In The New Nature of Business: The Path to Prosperity and Sustainability, businessman Andre Hoffmann and journalist Peter Vanham describe how companies should change their ways to have continued success, and why the current modus operandi is not working. They present a template for creating "sustainable prosperity", and case studies of companies that survived and thrived by opting for change. In doing so, they provide a way out of long-standing dilemmas, such as how to balance business needs with impact on nature, shareholders with stakeholders, and short-term vs. long-term profits.
You'll find:
- A first-hand account of global healthcare company Roche's sustainability practice, as told by Andre (Roche's vice-chairman), chairman Severin Schwan, and several other senior management members
- Case studies and lessons of organizations with visionary leaders, such as INSEAD, IKEA, Harley Davidson, and Holcim, all of whom have taken a holistic view of their role in the world, and succeeded in doing well while doing good
- Strategies for addressing the negative externalities and trade-offs that arise from doing business; identifying the right metrics and targets to deliver on your purpose; and accounting for human, social, and natural capital, alongside financial capital
A must-read book for business leaders, entrepreneurs, and changemakers at companies around the world, The New Nature of Business, is also insightful and timely for those who advise or oversee companies and their leadership teams.
Acknowledgments ix
About the Authors xiii
Introduction xv
Chapter 1. The Myth of the Founder and a Company's Capitals 1
Chapter 2. A Conservationist and His Fight for the World's Natural Capital 25
Chapter 3. Finding the Compass for a New Nature of Business 43
Chapter 4. Roche Today The Road to Sustainability 61
Chapter 5. The Roots of the New Nature of Business 83
Chapter 6. Building with Intent, and Leading by Example 105
Chapter 7. How the Waste Guy Became a Superhero 131
Chapter 8. A Whole New World of Business Opportunities 147
Chapter 9. The New Nature of Leadership 163
Epilogue 197
Notes 203
Index 227
André Hoffmann is the Co-founder of InTent, an international platform that accelerates sustainable solutions. He's also the Vice Chairman of Roche Holding, an international pharmaceutical company, and a board member of the World Economic Forum.
Peter Vanham is Editorial Director, Leadership, at Fortune magazine, where he covers corporate sustainability and social impact. He is the author of several books, including Stakeholder Capitalism (with Klaus Schwab) and Before I Was CEO.