Rebecca Henderson - Reimagining Capitalism

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First published as Reimagining Capitalism in a World on Fire in the United States of America by PublicAffairs, an imprint of Perseus Books, LLC, a subsidiary of Hachette Book Group, Inc. 2020
First published as Reimagining Capitalism in Great Britain by Penguin Business 2020

Copyright Rebecca Henderson, 2020

The moral right of the author has been asserted

ISBN: 978-0-241-37970-7

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This powerful and readable book is a clarion call for reimagining and remaking capitalism. The market economy, which used to generate rapid productivity growth and shared prosperity, has done much less of that over the last four decades. The shifting balance of power in favor of large companies and lobbies, the gutting of basic regulations, the increasing ability of corporations and the very rich to get their way in every domain of life, and the unwillingness of the government to step up to protect its weakest citizens are likely responsible for low productivity growth and ballooning inequality in the US economy. Rebecca Henderson argues that the market system can be reformed and this can be done without unduly harming corporations. We can have a more moral and more innovative capitalism. There is hope!

Daron Acemoglu, co-author of Why Nations Fail

If you are unsatisfied with todays economic arguments which too often seem to present an unappealing choice between unbridled markets and old-school collectivism you need to read Rebecca Hendersons Reimagining Capitalism. Henderson offers a system that rewards initiative and respects the power of free enterprise, but that also recognizes that we have a higher purpose in life than pure profit maximization. This is a book for the realist with a heart

Arthur C. Brooks, president emeritus, American Enterprise Institute; professor of practice, Harvard Kennedy School; senior fellow, Harvard Business School; and author of Love Your Enemies

Rebecca Henderson is masterful in both elegant articulation of one of societys great challenges and clarity of vision in laying out a roadmap for practical and essential change. Reimagining Capitalism is a great read, full of insights, and a refreshing perspective that is new, practical and ground-breaking, offering clear steps for transitioning to a capitalism that is both profitable as well as just and sustainable

Mindy Lubber, CEO and president, CERES

Rebecca Henderson is a provocative thinker on the purpose of business in society. In her new book, she advances the dialogue about the role of business in addressing the big social and environmental challenges of our time. Hers is an important voice in an essential conversation

Doug McMillon, president and chief executive officer, Walmart

In a world on fire, status quo is not a great option. Rebecca Henderson rightfully argues for a refoundation of business and capitalism and offers thought-provoking ideas on what needs to be done to address some of the worlds greatest challenges

Hubert Joly, former chairman and CEO, Best Buy

A must-read for every person with a stake in our economic system since change or die is the inescapable reality confronting capitalism. The question is how. Rebecca Henderson provides investors and corporate executives with the thought leadership and compelling examples foundational for understanding how to deliver sustainable and inclusive economic growth

Hiro Mizuno, executive managing director and chief investment officer, GPIF

Capitalism as we know it has gotten us this far, but to take the next steps forward as a society and species we need new ways of seeing and acting on our world. Thats exactly what Rebecca Hendersons book helps us do. This is a smart, timely and much-needed reimagining of what capitalism can be

Yancey Strickler, co-founder and former CEO, Kickstarter, and author of This Could Be Our Future: A Manifesto for a More Generous World

A breakthrough book, beautifully written, combining deep humanity, sharp intellect and a thorough knowledge of business. It rigorously dismantles old arguments about why capitalism cant be transformed and will reach people who havent yet connected with the need for deep change

Lindsay Levin, founding partner, Leaders Quest and Future Stewards

With great clarity and passion, Rebecca Henderson provides a stellar guide to building a purpose-driven organization, the surest path to success in a time of rising temperatures and declining trust

Andrew McAfee, author of More from Less and co-author of The Second Machine Age and Machine, Platform, Crowd

Rebecca Henderson weaves together research and personal experience with clarity and vision, illustrating the potential for business to benefit both itself and society by leading on the most challenging issues of our day. Read, and feel hopeful

Judith Samuelson, vice president, the Aspen Institute

Reimagining Capitalism is a breath of fresh air. Written in lively prose, easily accessible to lay readers and chock full of interesting case studies, Henderson comprehensively surveys what we need to secure a workable future. Some readers may think she goes too far in places, others may think she doesnt go far enough, but everyone will want to think about the economy she urges us to create

Larry Kramer, president of the Hewlett Foundation

Business is at the start of a sea-change. Rebecca Henderson brilliantly captures this moment when the tide is reversing its flow, from short-term shareholder value to forward-looking common purpose. It will be an essential guide for business strategy in riding these turbulent seas

Paul Collier, Oxford University, author of The Future of Capitalism

A clarion call for business leaders to get intentional and quickly about purpose beyond profit and using business as a force for good. An easy read, Reimagining Capitalism makes the business case for those who need convincing while delivering a dose of inspiration to those of us already on the journey

Bob Chapman, CEO of Barry-Wehmiller, author of Everybody Matters: The Extraordinary Power of Caring for Your People Like Family

To Jim and Harry