As leaders we all hope to be visionary, don’t we? To aspire and inspire.
We are fortunate in our interconnected world to have a window on the efforts of other visionary leaders, their impact and example. We can also discern, for ourselves, any gap between rhetoric and reality.
A few days ago I was reminded of this leadership vision in action when I caught up (admittedly somewhat late) with the next chapter in the Patagonia story. The outdoor business has long been a beacon of sustainability with its donations to environmental organisations and encouragement of customers to buy less as its products are designed for lifetime use.
In 2022 founder Yves Chouinard and family transferred ownership of the $3bn company to a specially designed trust and non-profit organisation creating a steward-ownership structure. The aim was to ensure the company’s independence and direct profits to its mission fighting the climate crisis.
Chouinard’s actions and words are inspiring: ‘Instead of ‘going public’, you could say we’re ‘going purpose. Instead of extracting value from nature and transforming it into wealth for investors, we’ll use the wealth Patagonia creates to protect the source of all wealth.’
Of course we don’t all have a business we can decide to orient to building a better world for all, but we can play our part…
In setting our intention for that better world. In considering the interconnections and interdependencies in every decision and action. In thinking longer term, considering the impact on future generations as well as the present moment. In helping our colleagues and the people we lead broaden their vision on the difference we can make through our business to assuring a more positive future. In the collaborations we seek out to amplify what can be achieved.
Sure, this might put us out on a limb, initially. Our heart will tell us what’s right and needed, and provide the courage. Then we just have to commit to go first and others will surely join us.