Champion of better capitalism
‘Politically motivated’. I first became aware of this label in 1983 when I was an election candidate in the UK. In my campaign to become the next MP I dropped in on retired people who had gathered for morning coffee in the town’s day centre. … Continue readingWhen does a cause become ‘politically motivated’? And is that a reason for boards to steer clear of it?
I was recently interviewed by distinguished business journalist and publisher Trevor Merriden for the Merri-Cast podcasts. I had the opportunity to discuss the need for a dynamic, not static, view of a company and its trajectory. I hope you may find the interview an instructive … Continue readingThe Merri-Cast podcast
The tragic death of Alexei Navalny reminds us not to be contemptuous about our elected politicians or complacent about our democracy. Navalny’s widow Yulia, along with the partners of other imprisoned or murdered Russian dissidents have been reminding us that, whatever our discontents, democracy is … Continue readingDemocracy is precious – use it carefully
How is it possible for an organisation to be ignorant of something it has repeatedly been told? Margaret Heffernan, author of ‘Wilful Blindness’ describes stresses felt by ex-Amoco middle managers after BP’s acquisition of the Texas City oil refinery. Their warnings about safety risks were ignored. … Continue readingDirectors – is your organisation capable of empathy?
Last week I met up with Sheila, an old friend who had recently returned back to the private sector after some years in the NHS. During the pandemic she had started volunteering at her local hospital. By the end of the pandemic she had been … Continue readingA New Era of Value – the quickest route to better public services?
Do schools look for talent in the wrong places? That was the question with which Tomorrow’s Company embarked on its session at Anthropy 2023. Apart from our own Jon Maguire all those speakers invited to answer this question were under 30. Their answer echoed conclusions from other … Continue readingWe need a curriculum for life – here’s how the next generation might shape it
SUMMARY 1. Do you understand the ways in which your business future depends on nature and nature-based solutions? If not, how will you educate yourself? 2. As the climate emergency unfolds, do you feel that our current political governance is fit for purpose? If not, … Continue readingWake up and smell the 21st century coffee – three post Anthropy challenges for boards
What is corporate responsibility? Try answering this question and you enter an Alice-through-the-Looking-Glass world where nothing is what is seems. A few years ago – BAE Systems was criticised because it said it was working on ‘environmentally friendly’ munitions, including lead free bullets. Its spokesman … Continue readingWhat is corporate responsibility and how can I identify it?
Last week I heard our Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, say ‘We need to change our politics’ and ‘I am going to change Britain’. Sunak is not the first political leader to suggest that we need to change our politics. His words took me back to … Continue readingWe need change that will stick. That’s what business should be telling government
Let me take you back in time. The year is 1983. For four years I have been working as a manager in one of Europe’s largest paper manufacturing plants. I have done a stint running the site’s hardboard mill and have now been promoted to … Continue readingInstead of compelling people to work in the office ask: is this office a compelling place to work?