Leadership Beyond Profit: How Giving Transforms Lives

From the climate and ecological crisis to health and wealth inequalities, some days the news can feel very depressing. It can feel overwhelming, making us wonder if there is any hope for a fairer, kinder world.

There are, however, some shining examples of leaders who are stepping up to show us a different way. In a world where 2.4 billion people suffer from food insecurity, over 110 million people have been displaced due to conflict and climate change, and 2 million people have died from climate-related disasters since the 1970s, these individuals are standing against the tide. Closer to home, in the UK alone, 271,000 people were estimated to be homeless in 2023. These leaders show us that it is possible to live with "enough" and to redistribute wealth to help others who don’t have enough.

This is about leadership from the heart—about those who see that the world’s resources are plentiful but distributed unjustly. They know that the true value of success lies in sharing what they have, not hoarding it.

It’s about giving more than getting.

Michael Sheen: The "Not-for-Profit" Actor

Three years ago Michael Sheen stunned the world when he announced that he had sold all his property to fund homeless organizations and other social causes. In a remarkable act of selflessness, Sheen committed to being a "not-for-profit" actor, pledging to continue using his earnings to support others rather than accumulate personal wealth. Reflecting on this profound decision, Sheen shared:

"I had a turning point where I thought, ‘I can keep earning money, or I can use my resources and make a difference.’ That’s when I knew I had to step up. This isn’t charity—it’s about justice.”

— Michael Sheen

Sheen’s actions go far beyond charity—they are a powerful statement about redistributing wealth and privilege to those who need it most. His work supports the idea that there is enough for all if we’re willing to share and rethink our priorities.

Yvon Chouinard: Giving It All Away for the Planet

Yvon Chouinard, the billionaire founder of B Corp Patagonia, made headlines when he gave away his entire company to fight the climate crisis. Chouinard transformed Patagonia into a trust designed to funnel all profits into saving the planet. His decision was driven by a deep commitment to the environment and future generations. As he put it:

"Earth is now our only shareholder... I never wanted to be a businessman. Now I could die tomorrow and the company will continue doing the right thing for the next 50 years, and I don’t have to be around.”

— Yvon Chouinard

Chouinard’s extraordinary gesture was a bold move to protect the environment for future generations. For him, “enough” meant using his immense wealth and influence to heal the world, not just to sustain his own lifestyle. His actions inspire us to ask ourselves what we’re doing with our resources—are we merely surviving, or are we helping others thrive?

Lady Phyll: Championing Equity and Justice

Phyll Opoku-Gyimah, also known as Lady Phyll, is a powerful advocate for equality and social justice. As the co-founder of UK Black Pride, she has tirelessly worked to uplift marginalised communities, redistributing her resources and influence to create a fairer, more just world. Her philosophy on leadership is clear:

“True leadership is about fighting for justice, for those whose voices have been silenced. It’s not just about supporting others—it’s about dismantling the systems that hold them back.”

— Lady Phyll

Her leadership reminds us that redistributing privilege can take many forms—whether it’s financial, social, or political capital—and that it is essential for building a fair society.

Mackenzie Scott: Redefining Philanthropy

Mackenzie Scott, former wife of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, is rewriting the rules of philanthropy. After her divorce, Scott committed to giving away most of her wealth as quickly and strategically as possible. Her approach is one of urgency and empowerment:

"I have a disproportionate amount of money to share. My approach to philanthropy will continue to be thoughtful. It will take time, effort, and care. But I won’t wait. And I will keep at it until the safe is empty.”

— Mackenzie Scott

Scott’s leadership showcases the courage it takes to not only give but to give thoughtfully, ensuring that those who are often overlooked receive the support they need.

Unequal, Unfair, and Unjust

These leaders demonstrate what it means to live with "enough" and help those who don’t have enough. However, their actions also highlight the stark inequalities in our world. In the UK, over 9.7 million people were estimated to be in food insecurity by mid-2023, while the nation wasted 9.5 million tonnes of food annually. This contradiction is alarming. There is enough food to go around, but it’s poorly managed and unfairly distributed. At the same time, obesity rates have soared—over 63% of adults in England were classified as overweight or obese in 2023.

The same is true for homelessness. In 2023, an estimated 271,000 people (including 123,000 children) were experiencing homelessness in the UK, even though there are enough resources to provide shelter for everyone. The travel industry tells a similar story. While the wealthy fly privately and live in luxury, many lack access to basic transportation or the means to visit their families.

A World That Works for Everyone

These statistics reveal a hard truth: there is enough, but it is hoarded by a few. The UN and other organisations have highlighted that our world is capable of sustaining all of us if we act with compassion and redistribute wealth and privilege. The question is, what are we doing with our own resources?

The Legacy You Want to Leave

Courageous, compassionate leadership isn’t just for billionaires or celebrities. Every one of us can make a difference. Whether through donations, advocacy, or supporting local communities, there’s something you can do today to help others.

What legacy do you want to leave? Will it be one of self-centredness and hoarding, or will it be one of thinking of others and helping? The choice is yours. We can all live within our planetary and financial boundaries, but it requires that we think about the health and wellbeing of everyone.

True leadership isn’t about accumulating wealth—it’s about redistributing it to create a cleaner, greener, fairer, and healthier world.