I think I was the first executive to ever speak at a Greenpeace business conference, in London in 2001. That didn't play well here at Ford, but I thought it was an important signal to send internally, that these were the kind of issues we needed to be grappling with.
This quote underscores the importance of leadership taking a stand on environmental and social issues, even when it may be unpopular within their organization. By stepping into a platform traditionally seen as critical of corporate practices, the speaker emphasizes the value of transparency and proactive engagement. It reflects a forward-thinking approach where confronting difficult issues internally can pave the way for meaningful change, aligning corporate values with global sustainability efforts. Such bold moves can serve as catalysts for cultural shifts within large organizations, encouraging openness and responsibility.
