Welcome to Business: the next 25 years

Paul Polman explains why listening to academic expertise in future-gazing is crucial for successful leadership in an increasingly challenging world.

The next 25 years

In his video introduction, Paul Polman candidly describes how the next quarter of a century will demand business leaders take urgent action: 'We have arrived at a point where the cost of inaction is significantly higher than the cost of action. Infinite growth on a finite planet is not possible.

'Businesses need to make profit not from creating the world's problems, but profit from solving them.
 

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It boils down to courageous leadership

'At this pivotal time where we need change and reset, we all recognise a new business model is critical if we are going to survive and thrive as a society. We need a business model that is more sustainable, more equitable, more inclusive and more multi-generational.

'The leaders of today and tomorrow need to be more purpose-driven and collaborative and to embrace multi-generational diversity. They must be able to handle complexity and be systemic thinkers who can plot a clear and focused action plan for the future. 

'This collection of insightful articles with our world-leading academics at Saïd Business School is not only useful but essential if we are to create the next generation of agile, brave, anticipatory leaders determined to build a better world for us all. I hope you enjoy their contributions.’