Positive Leadership

From transforming how business thinks about nature, to mapping the first global plan to reverse global warming, Paul Hawken has spent his life showing us that regeneration isn’t just possible — it’s already happening. As the author of landmark books like The Ecology of Commerce, Natural Capitalism, Drawdown, and Regeneration, and now Carbon: The Book of Life, Paul has inspired generations of leaders to see the economy not as something separate from nature — but as part of it. In this powerful episode, we explore how his vision has evolved from early entrepreneurship to global systems thinking — and what it truly means to lead for life in an age of crisis. 💡 In this conversation, you’ll discover: How listening — to people, places, and the planet — became one of Paul’s most transformative leadership practices. What it takes to move from despair to agency, and how joy can become a regenerative force. How leaders can reframe carbon, biodiversity, and business as interconnected pathways to prosperity. The habits and mindsets that help sustain optimism after decades of environmental work. Throughout our dialogue, I was reminded of earlier conversations on this podcast — 👉 with Hannah Ritchie, who shared how data can fuel urgent optimism about the planet’s future: https://www.jpcourtois.com/podcast/not-the-end-of-the-world-with-hannah-ritchie  👉 with John Elkington, whose Triple Bottom Line challenged business to account for people, planet, and profit: https://thepositiveleadershippodcast.buzzsprout.com/1798971/episodes/17471215-rethinking-capitalism-a-conversation-with-the-godfather-of-sustainability-with-john-elkington  👉 and with Paul Polman, who showed how courageous corporate leadership can accelerate the shift to a net-positive world: https://www.jpcourtois.com/podcast/becoming-a-courageous-leader-with-paul-polman-ex-unilever-ceo-and-imagine-co-founderTogether, these conversations reveal a truth that Paul embodies: that regeneration begins not in policy or technology, but in perspective — in the decision to see life as our ultimate stakeholder. 🎧 Tune in to this episode of the Positive Leadership Podcast to hear Paul Hawken’s extraordinary journey — and his call to all of us to answer the question he once asked graduates: “What is the Earth asking of you?” Subscribe now to JP's free monthly newsletter "Positive Leadership and You" on LinkedIn to transform your positive impact today: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/positive-leadership-you-6970390170017669121/

In a thought-provoking conversation, Rita McGrath, a strategy and innovation expert from Columbia Business School, shares insights on navigating uncertainty in leadership. She warns against the complacency of success and emphasizes the importance of discovery-driven learning. Rita discusses how small teams and a culture of continuous learning can enhance adaptability, revealing that transient advantage demands constant renewal. With anecdotes from Kodak and Adobe, she illustrates the need for leaders to embrace change and connect strategy with purpose.

In this new episode of the Positive Leadership Podcast, I have the pleasure of welcoming Jean-Pascal Tricoire, Chairman and former CEO of Schneider Electric. From his humble beginnings in rural France to leading one of the world’s most influential industrial companies, Jean-Pascal’s story is one of resilience, transformation, and purpose. For nearly two decades as CEO, he reimagined Schneider Electric’s role in society — turning sustainability from a side note into a core business driver, championing digital transformation, and fostering a culture of inclusion and empowerment. In our conversation, we explore the lessons he learned from a truly global career, the importance of empathy and cultural intelligence in leadership, and how businesses can reconcile growth with climate responsibility. Today, as Chairman, he continues to shape the company’s mission and inspire the next generation of leaders to put people and planet at the heart of performance. 🎧 I invite you to listen and discover how Jean-Pascal Tricoire embodies positive leadership — leading with vision, humility, and purpose. If you enjoyed this episode, you may also want to listen to: Paul Polman "Becoming a courageous leader: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1798971/episodes/10311167-becoming-a-courageous-leader-with-paul-polman-ex-unilever-ceo-and-imagine-co-founder Erin Meyer “Unlocking the Secrets to Leading Across Borders: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1798971/episodes/16477213-unlocking-the-secrets-to-leading-across-borders-with-erin-meyer  Indra Nooyi “Driving performance with purpose”: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1798971/episodes/14002537-driving-performance-with-purpose-with-indra-nooyi  To explore all episodes of the Positive Leadership Podcast and dive deeper into my universe of ideas, stories, and resources, I invite you to visit www.jpcourtois.com.  Subscribe now to JP's free monthly newsletter "Positive Leadership and You" on LinkedIn to transform your positive impact today: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/positive-leadership-you-6970390170017669121/

