Ray Anderson, a Radical Industrialist, a 21 year revolution continues...

21 years ago yesterday, this Southern gentleman and intensely competitive industrialist started a sustainability revolution with just one 20 minute speech to 17 of his employees, a speech he originally didn't want to make. 20 years ago today, our task force started building the plan.

Looking back, rather than energy or recycling technology, the success was built mostly on inspiring and aligning people around an audacious vision that "took people's breath away" turning carpet making into work that mattered to engineers, designers, salespeople, accountants and yes, forklift drivers like James. (watch to hear James's story, Love on the Factory Floor)

From that "one-mind-at-time" human connection, technologies were developed, customers were engaged, new products emerged and an industry was changed. If you were touched by Ray as I was, you know that you'll never stop working to realize his vision of sustainable business as "a better way to make a bigger and more legitimate profit."  To him, the business case was clear and compelling.

Please share this business leadership story of hope and success with your networks. Please reply with other examples and questions in your comments. More can be found by following the Ray C. Anderson Foundation and viewing the documentary, "So Right, So Smart."