The term bodhisattva in Buddhist philosophy refers to an enlightened being who delays their own nirvana to help others achieve liberation. In today’s business world, we need Business Bodhisattvas—leaders who innovate not just for profit but for the social, environmental, and economic well-being of all. These leaders prioritize collaboration and long-term solutions over short-term gains, tackling global issues with both compassion and creativity. This attitude demonstrates Authentic Innovation – creating value for the sake of all. Here are five leaders whose actions demonstrate how this new leadership paradigm can drive both positive change and business growth.

1. Yvon Chouinard – Patagonia
Yvon Chouinard founded Patagonia with a mission to “cause no unnecessary harm.” Patagonia donates 1% of sales (over $140 million to date) to environmental causes and encourages customers to repair, not replace, their clothing through the Worn Wear program. By embracing a circular economy, Patagonia extended the lifecycle of its products, reducing waste while deepening customer loyalty. Under Chouinard’s leadership, Patagonia’s revenue grew to over $1 billion, proving that environmental responsibility can drive profitability.

2. Hamdi Ulukaya – Chobani
Hamdi Ulukaya disrupted the food industry with Chobani, turning a small yogurt company into a billion-dollar brand. Ulukaya made headlines by hiring over 30% of Chobani’s workforce from refugee populations and raising his employees’ minimum wage to $15/hour, well above the industry standard. In 2016, he gave 10% of Chobani’s equity—worth around $150 million—to his employees. Chobani’s socially responsible business model not only boosted employee morale and retention but also grew the company’s revenue to over $1.5 billion annually.

3. Paul Polman – Unilever
As CEO of Unilever, Paul Polman launched the Unilever Sustainable Living Plan, aiming to halve the company’s environmental footprint while increasing its social impact. By 2020, the plan helped Unilever source 67% of its agricultural raw materials sustainably, improve the health and well-being of over 1.3 billion people, and enhance the livelihoods of millions through fair wages and ethical labor practices. Despite these ambitious goals, Unilever saw its stock price rise by more than 290% during Polman’s tenure, demonstrating that sustainability and profitability can go hand in hand.

4. Neal Keny-Guyer – Mercy Corps
Under Neal Keny-Guyer’s leadership, Mercy Corps became a global force in humanitarian aid, operating in over 40 countries. His focus on innovation and collaboration transformed the way international aid is delivered. Mercy Corps invested in fintech solutions to provide over 10 million people with access to mobile banking, creating economic stability in fragile regions. His leadership also saw Mercy Corps partner with the private sector to leverage technology and improve agricultural practices, impacting millions of lives and strengthening local economies.

5. Andrew Youn – One Acre Fund
Andrew Youn’s One Acre Fund has helped over 1.4 million smallholder farmers in sub-Saharan Africa increase their agricultural productivity. By providing farmers with training, seeds, and financing, One Acre Fund has nearly doubled crop yields for participating farmers. In Kenya alone, farmers supported by One Acre Fund increased their income by 40%, improving food security for their families and communities. Youn’s innovative approach to rural development shows how sustainable agricultural practices can simultaneously address poverty and environmental degradation.

These leaders embody the Business Bodhisattva ethos, using their platforms to drive innovation and collaboration while creating measurable social and environmental impact. They prove that businesses can thrive by prioritizing long-term, sustainable growth over short-term profits.

Is your organization ready to lead with purpose and impact? The time for Business Bodhisattvas is now.