People Over Profit: Break the System, Live With Purpose, Be More Successful

Imagine a world where companies are like living organisms, moving through seasons of growth, challenge, and renewal. Companies do not start out bad; they begin with hope, mission, and a commitment to people. This journey, however, is rarely linear. Instead, it cycles through phases — an Honest Era where values and integrity shine, an Efficient Era where growth and productivity take center stage, a Deceptive Era where profit eclipses people, and finally, an Apologetic Era where companies seek redemption and repair the damage done.

Consider the story of a famous automaker who began with revolutionary ideas about employee well-being and quality but eventually faced public scandals due to shortcuts and greed. Or a global retail giant that once prioritized rural communities but later became notorious for underpaying workers and crushing local businesses. These examples remind us that even titans of industry can fall prey to the corporate cycle.

Economic recessions often mirror these corporate behaviors. The Panic of 1893, the Great Depression, and the Great Recession of 2008 all followed periods marked by corporate deception and greed. These downturns are not merely external shocks but often self-inflicted wounds, born from broken trust and unethical practices.

Yet, the cycle is not a death sentence. The Apologetic Era offers hope — a chance for companies to admit mistakes, apologize, and recommit to their founding principles. This phase requires courage and humility but paves the way for renewal and lasting success.

As we embark on this journey through the book’s insights, keep in mind this cycle’s rhythm. Understanding it is the first step toward breaking free and building businesses that truly value people over profit.

Let us now delve deeper into the beliefs that empower companies to break this cycle and thrive sustainably.