January 22, 2025

Exploring a blueprint for better business with Sarah Gillard

48 minutes

Have we shifted from polycrisis to permacrisis? As geopolitical tensions, extreme weather events and societal discord show no sign of abate, the pressure builds for organisations to end unsustainable business practices and reduce carbon emissions. In addition to regulatory demands, a rising tide of employee activists expect business to act as a force for good.

Organisational purpose seems to have become a misappropriated buzzword in recent years, one that all-too-often lacks depth and resonance.

What part can and should business play in a more equitable, well-functioning society and what role can internal communication play in bringing that to life? In this episode Jen, Dom and Cat talk with Sarah Gillard, CEO of the charity Blueprint for Better Business to hear her views on the opportunity for business to address the pressing challenges of our times.

Takeaways

The role of business is to create value for society.

Profit should be an outcome, not the primary goal.

Human beings have inherent value and dignity.

Organisations must create conditions for meaningful engagement.

Navigating business decisions requires listening to diverse perspectives.

Purpose and values must resonate with all employees, not just leadership.

A human-centric approach unlocks creativity and innovation.

Business leaders face a complex and contested landscape today.

Engagement should not be imposed but discovered collectively.

Rethinking purpose can lead to more authentic organisational cultures. Intent is crucial in how employees perceive organisational initiatives.

Transparency in decision-making fosters trust and engagement.

Organisations must shift from efficiency to adaptability to thrive.

Communication plays a vital role in shaping organisational culture.

Fear can stifle creativity; a growth mindset is essential.

Finding meaning in work enhances motivation and engagement.

Leaders should focus on what matters to them as humans.

Building a listening organisation is key to internal communication.

The future of work requires new skills and adaptability.

Shared humanity can unite people in organisations.

About Sarah Gillard

Sarah is the CEO of Blueprint for Better Business, a charity that helps businesses to be inspired and guided by a purpose that benefits society and respects people and planet. She is a passionate advocate for making business “more human” - places where people flourish, communities prosper, and long-term sustainability is the driving force. She has over 25 years’ experience leading in fast-paced commercial environments at some of the UK’s largest retail companies, including the John Lewis Partnership where she was responsible for rearticulating and embedding the organisation’s purpose so that it continues to be a source of inspiration, innovation, and strategic differentiation.

Sarah has a degree in PPE, is a fellow of the RSA and a Trustee of the BGF Foundation. She is a member of the Advisory Panel for the British Standards Institute on “PAS 808: a standard for purpose-driven organization”, which is being developed into an internationally-recognised ISO. Sarah is a qualified executive coach and speaks publicly on topics including purpose, leadership, organisational transformation and culture.

Find Sarah on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahgillardpurpose/

Blueprint for Better Business: https://www.blueprintforbusiness.org/

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