As we hurtle towards a future dominated by data, algorithms and AI, a book about the importance of humanity is perfectly timed and a must-read. - Sir John Hegarty, Co-founder and Creative Director at The Garage Soho & The Business of Creativity
This book has restored my faith in humanity, thank you! It is very easy to get caught up in a corporate world and forget that we have control over the way we behave with each other, the way we interact with the world around us, and we can’t operate in a vacuum. The stories of resilience, flexibility, collaboration and cooperation bring to life the fact that truly knowing who you are and how you behave allows each and every one of us to purposefully make our world, including our working world, better. - Sam Theobald, Chief People Officer, Next15
In today’s transparent world, power is finally shifting back to its rightful owners – customers and employees. In this world, there will be nowhere for companies to hide. Behaviour will be everything. Return on Humanity gives us all a reason to be optimistic and to believe that capitalism – done the right way – is a force for good. - Simon Rogerson, Chief Executive Officer, Octopus Group
A mind-expanding collection of insights, reality checks and actions for a global culture desperately needing to shift our way of being. Transforming from entity-as-machine to entity-as-living-system guided by Return on Humanity, clarity of intention can create changes today to create a better tomorrow. - Michael Jager, Co-founder and Creative Director, Solidarity of Unbridled Labour
Managers talk strategy – Leaders tell stories. Philippa has gathered a magnificent set of stories that are sometimes charming, brutally honest and inspiring. She has a compelling way of cutting to the chase, while taking the time to paint a colourful picture of just how every business leader can make a telling difference. You won’t find any of this on an MBA course, as this is authentic, vulnerable, and at times, painful. You will be continually inspired to get up, speak up and make a difference. The timing could not be better, and everyone needs a compelling story that enables them to picture themselves making a difference – we salute you! - René Carayol MBE, World Leading Executive Coach
This is a book which simply radiates hope, optimism and goodness of heart. Although the topic is leadership, this is more than a leadership manual: it’s a compendium of wisdom about how to deal more sensitively, humanely and effectively with people and institutions. If only this could be compulsory reading for everyone in power. Return on Humanity deserves to achieve recognition and readership, influencing our collective understanding of what makes true leadership and becoming part of the standard by which leaders are judged in the future. I urge you to read it and spread the word. - Simon Anholt, Founder, Good Country Index
Reading this book is like talking to a very smart friend: it’s so easy to read, full of memorable anecdotes and practical tips, and simply very inspiring. I love the way it reframes diversity of talent and thinking, and makes it feel achievable. As a brand strategist, I will be able to use the stories and data in this book to encourage my clients to embrace a more human and diversity-focused approach to leadership, in the knowledge they will come out better for it. This book should be on every business leader’s 2024 ‘to read’ list. - Senta Slingerland, Co-founder of Fala and Founder of ‘See It Be It’
This is a fascinating and wonderful book. Its theme is the overlooked and neglected importance of feelings in the commercial world. Philippa uses beautiful stories from around the world to illustrate how we can transform our approach to business. It’s also a timely reminder of our responsibilities as human beings. Return on Humanity will help you become a real human and a better leader (in that order). - Harry MacAuslan
This profound contribution to leadership in the modern business world had me at the title. Its welcome succinctness belies its breadth, and it provides refreshing new perspectives on what leadership means and needs to mean in a post shareholder value-centric world. Return on Humanity is full of accessible strategies and suggestions as to how to inject more humanity into business and leadership. Who would have thought that humanity might have such a role to play in human enterprise? - Matt Symonds, Partner, Altair
In the context of global instability and the growth of AI, how timely is a book focused on the importance of being human to the world of business: a sense of belonging, the importance of connection, living outside your comfort zone. Philippa’s book is a reminder that companies aren’t machines, they are simply communities of people. She has lived the past 20 years of her life taking a theory and putting it into practice and has filled her book with simple and yet powerful stories. Step outside of your own world and get into this one. - Elliot Moss, Partner and Chief Brand Officer, Mishcon de Reya LLP
By shedding a light on seemingly ordinary life moments, Philippa reminds us that the human traits that make us better leaders are found in the very nature of humans and in our everyday interactions. Through life stories from all corners of the world, Philippa shows us that our humanity is the most extraordinary force we have to unlock the only type of leadership that can transcend the volatility of the world we live in today. A must-read for everyone, not just leaders, in a time when we all desperately need to be reminded of the humanity that unites us all. - Juliana Xavier, Brand Strategist and Head of Brand Management at Yara International
An inspiring and enjoyable read. Packed with stories and wisdom that illuminates the vital importance of humanity in business, guides us to the solutions and reminds us that change is possible, and we are all part of it. - John Rosling, Chief Executive Officer, Contexis
