Learnings from Leaders: the P&G Alumni Podcast

JOHN SMALE: Bob McDonald & Bob Gill’s reflections on P&G’s former CEO

Nov 13, 2022

01:07:59

“The purpose, values and principles — John Smale understood the importance of the soul of the company.”

Bob McDonald & Bob Gill are two P&G Alumni who share many things in common, least of which is their first name. The first is no stranger to this podcast — Bob McDonald, who served as P&G's former CEO from 2009-2013, and was the United States Secretary of Veterans Affairs from 2014-2017. And our second guest is another well known Alum to many P&G Executives — Bob GIll - who served at P&G for 28 years in many senior leadership positions - from 1974 to 2002, where he had more than a few interactions with John Smale. Both of this episode’s Bobs - McDonald and Gill — 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