Masters of Scale How redefining boundaries drives performance, w/former Unilever CEO Paul Polman
Dec 7, 2021
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.
Boundaries Drive Behavior
- Changing behaviors requires changing the boundaries that shape them.
- Many CEOs have good intentions, but external pressures influence their actions.
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.