Steven Spielberg once said that he makes movies for the masses but talks to them one at a time. I suspect that readers will engage with Return on Humanity in exactly the same way. With examples ranging from marketing to sailing, civil rights to respiratory infections, and prison radio to the 2014 FIFA World Cup, Philippa shows how individuals have the ability to change the way that they – and others – interact with the world around them. A homage to the application of humanity, humility, simplicity and common sense to the pursuit of positive change; it’s a uniquely optimistic perspective on business and, more importantly, on life. - Jon Steel, Author of Truth, Lies and Advertising and Perfect Pitch
This is a truly seminal piece of work that not only demonstrates the benefit of a human-to-human approach to business but also highlights the imperative for a different approach to how we operate in the world, where people, the planet and business can all thrive. Every business leader should read and act upon the approach Philippa so brilliantly explains. We must change how we operate for the sake of all humanity and every living being on this planet. It’s that important, and this book lays the foundations of how we can achieve it. - Chris Norman MBE, Chief Executive Officer, GOOD Agency
Through master storytelling, Philippa shows us it’s time for companies to break the paradigm of profits over people and that at the centre of corporate success is humans. Leaders who put the needs of others before their own, invest in humanity and recognize the organization is bigger than any one person are the ones most likely to reap the greatest returns. - Joe Hamrahi, Chief Financial Officer, Highwire Public Relations
Philippa shares a key message for humanity at this critical time: we need to feel accountable and responsible for the long-term well-being of people and the planet. Return on Humanity reminds us that we all have the ingredients and know the recipe to tackle this crisis. - Luca Zerbini, Chief Executive Officer and Co-founder, Una Terra Venture Capital Impact Fund
Philippa offers accessible, practical suggestions for unlocking our human potential at work, helping us realize the immense power we each have to transform companies and society simply by reconnecting with our own humanity. Return on Humanity will leave you feeling hopeful and reignite your faith in business as a force for good. - David Webster, Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer, The Carrot Collective
This book makes a clear and compelling argument for harnessing our humanity to create better leaders and enduring change. It is an elegant tapestry of inspiring personal observations, vivid anecdotes and convincing case studies from all over the world. It’s a book for people who care. It’s a book for now. - Jim Carroll, Brand Strategist, Carroll Jones LLP
This is a brilliant read for anyone open to building bridges. In a fractured world with growing inequalities, finding ways to bridge and collaborate with others outside of your circle is not just a way to uncover common cause. It is a way to discover your own humanity. - Ed Mayo, Chief Executive Officer, Pilotlight
Organizations are run by people, serve people and affect people’s lives. But they are often inhuman. Weird. Return on Humanity is the antidote. Through simple, inspirational stories and practical guidance, Philippa brings together decades of learning from many cultures and leaders, creating a wonderfully entertaining and compelling narrative. This is a book to change the world one leader at a time. If you’re human, a leader and you care about your impact, read it now! - Charlie Dawson, Founder, The Foundation
From the Back Cover
The bottom line is no longer a number.
Business can be a force for good, although many companies aren’t built to make it that right now. Becoming a more competitive business that is also better for the world is simpler than you might think. It’s already happening across the globe.
Drawing on stories from fields as diverse as human rights in Syria, the UK prison system, Brazilian psychiatric care, architecture and business, Return on Humanity provides inspiring learnings and practical strategies that prove a more human approach to leadership and business will give us all a better future.
Philippa White is a global thought leader, social innovator and the Founder and CEO of UK-based company TIE. For over 20 years she has been dedicated to unlocking the potential of corporate leaders and their companies by igniting the power of a people-first approach to business.
About the Author
Philippa White is a global thought leader, social innovator and the Founder and CEO of UK-based company TIE. For 20 years she has been unlocking the potential of corporate leaders and teams with a unique approach to leadership development. By igniting the power of a people-first approach to business her processes not only enhance commercial success, but create a more sustainable world.
TIE works with some of the world’s biggest businesses including Next15, Octopus Group, Santander, Leo Burnett and Bartle Bogle Hegarty, helping their people develop the necessary human competencies to thrive in today’s corporate world.
Born in South Africa, Philippa grew up in Canada and, following an exchange programme in Thailand, moved to the United Kingdom, where she worked in advertising before moving to Brazil, her current base.
Philippa is the creator and host of the TIE Unearthed Podcast and host of the London 'Evening with TIE' events. A speaker and author, she has published over 60 articles, and works as a mentor and advisor for companies looking to move to a 'people first' approach to business.
