business strategy. Paul's approach at Unilever went beyond traditional CSR by looking at total impact across the entire value chain. This integration attracts top talent, improves corporate reputation, and ultimately drives better financial performance.