How visionary leadership truly inspires?

Last week I came across a brand new video published on the Allbirds website that really caught my attention. Yes, the video is beautifully made, but it's more than that. It's a short 60 second story of how one shoe company in its attempt to shift the dial on all environmental levels has inspired another - a giant, namely Adidas (click on image to play).

For those of you that don't know, Allbirds is a New Zealand-American company that designs and sells footwear and apparel. They set the very highest environmental standards aiming to create higher performance with lower carbon.

The language in the video is beautiful: We want to run to zero faster; we think beyond the old rules; we're finding our new fast forward; we choose to use less and go further than we've ever gone. But the closing line confirms their whole purpose:

"We wont rest until everything we make is made to fit the planet"

Great, but so what? There's lots of companies now on this trajectory! True, but this little company was established only 5 years ago. And yet, as you will see in this video, they've INSPIRED Adidas (one of the biggest sports manufacturers in the world) to collaborate on a project to create a near-0 carbon footprint sneaker!

We're now living in a world where actions are speak so loudly. Too many companies are making "gestures" but they're only token. The cynical journalist in me sees the greenwashing going on and hopes that others see it too, but sadly many will pull the wool over the eyes.

What this example demonstrates is that you have to have the vision. Live it, breathe it, think it, be it! It's total. It's not like being half married or half pregnant - it's full on in. Commit, feel and share! And in doing that, if you're story is a good one that resonates with the world right now, you'll fly and what's even better you will find a whole heap of new team mates that want to join you!

For more details on how to create and communicate a purpose led business you might be interested in my training/coaching or speaking offering. Alternatively take a listen to my podcast series "Purpose & Vision" for inspiration on how business can and should be done today.