Net Positive: The Courage to Lead for People and Planet with Paul Polman

There are only five years until the 2030 deadline for the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, and the urgency for bold action has never been greater. Many companies are struggling to truly address the mounting crises of climate change, biodiversity loss, and social inequity. Now is the time for leaders and organizations to chart a path forward, ensuring their strategies and actions rise to meet the scale of the increasing challenges ahead.In this special episode of Purpose 360, we revisit a powerful 2021 conversation with Paul Polman—former CEO of Unilever, UN SDG Advocate Emeritus, and co-author of the game-changing book, Net Positive. This re-edited version highlights timeless insights from Net Positive, which remains profoundly relevant today. Paul explores the qualities of courageous leaders, the importance of partnerships that drive systemic change, and how purpose-driven companies can outperform competitors while creating a better future for all. Whether you’re a CEO, a sustainability professional, or a changemaker at heart, this episode offers inspiration and practical guidance to help you lead with impact in today’s rapidly evolving world.Listen for insights on:Making the business case for sustainability when the moral argument isn’t enoughEngaging employees, partners, and your value chain in delivering on bold sustainability commitmentsBecoming the courageous, purpose-driven leader needed to build and lead a net positive company Resources + Links:Paul Polman’s LinkedInPaul Polman’s WebsiteNet PositiveThe birth of Unilever’s Sustainable Living Plan (00:00) - Welcome to Purpose 360 (00:13) - Net Positive with Paul Polman (03:03) - Paul’s Purpose (05:09) - Net Positive Company (06:03) - Leadership Traits (07:52) - Starting with Team’s Personal Purpose (09:27) - Partner to Win (11:30) - Measurement (14:19) - Employees (15:42) - Return Equity (17:16) - Embedding and Building Off Purpose (19:47) - Three Important Things (21:26) - Last Thoughts (23:49) - Wrap Up