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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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Net Positive summary
Paul Polman
Andrew Winston
How Courageous Companies Thrive by Giving More Than They Take
9 mins
Brief summary
Net Positive by Paul Polman & Andrew Winston is a thought-provoking exploration of how businesses can create long-term value while positively impacting society and the environment. It offers practical guidance for leaders to drive sustainable change and achieve a net positive impact.
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Net Positive
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Crafting a revolutionary business model for positive impact
What does it look like when a company isn’t focused solely on profits? In a world where the traditional business model has long been profit-centric, this idea urges companies to redefine their purpose, extending their responsibility to people and the planet. This “net positive” approach calls for a broader vision, where the aim is to create substantial positive value that enriches lives, uplifts communities, and restores the environment.
Being net positive means going beyond short-term gains and superficial corporate social responsibility initiatives; it asks businesses to genuinely embrace long-term thinking and commit to holistic positive impacts. It’s about serving multiple stakeholders – employees, customers, communities, and the planet – and partnering with them to bring about systemic change. In this transformative model, shareholder returns become a result of doing good, rather than the primary objective of the business.
Of course, leadership plays a crucial role in transitioning to this innovative business model. It demands leaders who are courageous and purpose-driven, individuals who aren’t afraid to go against the grain to create a world that is inherently better. They’re leaders who, motivated by a profound sense of duty and purpose, are eager to use business as a vehicle for positive change.
Take the example of the consumer goods company, Unilever. At Unilever, sustainability isn’t an afterthought; it’s intertwined with business growth. The CEO, a champion of the net positive model, eliminated quarterly reporting to stave off short-term pressures and make room for long-term, meaningful initiatives. Similarly, Yvon Chouinard, founder of clothing brand Patagonia, built a highly successful enterprise grounded in environmental protection and steadfast values, demonstrating that profitability and responsibility can coexist harmoniously.
John Replogle, who chose purpose over profit, transitioned from the prosperous beer industry to lead brands like Burt’s Bees and Seventh Generation – companies renowned for their sustainable ethos. For these individuals, purpose is a compass; it grants meaning and fuels perseverance through challenges, akin to how psychiatrist Victor Frankl found hope and meaning amid the horrors of Nazi concentration camps.
In essence, adopting a net positive model isn’t merely about mitigating negative impacts or about compliance; it’s about proactively contributing to a better world. It invites you to envisage business as a catalyst for good, instigating a ripple effect of positive change, fortified by leaders who view purpose as their North Star, guiding their journey towards meaningful, enduring value for all.
So, how does a leader do this? That’s what you’ll learn in the next section.
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What is Net Positive about?
Net Positive (2021) explores the transformative concept of businesses moving beyond profit to creating substantial, positive value for people and the planet. It delves into the revolutionary approach of net positive companies which are embracing a holistic responsibility to benefit multiple stakeholders, drive systemic change, and foster sustainable futures. It offers profound insights into how companies and leaders can be harbingers of positive, enduring change in the world.
Net Positive Review
Net Positive (2020) by Paul Polman and Andrew Winston is a thought-provoking book on how businesses can achieve both profitability and sustainability. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- Through compelling case studies and expert insights, it shows how companies can thrive by prioritizing environmental and societal goals.
- It offers a holistic approach to business, addressing the interconnectedness of economic, social, and environmental factors for long-term success.
- With its optimistic outlook and practical solutions, the book demonstrates that sustainability is not only necessary but also profitable, making it an engaging and inspiring read.
Who should read Net Positive?
- Entrepreneurs seeking to integrate sustainable and responsible practices into their business models
- Business students exploring innovative and conscientious business models that prioritize ecological balance and societal benefit
- Corporate strategists focused on achieving long-term prosperity through responsible and sustainable business practices
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Net Positive FAQs
What is the main message of Net Positive?
The main message of Net Positive is that businesses have the power to create positive change in the world.
How long does it take to read Net Positive?
The reading time for Net Positive varies, but it typically takes a few hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Net Positive a good book? Is it worth reading?
Net Positive is a worthwhile read. It offers insights on how businesses can contribute to a sustainable future and make a positive impact.
Who is the author of Net Positive?
The author of Net Positive is Paul Polman and Andrew Winston.
What to read after Net Positive?
If you're wondering what to read next after Net Positive, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Ideaflow by Jeremy Utley & Perry Klebahn
- The Practice of Adaptive Leadership by Ronald Heifetz
- Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman
- How to Talk to Anyone by Leil Lowndes
- Blue Ocean Strategy by W. Chan Kim
- Get Better at Anything by Scott H. Young
- Our Iceberg Is Melting by John Kotter & Holger Rathgeber
- Zero to One by Peter Thiel with Blake Masters
- Help Me, I Have No Discipline and Zero Self-Control by Vaughn Carter
- The Wealth Money Can't Buy by Robin Sharma