Gianpiero Petriglieri, a Professor of Organizational Behavior at INSEAD and former psychiatrist, dives into the heart of leadership and personal transformation. He discusses how childhood shaped his explorations of identity and belonging. Leadership, he argues, transcends skills and is deeply tied to emotional courage and authenticity. Gianpiero boldly claims that leadership is akin to love, emphasizing care and connection. He also calls for a reimagining of leadership education to prioritize community and experiential learning over traditional models.

Hermès Garanger, the youngest Western woman Lama and an experienced media professional, shares her fascinating journey from a Tibetan monastery to the television world. She discusses the integration of meditation and leadership, emphasizing the power of empathy and emotional intelligence in the workplace. Hermès highlights the importance of women's leadership while navigating societal pressures, and explores how mindfulness can empower youth. Her insights combine personal anecdotes with scientific research, offering a transformative perspective on spirituality and well-being.

In this special summer bonus episode, I want to offer you something a little different. This is a chance to pause, reflect, and reconnect with what truly matters. Leadership that goes beyond profit to create lasting impact is what drives change, and in this 40-minute episode, I’ve gathered powerful moments from past conversations on the Positive Leadership Podcast—voices that remind us how purpose-driven leadership can change the world. You’ll hear from leaders who have used their positions to elevate society, innovate for the future, and make a lasting difference for both people and the planet. From Fábio Barbosa’s transformation of corporate culture to Durreen Shahnaz’s pioneering work with the first Social Stock Exchange, from John Elkington’s early advocacy for sustainability to Laurence Tubiana’s critical role in securing the Paris Agreement—each story highlights how leadership with purpose can ignite change. I hope this episode inspires you to take time not just to relax this summer, but to also reconnect with your own leadership purpose. Thank you for being part of this Positive Leadership community, and enjoy the episode. Subscribe now to JP's free monthly newsletter "Positive Leadership and You" on LinkedIn to transform your positive impact today: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/positive-leadership-you-6970390170017669121/

In this episode of the Positive Leadership Podcast, we sit down with John Elkington, the trailblazing thinker who coined the concept of the Triple Bottom Line and helped shape the global sustainability agenda for over four decades. From his early influences to his latest provocations like Green Swans and Tickling Sharks, John shares his journey, his frameworks, and his vision for a future where business becomes a force for regeneration—not just resilience. What does it take to lead systemic change?  Why did he “recall” the Triple Bottom Line?  And how do we tickle the sharks—aka the world’s most powerful institutions—into shifting course? A powerful, thoughtful, and sometimes surprising conversation with one of the world’s most influential sustainability voices. 💬 If you enjoy this episode, you may also like: Becoming a courageous leader (with Paul Polman, ex-Unilever CEO and IMAGINE Co-Founder):  https://thepositiveleadershippodcast.buzzsprout.com/1798971/episodes/10311167-becoming-a-courageous-leader-with-paul-polman-ex-unilever-ceo-and-imagine-co-founder  Not the End of the World (with Hannah Ritchie): https://thepositiveleadershippodcast.buzzsprout.com/1798971/episodes/15848278-not-the-end-of-the-world-with-hannah-ritchie  [FR] Le courage du changement (avec Laurence Tubiana): https://thepositiveleadershippodcast.buzzsprout.com/1798971/episodes/16090358-fr-le-courage-du-changement-avec-laurence-tubiana Subscribe now to JP's free monthly newsletter "Positive Leadership and You" on LinkedIn to transform your positive impact today: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/positive-leadership-you-6970390170017669121/

Michael Bungay Stanier, a renowned author and coaching expert, returns to discuss leading with curiosity and the radical nature of 'being lazy' as a trust-building tool. He emphasizes the importance of shifting from SMART goals to worthy goals that inspire growth. Michael also dives into how neuroscience informs emotional connection and resilience, advocating for coaching that empowers individuals. His insights on managing ambiguity and simplifying complex decisions make this conversation a must-listen for anyone seeking meaningful transformation.

