Paul Polman: The ‘Accidental CEO’

Richard Branson is known to most of us as a fearless entrepreneur willing to risk both his life and limbs - and sometimes even his reputation - to pursue professional challenges and purposeful play. It might surprise you to learn that he grew up shy, is dyslexic and in the eyes of his loved ones is first and foremost a family man.

Imagine the influence one could wield if they led an organization that could mobilize mobile as a force for good. Mats Granryd, is doing precisely that but who exactly is the director general of the global trade association for the planet’s 700 mobile-phone network operators?

When the 2009 UN Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen collapsed, devastating diplomats, scientists and activists concerned about the health of the planet, the glass appeared nine-tenths empty. Together with many others, these two women worked tirelessly and brilliantly—against frighteningly low odds—to get 196 UN member states to unanimously sign the 2015 Paris Climate agreement. Ahead of the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26), listen to their story.

You might think you know Paul Polman, the former CEO of Unilever. At the very least, you might be familiar with his reputation as one of the most purpose-driven business leaders of the past 30 years. But in this episode you will hear a different side of Paul—one that reveals how a Dutch boy who once thought he would enter the priesthood would later, and by accident, take on the mantle of responsible business.

Leave it to a food maker to change the culture of corporate America. Hamdi Ulukaya’s story reads like a modern-day fairy tale: born and raised a shepherd boy in Turkey, he came to the United States with $3,000 in his pocket and became a billionaire businessman. His unwavering commitment to community has made Hamdi a revered voice of inclusion across the business landscape—a voice that is leading the way in calling for business reform at the highest levels. His bold leadership is the very inspiration for The B Team’s New Leadership Playbook.

You may not be familiar with Greyston Bakery, but you’ve likely eaten their goods. (They’re the primary supplier of brownies to Ben & Jerry’s.) This social enterprise, the first certified benefit corporation in the state of New York, is transforming lives through its “open hiring” practice, providing opportunities to those previously considered unemployable. Greyston’s CEO Joseph Kenner is on a mission to unlock the power of human potential and believes that inclusive hiring is key to creating both a more level playing field for society and a better bottom line for the company.

10x Bolder: The New Leadership Playbook is a conversation-based podcast series exploring how leaders align values with influence. Whether creating opportunities for refugees, implementing ‘open hiring’ practices, or corralling heads of state toward greater climate ambition, these leaders’ stories offer honesty, inspiration and insights for current and emerging business leaders alike. Our first episode will be available on Wednesday, September 29th 2021.