Leading with Integrity

Michael Smith is a freelance journalist on the topic of values in business and the economy. His articles have appeared in the Financial Times, the Guardian and Guardian Weekly, The Times, the Independent, the Scotsman, the Herald (Glasgow) and the Pioneer (New Delhi). He serves on the Swiss steering committee of Ethical Leadership in Business forums and was Head of Business Programmes at Initiatives of Change, UK, from 2010 to 2017.

"True stories in the book are highlighted because they're motivated by personal integrity and a commitment to doing the right thing. He writes about a world where the emphasis is on relationships rather than human resources. This is an intriguing concept, as many companies have departments devoted to the latter.... This is a remarkable book that's ideal for both corporate leaders and politicians; they need to read, digest, learn and implement the suggestions in it."Lanka Monthly Digest of Sri Lanka"This excellent and practical book builds on Mike Smith’s personal engagement with and study of leadership. In it, he distils the product of many meetings with leading individuals and workshops and conferences he has led addressing the subject." Sir Mark Moody-Stuart, Chairman, UN Global Compact Foundation and Former Chairman of Shell Group"Mike Smith has been pursuing an urgent conversation on the new leadership for longer than most companies have realized they needed it. If you want to understand where leadership in the business world is going, you could ask for no better global guide."Margaret Heffernan, Texan entrepreneur, Huffington Post blogger and best-selling business author of Wilful Blindness and A Bigger Prize"Mike Smith shares profound insights into the DNA of good business. His easy, narrative style makes these insights both accessible and persuasive. A thoroughly recommended read for all those who care about a better business ethos."Professor Roger Steare FRSA, Corporate Philosopher, Cass Business School, City of London"Some people write about the failings of capitalism and some people write about the achievements of individuals. What Mike Smith does uniquely well is to tell inspiring stories of individual achievement in a manner that points the way towards a better capitalism".Mark Goyder, Founder, Tomorrow’s Company"Mike Smith’s work on ethical business is both extremely well researched and enormously timely. We are in an age when business as usual is no longer an option, either for the planet or its populations. Leading with Integrity tells the stories of some of the businesses that are making most difference and leading an ethical revolution. It deserves a very wide readership."Tony Bradley, Lecturer in Social Economy & Enterprise and Lead Researcher in Sustainable Business, Liverpool Hope Business School"Taking ‘time out’ to contemplate what is right action going forward is a transformative leadership habit. Mike Smith shows us, through many powerful stories, how leaders tapped into their own values compasses to create ethical and sustainable businesses."Anita Hoffmann, founding CEO of Executiva, and author of Purpose & Impact: How Executives Are Creating Meaningful Second Careers

• 1. Why this book2. Skin in the Game3. Narrowing the world's rich-poor gap4. Banking on the brink5. Banking on change6. Creative Connections--Person to Person7. Conscience Capitalism8. Five Pillars of Trust9. Beheading the Snake of Corruption10. The Silent Crisis: Meeting Environmental Challenges11. The Impact Generation: "Furry Animals" of Social Entrepreneurship12. Thinking Heads: the Wise Owls of Academia13. Health and Welfare: the Human Face of Business Leadership14. Culture of Trust15. Time for Self-Reflection16. Takeaways from this book