4 Books on Doing Business with a Conscience

However motivated and charged we may be, this question of self-doubt has haunted us all: Will my actions really make an impact? The issues plaguing us—from a global health threat to climate change—are gigantic in scope, which can make our individual efforts seem insignificant. 

The real issue, however, is not uncertainty within us but rather systemic narratives that perpetuate specific ways of doing things. In truth, there are countless paths—endless viewpoints, approaches, and ideas. When we honor these, positive change happens, which each of these books eloquently points out. Here, we have the story of an entrepreneur who chose to pay his employees a minimum $70,000 annual salary. A business book that preaches values first. An environmental journalist’s encouraging look at how we can move the needle toward a cleaner future. And an educator’s call to overlook labels and embrace diversity.

More than rallying cries for us all to take action, these books offer emboldening proof that by doing our unique parts, we create a more positive whole.

Worth It by Dan Price

It's a story you’ve likely heard: Five years ago, Dan Price, the founder and CEO of credit card processing company Gravity Payments, made headlines by raising the minimum salary for all his employees to $70,000. He also took a pay cut—a giant pay cut—by lowering his $1 million-plus salary to that number. It was an act that caused an uproar. Some applauded Price. Others lambasted him. Through it all, Price remained steadfast: "I just think this is what everyone deserves," he told his employees. In the five years since, from 2015 to the beginning of 2020, Gravity Payments tripled in size. This spring, as a guest on the Beyond Capital Podcast, Price illuminated on whether his decision was worth it. He said yes, ultimately because of how it bolstered the self-worth of his employees. "It increases their capability because they can invest in themselves, " he said. "They can invest in their health, having a healthy lifestyle that supports productivity. And also it creates license. All of a sudden, when you're making a living wage, you feel like your voice matters." Price's decision cracks open a bevy of discussions, which he expounds upon in his book. For one, conscious business decisions, and putting people over profits, can lead to success. It can also lead to an overall shift toward more joy. When you don't buy into that " extreme, scary scarcity mindset," which then feeds the ego to want more capital wealth, it can create room for genuine happiness, he says. The book lays out scenes from Price's life, simple business management and communication examples, and ultimately fodder to contemplate a more humane path in business.

Selling without Selling Out by Sunny Vanderbeck

Entrepreneur, author, speaker, and U.S. Army veteran Sunny Vanderbeck has long been on a mission to bring a broader consciousness to business. He argues that traditional capitalism has lost its way, which has resulted in extreme inequality and environmental damage. With this in mind, he and his business partner, Randy Eisenman, created Satori Capital, an investment firm that fosters the growth of purpose- and values-driven companies. Vanderbeck embarked on this mission pre-loaded with a strong business acumen. After serving in the military, he founded Data Return, a utility computing company that ultimately reached a $3 billion market cap. But it was what followed, when Vanderbeck sold the business, that unveiled new lessons. The deal looked stellar, but the new buyer went bankrupt a year later. Vanderbeck bought back Data Return and sold it again, this time in a way that aligned with his morals and values.These lessons, along with Vanderbeck's beliefs in marrying sustainability and values with business, fuel his book, Selling without Selling Out. As the name suggests, it focuses on how to sell a business in a way that is humane. But the lessons extend to any areas of business—or life. Vanderbeck's wisdom squashes the ego-minded, every-person-for-herself, get-rich mentality that permeates the business world and replaces it with a holistic view. "Everything is connected to everything else," he writes. "In the same way, no business is an island. A company exists in an ecosystem of customers, employees, suppliers, and the community. Focus on the needs of that ecosystem and in the long run, it will take care of you." Learn more on The Beyond Capital Podcast interview with Sunny Vanderbeck.

Inconspicuous Consumption by Tatiana Schlossberg

Climate change is “a global problem in the most literal sense of the word,” writes environmental journalist Tatiana Schlossberg in her book Inconspicuous Consumption. This may come across as an obvious statement, but what Schlossberg does to support this is peel back the layers to show that there are many angles to this issue that we grapple with—which may be part of the problem. We tend to suffer from an enormous amount of shame and guilt when it comes to climate change. We put into motion small things that we can do on an individual level, like eradicate plastic straws and water bottles from our lives, but the real change happens collectively, she argues. It’s about justice, policy evolution, and a wider understanding of the issues. It’s daunting, but Schlossberg, who writes in an endearing and accessible way, makes it less so by reminding us of one important fact: We are not powerless. Her words provide context and meaning to help readers better understand the climate change issues at hand. She sheds light on the evolving policies, leaders, and companies that are making a difference, as well as the ways we can all do our part with our votes, habits, and advocacy. When we have nuanced, deft information, we are more empowered to be a part of the change—and Schlossberg delivers this.

Don’t Label Me by Irshad Manji

Irshad Manji has built her career writing about identity. In earlier book, The Trouble with Islam Today, she unpacks the binding assumptions and expectations that mire mainstream Islam. She brings a lens of deep thought and new perspective to the table. For her latest book, Don’t Label Me, Manji extends her curiosity and empathy, this time to the divides that seem to be causing great strife today. We are too quick to manipulate, judge, and label those who disagree with us rather than listen. “When we let labels stand in for people, we end up manipulating people,” she writes. “Our shared humanity, along with our distinctive individuality, loses out.” A Muslim immigrant, professor, and founder of the Moral Courage Project, Manji pulls from her vast life experience to offer a prolific look at why generosity towards different points of view is crucial for a just and connected future. More than a talented writer, Manji is a prolific and engaging teacher. She anchors the book with the story of how she overcame her uncertainty around dogs, a fear that was projected onto her at a young age by her culture that deemed canines to be evil. Manji’s message is powerful; a healing response to catastrophic divides. 

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