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Posted by Sarah Brown on 30 Jun '25
Successful high growth companies believe in impact not just money
On July 4th, this Friday, I'll release my book, "Winning by Being Good" but as you will see below, just today, I found more evidence that purpose leads to success. The book is about running a business that makes a positive difference in the world. My goal is to help anyone who wants to create change by providing practical advice, "a manual" on running any organisation ethically. I cover many topics, not just ethics, marketing or leadership. In addition to providing practical advice, the book includes case studies and stories designed to inspire people to pursue their dreams or reconsider their current approaches if they are already part of an organisation. Additionally, if you're interested in the ebook, it will be available at half-price this Friday, launch day!
Evidence of Winning by Being Good
I've spent a decade working on my project. With all the challenges in the world, I was inspired by an opinion piece by Ben Maruthappu in The Times today.
In his opinion piece, titled "We need to show the world Britain has real ambition", Maruthappu highlighted the success of organisations driven by a strong sense of purpose. As Cera's founder and CEO and the EY UK Entrepreneur of the Year award winner, his insights particularly encouraged me. They showed me how vital my book could be in today's climate.
Ben wrote the piece after representing the UK at the EY World Entrepreneur of the Year awards in Monaco, where he met 42 remarkable finalists from around the globe. Together, these businesses bring in over $50 billion in revenue annually and provide jobs for more than 200,000 people.
The award went to Stina Ehrensvärd from Sweden, the CEO of Yubico, who aims to "save the internet" by ensuring that a secure digital identity is a fundamental right for everyone. Ben also mentioned that other finalists are working on groundbreaking solutions, such as new treatments for cancer, sustainable energy systems, and innovative approaches to autism care. The common threads among these projects are values like integrity, resilience, and a clear vision—showing how leaders can unite across borders with a strong sense of purpose.
As he said
"Today's entrepreneurs aren't just building companies, they are leading entire sectors and causes. Purpose-led profit was a defining theme, a shift from previous generations."
He reported that rather than discussing geopolitics or Trump tariffs, the finalists were focused on " artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, digital health and sustainability." "...they were united ...not (by) politics, but purpose and impact: how to harness technology to solve real problems at scale.
Where the British "excel"
The event and meeting with the other finalists prompted him to consider areas where British entrepreneurs still need improvement and aspects where they excel. He believes that we excel in "Purpose," I share this sentiment since I have encountered and collaborated with numerous inspirational and successful individuals driven by a strong sense of purpose. He notes that we have a longstanding tradition of purpose and public service. In my book, I also discuss our rich heritage of public examples like Cadbury's efforts in the 19th century and the charity sector, which dates back to the 10th century.
Having the confidence to succeed
Ben Maruthappu thinks "our entrepreneurial culture is still more cautious than bolder markets like the US".
I agree; many people who approach me think about a social enterprise or charity because they want to change the world, not make money, and also believe they will need a grant because they are not confident that they will attract investment or make money. But to have a significant impact at a system-wide level, you need big money, and that is why I wrote my book to show that you can make money and achieve a purpose, and that, in fact, being ethical is essential to "win" in the long term.
Ben explains, "On the world stage, founders pitch with conviction. They speak about multibillion-dollar impact, not just valuations. They are confident in their scale and clear on their purpose. Pragmatism trumps theory. Their appetite for risk, for scale, for building global businesses, dwarfs that of many UK entrepreneurs."
He believes that;
"Here at home, risk aversion holds us back. We wait until we're sure. From government to enterprise, many of our brightest minds favour analysis and debate over momentum, small steps over giant leaps. We need to stop playing small and embrace informed, intentional risk. Britain needs to place bigger bets, not just in scale but in the ambition to transform entire systems. Vision isn't vanity — it's how you build belief."
He explains, "Governments have much to learn from entrepreneurs. Today's founders are grappling with ethics, safety and fairness, not just tech. And they're experts in building belief: setting bold visions, communicating them clearly and getting people behind them. To compete globally, Britain needs a genuine partnership between founders and state — one that rewards risk, fuels ambition and builds at scale."
Like me, Ben believes collaboration is vital. Collaboration has a chapter in the book.
Start now on the way to "Winning by Being Good"
Ben finished with this call to action:
"To anyone considering the leap into entrepreneurship: now is the moment. Back your vision. We already have the raw materials: compassion, credibility and technical strength. What we need now is the confidence to start, the ambition to think bigger and the infrastructure to succeed."
This piece by Ben reinforces why I have written the book, investing my time and money and selling it at a low price, just £3.99 for the ebook at the launch, so it can become the manual that helps you and others to change the world for the better.
Read more and find out more about what the book includes and get access to some free downloads: