The global pandemic and recent cultural crises have shined a brighter, more deliberate light on the need for businesses to lead with their purpose rather than what drives the bottom line. Simon has long been a leading voice signaling that, without brand purpose, businesses will be left behind. In many of my conversations with Simon, we’ve discussed at length that brands can no longer sit safely on the sidelines of important cultural and societal issues, but must instead become beacons for positive change by leveraging their platforms, resources and initiatives to take a stand. To do this is not only the right thing to do as human beings but has now become an expectation of today’s consumer as more are choosing to align with brands that share personal beliefs. While the decision to commit to action on societal issues may result in some consumers choosing to no longer support your business, you must have the intestinal fortitude to be ok with that. As we all continue to navigate the intersect of consumer expectations and the role of brands in leading with purpose, Simon’s book – Lead With We— is a must-have resource for any business leader or decision maker to have on hand.

"Lead With We is a roll-up your sleeves, let’s get to work, real results guide to leveraging business's ingenuity, influence and power to transform our society. The visionary ideas are grounded in research, case studies and practical recommendations so that businesses of any size can start their journey. With this book, everyone can be part of the solution and improve our communities and environment in ways that also build their business."

"COVID-19 -- like the climate crisis, inequality and so many of the world’s challenges — has proved that we must work together for the future of our planet. With a vacuum of coherent political leadership, who can step in to provide the narratives and actions that will bind us together? In this deeply insightful book, Simon Mainwaring argues that every one of us can lead with “we”, breaking down false barriers and working towards a common goal. With clear guidelines and specific steps, this is not only an inspiring call to action, but a practical blueprint for a better future, and the role we can all play in getting there.”

In the wake of the devastation caused by COVID-19, we all have an unparalleled opportunity to enable a deep transformation of our society, our economy and our lives to once and for all. Now is the time to face the challenges that were there pre-COVID, from the climate emergence to deep, structural racism and inequality, but in a COVID world have come into sharp relief, with the seemingly futile past attempts to solve for these challenges laid bare. We now understand planetary health equals human health and it just isn’t possible to have a healthy economy without healthy people and a healthy planet. But, how exactly do we seize this moment of profound and unsettling change and create the future we all want to see? This book goes a long way to spell out that blueprint. It provides practical guidance that could enable us to rewire the world around us to create the conditions in which all people flourish, and our fragile planet flourishes too. From shifting mindsets, shifting narratives to shifting the very purpose of business and brands, Simon Mainwaring, shows us the way. And the most important takeaway from this book? We all have a role to play. Every single one of us has agency. It’s time to unlock our passion, our desire for something better, now. And create the future we want.

“Today’s social and environmental challenges represent an enormous opportunity for business leaders who can seize this moment to lead collaboratively. Mainwaring emphasizes the importance of collective impact and helps us reimagine business and work together, in waysthat serve everyone. This is the great imperative of our times and Lead With We shows us how we can get there.”