Jan 14 2025 94 mins
Today’s guest is someone who has absolutely been one of those people on the forefront of impacting business, our world and particularly the voiceless for the better. Richard Boele is on the show today to chat about his remarkable life and career - from visiting China and Tibet in the late 1980s and witnessing violence on his first day in Lhasa, to playing a vital role in making public to the world the deleterious impacts Shell’s oil operations in Nigeria have had and the impact that Ken Saro-Wira had on him, through to how businesses today and their leaders face a seemingly overwhelming array of inputs, data and choices, all while juggling their shareholder obligations, community expectations, short and long term perspectives, responsibilities to respect human rights and the role of purpose and having a reason to exist that is more substantial than favouring extractive financial results. We also talk briefly about Richard’s personal practices that have helped him stay sane, well and optimistic after all of these years working against, in and for business right around the world, as well as the tragic losses he’s experienced as a father.
Richard is somewhat of an idol to me. I had the grand privilege of working for him for seven years in the early part of my career, and it’s annoying how I realise the role and value of experience and wisdom after the fact, when I’ve gotten old enough to recognise and appreciate it. Professionally he’s one of if not the most significant person in my career to date, and the time I spent with Richard on jobs and around the office chatting about power, understanding relationships, always thinking about work as an opportunity to deliver a trojan horse and how systems and individuals relate and interact are things I’ve carried ever since.
It was a great privilege to reprise my relationship with Richard, to catch up, to hear a few of his stories and be reminded that one of the best in corporate sustainability in the world is always at the end of a phone call for me. I really hope you get to enjoy this one, and feel inspired and hopeful by Richard’s example.
Thank you for listening today, I appreciate it and don't take your precious time for granted.
If you enjoyed this episode or any other, please offer a rating as the algorithms appreciate that type of interaction, share the show with friends, colleagues and on social media - tag me in with your comments - and subscribe.
Today's show is delivered with Altiorem. Use the code FindingNature25 to get your first month free on their gold and platinum plans.
Today's show is delivered with Gilay Estate. Add Finding Nature to your booking reservation for free food bundles.
Thanks for listening. Follow Finding Nature on Instagram