Kind Business is about doing business differently. It outlines the business case for a long-term focus on stakeholder primacy over a short-term focus on shareholder primacy. Those seeking to work for companies they can be proud of, customers wanting to deal with ethical businesses and regulators wishing to ensure good governance will all reward responsible companies. The equation is simple; if a business does good then the business will do well. Can you imagine a world where corporations prioritise their people, their customers and society’s wellbeing alongside investor returns. In Kind Business Dr David Cooke journeys through the evolution of commerce, from its humble origins to the complex corporate structures of today. Kind Business scrutinises contemporary boardroom decisions, challenging the status quo and advocating for change. This book exposes the flaws of profit-driven business practices that are focused on short-term returns which overshadow long-term sustainability. Dr Cooke contends that the root cause lies in leadership failure, where decisions neglect the broader stakeholder ecosystem. Numerous contemporary business case studies are cited from Qantas to Rio Tinto and PwC along with spectacular fails globally. But there is hope. Kind Business offers a blueprint for a new era of corporate responsibility, emphasising the integration of people and planet into leadership strategies. By highlighting visionary leaders such as Paul Polman, the former Global CEO of Unilever and Yvon Chouinard, the Founder of Patagonia, their purpose-driven initiatives, both from within Australia as well as globally, Dr Cooke demonstrates how business can thrive by enriching society while nurturing investor returns. Embrace a future where values create value, where businesses do well by doing good. Can you imagine such a world? Kind Business shows us that it’s not only possible but demonstrates through research, case studies and practical guidelines how to build a business with a long-term sustainable future.
The unique aspect of this book is its high degree of relevance to contemporary business in Australia today. The author dissects what is wrong with the corporate sector today and provides answers that ensure more successful and ethical business practices in the future.
One unique aspect of Kind Business is the deep experience of the author themselves. Dr David Cooke has 35 years of corporate experience, including at CEO level in a global technology company. Along with this his academic credential as an Adjunct Professor at UTS Business School who has been awarded two business doctorates. It is an enjoyable and illuminating read in which the reader will learn how to build a great business. Extensive research underpins the analysis in Kind Business along with numerous case studies, relatable to the reader, and fascinating anecdotes collected from around the globe. Dr David Cooke is a well-known public speaker having delivered over a hundred talks and workshops, including speaking at the UN in New York and also Geneva. He has bookings throughout 2025 and will be highlighting his book at every opportunity. He has nearly 20,000 connections on LinkedIn and typically receives thousands of Views, Likes and Comments to posts on the topic of doing business differently. He is featured regularly on podcasts and often invited to address business schools at multiple universities (who will be contacted as a part of the author's marketing of Kind Business). David is the Executive Director of ESG Advisory. He is the author of the book Kind Business: How Values Create Value. David previously held senior executive roles at Xerox and Canon and more recently the position of Managing Director and Chair, for Australia and New Zealand, for global technology firm Konica Minolta. He has previously held the positions of Chair at the United Nations Global Compact Network Australia, the world’s largest sustainability network, and the Australian Human Rights Institute Advisory Committee. He has also chaired or served as a non-executive director of a number of not-for-profit organisations. He was awarded a doctorate for his research entitled “Building Social Capital through Corporate Social Investment” and he has been awarded an honorary doctorate (honoris causa) for the implementation of responsible business initiatives including addressing modern slavery within corporate supply chains. He is currently an Adjunct Professor at UTS Business School.
* This is a book for our times. It is a timely response to the call for higher standards of honesty and transparency in business. It is a contemporary book laced with current examples.
* On almost a daily basis our news feeds contain yet another corporate scandal or example of corporate leaders behaving badly. This book not only details these but provides a way forward to a better way of doing business.
* There is a genuine thirst for an intelligent discussion about why business is failing societal expectations and what can be done about it and this book shows a way to have these discussions.
* Kind Business is a book that will be embraced by every person who wants to see 'business done differently' where our companies care for their people, contribute to their communities and respect the planet on which they are operating.
Publicity:
* LinkedIn will be used widely to promote the book. The author’s posts on these topics have attracted up to 60,000 views per post. Many champions of change, with significant LinkedIn followings, are quoted in the book and they will be highlighted in posts generating increased exposure through their networks.
* The Dean of the Business School and Head of MBA programmes at every university in Australia will be contacted with a request to add Kind Business to their student reading lists.
* I will be increasing my public speaking at events, conferences, dialogues and summits (has done over 50 in recent years) and via podcasts in order to promote the book
* Engagement of a PR firm to create media interest.
* The author has a YouTube channel @DavidCooke-ESG
* The author is a passionate believer that bookstores are the heart and soul of our communities and will seek to drive as much traffic as possible into stores.
* Sky news interviews, numerous radio shows especially on ABC Radio stations, considered a subject matter expert by federal government departments, universities and event organisers.
