Net Positive How Courageous Companies Thrive by Giving More Than They Take by Paul Polman and Andrew

Net Positive: How Courageous Companies Thrive by Giving More Than They Take, authored by Paul Polman, former CEO of Unilever, and sustainability expert Andrew Winston, presents a bold vision for the future of business. It argues that companies can no longer operate within the narrow confines of profit maximization at the expense of the environment, society, and long-term prosperity. Instead, they must embrace a "net positive" philosophy-one that seeks to give back more to the world than they take, creating a regenerative relationship with the planet and its people.
At its heart, the book delivers a powerful call for businesses to redefine their purpose. Polman and Winston contend that the challenges facing humanity-climate change, inequality, dwindling resources, and systemic injustices-require urgent and decisive action. They believe that businesses, given their global reach and influence, have a unique opportunity and responsibility to lead this transformation. A net positive company not only mitigates harm but actively contributes to the well-being of all stakeholders, including employees, customers, suppliers, communities, and the environment.
Polman’s leadership at Unilever serves as a cornerstone for much of the book’s argument. His tenure is highlighted as a case study in embedding sustainability at the core of a global corporation. For instance, under his guidance, Unilever launched the Sustainable Living Plan, which sought to decouple the company’s growth from its environmental footprint and improve the livelihoods of millions. By focusing on long-term value rather than short-term profits, Polman challenged conventional wisdom and inspired a cultural shift within the organization. He eliminated quarterly earnings guidance, signaling to investors and employees alike that Unilever would prioritize enduring impact over immediate financial gains.
The authors argue that adopting a net positive approach is not merely an ethical imperative but a smart business strategy. They present compelling evidence that companies embracing sustainability and social responsibility are better positioned to thrive in an evolving global economy. These businesses attract top talent, foster consumer loyalty, and are more resilient to regulatory and market shifts. Moreover, aligning business goals with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) or other frameworks for societal progress allows companies to tap into new opportunities, from green technologies to inclusive economic models.
Central to the book is the idea that true leadership requires courage and vision. Polman and Winston define courageous leadership as the ability to prioritize long-term outcomes over short-term gains, make bold decisions in the face of uncertainty, and create an organizational culture that values purpose alongside profit. Leaders must confront uncomfortable truths about their company’s impact, whether related to environmental degradation, exploitative labor practices, or other systemic harms. Rather than retreating into defensiveness, they must embrace transparency, engage with critics, and commit to continuous improvement.
A key challenge outlined in the book is overcoming entrenched systems that prioritize shareholder returns above all else. Polman and Winston critique the pervasive "shareholder primacy" mindset, arguing that it often incentivizes harmful behaviors and undermines a company’s ability to create sustainable value. They advocate for a multi-stakeholder approach, where the needs and interests of all affected parties are considered and balanced. This model requires a shift in corporate governance, encouraging boards and executives to think more holistically about their responsibilities.
Collaboration emerges as a central theme throughout the book. The authors emphasize that no single company, regardless of its size or resources, can address the world’s most pressing challenges alone. They call for collective action among businesses, governments, and civil society to create systemic change. Examples of successful collaborations-such as multi-company coalitions to reduce emissions or cross-sector partnerships to address poverty-illustrate the potential for coordinated efforts to achieve transformative outcomes.
Polman and Winston also stress the importance of redefining success. Traditional metrics like quarterly earnings reports and shareholder value are inadequate for capturing the full scope of a company’s impact. Instead, net positive companies measure their success by the positive outcomes they generate for society and the environment. This requires new tools and frameworks for assessing progress, such as integrated reporting and impact assessments that account for financial, social, and environmental performance.