The Activist Leader - by Lucy Parker & Jon Miller

About the Book

Book Synopsis

If you want to be a successful leader in today's business world, you need to think like an activist.

This urgent and essential book shows how to do just that. The Activist Leader argues that the world needs a new kind of business leader, one that thinks differently about their role in today's challenges. From climate change to inequality, the major crises facing society have become critical issues for business, and the world expects companies to step up.

This is a pragmatic book. Jon Miller and Lucy Parker show what it takes to do business in these challenging times, taking a close look at companies such as Apple, Mastercard, Nestle, Maersk, JP Morgan Chase and Walmart.

Most people feel powerless when they look at the problems facing the world - but if you're a leader in a big business, you're not powerless. Whether you're a top executive or earlier in your working life, this book shows that thinking like an activist can have a transformative impact - for yourself, for your businesses, and for broader society.

Review Quotes

Praise for The Activist Leader:

'Today's challenges require a different kind of leadership that is well embodied this book with some very practical suggestions on how to get there. This indeed is a must read for all current and aspiring leaders'
Paul Polman, former CEO, Unilever

'The Activist Leader captures the essence of what the public around us wants and expects: Business as a force for good, while staying true to what it is - a business, creating value for its shareholders and all relevant stakeholders. The roadmap for this delicate balancing act is still under development and this book, which builds on many specific examples, will serve as an important milestone'
Mark Schneider, CEO, Nestlé

'In order to tackle some of the biggest challenges facing the world today we need to transition to a circular economy. As in all major transformations, this shift requires vision and leadership from the top. The Activist Leader clearly demonstrates how this is not only necessary, but also possible, providing both direction and practical advice on how to lead a business successfully and at the same time actively improve the world we live in'
Andrew Morlet, CEO, Ellen MacArthur Foundation

About the Author

Lucy Parker and Jon Miller work together helping companies get to grips with their role in society. For over a decade, they've been at the forefront of pushing this up the corporate agenda. They advise senior leaders on many of their toughest challenges - from the climate crisis to the 'culture wars'.

Lucy Parker is a former BBC documentary maker. She moved into business as a coach to executives on strategic communications. Today she is well-known as a top corporate advisor. In government, she led the UK Prime Minister's Taskforce on Talent and Enterprise.

Jon Miller left an award-winning career in advertising to help businesses play a more positive role in the world. He is the founder of Open For Business, a coalition of 40 global companies campaigning for LGBTQ+ rights in countries hostile to LGBTQ+ people.