Et si le pouvoir de transformer notre système alimentaire se trouvait… dans notre caddie ? Dans cet épisode du Positive Leadership Podcast, je reçois Nicolas Chabanne, fondateur de C’est qui le Patron ?!, la "marque du consommateur" qui a redonné du pouvoir à des millions de citoyens pour mieux rémunérer les producteurs. Avec honnêteté et conviction, Nicolas revient sur son parcours atypique, son engagement en faveur d’une consommation solidaire, et sa volonté de faire de l’agriculture une grande cause nationale. Ensemble, nous abordons : Comment les consommateurs peuvent soutenir les agriculteurs en orientant leurs choix d’achat, Pourquoi il a cédé toutes ses actions à une fondation pour préserver l’indépendance du projet, Le sens du leadership collectif et les défis d’une économie plus juste. Une conversation qui réconcilie valeurs, action concrète et espoir. 🎙 À écouter aussi : Albert Moukheiber – Savoir déjouer les pièges de son cerveau ? https://www.buzzsprout.com/1798971/episodes/15768633-fr-savoir-dejouer-les-pieges-de-son-cerveau-avec-albert-moukheiber  Florent Menegaux – I’m Michelin: making every individual matter https://www.buzzsprout.com/1798971/episodes/16252992-i-m-michelin-making-every-individual-matter-with-florent-menegaux  Boyan Slat – Leading an ocean clean-up https://www.buzzsprout.com/1798971/episodes/13329790-leading-an-ocean-clean-up-with-boyan-slat  Subscribe now to JP's free monthly newsletter "Positive Leadership and You" on LinkedIn to transform your positive impact today: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/positive-leadership-you-6970390170017669121/

In this episode of the Positive Leadership Podcast, I have the pleasure of speaking with Fabio Barbosa, one of Brazil’s most respected business leaders and a true pioneer in purpose-driven leadership. From transforming Banco Real into a sustainability leader to his work at Natura &Co—one of the world’s largest B Corps—Fabio has consistently shown that it’s not only possible but essential to align profit with positive impact. We talked about his deep-rooted belief that business must serve society, his vision for regeneration in the Amazon, and the power of diversity in improving decision-making. 🎧 In this conversation, we cover: The early experiences that shaped Fabio’s leadership values How he brought social and environmental priorities into the heart of banking Natura’s bold commitment to forest preservation and community empowerment in the Amazon What it means to be a B Corp at scale—and how it changes the way you lead Why diversity drives better business decisions And his message for the next generation of positive leaders I left this conversation full of energy and inspiration—and I’m sure you will too. If you enjoyed this episode, I invite you to listen to: Laurence Tubiana, on building global climate alliances and leading with purpose: https://thepositiveleadershippodcast.buzzsprout.com/1798971/episodes/16090358-fr-le-courage-du-changement-avec-laurence-tubiana  Daniel Goleman, on the power of emotional intelligence in leadership: https://thepositiveleadershippodcast.buzzsprout.com/1798971/episodes/14940410-optimizing-your-performance-with-emotional-intelligence-with-daniel-goleman  Jeff Raikes, on long-term thinking and transforming systems for good: https://thepositiveleadershippodcast.buzzsprout.com/1798971/episodes/16177556-special-100th-episode-a-journey-of-leadership-and-giving-back-with-jeff-raikes  Subscribe now to JP's free monthly newsletter "Positive Leadership and You" on LinkedIn to transform your positive impact today: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/positive-leadership-you-6970390170017669121/