Former Unilever CEO Paul Polman calls for ‘mindset shift’ from business leaders as he opens new Durham University Business School facility
- kelseygarbutt
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Global business leader, environmentalist, and author Paul Polman has called for a ‘mindset shift’ from a new generation of global leaders, as he officially opened Durham University Business School’s new Waterside building.
Mr Polman, formerly Chief Executive of Unilever, told an audience of business leaders, academics, and policy leaders that the world was facing ‘extraordinary disruption’ and leadership had never been so tested.
He called for business leaders to ask not ‘how can I do less harm?’ but ‘how can I do more good?’ – what he called the ‘net positive’ mindset.
“I would argue we are short of the right leaders we need to succeed – and that’s where you come in,” he told the audience at Durham University.
“It’s in the rough seas where you learn leadership.
“Here at Durham, you already punch above your weight. With the opening of this wonderful Waterside building, you are setting yourselves up very well for success.”
Established in 1965, Durham University Business School is among the elite one per cent worldwide to enjoy triple accreditation: from the AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business), AMBA (Association of MBAs), and Equis (European Quality Improvement System).
The Business School delivers world-leading research, including in finance, leadership, and sustainability; and transformative education, from undergraduates to executives. It has significant industry impact, through nearly 400 business partnerships; and makes a difference globally, including through alumni from nearly 100 countries around the world, and locally, through supporting spin-out businesses and being part of the emerging Durham Innovation District.
The Waterside building brings the Business School to the heart of Durham City, close to the railway station and the city centre, and complements the existing Mill Hill Lane facility.
It includes large and smaller lecture theatres, a financial trading lab with Bloomberg terminals, executive facilities including boardrooms and meeting spaces, offices, study spaces, and a Riverfront Bistro. The facility has achieved the highest Gold SKA rating for sustainability.
An independent report (BiGGAR Economics, 2022) found that The Waterside building could increase DUBS’ value to the economy by more than a third – from £83.1m GVA (Gross Value Added) in 2020/21 to £111.2m in 2031/32.
Durham University is committed operating in the most sustainable way possible, aiming for Net Zero by 2035 and a biodiversity net gain by 2032. Much Durham University Business School research explores environmental, social, and governance themes, including Dr Atanu Chaudhuri’s study of plastics recycling and Professor Helen Goworek’s work on climate literacy training.
Professor Karen O’Brien, Vice-Chancellor of Durham University, said: “Durham University Business School is among the world’s premier business schools, equipping business leaders of tomorrow and today, transforming business practice, and informing critical policy thinking.
“We were deeply honoured to welcome Paul Polman to officially open The Waterside, a truly outstanding facility, for our staff and students, business partners, and our local community. He is a leader of great stature and integrity, and the challenges he laid down for us, and for the world, are most pressing and timely.”
Mr Polman was CEO of Unilever from 2009 to 2019. During that time, shareholders saw their returns increase by 290 per cent, while the company consistently ranked first in the world for sustainability and as one of the best places to work. Today he works across a range of organisations and initiatives to speed the global action needed to regenerate our planet, renew our economies, and unite our societies. He is chair of the Oxford University Said Business School and author of the critically-acclaimed book Net Positive.
The opening event was attended by leaders from business, politics, academia, and civic society. Mr Polman gave the keynote address, and there were contributions from Professor O’Brien, and Professors Cathy Cassell and Kieran Fernandes, the outgoing and incoming Executive Deans of Durham University Business School, respectively.
