The Fourth Bottom Line: Flourishing in the new era of compassionate leadership, reviewed

We look at this honest and passionate book by Paul Hargreaves. See more about it and to buy it, more details here. To read our previous interview with him see here.

The Fourth Bottom Line: Flourishing in the new era of compassionate leadership, reviewed

We enjoyed this book, it was thoughtful and honest and critical as the author aimed to shine a light upon his own experiences, growing his own business to be a large and successful going concern. Not everything went completely according to plan and Hargreaves attempts to work out why that was, how it could have been done differently and what advice he can distill from this to share with the readers of the book.

It is written in an interesting format, with each chapter beginning with some well curated and thought provoking quotes. Many of which were new to us, which is refreshing as it can get a little repetitive otherwise. From  there, the particular word for that chapter is discussed and explained as to why he felt it was relevant and worth including. This does give a lot of freedom to dive deeply and intelligently into one subject, and then move onto something completely different. As these chapters are short too, if one doesn’t work for you, then another one comes along very quickly.

The book is thoughtful, well reasoned and we would recommend it, as we found it thought provoking, and one that we enjoyed reading over a slightly longer period of time. Check it out.

The book’s blurb ->

Are you looking for a more compassionate, caring and loving way to lead? Do you want to be a leader that makes a meaningful difference, who opposes injustice and strives to make the world a better place? In this unique, empowering and inspiring guide, Business Leader and BCorp Ambassador Paul Hargreaves challenges you to banish outdated, paternalistic, -˜command and control-™ leadership and instead embrace the positive, proactive and purpose-led styles that have the power to energise, empower, elevate and change the world.

Using an enlightening and thought-provoking mix of stories, quotes and case-studies, Paul will guide you on a journey through 50 essential leadership qualities. Day by day he-™ll equip you with ingenious ideas, inspiration and the mindset you need to become a leader who:

• Nurtures, supports and cherishes the planet as well as your people.
• Releases love, compassion and care throughout your organisation.
• Challenges the status quo and is a catalyst for positive change.
• Uses empathy, trust and mutual respect to drive success and encourage the best in others.

By becoming a genuinely dynamic and human leader who’s driven by principle, purpose and passion, you-™ll make a more profound impact on your business and the world as you create a legacy to be proud of.

More about the author

Paul Hargreaves is a B-Corp ambassador and the founder of one of the UK’s first B Corporations, Cotswold Fayre

Paul’s book The Fourth Bottom Line: Flourishing in the new era of compassionate leadership outlines the 50 essential qualities every leader needs in order to drive positive change in their organisations.The book is out on 6^th May, priced £14.99.

Paul Hargreaves is on a mission to help businesses make a positive difference in the world and reverse some of the injustices which are increasing year by year. He is the CEO of Cotswold Fayre, who supply retail outlets across the UK and Ireland with artisan food. Cotswold Fayre is one of the founding UK B Corporations – companies that meet the highest standards of overall social and environmental performance and in their recent recertification achieved one of the highest B Corp scores for FMCG companies in the UK.

As well as continuing as CEO of a rapidly growing business, Paul is a B Corp ambassador and professional speaker, who inspires and equips organisations of all sizes to find their purpose and do their part to create a better world.  For years, Paul has also invested time and company resources into an orphanage and schools in Western Kenya, one of the poorest parts of the world. His first book Forces for Good was named Management Today’s second top ‘Business Book to Read in 2019’ and covers some of the changes UK businesses need to make in order to create a better world.