Publications
Publications
- June 10, 2021
- Harvard Business Review (website)
How to Be a Purpose-Driven Leader in a Capitalist World
By: Celia Bravard, John Pontillo and Andrew J. Hoffman
Abstract
Today’s business school education isn’t suited to the big challenges facing the world — climate change, economic inequality and racial injustice — that the leaders of tomorrow will be expected to solve. So, how can students and young professionals succeed in a system that primarily rewards profit? How can they create real change while working in a corporate world that’s mostly stuck in outdated business models? According to former CEO of Unilever Paul Polman, you must supplement your business education in three ways:
- Figure out your purpose and values. Create space for yourself to discern your calling by finding the intersection of your purpose (what do you care about?), your skillset (what are you good at?), and what the world needs (where do you need to devote your energies?).
- Develop a sphere of influence. You need a network of people — both inside and outside your school or organization — who share your values and believe in your vision.
- Once you enter or re-enter the workforce, it will be easy to get distracted by the pursuit of your next promotion or nailing your next big project. But keep yourself focused on the long game. When you do, better opportunities — ones that align with your values and purpose — will arise in both local and global ways.
Keywords
Values and Beliefs; Mission and Purpose; Social Issues; Power and Influence; Social and Collaborative Networks; Opportunities
Citation
Bravard, Celia, John Pontillo, and Andrew J. Hoffman. "How to Be a Purpose-Driven Leader in a Capitalist World." Harvard Business Review (website) (June 10, 2021).