Emeritus Professor David Grayson, CBE

Podcast Interview

Share this story

This week Katie Hyson, Director of Thought Leadership at Business Fights Poverty interviews Emeritus Professor David Grayson, CBE, fresh back from his book launch and in anticipation of the Business Fights Poverty Oxford conference 2018, where he joins the expert panel exploring business purpose, values and collaboration.

David’s experience delivering and advising on purposeful business includes being the founding CEO of the Prince’s Youth Business Trust, he has served as managing-director of Business in the Community, is former chairman of one of the UK’s larger social enterprises and largest eldercare providers, Housing & Care 21. David is currently chairman of the national charity Carers UK championing the role of 6.5million Britons caring for a loved one. David received an OBE for services to industry in 1994 and a CBE for services to disability in 1999.

During the interview David shares his thoughts on why business plays such a vital role in delivering societal impact, what has changed and why these are real business opportunities, quoting the late and great Peter Drucker, who in 1973 stated: “Every single social and global issue of our day, is a business opportunity in disguise.”

David also explains how the 20 years of research generated from the Globescan Sustainability Leaders survey and numerous leader interviews has shaped the new book he has co-authored with Chris Coulter and Mark Lee: The Future of Business Leadership.

David, during this interview summarises the key findings from the book, including his practical advice to business CEOs; explaining authentic business purpose, forward looking innovation, openness to partnering and willingness to stand up and be counted through advocacy are vital elements for the long term success of big business.

Listen to more...