Listening to the latest episode of the podcast “Two Steps Forward” left me pondering the state of corporate leadership today. Hosts Joel Makower and Solitaire Townsend lamented the apparent lack of intellectual leadership in the business world. Where has it gone? Who is stepping up? Why aren’t companies taking the lead more assertively?
The conversation was so thought-provoking that I found myself debating alone. Are we really seeing the same landscape? In our current world, where sustainability is at the forefront, perspectives can vary greatly, even within the same industry.
The Role of Businesses vs. Governments
The elephant in the room? The role of governments. Ideally, they should set societal standards. Yet, in many areas, they are either absent or backtracking on crucial issues like climate change, diversity, or human rights. Corporate diversity programs face attacks, and immigrants encounter increasing disdain.
Companies undoubtedly wield power and responsibility. However, it’s frustrating to see the government’s role downplayed, as if it were insignificant. Significant sustainability advances I’ve observed at McDonald’s, such as animal welfare and sustainable agriculture, often occur in response to a void left by failed public policies.
Subtle Yet Present Leadership
During the podcast, Joel and Solitaire struggled to name thought leaders outside the usual suspects. This is likely because leadership is often perceived as external: publishing op-eds, taking public stances, influencing the broader narrative. That’s one form of leadership, but not the only one.
A significant portion of today’s intellectual leadership is happening within companies and supply chains. Reading sustainability reports reveals ambitious commitments, measurable progress, and genuine engagement with complex issues. What often goes unnoticed is the challenge of aligning a large organization.
