Learnings from Leaders: the P&G Alumni Podcast

JOHN SMALE: Janet Reid & Gordon Brunner’s reflections on P&G’s former CEO

Nov 20, 2022

44:18

“John Smale pushed the company to have a deeper ear toward what consumers really want. He made a greater effort to take a listen.”

Janet Reid and Gordon Brunner are two P&G Alumni who had the privilege of coming up at the company during John Smale's rise in leadership at P&G. Janet Reid is Founder, CEO and Managing Partner of BRBS World, but spent 10 years as an early African American brand manager at P&G, from 1980 to 1990. And Gordon Brunner - a familiar guest on this podcast - was P&G's former Chief Technical Officer, and one of the company's most renowned R&D executives - and the first R&D'er to sit on the company's Board. Both have a lot to share about the purpose-inspired, caring, yet demanding and principled leader that was John Smale.

For this month’s podcasts, we'll be hearing reflections from leaders on John Smale, P&G's former Chairman & CEO, who led P&G from 1981-1990, and served as General Motors’ Chairman from 1992-1995. These conversions are in honor o f the new book "Here Forever: The Timeless Impact of John Smale on Procter & Gamble, General Motors, and the Purpose and Practice of Business" (by Rob Garver), available now. While John Smale passed away in 2011 - he is arguably one the most influential leaders of the modern era, growing P&G more than six-fold in his tenure. And yet, Smale is largely unknown to many leaders guiding American and global businesses today. John's leadership in developing a vision for corporate purpose was decades ahead of its time. This was a book years in the making by not just the author, but many of some of the biggest leaders in business. “Here Forever” is a compelling and insightful read we’d highly recommend, and will make a great holiday gift for the admired, or aspiring leaders in your life. Pick up a copy wherever you get your favorite books