We are facing a tragedy of the commons — and have been for a while. At worst, businesses are taking advantage of the planet and society and aren’t holding themselves fully responsible for the damage they are doing. When companies release excessive carbon into the air or keep wages low, the resulting environmental damage and societal burdens are paid for by the average citizen and the taxpayer.
Christopher Marquis explores this reality in his new book, The Profiteers. He explains the systemic issues underlying today's most pressing global challenges, from climate change to inequality, shedding light on the ways in which businesses privatize gains while socializing costs. But at the heart of Marquis's work lies a call to action for leaders across sectors to embrace a new vision of business. The Profiteers serves not only as a wake-up call to the inherent flaws of our current system but provides a roadmap for a more sustainable and equitable future.
We invited Christopher Marquis, Cambridge University professor and author of other books (including Mao and Markets: The Communist Roots of Chinese Enterprise and Better Business: How the B Corp Movement Is Remaking Capitalism), to discuss how The Profiteers exposes the hidden toll of environmental damage, low wages, and systemic discrimination, calling for a paradigm shift in business practices.
Listen for insights on:
- The exploitation of the “the commons” by businesses
- How governance alignment can help corporate sustainability efforts succeed
- Examples of creative thinking that led to social and environmental innovation
Resources + Links:
- (00:00) - Welcome to Purpose 360
- (00:11) - The Profiteers Book
- (02:16) - Chris’ Background
- (05:16) - Book’s Genesis
- (08:34) - The Problem
- (13:35) - Public Commons – Who Pays the Costs?
- (15:27) - Regulation
- (16:48) - Danone
- (19:15) - Employees as Lever
- (20:30) - Other Stand Outs
- (27:27) - The Playbook to Recreate Our Economic System
- (30:53) - Purpose and AI
- (32:08) - Why Buy This Book?
- (33:12) - Last Thoughts
- (33:29) - Wrap Up