Paul Polman, former CEO of Unilever, shares insights from his tenure where he transformed the company by emphasizing sustainability and long-term growth. He discusses the importance of redefining boundaries to invigorate teams and drive performance. Polman highlights how shifting corporate purpose from short-term profits to societal impact can lead to greater accountability and success. His experiences underscore that true change requires not just a focus on mission but also on the boundaries that shape behavior within organizations.
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Kilimanjaro Blind Trust
Paul Polman climbed Mount Kilimanjaro with Eric Weinmayer and other blind climbers.
This inspired him to co-found the Kilimanjaro Blind Trust, supporting blind education.
insights INSIGHT
Boundaries Drive Behavior
Changing behaviors requires changing the boundaries that shape them.
Many CEOs have good intentions, but external pressures influence their actions.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Newcastle Awakening
Early in his career, Paul Polman's predecessor in Newcastle got involved in the community.
This inspired Polman to broaden his own view of leadership beyond just company profits.
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In 'Net Positive', Paul Polman and Andrew Winston argue that companies can thrive by addressing global challenges like climate change and inequality. They provide a model for leaders to build businesses that improve well-being for all stakeholders while ensuring long-term success. The book emphasizes the importance of innovation, partnerships, and purpose-driven leadership in creating a more sustainable future.
Seven Habits
Highly Effective People
Stephen R Covey
Stephen Covey's "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" is a self-help book that presents a principle-centered approach to personal and interpersonal effectiveness. The book outlines seven habits, focusing on character ethic rather than personality ethic, emphasizing principles like proactivity, beginning with the end in mind, and seeking first to understand, then to be understood. It encourages readers to develop a holistic approach to life, focusing on continuous self-improvement and building strong relationships. The book has had a significant impact on personal development and leadership training, influencing countless individuals and organizations worldwide. Its principles continue to be relevant in various aspects of life, from personal growth to professional success.
True North
Jill Ker Conway
In 'True North', Jill Ker Conway continues her autobiography, detailing her experiences from her arrival in the United States in 1960 to her appointment as the first female president of Smith College in 1975. The book explores her academic pursuits at Harvard, her role as a public figure for feminism, and her personal challenges, including her husband's health issues.
When Paul Polman joined Unilever as CEO in 2009, the consumer goods company – home to 400-plus brands including Dove soap, Ben & Jerry’s, and Vaseline – had been stagnated with years of lackluster performance. His famous turnaround of the company centered around his ability to redraw the boundaries of Unilever’s mission to emphasize sustainability and long-term growth. He’s a perfect example of why every leader should consistently reexamine the boundaries that limit their business – and be prepared to redraw them as you grow. By redrawing boundaries, you can reinvigorate your team with a new sense of power. As Polman says, “You cannot change people's behaviors if you only work on the purpose – and don’t change the boundaries around it that drive people's behavior.”
Masters of Scale 
